2010 Seat Alhambra sensor

Driving245
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction
The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre pressure of each wheel using the
ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor the tyre tread perimeter and vibra-
tions of each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns the driver if it detects a
considerable drop in tyre pressure of one or several tyres while driving. Loss
of tyre pressure will be indicated by the indicator
~ as well as a sound and
sometimes a text message on the screen of the instrument panel. When you
open the driver's door, you will find a label indicating the tyre pressure recom-
mended by the manufacturer for the maximum vehicle load for each tyre
approved for the vehicle in question. By pressing the adjustment button on
the tyre monitoring indicator, you may change the reference pressure for the
tyres so that the tyre pressure to be monitored coincides with actual tyre pres-
sure Ÿpage 248.
Suitable use of the adjustment button Ÿpage 248.
Additional information and warnings:
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre pres-
sure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
xCheck tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xTyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
cold at all times Ÿpage 328.
xRegularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
change the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
xRegularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator button could result in the
indicator giving erroneous messages or prevented from indicating the
danger caused by a defective tyre Ÿpage 248.
Caution
xThe tyre valves may be damaged if the cap is not in place. Check that the
caps are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tightened. Do
not use metal caps Ÿpage 248.
xDo not damage the valves when changing the tyres Ÿpage 248.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
Note
Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring system. Regularly check your tyres to
ensure that the tyre pressure is correct and that the tyres are not damaged
due to puncture, cuts, tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects from the
tyres only when the tyres have not been pierced by these.
WARNING (continued)

Driving247
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Elements of the tyre monitoring indicatorControl lamp
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pressures or at a pressure that is
too low then a tyre may the damaged resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle and a serious or mortal accident.
xIf the indicator ~ lights, stop immediately and check the tyres.
xIf the tyres are inflated at different pressures or if a tyre pressure is too
low, this will increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehicle stability and
increasing braking distances.
Tyre monitoring indicator with button.
See Ÿpage 248.
b Warning lamp ~ on the instrument panel.
b button on the centre console.
b Monitoring the tread of all tyres using ABS sensors (indirect measure-
ment).
b Adjustable medium and full-load tyre pressures.
b Button to update the system when the tyre pressure is changed.
~ SET
Lights
up or
flashes
Possible cause ŸSolution
~
The tyre pressure of a wheel
has dropped considerably in
relation to the pressure set by
the driver Ÿpage 248.
› Stop the vehicle! Reduce your
speed immediately! Stop the
vehicle safely as soon as possi-
ble. Avoid sudden manoeuvres
and braking!
Check all tyres and pressures.
Replace any damaged tyres.
~System malfunction.
Consult a specialist workshop if
the tyre pressure is correct and
the lamp remains lit after switch-
ing the ignition off and back on
again. Have the system checked
there.

Driving 248
xIf tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
xThe driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is
indicated on the label Ÿpage 328, fig. 183.
xThe tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the tyres
are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
xDriving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
xBefore starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pressure.
xIf tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces and
it may be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the tyre
will burst.
xWith an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of the
tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xIf a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate speed
and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Tyre monitoring indicator
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this informa-
tion, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a wheel is
changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the instrument
panel. The wheel tread changes when:
xTyre pressure is insufficient.
xTyre structure is damaged.
xThe vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
xThe wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trailer).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.

Trailer towing259
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAvoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
xAlways take the following precautions seriously.
xReduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from
side to side.
xNever drive at more than 80 km an hour when towing a trailer (or 100
km an hour in exceptional circumstances). This also applies in countries
where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the speed limits for vehi-
cles with and without trailers in each country into account.
xNever try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a trailer hitch that was not installed
by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Otherwise,
this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
xAlways manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a trailer hitch that has not been installed by SEAT.
Note
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer Ÿpage 88. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
Note
Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
Ÿpage 285.
Note
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the trailer hitch ball when a trailer is not
being used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle with
the extended trailer hitch ball could be more extensive.
Note
In some models, a trailer hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
reason, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times.
WARNING (continued)

Trailer towing263
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Trailer electric socket
The electric connection between vehicle and trailer is a 13-pin socket. If the
trailer plug has seven pins, an adapter cable must be used.
Trailer rear lights
Check the trailer rear lights to ensure they work correctly and remain legal.
Ensure that the trailer does not use more than the maximum power
Ÿpage 260.
Trailer connected to the antitheft alarm:
xWhen a vehicle comes from the factory fitted with an antitheft alarm and
tow hitch.
xWhen the trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
xWhen the vehicle and trailer electrical systems work correctly and are not
damaged.
xWhen the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key and the antitheft alarm
is turned on.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered when the electrical connec-
tion between the vehicle and the trailer is removed.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously activate the
alarm.
WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may supply energy to
the trailer causing an anomaly in the vehicle electronics that could result
in an accident with serious consequences.
xAll work on the electrical system must be carried out only by a
specialist workshop.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the rear lights or any other power sources.
Caution
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehicle when parked; places on its
support wheel or its supports. For example, when changing the load or a
puncture, the vehicle will be pushed up or down. The force acting on the tow
hitch and the trailer could damage the vehicle or the trailer.
Note
In case of a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical system or in case of prob-
lems with the antitheft alarm system, have the system checked by a specialist
workshop.
Note
If the trailer accessories use energy from the socket when the engine is
stopped, the battery will be discharged.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear LED lights cannot be connected
to the antitheft alarm system.
Note
If the vehicle battery is running low, the electrical connection with the trailer
is automatically cut.
Note
With the engine running, the electrical equipment on the trailer will consume
power.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning271
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWashing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
Caution
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before
entering an automatic car wash:
xCompare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance
between the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
xSwitch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a car
wash.
xCompare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
xFold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
xTo avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
xLock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside the
car wash.
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the
required pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
Ÿ.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where appli-
cable, in the front bumpers Ÿ.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt Ÿ.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials. This
could result in serious accident.
xEnsure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
xNever wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may
damage the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced (and
the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter) on the
brakes.
xDry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
Caution
xThe temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
xTo avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
xThe sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications287
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs performed
at a SEAT authorised service and that you use genuine SEAT spare parts
®.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to the
restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and
preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment safely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ŸModifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and repairs
to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a qualified workshop.
These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the airbag
system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the
system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed parts
do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must be
observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealerships.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the
airbag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the
suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms, dampers,
etc., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and sent to the
control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifications to the
suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal conditions,
the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not have been trig-
gered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured by the sensors
and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations when they should
have triggered.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
xAirbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be
replaced.

Checking and refilling levels309
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
xAlways protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
xEngine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
xNever store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
xRegular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come into
contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
xWith the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the envi-
ronment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the
environment.
Warning and control lamps
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
lights upPossible causeSolution
Insufficient engine oil.Switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level Ÿpage 310.
flashesPossible causeSolution
EEngine oil pressure too low.
› Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
- If the warning indicator flashes
although the oil level is correct,
do not continue driving or leave
the engine running. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Engine oil sensor faulty.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor
checked.