2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

If and when 376
xAs soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into
neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing instructions
Tow-rope or tow-bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can only be used for towing with
a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball Ÿpage 260.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
xMake sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
xDo not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
xDo not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
xIf a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four wheel drive
vehicles.Instructions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles
Four wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the
vehicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG
® (direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply Ÿpage 376.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
xIf the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
xIf the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
xIf the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the electronic parking brake and steering
lock are deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric
system fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and electronic steering lock.

If and when377
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Fitting the front tow ring
The location for the removable tow ring is on the right-hand side of the front
bumper Ÿfig. 228.
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle.
Note the instructions for towing Ÿpage 376.
To fit the tow ring
xTake the tow ring from the vehicle tool kit Ÿpage 353.
xPress on the upper cover and carefully remove it forwards. Allow the cover
to hang.
xScrew in the tow ring into its position anticlockwise as far as it will go
Ÿfig. 228 Ÿ. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its loca-
tion.
xAfter towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise and put the cover
back in place.
Caution
The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise, it
could be released while towing and tow-starting.
Fitting the rear tow ring
The location for the removable tow ring is on the right-hand side of the rear
bumper Ÿfig. 229. For vehicles with a factory fitted trailer system, there is no
fitting behind the cover to insert the tow ring. For towing, fit and use the trailer
hitch Ÿpage 260, Ÿ.
Note the instructions for towing Ÿpage 376.
Fitting the tow ring to the rear for vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch
xTake the tow ring from the on-board tools Ÿpage 353.
xPress on the upper cover and carefully remove it back. This may require
some strength. Allow the cover to hang.
Fig. 228 On the right-
hand side of the front
bumper: Screw in the
towing ring.
Fig. 229 On the rear
bumper, to the right hand
side: Tow ring in position.

If and when 378
xScrew in the tow ring into its position anticlockwise as far as it will go
Ÿ. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its location.
xAfter towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise and put the cover
back in place.
Caution
xThe tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise,
it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
xVehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can only be used for towing
with a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball. Otherwise, the tow
hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope should be
used.
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on an
unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn indicator lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest
position, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
xLeave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic parking brake and to activate the turn signal indicators, the horn
as well as the window wipers and window washers.
xAs the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running,
you will need more strength to steer than normally.
xThe brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
xNote the instructions and information contained in the instruction manual
for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
xAccelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
xBrake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
xNote the instructions and information contained in the instruction manual
for the vehicle to be towed.

General notes on the technical data379
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
General notes on the technical data
Outstanding information
Important
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence
over this data.
All data provided in this manual are valid for the standard model in Spain. The
vehicle data card included in the Inspection and Maintenance Plan in the
vehicles registration documents show which engine is installed in the
vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Additional information and warnings:
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xEcological driving Ÿpage 252
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant Ÿpage 313
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xNotes for the user Ÿpage 283Abbreviations used in the Technical Data section
WARNING
Failure to observe requirements for weight, loads, dimensions and
maximum speed may lead to severe accident.
Abbrevia-
tionMeaning
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine
power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
l/100 kmFuel consumption in litres per 100 km.
g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.
CO2Carbon dioxide
CNCetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance
of petrol.

General notes on the technical data 380
Vehicle code
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number (chassis number) can be read from outside
the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen Ÿfig. 230. This viewer is
located in the lower part of the windscreen. The vehicle identification number
(chassis number) is also stamped on the right water drain channel. The water
drain channel is located between the suspension tower and the wing. Open
the bonnet to read the vehicle identification number
’ Ÿpage 304.
Vehicle data plate
The vehicle data plate is attached to the luggage compartment, and contains
the following information:
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type
Engine and gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment.
Optional extras, PR numbers
These data are also provided in the Maintenance Programme.Type plate
The type plate is visible when the driver door is opened, on the lower part of
the strut. Vehicles for certain export countries do not have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the following data:
Gross vehicle weight
Maximum authorised weight of vehicle and trailer
Maximum gross front axle weight
Maximum rear axle weight
Fig. 230 Vehicle identifi-
cation number.
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8

General notes on the technical data381
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Data on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another.
The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and actual kerb weight of the vehicle
are noted on the vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures given are based on the vehicle
weight category, which is determined according to the engine/gearbox
combination and the equipment fitted.
The consumption and emission figures are calculated in accordance with the
EC test requirements 1999/100/EC. These test requirements specify a real-
istic test method based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Note
xActual consumption may vary from quoted test values, depending on
personal driving style, road and traffic conditions, the weather and the
vehicle condition.
Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase Ÿ.
WARNING
xPlease note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
xNever exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Urban cycleThe urban cycle starts with an engine cold start. City driving
is then simulated.
Extra urban
cycleIn the extra urban cycle simulation the vehicle frequently
accelerates and brakes in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
Total con-
sumptionThe average total consumption is calculated with a weighting
of around 37% for the urban cycle and 63% for the extra
urban cycle.
CO2 emis-
sionsThe exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to
calculate carbon dioxide emissions. The gas composition is
then analysed to evaluate the CO
2 content and other emis-
sions.

General notes on the technical data 382
Towing a trailer
Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data Ÿ.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 85 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permitted drawbar load is not reached (e.g. in the case of
small single-axle trailers, light and without load, or tandem axle trailers with
a wheelbase of less than 1 m) it is compulsory for the drawbar load to be at
least 4% of the trailer's weight.
WARNING
xFor safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid in
countries where higher speeds are permitted.
xNever exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced. Ÿ
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench Ÿ. The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
xCheck the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking tyre pressure
value is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is
an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
xIf the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen while the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.

Technical Data383
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Technical Data
Checking fluid levels
From time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids,
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Fig. 231 Diagram for the location of the various elements
Liquid coolant deposit
Engine oil dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in Ÿpage 304.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of Ÿpage 379A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6