2010 Seat Alhambra heating

Driving 196
Ignition lock
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition lock,
it can be removed as follows:
xAutomatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed from
the vehicle.
xManual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious injury.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as the
windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could be
trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get themselves
to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temperatures
inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or extremely low
resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, particularly for
young children.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Note
If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods, the
vehicle battery will run flat.
Fig. 134 Vehicle key positions
Car keys Ÿfig. 134
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.
Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be
removed from the vehicle.
Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has started.
When it is released, the key returns to position .
A0
A1
A2A1

Driving 198
WARNING
Careless or incorrect use of vehicle keys may result in severe injury and
accident.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. Chil-
dren and other unauthorised persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine or switch on the ignition and any electrical components such as the
electric windows.
Note
In vehicles with a diesel engine and KESSY, the starting of the engine may be
delayed due to pre-heating of the engine.
Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
WARNING (continued)
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles wi th KESSY
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position P or N.
3.
Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key in the igni-
tion lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 . A warning lamp lights
up in the control panel
D.
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 ;
do not press the accelerator.Press the starter button Ÿpage 197, fig. 135; do not press the acceler-
ator. To start the engine, the system should detect a valid key inside
the vehicle.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition lock.When the engine starts, release the starter button.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute. If necessary, perform an emergency start Ÿpage 197.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to start driving Ÿpage 210.
A1
A2

Driving209
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
xIf you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
xNever allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubricated
and could be damaged.
Recommended gear indication
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driving.
It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exceptionally high
speed Ÿpage 255.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
xResponsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation
continues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a
hill or towing a trailer.
For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel.
Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pressed.
DisplayMeaning
ˆOptimum gear.
žRecommendation to change up a gear.
ŸRecommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING (continued)

Driving217
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWhen the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced, ABS
is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any
circumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain configuration of the ABS is auto-
matically turned on. When ABS is activated, the front wheels may lock briefly.
This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the wheels are
prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only intervenes
when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned, the normal
ABS is activated.
Braking assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The brake
assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal quickly in
an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly, the braking
force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This enables the ABS
to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released or
when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off the
brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (TCS)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. The TCS makes some situations
easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in unfa-
vourable road conditions.
The TCS can be switched on or off manually Ÿpage 218.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDS is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions. When
the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs the power to the other driven wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to exces-
sive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of
vehicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the braking assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDS, TCS and ESP, provide more security, do not take unnecessary risks
while driving.
xBraking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even with
ESP and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dangerous.
xDriving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing contact
with the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adherence, it
is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
xBraking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions.
xEven though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle
stability depends on tyre grip.
xWhen accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with braking
assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESP can be considerably reduced if other compo-
nents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or are not

Driving and the environment253
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considerably,
for example:
xAir conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is required
to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside temperature,
it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. Therefore, we recom-
mend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too different to the
outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the windows of the car
before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance with all the
windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only then should
you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning. Keep windows
closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the windows open
increases fuel consumption.
xSwitch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
xSwitch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
windows have demisted and are free of ice.
xDo not leave the independent heating switched on when the vehicle is
moving Ÿpage 187.
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
xFault in engine management.
xDriving on hills.
xTrailer towing.
Saving fuel while driving
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately after
it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to warm
up and to normalise consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The
ambient temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 162 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Fig. 162 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at
different outside tempera-
tures.

Driving and the environment255
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xInformation stored in the control units Ÿpage 285
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
%0#Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
DPre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.Ÿpage 195
BFault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
¬Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits Ÿ.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop Ÿpage 256.
flashesPossible causeSolution
DFault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
B
Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic con-
verter.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.

Driving and the environment 256
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
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter while
driving.
xOnly carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions so
permit.
xNever endanger your safety or that of other road users.
Caution
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators ¬, B or %0# remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer
working life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
xAlways use unleaded petrol.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a qualified
workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and
escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used.
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combustion
process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
xAlways use diesel with a low sulphur content Ÿpage 297.
xNever use petrol or fuel oil.
xNever use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used Ÿpage 297.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.
In order to reduce blocking of the diesel particulate filter, some vehicles with
an automatic gearbox may increase the engine speed slightly to automati-
cally start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. The warning lamp will not light
up in this case
¬.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 272
xDo not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
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!
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Spray windows and exterior windows with a standard window cleaner
containing alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. The chamois
leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable for cleaning windows
because they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the windows.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and sili-
cone deposits off Ÿ.
Removing wax deposits
Automatic car washes and certain car care products may leave wax deposits
on the windows. These deposits can only be removed with a special product
or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. SEAT recommends you wipe the wax deposits off the wind-
screen with a soft cloth each time after you have washed the vehicle.
A window cleaning detergent which helps to dissolve the wax may be added
to the windscreen washer fluid to prevent the wiper blades from scratching
the windscreen. Please ensure the you add the cleaning product in the correct
proportions. Products for removing grease do not eliminate the wax deposits
Ÿ.
Special cleaning products or window cloths are available at any Technical
Service. To remove wax deposits, SEAT recommends the following products:
xFor the hottest time of the year: the window cleaner for summer use G 052
184 A1 . Proportion 1:100 (1 part detergent, 100 parts water) in the wind-
screen washer bottle.
xAll year round: the window cleaner G 052 164 A2; Proportion 1:2 in wind-
screen washer bottle (1 part concentrate, 2 parts water) in winter, up to
-18 °C (-0.4 °F), or 1:4, during the rest of the year.
xWindow cloths G 052 522 A1 for all windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper, push
it in one direction only without swinging it. If you pull the scraper backwards,
the dirt may scratch the window.
WARNING
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility in all directions and increase the
risk of accident and serious injury.
xDo not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
xRemove ice and snow from the windows and demist inside and out.
Caution
xNever mix our cleaning products with other products not recommended
by SEAT in the windscreen washer bottle. This could lead to flocculation and
may block the windscreen washer jets.
xDo not use hot or warm water to remove ice or snow from the windows and
exterior mirrors. The glass could crack!
xThe heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the
window. Do not stick adhesive labels over the heating elements and never
clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acid products or other
similar chemical cleaning products.