2010 Seat Alhambra ESP

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 186
Switching air recirculation mode on and off manually 
Switching on: press the corresponding button until the light under the symbol  comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no indicator remains lit.
Automatic air recirculation mode
o
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position o. If the system detects a high
concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recirculation
mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to
within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is not automatically switched on in the following cases
of outside temperatures and conditions:
xThe cooling system is switched on (the button is lit up) and the
outside temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
xThe cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below +15
°C (+59 °F) and the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: press the button until the light under the symbol
o
comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no button remains lit.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
xPress the button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The control light
under the symbol
 comes on.
xAfter more than two seconds, press the button again to restart
automatic air recirculation. The control light under the symbol o comes on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
xNever use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh the
air inside the vehicle.
xIf the cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched
on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
xSwitch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
Caution
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a climate
control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from entering the
vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic windscreen
wash and wipe is working.
AC
 o
 o
 o
 o

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 188
Things to note
After switching the auxiliary heater off, it continues to run for a short period
to completely burn any fuel remaining in the auxiliary heater. The exhaust
fumes are also extracted from the system.
Remote control
The auxiliary heater may accidentally switch on if a button is pressed on the
remote control by mistake. This may also occur outside the range of the
remote control or if the light flashes.
Remote control light
The remote control light provides users with different information at the push
of a button:
fig. 132Meaning
Switch the auxiliary heater on.
Switch the auxiliary heater off:
Aerial.
Light.
Fig. 132 Auxiliary heater:
remote control.
ON
OFF
AA
AB
Battery light fig. 132 Meaning
Lights up green for around two
seconds.The auxiliary heater has been switched on
using the button.
Lights up red for around two
seconds.The auxiliary heater has been switched off
using the button.
Slowly flashes green for
around two seconds.No ona) signal has been received.
Quickly flashes green for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater is locked.
Possible causes: the fuel tank is almost
empty, the battery charge is very low or
there is a fault.
Flashes red for around two
seconds.No offa) signal has been received.
Lights up orange for around
two seconds, then green or
red.The remote control battery is almost flat.
However, the on or off signal has been
received, respectively.
Lights up orange for around
two seconds, then flashes
green or red.The remote control battery is almost flat.
The on or off signal has not been received,
respectively.
Flashes orange for around five
seconds.The remote control battery is flat. The on or
off signal has not been received, respec-
tively.
AB
ON
OFF

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning189
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Replacing the remote control battery
When the light Ÿpage 188, fig. 132 on the remote control does not
come on when the button is pressed, the remote control battery should soon
be replaced.
The battery is located beneath a cover on the back of the remote control. Turn
the slot to the left using a flat, blunt object (e.g. a coin). When changing the
battery, use another battery of the same model and observe the polarity when
fitting it Ÿ.
Range
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle. The remote control, when fitted
with new batteries, has a range of several hundred metres. Obstacles
between the remote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and
discharged batteries can considerably reduce the range of the remote control.
An optimum range is obtained by keeping the remote control vertical, with
the aerial Ÿpage 188, fig. 132 pointing upwards. When doing so, do not
cover the aerial with your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of two metres between the remote control
and the vehicle.
Caution
xThe radiofrequency remote control contains electronic components.
Therefore, avoid getting the remote control wet and from being knocked and
protect it from direct sunlight.
xUse of inappropriate batteries may damage the remote control. For this
reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage,
size and specifications.
For the sake of the environment
Please dispose of old batteries so that they do not harm the environment.
For the sake of the environment
The remote control battery may contain perchlorate. Observe the legal
requirements for their disposal.
Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle can be programmed for a certain
period.
Before programming, check that the day is correctly set in the Auxiliary
heater - day of the week menu Ÿ.
Enabling the Auxiliary heater menu on the instrument panel
xFrom the main menu, select the Auxiliary heater submenu and press the
button on the windscreen wiper lever.
xALTERNATIVELY: press the or arrow buttons on the multi-function
steering wheel until the Auxiliary heater menu is displayed.
a)Within its range, the remote control might not receive the signal sent by the vehicle
receiver. In this case, the remote control will send an error message despite the aux-
iliary heater being on or off. Come closer to the vehicle and press the corresponding
button on the remote control once again.
AB
AAOK
ƒ„

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 190
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
User instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be
obstructed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the
passenger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned
towards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be
affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxil-
iary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching the
heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater.
Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
xThe auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off automat-
ically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
xThe heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automatically if
required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
y.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the instrument panel screen will
display Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another timer or
select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected using
the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be switched on
for just a certain day of the week, select the day of the
week and the time for the auxiliary heater to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 minutes
and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the auxil-
iary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Manufacturer's
settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu
>
WARNING (continued)

Driving193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a 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
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.
Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
Vehicles with KESSY: The steering column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off. Therefore, the vehicle should be at a
standstill and, where applicable, the selector lever in position P.
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built into
the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the
vehicle.
Electromechanical power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than
normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering.
flashesPossible causeSolution
D (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock.› Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
D (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the ignition
and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle Ÿpage 210.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.

Driving 194
WARNING
The counter steering assistance system combined with ESP helps the
driver to steer the vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all times, it is the
driver who steers the vehicle. The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Adjust the steering wheel before your trip and only when the vehicle is
stationary.
xPush the lever Ÿfig. 133 downwards.
xAdjust the steering wheel so that you can hold onto the steering wheel
with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tions and your arms slightly bent.
xPush the lever firmly upwards until it is flush to the steering column
Ÿ.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the steering wheel adjustment function and an incorrect
adjustment of the steering wheel can result in severe or fatal injury.
xAfter adjusting the steering column, push the lever Ÿfig. 133
firmly upwards to ensure the steering wheel does not accidentally change
position while driving.
xNever adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. If you
need to adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, stop safely
and make the proper adjustment.
xThe adjusted steering wheel should be facing your chest and not your
face so as not to hinder the driver's frontal airbag protection in the event of
an accident.
xWhen driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to reduce injuries
when the driver's frontal airbag deploys.
xNever hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
driver's airbag deploys, you may sustain injuries to your arms, hands and
head.
Fig. 133 Mechanical
steering wheel adjust-
ment.
A1
A1

Driving197
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ignition
lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and release
the selector lever locking button.
Starter button*
The starter button can only be used if there is a valid key inside the vehicle.
On leaving the vehicle with the ignition switched off, the electronic lock on
the steering column is activated when the driver's door is opened
Ÿpage 192.
Switching the ignition on/off
xBriefly press the starter button once without pressing the clutch or brake
pedal Ÿ.Emergency starting function
If the system has not recognised a valid key inside the vehicle, the emergency
starter function is activated. The corresponding information text is displayed
on instrument panel. This may occur, for example, if the key battery is flat or
very low:
xPlace the key close to the steering column immediately after passing the
start button.
xThe engine starts automatically.
Emergency disconnection
If it is not possible to switch off the engine by briefly pressing the starter
button, the emergency disconnection system should be used:
xPress the starter button twice within a second or press it once for more
than two seconds Ÿ in “Stopping the engine” on page 199.
xThe engine turns off automatically.
Re-starting the engine
If, after the engine is switched off, a valid key is not detected in the vehicle,
the engine can only be started after an interval of approximately 5 seconds.
The corresponding message is displayed on the instrument panel.
After this interval, it will not be possible to start the engine without a valid key
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xWhen the starter button is pressed do not press the brake or clutch
pedal as the engine will start immediately.
Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centre console: KESSY
starter and lock system:
Starter button.

Driving199
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an accident
and serious injury.
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
xNever use start boosters.
Caution
xAn attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
xWhen the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
xDo not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the cata-
lytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
Note
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
Note
When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
Note
At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected.
Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
1.Stopping the vehicle completely Ÿ.
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been com-
pleted.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.