2010 Seat Alhambra tow

If and when 354
Components
The set of on-board tools depends on the vehicle equipment. The following is
a description for a vehicle with all options.
The individual elements of the on-board toolkit Ÿfig. 207
Adapter for antitheft bolt. SEAT recommend you carry the wheel bolt
adapter in the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code number of the anti-
theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the adapter. In case it is lost,
another adapter can be ordered using this number. Note the antitheft
bolt code for the wheels and keep it in a place other than the vehicle.
Towing eye, removable.
Wheel spanner.
Jack. Fold the jack before returning it to the toolkit.
Jack. Before storing the jack in the toolkit, fold its hook.
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for screwing and
unscrewing the wheel bolts once loosened. The screwdriver bit is inter-changeable. The screwdriver may be found underneath the wheel
spanner.
Wire hook for pulling off the wheel cover, integral hubcaps and the wheel
bolt caps.
Foldable wedges*
The foldable wedges are with the on-board tools Ÿfig. 207.
Assembling the foldable wedges
xLift the base plate Ÿfig. 208 .
xInsert the two “tabs” of the base plate into its openings.
Improper use
The foldable wedges are used to block the wheel diagonally opposite to the
wheel being changed.
Fig. 207 Components of
the onboard tool kit.
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
Fig. 208 To unfold the
foldable wedges.
A1

If and when375
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Towing and tow starting
Introduction
When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
xElectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
Ÿpage 255
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
xNever remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock could engage. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
considerably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
xAs the driver of the vehicle being towed:
The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power
steering does not operate when the engine is switched off.
xAs the driver of the towing vehicle:
Accelerate gently and carefully.Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
Caution
xCarefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the vehicle (for example, paintwork).
xWhen towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause
damage!
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable Ÿpage 371.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
xVehicles with an automatic gearbox.
xVehicles with the KESSY locking and ignition system, given that the elec-
tronic steering lock will certainly not be unlocked.
xVehicles with an electronic parking brake, given that it is possible that the
brake will not be disengaged.
xIf the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control units do
not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
xEngage 2nd or 3rd gear.
xKeep the clutch pressed down.
xSwitch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
xRelease the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
WARNING (continued)

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 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 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.

Index393
Index
"Safe" security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A
Abroad
Extended stay abroad with your vehicle . . 283
Sale of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
ABS
See "Braking assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Adaptive headlights
Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
AdBlue
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Minimum quantity for a refill . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tank filling capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Additional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Additional heater
See "Auxiliary heater" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Adjusting passenger exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . 132
Adjustment
Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electric front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Mechanical front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Seat with position memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Adjustments
Folding the backrest of the front passenger's
seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Headlight range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Aerial built into the window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
AFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air conditioning
see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 33
Cleaning instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Deactivating the front passenger airbag . . . 36
Deactivating using the key switch . . . . . . . . 36
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Differences between front passenger airbag
systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Locking the vehicle after airbag deployment . .
84
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-wheel drive
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Anodized surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Antitheft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Antitheft alarm system
Anti-tow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
False alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Antitheft bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Anti-theft locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Anti-theft wheel locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Anti-tow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90