2010 Seat Alhambra ESP

Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

Driving215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that the
braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there is a
fault in the braking system. The
H warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate Ÿ.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
xFor the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to be
pressed with more force.
xTo avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
xWhen running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring
extreme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances
increase.
xWhen driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect
and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
xNon-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
xTest the brakes carefully.
xDry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
xNever allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
xIf the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the
braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate.

Driving 216
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears before
long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat
and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESP, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to increasing active
safety.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
ESP reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by braking
individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESP detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESP has limits. It is important to realise that the ESP is also subject to the
laws of physics. ESP will not be able to deal with all situations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes suddenly then
ESP will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters a section
covered by water, mud or snow then ESP will not provide assistance in the
same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the ground and
moves on a film of water (aquaplaning), the ESP will not be able to assist the
driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence with the road surface
preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driven through series of
bends at high speed, the ESP will not always be as effective: the vehicle reac-
tion to aggressive driving is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving
with a trailer, ESP does not provide the same amount of vehicle control as
without a trailer.
Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESP cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the transmission
available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver attention
creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESP assists in maintaining vehicle
control in extreme situations and uses the movements of the steering made
by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the desired direction. If the
vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the road before ESP can
intervene then the system cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESP. The ESP is
always on. The ESP should only be turned off using the TCS button
Ÿpage 218, fig. 144 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn
on the TCS once more when the vehicle has traction once again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before the
vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is
reduced:
xPress and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
xDo not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
xMaintain vehicle direction when braking fully.

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 218
functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres and other
systems already mentioned.
xRemember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESP.
xChanges to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
combinations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESP and
their effectiveness.
xLikewise, the effectiveness of ESP depends on the use of suitable tyres
Ÿpage 323.
Note
To ensure that the ESP and TCS work properly, all four wheels must be fitted
with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause
the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP, TCS and EDS will also be
affected.
Note
Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating.
Turning on and off the TCS
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) includes the ABS, EDL and TCS
systems and only works when the engine is running.
The TCS can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing the
Ÿfig. 144 button. The TCS (and similar) is only switched off when the
required traction is not obtained:
xWhen driving through deep snow or on loose ground (gravel...).
xWhen freeing a trapped vehicle.
Turn the TCS back on by pressing the button Ÿfig. 144.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 144 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
used to switch TCS on and
off (vehicles with ESP).
« OFF
« OFF

Driving 224
Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
xThe driver seat belt must be buckled.
xThe driver door must be closed.
xThe bonnet must be closed.
xThe factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trailer.
xA minimum engine temperature has been reached.
xThe vehicle has moved since the last stop.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset temperature range.
xThe temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
xThe air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
xThe power level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
xThe vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
xThe vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
xThe front wheels are not overly turned.
xThe heated windscreen is not switched on.
xReverse gear is not engaged.
xThe park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
xIf the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
xIf the vehicle moves.
xIf the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions:
xIf the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
xIf the driver's door is opened.
xIf the bonnet is opened.
xIn vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
xPress the button on the centre console Ÿpage 223, fig. 147.
xThe button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually.
WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
Caution
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor tempera-
tures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe the
corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
›

Driving229
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Park Assist system*
Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to leave
parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that the
driver is especially attentive Ÿ.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run any
risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xUnintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xThe surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external sound
sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on the
system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
Caution
xThe park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, without
taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop
manoeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to
your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle. This
is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park behind a truck or motor-
cycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the area in front of and behind
the vehicle while parking, and intervene promptly if necessary.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 230
xWhen cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm.
Note
Contact a specialist workshop with any system faults. SEAT recommends
visiting a qualified workshop.
Parking using the park assist system
Fig. 153 Gap detected: Engage the reverse gear to park (parallel or nose/tail to the
kerb).
Preparing to park
xThe Traction control system (TCS) must be turned on Ÿpage 210.
xParallel parking: press the button at speeds up to 50 km/h once.
When the function is enabled, the button Ÿfig. 152 will light up.
xPerpendicular parking: press the button at speeds up to 50 km/h
twice. When the function is enabled, the button Ÿfig. 152 will light up.
xIf necessary, press the button once more to change parking mode.
xApply the turn signal indicator for the side on which a gap is to be
detected for parking. The instrument panel displays the side corresponding
to the road.
Parking
xParking parallel to the road: Drive next to the gap at a speed of no more
than 40 km/h and at a distance of between 0.5 m and 2 m.
Fig. 152 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
to switch the park assist
system on manually.i
i
i