2010 Seat Alhambra ABS

Seat belts19
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: when a vehicle starts moving Ÿpage 18, fig. 5, this is a certain
amount of energy known as “kinetic energy” both in the vehicle and in the
occupants.
The higher the speed and the greater the weight of the vehicle, the more
energy there is to be absorbed in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed
doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy is multi-
plied by four.
The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight of the vehicle and the occupants, the more energy there is
to be absorbed in an accident.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle. As a
result, in a frontal collision they will continue to move forward at the speed
their vehicle was travelling just before the impact until something stops
them! Because the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat
belts, all of the passengers' kinetic energy has to be absorbed at the point of
impact Ÿpage 18, fig. 6.
At speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a collision
can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed these forces are even
higher.
This example applies not only to frontal accidents, but to all accidents and
collisions.
Dangers of not using the seat belt
Many people believe that the occupants can protect themselves with their
hands in a minor collision. This is false!
Fig. 7 A driver not
wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently.
Fig. 8 The unbelted rear
passenger is thrown
forward violently, hitting
the driver wearing a seat
belt.

Seat belts 20
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great
that it is not possible to brace oneself with just one's arms and hands. In a
frontal collision, unbelted passengers are thrown forward and will make
violent contact with the steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen or whatever
else is in the way Ÿpage 19, fig. 7.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts. When triggered, airbags
provide only additional protection. Airbags do not deploy in all types of acci-
dent. All occupants (including the driver) must be wearing seat belts properly
during the trip, even if the vehicle is equipped with airbag systems. This will
reduce the risk of critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident – regard-
less of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
The airbag is only deployed once. To achieve the best possible protection, the
seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be protected in acci-
dents in which no airbag is deployed. Vehicle occupants not wearing belts
could be thrown from the vehicle and sustain even more severe or fatal inju-
ries.
It is also important for the rear passengers to wear seat belts properly, as they
could otherwise be thrown forward violently in an accident. Rear passengers
who do not use seat belts endanger not only themselves but also the driver
and other occupants Ÿpage 19, fig. 8.Seat belt protection
Wearing a correctly fastened seat belt can significantly change the situation.
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting posi-
tions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident.
Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the danger of
being thrown from the car Ÿfig. 9.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to
absorb the kinetic energy generated in a collision. Taken together, all these
features reduce the energy released and decrease the risk of injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is
why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when just
driving “around the corner”. Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well.
Fig. 9 Drivers with prop-
erly worn seat belts will
not be thrown forward in
the event of sudden
braking.

Airbag system33
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Airbag system
Description and function of the airbag
The airbag can protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accidents, cush-
ioning the movement of the occupants in the direction of the collision in
frontal and side accidents.
Deployed airbags fill with a propellant gas. This causes the airbag covers to
break and the airbags to deploy extremely quickly in their entire deployment
space within fractions of a second. When an occupant with the seat belt prop-
erly fastened puts pressure on the inflated airbag, the propellant gas escapes
to absorb the force of the impact and slow the movement. This reduces the
risk of severe or fatal injuries. Airbag deployment does not mean that other
types of injury such as swelling, bruising, burns and skin injuries can be ruled
out.
Airbags do not protect the arms or the lower part of the body.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident,
the angle of impact, the vehicle speed and the characteristics of the object
the vehicle hits. Therefore, airbags are not triggered every time the vehicle is
visibly damaged.
The airbag system is designed to be triggered in collisions with a severe
impact. The front, curtain, side and knee airbags may be triggered under
special circumstances. The scope of any visible damage to the vehicle is not
an indication of airbag deployment.
Airbags act in conjunction with three-point seat belts in the event of certain
accidents, when the vehicle deceleration rate is severe enough to trigger the
airbags. Airbags only deploy once and only under certain circumstances. Seat
belts remain present to offer protection in situations where airbags are not
triggered or where they have already deployed. For example, when a vehicle
hits another after an initial collision or is hit by another vehicle.The airbag system is an integral part of the car's passive safety system. The
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly
’
Ÿpage 10.
Vehicle safety components
The following safety equipment makes up the vehicle safety design to reduce
the risk of severe and fatal injuries. Depending on the vehicle equipment,
some equipment may not be fitted in the vehicle or may not be available in
some markets.
xOptimised seat belts for all seats.
xBelt tension devices for the driver and front passenger and, where appli-
cable, on the outer seats of the second row of seats in combination with the
side airbags.
xFurthermore, belt tension limiters for the driver's and front passenger's
seat belt.
xBelt height adjustment for the front seats and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
xSeat belt warning lamp
xFrontal airbags for driver and passenger.
xSide airbags for the driver, front passenger and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
xLeft and right curtain airbags.
xOne airbag for the driver's knees.
xAirbag control lamp T.
xPASSENGER AIR BAG /&&  control lamp.
xControl units and sensors.
xHeight-adjustable head restraint optimised for rear collisions.
xAdjustable steering column.
xWhere applicable, mountings for child seats on the rear seats and on the
front passenger's seat.

Cockpit61
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Instrument panel
Control and warning lamps
The control and warning lamps are indicators of warnings, Ÿ, faults Ÿ
or certain functions. Some control and warning lamps come on when the igni-
tion is switched on, and go out when the engine starts running, or while
driving.
Depending on the model, additional text messages may be viewed on the
instrument panel display. These may be purely informative or they may be
advising of the need for action Ÿpage 64, “Instruments”.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the vehicle, instead of a warning
lamp, sometimes a symbol may be displayed on the instrument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
Red symbols
Yellow symbols
SymbolMeaning ŸSee
H
› Do not continue driving!
The electronic parking brake is on, the brake
fluid level is too low or the brake system is
faulty.
Ÿpage 210
v› Do not continue driving!
Fault in the engine cooling system.Ÿpage 313
E› Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.Ÿpage 309
o
› Do not continue driving!
At least one of the vehicles doors is open, or is
not correctly closed.Ÿpage 92
˜› Do not continue driving!
The tailgate is open or is incorrectly closed.Ÿpage 97
D› Do not continue driving!
Fault in the steering.Ÿpage 192
bEngine cannot be started again!
"AdBlue" level too low.Ÿpage 300
hDriver or passenger has not fastened seat belt.Ÿpage 22
KUse the foot brake!
Change
Ÿpage 201
Brake
Ÿpage 210
FFaulty generator.Ÿpage 318
IFront brake pads worn.
Ÿpage 210«lights: ESP faulty or off
flashes: ESP functioning.
lTCS manually deactivated.
JABS faulty or does not work.
Electronic parking brake faulty.Ÿpage 210

Rear fog light switched on.Ÿpage 113
SymbolMeaning ŸSee

Lights and visibility129
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the blades
for damage Ÿpage 128, fig. 76 (arrow).
Note
To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner containing
alcohol.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle with
water
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up as
required.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe washer bottle is marked with the symbol Y on the lid Ÿfig. 77.
xCheck there is enough water in the bottle.
xTo top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT Ÿ.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
xIn cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent the
water from freezing Ÿ.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the wind-
screen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the windscreen
which will impair visibility.
xUse clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
xIf necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
Caution
xDo not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other products.
This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer jets.
xWhen topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage!
Fig. 77 In the engine
compartment: windscreen
washer bottle top.

Seats and storage compartments175
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Sockets
Introduction
Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.
Connected equipment must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
xCigarette lighter Ÿpage 173
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Improper use of the sockets or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cause serious injuries.
xNever leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The sockets and
equipment connected to them can be used when the ignition is switched
on.
xShould a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and unplug
it immediately.
Caution
xTo avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment that generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery
chargers, to the 12 Volt sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
xOnly use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility
according to current regulations.
xTo avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances
connected to the 12 V sockets before switching the ignition on or off and
before starting the engine.
xNever connect an appliance to the 12 Volt socket that consumes more
than the power indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power absorption
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition
switched on will drain the battery.
Note
Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment and
the vehicle's electrical system.
Note
Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical appliances
are used near the rear window aerial.

Driving 210
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the
brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential system (EDS), the trac-
tion control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).
Additional information and warnings:
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xStart assist systems Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to serious
accident.
xIf I lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the instru-
ment panel, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to check the
brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the
vehicle impossible to control.
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).
xAlways apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They could
release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or gear
stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious accident.
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.
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.
WARNING (continued)

Driving211
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution
H (red)
Together with the control
lamp
G on the button: Elec-
tronic parking brake on.Ÿpage 212
Fault in the brake system› Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional assistance!
Ÿpage 215.
Brake fluid level inadequate.› Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
Ÿpage 219.
Together with the ABS control
lamp
J: ABS fault.
Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
K (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.
I (yel-
low)Front brake pads worn.
Contact a specialist workshop
immediately. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary.
« (yel-
low)
ESP disconnected by system.Switching the ignition on and off
If necessary, drive for a short
distance.
Fault in ESP.Contact a specialist workshop.
Together with the ABS control
lamp
J: Fault in ABS.
Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.Ÿpage 318
l (yel-
low)TCS manually deactivated.
To turn on the TCS Ÿpage 218.
TCS is automatically activated
when the ignition is switched on
or off.
J (yel-
low)
Together with the ESP control
lamp
«: Fault in ABS.Contact a specialist workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp
H or : ABS fault.
 (yel-
low)Together with the warning
lamp
H flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty.Contact a specialist workshop.
K
(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
Press the brake pedal to select a
gear ratio.
Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the electronic parking
brake Ÿpage 212.
flashesPossible cause ŸSolution
H (red)
Electronic parking brake
faulty. The control lamp

may light up at the same time
or the control lamp
G may
flash on the button.
Contact a specialised workshop,
as it may not be possible to park
the vehicle in safety.
« (yel-
low)ESP or TCS adjusting.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution