2010 Seat Alhambra brake fluid

Safe driving9
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xFor petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol available at the right octane rating?
xFor diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available with a low sulphur content?
xAre a suitable engine oil (Ÿpage 309) and other engine fluids complying
with SEAT specifications available in the destination country?
xWill the navigation system fitted at the factory operate correctly in the
destination country with the available navigation data?
xAre special tyres required in the destination country?
Caution
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use of
a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genuine
spare parts.
Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
xCheck the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The water
should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork Ÿ.
xDo not drive faster than a pedestrian.
xDo not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
xOncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
making it difficult to cross the water.
WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due to damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
xDry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
xAfter driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres.
Caution
xDriving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle components
such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
xNever drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water.
WARNING (continued)

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

Cockpit 62
Green symbols
Blue symbols
Colourless symbols
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
lights: Driving light totally or partially faulty.Ÿpage 360
flashes: Fault in the adaptive light system.Ÿpage 113
BFault in catalytic converter.
Ÿpage 255Dlights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.
flashes: Fault in engine management.
%0#Fault in engine management.
¬Diesel particulate filter blocked
DFault in the steering system.Ÿpage 192
~Tyre pressure too low.Ÿpage 323
Fault in the tyre pressure gauge.Ÿpage 245
YLevel of windscreen washer fluid too low.Ÿpage 124
Fuel tank almost empty.Ÿpage 293
Eflashes: Engine oil sensor faulty.Ÿpage 309lights: Insufficient engine oil.
TFault in airbag system and seat belt tensioners.Ÿpage 33
/&&

Passenger front airbag is off (PASSENGER
AIRBAG
/&& ).Ÿpage 33
bTop up "AdBlue", or there is a fault in the "AdB-
lue" system.Ÿpage 300
§Fuel tank not closed correctly.Ÿpage 293
SymbolMeaning ŸSee

Left or right turn signal.Ÿpage 113
Hazard warning lights on.Ÿpage 345
KUse the foot brake!
Change
Ÿpage 201
Brake
Ÿpage 210
%Cruise control operating.Ÿpage 239
SymbolMeaning ŸSee
Headlight on or flasher on.
Ÿpage 113
+Headlight adjustment (Light Assist) on.
SymbolMeaning ŸSee
3!&%Electronic immobiliser active.Ÿpage 195
>Service interval displayŸpage 68

Cockpit 68
The compass does not require calibration in vehicles for which the navigation
system was mounted at the factory. The option compass disappears.
The compass in vehicles in which the navigation system was not mounted at
the factory, is permanently and automatically calibrated. If electronic or metal
accessories (mobile phone, television) are subsequently mounted in the
vehicle, the compass should be recalibrated manually.
Adjusting the magnetic zone
xSwitch the ignition on.
xSelect the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Zone.
xSelect the magnetic zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle
Ÿpage 67, fig. 37.
xAdjust and confirm the magnetic zone (1-15).
Calibrating compass
To calibrate the compass you must be in one of the valid magnetic zones with
sufficient space to be able to trace a circumference with the vehicle.
xSwitch the ignition on.
xSelect the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Calibrate.
xConfirm the message Describe a complete circumference to calibrate the
compass with and then trace a complete circumference driving at approx-
imately 10 km/h (6 mph).
When the corresponding cardinal point is displayed, the calibration is
complete.
Service interval display
The inspection display appears on the instrument panel Ÿpage 64, fig. 36
.SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Mainte-
nance Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service).
The service interval display only gives information for service dates which
involve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for
example, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on
the label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time or mileage, the service intervals
are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service, the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing
requirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an maintenance service when it is necessary. To establish when the Main-
tenance Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use and
individual driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first appears
20 days before the date established for the corresponding service. The kilo-
metres remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest
100 km and the remaining time is given in complete days. The current service
message cannot be viewed until 500 km after the last service. Prior to this
only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages, a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel
> with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few
seconds,the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number
of days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages, Service in --- km or --- days is displayed on the
instrument panel .
OK
A4

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

Driving 212
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.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
xIf the brake warning lamp H does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in
the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
Ÿpage 219, “Brake fluid”.
xIf the brake warning lamp H lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp J, the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialist workshop close by to check
the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden braking and
manoeuvres.
xIf the ABS warning lamp J does not go out or if it lights while driving,
the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using normal
braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not available.
Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
xIf I lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the instru-
ment panel screen, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to
check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Electronic parking brake
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill, even
when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
xPull button until the control lamp G on the button lights up.
xThe parking brake is applied when the control lamp H lights up on the
instrument panel Ÿpage 211.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
xSwitch the ignition on.
Fig. 143 Detailed view of
the centre console: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
G

Driving219
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Brake fluid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the
system. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking
power, notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total
failure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always func-
tioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users Ÿ.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems of
their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
Ÿ.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American
requirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German DIN ISO
4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the American
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do
not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always check the infor-
mation on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are using suitable
brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark Ÿ.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to wear
of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a qualified
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. This means that
only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the brake
system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
xCheck the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
xThe brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid

Driving 220
xWhen the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bubbles
of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably increasing
braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the brake
system.
xOnly used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard, FMVSS
116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. Other
types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce braking power.
Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify compliance with
the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
xThe replacement brake fluid must be new.
xAlways ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake fluid
if the container does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS
116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
xTo reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks
bottles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipi-
ents even if the contents are clearly marked.
xAlways keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children.
Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
WARNING (continued)