2010 Seat Alhambra engine overheat

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 200
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
xThe airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
xThe brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To stop,
the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
xAs the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
xIf the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it will
not be possible to steer the vehicle.
Caution
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time, it
may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine to
run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off.
Note
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when the
selector lever is in position P.
Note
After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue running
for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or the key
removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off.
Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobi-
lizer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as
you remove the key from the ignition lock. In vehicles with the KESSY system,
the key should remain outside the vehicle Ÿpage 86.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with the
correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Authorised Service
Centre Ÿpage 78.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this case
Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
keys are used.
5.
Turn the key in the ignition lock
to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134
.Briefly press the starter button
Ÿpage 197, fig. 135. If it is not
possible to switch off the engine,
use the emergency disconnec-
tion Ÿpage 197.
6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
7.
Remove the starter button from
the lock to disconnect all electri-
cal components and activate the
electronic lock on the steering
column.
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
A0

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing gear
Introduction
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
xReverse lights light up.
xWhen reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
xThe rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
xAlso, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera for the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
xInstruments Ÿpage 64
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xReverse assist system (Rear Assist) Ÿpage 234
xAir conditioning Ÿpage 179
xElectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
Ÿpage 255
xEmergency locking and unlocking Ÿpage 348
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting in
an accident and considerable damage.
xOnly use the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions so permit.
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
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.
WARNING (continued)

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
xIf you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
xNever allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubricated
and could be damaged.
Recommended gear indication
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driving.
It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exceptionally high
speed Ÿpage 255.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
xResponsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation
continues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a
hill or towing a trailer.
For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel.
Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pressed.
DisplayMeaning
ˆOptimum gear.
žRecommendation to change up a gear.
ŸRecommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING (continued)

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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.

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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 and the environment 256
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
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter while
driving.
xOnly carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions so
permit.
xNever endanger your safety or that of other road users.
Caution
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators ¬, B or %0# remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer
working life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
xAlways use unleaded petrol.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a qualified
workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and
escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used.
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combustion
process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
xAlways use diesel with a low sulphur content Ÿpage 297.
xNever use petrol or fuel oil.
xNever use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used Ÿpage 297.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.
In order to reduce blocking of the diesel particulate filter, some vehicles with
an automatic gearbox may increase the engine speed slightly to automati-
cally start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. The warning lamp will not light
up in this case
¬.