2010 Seat Alhambra suspension

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

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications285
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications
Introduction
WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or incorrectly performed modifica-
tions or repairs may result in damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious
injury.
xSEAT strongly recommends you to only use SEAT approved accessories
and SEAT® original spare parts. These parts and accessories have been
specially tested by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety.
xHave any repairs or modifications carried out at a qualified workshop.
Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostics equipment,
repair information and qualified personnel.
xOnly mount parts with the same specifications as the parts fitted at
factory.
xNever mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of
action.
xOnly use wheels and tyre combinations which have been approved by
SEAT for your vehicle type.
Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing accesso-
ries and spare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accessories
at a later date, or when replacing a component. A Technical Service will advise
you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommendations
regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved SEAT accessories and genuine SEAT
spare parts
®. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by
SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the Technical Service will
guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehicle.
Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised by an
officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or the
way it is driven must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the
e mark (the European Union's authorisation symbol). This includes cruise
control systems or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to
control the vehicle itself, these must bear the
& mark (European Union
manufacturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes,
laptops or ventilator fans.
WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the
performance of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications287
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs performed
at a SEAT authorised service and that you use genuine SEAT spare parts
®.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to the
restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and
preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment safely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ŸModifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and repairs
to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a qualified workshop.
These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the airbag
system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the
system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed parts
do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must be
observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealerships.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the
airbag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the
suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms, dampers,
etc., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and sent to the
control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifications to the
suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal conditions,
the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not have been trig-
gered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured by the sensors
and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations when they should
have triggered.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
xAirbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be
replaced.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 288
xNever fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle.
WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthorised
wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the performance of the airbags
and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of accident.
xNever fit suspension components which are not identical to the original
parts mounted in the vehicle.
xNever use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT.
Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is subject
to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances, this
could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
xThe exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
xThe maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
An only external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal reach.
Check first with a qualified dealer if you wish to use a two-way radio with a
transmitting power of over 10 watts. The qualified workshops are familiar
with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visiting a quali-
fied workshop.All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed.
WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeuvres
or accident, causing injury.
xWhile driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the radius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial, the
maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be exceeded.
This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
xYou should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly connected to an exterior aerial.
Information stored by the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the control
units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the airbag
systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units are
continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or deviations
from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the warning
lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
WARNING (continued)

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

Index 406
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Positive pole on the starting assistance points
372
Starting using an external battery
See starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Start-Stop Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Start-Stop function
Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Steering
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Counter steering assistance system . . . . . 193
Electromechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tendency to pull to one side . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Steering wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Rocker switches (Tiptronic) . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Glove box lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Sudden braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Sun blinds
Rear side windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Sun visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Sunshade
Anti-trap function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Symbols
See "Lamps" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Synchronising the garage door remote control . . .
110
System
Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . 117
Systems
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Auto Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Braking assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Braking assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . 217
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
DCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Dynamic chassis control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
EDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Electronic differential lock system (EDS) . . 217
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . 216
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
KESSY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Keyless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Launch-Control Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Light Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Main beam headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . 118Optical parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Park assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Park Assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Parking sensor system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Rear Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Rear assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Start assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Start-Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217, 218
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Traction control when accelerating (TCS) . 217
Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
T
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Driving with the tailgate open . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Electronic locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Electronic opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . 350
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
See "Tailgate" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Warning indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
TCS
See "Braking assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . 218
See "Braking assist" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Turning on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218