2010 Seat Alhambra traction control

Cockpit 64
Instruments
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xIndicator lamps Ÿpage 61
xGear engaged display (automatic gearbox) Ÿpage 201.
xInstructions for inspection intervals ŸBooklet “Maintenance
Programme”
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
xDo not handle the instrument panel controls when driving.
View of instrument panel
Details of the instruments Ÿfig. 36:
Clock set button1).
Press button to select the hour or minute display.To continue setting the time, press button Ÿfig. 36 .
Hold button down to scroll through the numbers quickly.
Press button again to end the clock setting.
Rev counter (with the engine running, in thousands of revolutions per
minute).
Fig. 36 Instrument panel, on dash panel.
1)Depending on the vehicle equipment, it is also possible to set the time using the
settings menu on the instrument panel display Ÿpage 75.
A1
¡
0.0 / SETA7
¡
A2

Cockpit 70
SEAT information system
Introduction
With the ignition switched on, it is possible to read the different functions of
the display by scrolling through the menus.
In vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel, there are no buttons on the
windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled from
the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
The number of menus displayed on the instrument panel will vary according
to the vehicle electronics and equipment.
A specialised dealer will be able to programme or modify additional func-
tions, according to the vehicle equipment. SEAT recommends visiting a qual-
ified workshop.
Some menu options can only be read when the vehicle is at a standstill.
As long as a priority 1 warning is displayed, it will not be possible to read the
menus. To display the menus, confirm the warning by pressing .
Additional information and warnings:
xExterior mirrors Ÿpage 130
xParking heating Ÿpage 187
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
xDo not read the instrument panel menus when driving.
Summary of the menu structure
„Multifunction display (MFI) Ÿpage 73
„Journey duration
„Current fuel consumption
„Average fuel consumption
„Distance to empty (the distance you can travel with the remaining fuel)
„Distance covered
„Average speed
„Digital display of speed
„Oil temperature digital display
„Speed warning
„Audio ŸBooklet “Radio” or ŸBooklet “navigation system”
„Navigation ŸBooklet “Navigation system”
„Parking heating Ÿpage 187
„Activation
„On / Off programme
„Switching off
„Timer 1-3
„Day
„Time
„Minute
„Enabling
„Duration
„Operating mode
„Heat
„Ventilation
„Day
OK

Driving201
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)

Driving 208
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. The lowest gears
increase the engine braking work. Never go down hills with the selector lever
in neutral N.
xYou should reduce speed accordingly.
xPress the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic
selector gate Ÿpage 207.
xGently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
xALTERNATIVELY: Reduce using the steering wheel paddles Ÿpage 207.
Emergency program
If all the selector lever positions on the instrument panel display are shown
with a light-coloured background, this means there is a fault in the system.
The automatic gearbox will operate in emergency programme mode. When
the emergency program is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle
however, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG
® dual clutch gearbox, in some cases, this may mean that reverse
gear does not engage. The gearbox should be checked by a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG gearbox
®
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the selector
lever position indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage to the clutch, this
interrupts the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox.
There is no more traction and it is not possible to accelerate. If the clutch is
opened automatically due to overloading, press the brake pedal. Wait a few
seconds before starting to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum acceleration when the gear
selector lever is in the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down, the automatic gearbox will
shift down to a lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. This
takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle Ÿ.
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor, the automatic gearbox shifts to
the next gear only after the engine reaches the specified maximum engine
speed.
Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-Control programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
xDeactivating the TCS Ÿpage 210.
xPress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
xPlace the selector lever in position S or Tiptronic.
xPress the accelerator with the right foot until the vehicle reaches an
engine speed of approximately 3,200 rpm.
xLift the left foot off the brake Ÿ. The vehicle starts with maximum
acceleration.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating!
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 kick-down and rapid acceleration when weather conditions,
surface conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
xPlease remember that the driven wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the TCS is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating.

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 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

Index 394
Anti-trap function
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Assist systems
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Auto Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Braking assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
DCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Dynamic chassis control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . 216
Optical 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
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Traction control when accelerating (TCS) . 217
Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Assistance systems
Electronic differential lock system (EDS) . . 217
Assisted braking systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Auto Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Automatic belt retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Automatic car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Switching Auto Hold off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Switching the start assist off . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic consumer disconnection . . . . . . . . 321
Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
DSG automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Ignition key lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Kickdown system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Launch-Control programme . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Manually unlocking the gear selection lever . .
352
Please also see "Changing gears" . . . . . . . 201
See "Automatic gearbox" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187, 298
Automatic off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Remote control range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Remote control: replacing the battery . . . . 189
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Switching on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188, 190
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Auxiliary heater remote control
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189AUX-IN connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Axle loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
B
BAS
See "Braking assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . 217
Battery
Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Discharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
See Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Battery acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Before starting out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Belt height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Belt tension device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service and disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Belt tension limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Bicycle carrier
Installing a bicycle carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Maximum load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Bonnet
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Bottle capacity
Windscreen washer water bottle . . . . . . . . 129
Bottle holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electronic parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212