2010 Seat Alhambra transmission

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)

Unlocking and locking111
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xSearch the manufacturer's instructions manual for the garage door or
gate to find the “setting button” for the power motor to synchronise a new
remote control.
xAfter pressing the “settings button” on the power motor, you have a
maximum of 30 seconds to press the button , or . Press the same
button once more to complete the process. For some systems, the button
must be pressed the third time.
Erasing the programming for all buttons
SEAT recommends erasing the programming for all buttons when selling or
loaning your vehicle.
xBefore programming, carry out the initial steps Ÿpage 110.
xPress the buttons and until the indicator above the button begins
to blink.
xRelease both buttons. All of the programmed functions are erased.
After programming
Check the garage door remote control Ÿpage 111, “Using the garage door
remote control”.
Using the garage door remote control
The vehicle must be within range of the garage door or gate power motor.
xWith the engine running or the ignition on, push the corresponding
button on the sunshade Ÿ.
WARNING
Careless use of the garage remote control can cause serious injury.
xOnly use the remote control when you can see the garage door and that
there is nobody in its way.
Caution
Use of inappropriate batteries may damage the remote control. For this
reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage,
size and specifications.
For the sake of the environment
Please dispose of your used batteries correctly and with the utmost respect
for the environment.
123
132
FaultPossible causePossible solution
Garage door or
electric system is
not working.
The batteries of
remote control are
flat.Change the batteries.
The remote control is
too far away or the
transmission angle
was to large.Vary the distance and the angle
to the receiver.
The garage door or
electric system are
not compatible.The system does not corre-
spond to legal requirements
and must be replaced.
Programming was
not completed cor-
rectly.Program the remote control
once more.

Driving 206
Selector lever locking
The gear selector lever lock prevents, in P or N, a gear selection from being
inadvertently engaged and the vehicle moving off accidentally.
To release the gear selector lever lock, press and hold the brake pedal with
the ignition on. Press simultaneously on the selector lever lock.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for
instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or
mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
pressed and the lever is in position N for more than about one second at a
speed of less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
In vehicles with a DSG
® automatic gearbox, on rare occasions the selector
lever lock may not engage. In this case, the transmission is locked to prevent
the vehicle from moving accidentally. The green control light
K flashes and
an information text is displayed. Proceed as follows to engage the selector
lever lock:
xPress the brake pedal and then release.
WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect position may cause loss of control
of the vehicle and a serious accident.
xDo not press the accelerator when engaging a range of gears.
xWith the engine running and a range of gears selected, the vehicle will
move off when the brake pedal is released.
xNever select reverse gear or the parking lock while driving.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAs a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is running, you must apply the electronic parking brake and engage parking
lock P.
xWhile the engine is running and with the D, S or R range of gears
selected, keep the brake pressed to keep the vehicle at a standstill. Trans-
mission is not totally interrupted either when the vehicle is idling or when
the vehicle continues moving forwards.
xNever engage the R or P gear ranges when the vehicle is moving.
xNever leave the vehicle with the gear selector in N. The vehicle may
move downhill regardless of whether the engine is switched on or not.
Caution
If, when the vehicle is at a standstill, the electronic parking brake is not
applied and the brake pedal is released while in position P, the vehicle may
move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.
Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is accidentally placed in position N, lift your
foot off the accelerator. Wait until the engine is running at idle speed before
selecting a new gear ratio.
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.

Driving225
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Parking sensor system
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound will
be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close to
the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot replace
driver awareness.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
xThe surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the
ultrasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these types
of clothes.
xExternal sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be
detected.
Caution
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could result in
damage to your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
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 (4 inches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles.
WARNING (continued)

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications289
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
xData relating to the engine or the gearbox
xSpeed
xDirection of travel
xBraking force
xDetection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone or
other appliances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehicle
position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the
system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network
operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. Therefore,
in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information about
how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag systems,
data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag
activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the manufac-
turer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehicle
owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stored
in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions, such
as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special equipment at the workshop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the instructions manual
will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT recommends that any
modifications are recorded in the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the program-
ming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehicle
fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from the
theoretical values of the electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever for opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection to
an exterior aerial
Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on stand-by. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding certain
values may be harmful to the human body. International committees and
authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure electro-
magnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits that do
not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclusive scien-
tific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.

If and when 376
xAs soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into
neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing instructions
Tow-rope or tow-bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can only be used for towing with
a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball Ÿpage 260.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
xMake sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
xDo not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
xDo not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
xIf a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four wheel drive
vehicles.Instructions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles
Four wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the
vehicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG
® (direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply Ÿpage 376.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
xIf the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
xIf the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
xIf the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the electronic parking brake and steering
lock are deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric
system fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and electronic steering lock.