2011 Seat Alhambra ECU

8
Safe driving
● Check that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
● Chec k
the tyre pressures ( ⇒ pag
e 293) and level of fuel (⇒ page 264).
● Ensure there is good visibility through all the windows.
● Make sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggag
e compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely fas-
tened ⇒ page 13.
● Ensure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
● Use child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height ⇒ 

page 39.
● Correctly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height ⇒ 

page 10.
● Wear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly
.
● The driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unob
structed.
● Before starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position thr
oughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehi-
cle ⇒ page 10.
● Correctly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it se-
curely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the
vehicle ⇒ page 21.
● Never carry more passengers than the number of available seats and
seat belts
in your vehicle.
● Never drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication, al-
cohol
or drugs).
● Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to re-
set or swit
ch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
● Always try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to
the condition of the gr
ound or the road and to weather and traffic condi-
tions.
● Observe the highway code and speed limits. ●
On long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
● If c

arrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accord-
ance with their w
eight and size. WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic mo

vements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having
a serious accident. Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order b ut

also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the ve-
hicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop. 
Driving abroad Check list
In some cou
ntrie

s, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you con-
sult a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for ex-
ample, a
djustment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts
required for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destination country? 

13
Safe driving
Also valid for the front passenger:
● Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible for optimum pro-
tection shou l
d the airbag deploy. 
Transporting objects Introduction Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical
po

sition. Always use the anchors provided with suitable rope to secure
heavy objects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well
as the distribution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving be-
haviour and braking ability ⇒  .
Addition a

l information and warnings:
● Tailgate ⇒ page 84
● T

o lower the passenger seat back ⇒ page 117
● Light

⇒ page 95
● Lug

gage compartment ⇒ page 125
● R

oof carrier ⇒ page 138
● T

owing mode ⇒ page 233
● Wheel

s and tyres ⇒ page 293 WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a s ud

den manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
obj

ects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or slings so that they cannot
enter the are
as around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden brak-
ing or an accident.
● Always ensure that objects inside the vehicle cannot move into the
area of
the bags while driving.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
● Remove all objects from the passenger seat when this is followed
down. When the se
at back is folded down, it presses on small and light
objects and these are detected by the weight sensor on the seat; this
sends false information to the airbag control unit.
● While the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag mus
t remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light
on.
● Objects secured in the vehicle should never be placed in such a way
as t
o make passengers sit in an incorrect position.
● If secured objects occupy a seat then this should not be occupied or
used by
anybody. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

14
Safe driving WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability change when transporting
heavy and l
arge objects.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early. 
Transporting a load Secure all objects in the vehicle
●
Distribute the load throughout the vehicle, on the roof and in a trailer as
unif orm

ly as possible.
● Transport heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage com-
partment
and lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
● Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the
fas

tening rings ⇒ page 125.
● Check the headlight adjustment ⇒ page 95.
● U

se the suitable tyre pressure according to the load being transported.
Rea
d the tire inflation information label ⇒ page 293.
● For vehicles with a tire pressure indicator, change the vehicle load status
⇒ page 221. CAUTION
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating element in
the re ar w

indow and cause damage. Note
Please note the information about loading a trailer ⇒ pag
e 233 and the
roof carrier system ⇒ page 138. 
Driving with the tailgate open Driving with the tailgate open creates an additional risk. Secure all objects
and secur
e the t

ailgate correctly and take all measures possible to reduce
toxic gases from entering the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open could cause serious injuries.
● Always drive with the tailgate closed.
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Loose items could fall out of the ve-
hicl e and injur

e other road users or damage other vehicles.
● Drive particularly carefully and think ahead.
● Avoid sudden manoeuvres and braking given that this could cause an
uncontr
olled movement of the open tailgate.
● When transporting objects that protrude out of the luggage compart-
ment, indicate them s
uitably. Observe legal requirements.
● If objects must project out of the luggage compartment, the tailgate
must
never be used to “secure” or “attach” objects.
● If a baggage rack is fitted on the tailgate, it should be removed before
travel
ling with the tailgate open. 

15
Safe driving WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
cou l
d cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tail-
gate c
losed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate
open, obser
ve the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the
vehicle:
–Close all windows and the sliding roof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
– Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
– Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level. CAUTION
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle. 
Driving a loaded vehicle For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
●
Secure all objects
⇒ pag
e 14.
● A

ccelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 233.
● If

necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 138. WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicl e r

esulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position. 
Specific vehicle weight information The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
tec
hnic

al data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles
cou l

d cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The loa

d and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the br
aking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed. CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When tran s

porting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

16
Seat belts
Seat belts
Brief introduction Introduction Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that
the belt
webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced immediately by a specialist
workshop ⇒  . The specialist workshop must use the appropriate spare
par ts

corresponding to the vehicle, the equipment and the model year. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Airb

ag system ⇒ page 31
● Chi

ld seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Int

egrated child seats ⇒ page 46
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fat a

l injuries. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if it is not fas-
tened and used correctly.
● Seats belts are the most effective ways of reducing the risk of sus-
taining sev
ere or fatal injuries In the event of an accident. Seat belts
must be correctly fastened when the vehicle is in motion to protect the
driver and all vehicle occupants. WARNING (Continued)
● Before each trip, every occupant in the vehicle occupants must sit
pr operly

, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and
keep it fastened throughout the trip. This also applies to other occupants
when driving in town.
● When travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a child
res

traint system suitable for their weight and height and with the seat
belts correctly fastened ⇒ page 39.
● Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before
driving off
.
● Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and en-
sure it
is engaged. Using the latch plate in the buckle of another seat will
not protect you properly and may cause severe injuries.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This c
ould damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never unbuckle your seat belt when the vehicle is moving.
● Never allow more than one passenger to share the same seat belt.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap sharing the same seat belt.
● Loose, bulky clothing (such as a jacket) impairs the proper fit and
function of
the seat belt. WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could re-
su lt

in serious injury or loss of life.
● Avoid damaging the seat belt by jamming it in the door or the seat
mechani
sm. 

23
Seat belts
Fastening the seat belt
Fa s
ten your seat belt before each trip.
● Adjust the front seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ page 10.
● En

gage the backrest of the rear seat in an upright position ⇒  .
● Pull the latch plate and place the belt webbing evenly across your chest
and lap . Do

not twist the seat belt when doing so ⇒  .
● Engage the latch plate in the buckle of the corresponding seat ⇒ fig. 10.
● Pull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged in the
buc k

le.
Unfastening the seat belt
The seat belt must not be unfastened until the vehicle has come to a stand-
still ⇒  .
● Press the red button on the buckle ⇒ fig. 11. The lat
ch plate is released
from the buckle.
● Guide the belt back by hand so that it rolls up easily and the trim will not
be damag
ed. WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe or fatal injuries in the
event of

an accident.
● The seat belt cannot offer its full protection unless the backrests are
in an upright pos
ition and the seat belt is worn correctly, according to
your size.
● Unbuckling your seat belt while the vehicle is in motion can cause se-
vere or f
atal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden braking. Fastening or unfastening the seat belt with two buckles
Fig. 12 Fasten the seat
belt on the c
entr

e seat in
the second row of seats.
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the position that
most
protects them in the event of an accident or sudden braking ⇒  .
The seat belts
for the centre seat in the second row of seats and for the
seats in the third row of seats are fastened using two buckles.
Fastening the seat belt
Fasten your seat belt before each trip.
● Adjust the rear seat and head restraint correctly ⇒ page 10.
● En

gage the backrest of the rear seat in an upright position ⇒  .
● Use latch plate of the belt ⇒ fig. 12 1 to pull the seat belt down. Do
not
twi s

t the seat belt when doing so ⇒  .
● Engage the latch plate 1 in the buckle of the corresponding seat
A .
● Use the latch plate 2 to pull the seat belt across your lap.
● Engage the latch plate 2 in the buckle of the corresponding seat
B .
● Pull the belt to ensure that both latc
h plates are securely engaged in the
buckles. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

26
Seat belts Note
If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct posi-
tion of the belt w
ebbing, contact a Technical Service for help with any spe-
cial devices to ensure the optimum protection of the seat belt and airbag.
SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Belt height adjustment Fig. 15 Next to the front
seat
s: belt

height adjust-
er.
Using the height adjusters for the front seats and the outer seats of the sec-
ond row
, the position of the seat belts can be adjusted in the shoulder area
according to the height of the occupant:
● Keep the guide device pressed down in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 15.
● Move the guide device up or down until the seat belt lies over the centre
of y

our shoulder ⇒ page 24, Seat belt position.
● Release the guide device.
● Pull the belt sharply to check that the device is engaged securely. WARNING
Never adjust the belt height while the vehicle is in motion. 
Seat belt tensioners
Autom atic

belt retainer, belt tension device, belt tension
limiter Seat belts are part of the vehicle safety concept
⇒ page 31 and c
onsist of
the following important functions:
Automatic belt retainer
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retainer on the shoulder
belt. If the belt is pulled slowly or during normal driving, the system allows
for total freedom of movement on the shoulder belt. However, during sud-
den braking, during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration,
the automatic belt retainer on the seat belt is locked is pulled quickly.
Belt tension devices
The seat belts on the front seats and the outer seats of the second row are
equipped with belt tension devices.
Sensors will trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, lateral
and rear collisions and retract and tighten the seat belts. If the seat belt is
loose, it is retracted to reduce the forwards movement of occupants or
movement in the direction of the collision. The belt tension device works in
combination with the airbag system. The belt tension device will not be trig-
gered in the event of the vehicle overturning if the side airbags are not de-
ployed.
If the belt tension device is triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal
and it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle. 

34
Airbag system
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 17 and
the airb ag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ fig. 18. Air-
bags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
When the front airbags are triggered they fill the zones marked in red (de-
ployment area) ⇒ fig. 17. Therefore, objects should never be placed or
mounted in these areas ⇒  , Factory-fitted accessories are outside the
ran g

e of the front airbag for the driver and the front passenger, e.g. the
baseplate for the mobile phone support.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or dash panel when the
driver and front passenger airbags are triggered ⇒ fig. 18. The airbag covers
remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel. WARNING
The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second.
● Always keep the deployment areas of the front airbags free.
● Never secure objects to the covers or in the deployment area of the
airbag modu l

es, e.g. cup holders or phone supports.
● The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must
not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.
● Never fix any object to the windscreen above the front airbag on the
front p
assenger side.
● Do not alter, cover or stick anything to the steering wheel hub or the
surf
ace of the airbag module on the passenger side of the dash panel. WARNING
Front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel ⇒ fig. 17 and
the da sh p

anel ⇒ fig. 18.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel on the outer edge of
the ring with both h
ands: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. WARNING (Continued)
● Adju st the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between
y our c

hest and the hub of the steering wheel. If you physical constitution
prevents you from meeting these requirements, make sure you contact a
specialist workshop.
● Adjust the front passenger's seat so there is as much distance as pos-
sibl
e between the front passenger and the dash panel. 
Types of front passenger airbag systems There are two different SEAT front passenger airbag systems:
A B
Characteristics of the front passen-
ger airb
ag th

at can only be disabled
in a specialist workshop. Characteristics of the front passen-
ger airb
ag th
at can be disabled
manually ⇒ page 35. 
Name: airbag sy s
tem 
Name: airbag sy s tem with front
passenger airbag disabling. 
Warning lamp  on the in s
tru-
ment panel. 
Warning lamp  on the in s tru-
ment panel. 
Front passenger airbag located in
the d a

sh panel. 
Front passenger airbag located in
the d a

sh panel. 
PASSENGER AIR BAG   warning
l amp on the in

strument panel. 
Key switch in the glove compart-
ment on the fr

ont passenger side of
the dash panel. 