2011 Seat Alhambra ESP

269
Checking and refilling levels
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
r ec
ommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
repl
acement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic
converter and could damage it. 
Diesel Diesel fuel
Diesel
f

uel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter serv-
ice intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme ⇒  . Your qualified work-
shop wi l

l be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0°C (+32°F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low
as -20°C (-4°F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available. A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temper

atures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will de-
pend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This en-
sures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24°C (-11.2°F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C (+5°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24°C (-11.2°F), simply place the vehicle in a
warm garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam
may be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it
is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off. WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sud den ri

se in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious in-
jury. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

271
Checking and refilling levels
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue)
Introduction The AdBlue fill level must be checked when the vehicle is being serviced
⇒ Bookl
et
Maintenance Programme.
Additional information and warnings:
● Luggage compartment ⇒ p
age 125
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● Wheels

and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle may not restart after switch-
ing the ignition off .

The emergency start or jump start will not be possi-
ble either!
● Top up with AdBlue at the latest 1000 km or 600 miles before it runs
out.
● Do not a

llow the AdBlue to run too low. WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can cause injuries if it touches
the skin, ey e

s or respiratory organs.
● If AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin, rinse for at least 15 mi-
nutes
with plenty of water and seek medical help.
● If the AdBlue is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of water for at
lea

st 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recommended by
a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately. CAUTION
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastic, items of
clothin g and c

arpets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as quickly as possi-
ble using a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
● If the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with warm water and a sponge. 
Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 (red) The engine cannot be restar-
ted!
The l

evel of AdBlue is too
low. Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
saf
e and fl
at area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required ⇒ page 273.  (red)
with
 The engine cannot be restar-
ted!
AdBlue sy

stem malfunc-
tion. Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the sy
s
tem checked there. 
(yel-
lo w) The AdBlue reserve is low. Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metre
s

or miles as indicated
⇒ page 273. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialist work-
shop.  (red)
with
 There is a fault in the AdBlue
sys
t

em or unsuitable AdBlue
fluid has been used. Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the sy
s
tem checked there. Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is
sw

itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

275
Checking and refilling levels
Working in the engine compartment Introduction Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
park
ed on horiz
ontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒  ! Have
the work c

arried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 105
● St

art and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● Br

ake fluid ⇒ page 183
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● Chec

ks when filling up ⇒ page 264
● En

gine oil ⇒ page 279
● En

gine coolant ⇒ page 283
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If y

ou must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stand
s additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries. WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury .
● F

or all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
ful

ly and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
famili
ar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Technical Service to carry out the necessary work. In-
correct work can cause serious injuries.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine comp
artment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
● Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause b
urns. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

278
Checking and refilling levels
Opening and closing the bonnet Fig. 166 In the footwell
on the driver s
ide: L
ever
for unlocking the bonnet. Fig. 167 Release lever to
open the bonnet in the
r a

diator grille.
Opening the bonnet
The lever t
o open the bonnet can only be used if the driver's door is open. ●
Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in p
lace against the windscreen ⇒  .
● Open the driver's door.
● Pull the release lever ⇒ fig. 166 in the direction of the arr
ow. The bonnet
is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒  .
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever ⇒ fig. 167 (arrow) and open the
bonnet
fully. The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
● To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure
⇒  .
● Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier. Do not pre
ss down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
le av

ing the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the lockin
g mechanism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be flush with
the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immedi
ately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
rang
e. 

279
Checking and refilling levels CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the w
indscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Engine oil Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
⇒ Book l
et Maintenance Programme
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
● Engine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
app lie

s to use oil until it has been disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people m
ay accidentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come
into cont
act with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
● With the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause sev
ere skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled. For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the en-
vir onment

. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the environ-
ment. 
Warning and control lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 Insufficient engine oil. Switch the engine off. Check the
engine oi
l

level ⇒ page 281. flashes Possible cause Solution
 Engine oil pressure too low. 
Stop the vehicle!
Sw it

ch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
- If the warning indicator flashes
although the oil level is correct,
do not continue driving or leave
the engine running. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged.
You should obtain professional
assistance.  Engine oil sensor faulty. Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the en
gine oi

l sensor
checked. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

280
Checking and refilling levels WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a
y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. 
Engine oil specifications Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications.
The corr
ect

oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long serv-
ice life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil
that can generally be used all year round.
Only use an oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible ⇒  . If
you w i

sh to maintain the long-life service duration, only engine oils ap-
proved for this service according to the corresponding VW standard ( ⇒ table
on page 280) may be used. All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade oils.
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Qualified workshops
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a SEAT Dealership. Engines Engine oil specifications
with LongLife service without LongLife service
Petrol engines VW 504 00, VW 503 00 VW 504 00, VW 502 00
Diesel engines VW 507 00 VW 507 00 CAUTION
● Only use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
S EA

T. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of s
uch additives would not be covered by the factory warranty. 

281
Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine oil level and topping up Fig. 168 Marked engine
oil
dip
stick. Fig. 169 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: Engine oil
filler cap. Preparations
●
Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
● Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
sump.
When the engine has cooled down, immediately check the oil level
and top up if necessary.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ p
age 275.
● The engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol  on the
cap ⇒ 
fig. 169 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Checking the engine oil level
● Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
● Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick has a
mark, when y
ou reintroduce it this mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
● Remove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level ⇒ tabl
e on
page 281.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil
topping up ranges fig. 168 Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up lev
el: Area
A Do not top up oil
⇒  .
Area
B Add approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon).
The oil
l

evel can be in the zone A , but never above
A .
Area
C : It is
essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a g al

lon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone B after adding oil.
Adding oil after checking the level
Only
a

dd engine oil in small quantities and in steps. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

283
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a shor t
period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required. WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
pl e

ase note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Alw

ays keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so th
at the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never c

ollect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other container
s as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children. For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
dis po

sal. For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never di s

pose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operation
s

to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒  ! Have
the work c

arried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 233
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a saf e p

lace.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people m
ay accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowe
st outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze c
ausing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data