2011 Seat Alhambra ESP

284
Checking and refilling levels For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in s
uitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge Fig. 170 Engine coolant
temper
at

ure gauge on
the instrument panel: A cold area;
B normal
are a; C warning area.
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The tem-
perat ur

e may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. lights up Gauge po-
sition
⇒  fig. 170 Possible cause Solution
 Warning
are a C Excessive engine
coo
l

ant tempera-
ture. 
Stop the vehicle!
St op the

vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant lev-
el ⇒ page 286. Normal
are a B Insufficient engine
coo
l

ant level. Check the engine coolant
when the engine h
a

s cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant ⇒ page 286.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault. -- Engine coolant
sys
t

em faulty. 
Do not drive any further.
O bt
ain professional assis-
tance. -- Cold area
A -- Avoid revving the engine too
much or m
ak

ing it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature. flashes Possible cause Solution
 Engine coolant system faulty. You should obtain professio-
nal
a

ssistance. 

285
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.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
● 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 coolant specifications The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at
le
a

st 40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine
coolant additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in
colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also pre-
vents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must al-
ways be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries
with a warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity. When adding coolant, a mixture of
disti
lled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection
⇒  .
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
sys t

em, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
● 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. CAUTION
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEA T

. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine
and the engine cooling system.
● The engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and
G 11.
● If the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, thi
s means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with an-
other coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and
engine damage! For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in s

uitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

291
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
b lindne
ss. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings
to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abund
antly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately. 
Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
batt er

y Charging the battery
The v
ehic

le battery should be charged by a specialist workshop only, as bat-
teries using special technology have been installed and they must be charg-
ed in a controlled environment ⇒  . SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Serv ic

e.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a quali-
fied SEAT workshop for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new bat-
tery in your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have
the battery replaced by a qualified SEAT workshop.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 196) ar
e equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the al
arm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒  .
Connectin g the

vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric dev
ices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒  .
Differ ent

control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 57. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range
of measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands
are made on it: Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

292
Checking and refilling levels
● the idling s peed i s increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even comp
letely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and
the cigar
ette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle
is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly
if the ignition is
switched on.
● Use of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ page 163.WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short -c

ircuits, fire and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose proper
ties, specifications and size correspond to the stand-
ard battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
ch ar

ge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at
temperatures around 0°C (+32°F). WARNING (Continued)
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● B
att

ery cables not correctly connected may cause a short circuit. Re-
connect fir
st the positive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine i s

running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Never plug accessories supply current, such as solar panels or a battery
char
ger, to the 12-volt sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage
the vehicle's electrical system. For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-friendly manner. Batteries con-
t ain t

oxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service
fluids and al
low a dispose of them correctly. 

297
Wheels and tyres WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their max-
imum brak in
g capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken f
or the first 600 km (370 miles). WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in ac-
cord
ance with the vehicle design. If this is not the case, the tyres may
rub against parts of the running gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to
faults in the brake system or to tread detachment, and the risk of burst
tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyre
s manufactured and approved by SEAT and should not rub against
parts of the vehicle. Note
● Although tyres may be shown as being the same size, the true dimen-
s ion

s of different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or
tread patterns may be different.
● If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true
tyre dimen
sions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the
tyre vendor should provide the manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indi-
cating that this type of tyre is suitable for your vehicle. This certificate
should always be carried with the vehicle. Tyre pressures
Fig. 176 Position of tyre pressure specification plate.
The corr ect

tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label
and is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label ⇒ fig. 176 is either in
the driver's door strut or inside the fuel cap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the car's handling ⇒  . It is essential to maintain the cor-
rect ty

re pressures, especially if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre pres-
sure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
The pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for cold tyres. When the tyres are
hot, the pressures are greater. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

299
Wheels and tyres
Tread depth
Cer t
ain driving conditions require a deeper tread, as well as needing the
tread to be approximately the same on the front and rear tyres. This is par-
ticularly important when driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on wet
roads ⇒  .
The minimum tre a

d depth required by law in the majority of cases is 1.6 mm
(1/16 of an inch), measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indi-
cators. Observe legal requirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced when the tread has worn
to 4 mm (5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) high ⇒ fig. 177
tread wear indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators
are equally spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls
(for example, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the
wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be re-
placed before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator. WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of
the v ehic

le with serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same lev-
el as
the tread pattern. WARNING (Continued)
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfa-
c e

s, increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or dif-
ficult
driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding. 
Damaged tyres Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unu
s

ual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one
of the tyres is damaged ⇒  .
● Slow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
near e

st qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
● Y

ou should obtain professional assistance immediately.
The sealant
at the lower part of the tyre tread wraps around the foreign body
and provisionally seals the tyre.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

300
Wheels and tyres
Driving style : driving r ound bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres
wear too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a Technical
Service.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and sus-
pension. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again.
When a new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again.
Running gear settings : an incorrectly positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a specialist workshop. WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls to one side while driving,
this m

ay indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
● Check

the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified as-
sis

tance immediately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
neare
st qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked. 
Winter tyres* In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles han-
dling.
The de

sign of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle brak-
ing performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT rec- ommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7°C (+45°F).
The perf

ormance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn be-
low 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting per-
formance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each country.
● Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
● Only use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
● Only use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and trea
d pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒  .
Speed limit
A c ode l

etter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 303.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion indicator) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further
information on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures
for the tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response. 

303
Wheels and tyres Tyre code (example) Meaning
DOT BT RA TY5 1709 Tyre identification number (TIN
a)
, ma y be only on
interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture: DOT The tyre complies with the legal require-
ments of
the US

Department of Trans-
port, responsible for tyre safety regula-
tions. BT Place of manufacture code.
RA Information about manufacturer and tyre
siz
e. TY5 Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709 Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWI This identifies the position of the Tread Wear In-
dicat
or

⇒ page 298. MAX LOAD 615 KG
(1356 LBS) US load rating, indicating maximum permitted
loa
d per ty

re. MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI) US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre
pre
s

sure. SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Information about tyre wall components:
1 la
y

er of rayon (artificial silk). TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAY
ON + 2

STEEL +
1 NYLON Information about tread components:
In the ex
amp
le, there are 4 layers below the
tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of
steel reinforcement and 1 layer of nylon. Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of
the es
t

ablished base tyres (standardised test procedures) :TREADWEAR 280 Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to
spec
ific

US standard test. TRACTION AA Braking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B
or C). Tyre code (example) Meaning
TEMPERATURE A Tyre temperature resistance at higher test
speed
s

(A, B or C). If there are different letters, they are specific codes of the tyre manufac-
tur
er or s

pecific national codes. a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Ty r

es with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best
when rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates
the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. Always observe the
direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each
wheel can carry (load capacity).
615 kg (1356 pounds)
650 kg (1433 pounds)
690 kg (1521 pounds)
730 kg (1609 pounds)
775 kg (1709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph) 
91
93
95
97
99
P
Q
R
S
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Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data