2011 Seat Alhambra ignition

319
If and when
Manually unlocking the gear selection lever Fig. 195 Remove the lin-
ing fr
om the ar
ea of the
gear indication. Fig. 196 Manual release
of g
e

ar selector lever.
If the vehicle power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and
the vehic
le has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be
moved to position N using the manual release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is located underneath the gearbox cover
panel t

o the right-hand side. To release the gear selector lever mechanism,
a suitable tool is required, for example a screwdriver.
Preparations
● Apply the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be activated in the
vehicl
e must be secured otherwise so that it cannot move.
● Switch the ignition off.
To remo
ve the gearbox cover panel
● Pull the cover up around the dust guard on the gear selector lever
⇒ fig. 195.
● Take the cover off by passing it over the gear selector lever ⇒  .
Manua l

release of selector lever
● Press the release lever ⇒ fig. 196 in the direction of the arr
ow and hold
it in this position.
● Press the lock button ⇒ fig. 195 1 on the gear selector lever knob and
pl ac

e the gear selector lever in the N position. WARNING
Never move the gear selector lever from the position P while the electron-
ic p ark

ing brake is deactivated. Otherwise, the vehicle may accidentally
move off on hills or steep slopes causing serious accidents. CAUTION
If the vehicle is moved on its wheels with the engine stopped and the selec-
tor l ev

er in position N for a prolonged period of time and at high speed, for
example for towing, then the automatic gearbox will be damaged. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

322
If and when
Fuses
Introduction Due to the constant update of vehicles, fuse assignments depending on
equipment and the u
se of
the same fuse for various electrical components,
at the time of printing this manual it is not possible to provide an up-to-date
summary of the electrical components fuse positions. For detailed informa-
tion about the fuse positions, please consult a Technical Service.
In general, a fuse can be assigned to various electrical components. Like-
wise, an electrical component can be protected by several fuses.
Only replace fuses when the cause of the problem has been solved. If a
newly inserted fuse blows after a short time, you must have the electrical
system checked by a qualified dealership as soon as possible.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275WARNING
The high voltages in the electrical system can give serious electrical
shock s, c

ausing burns and even death!
● Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system. WARNING
Using unsuitable fuses, repairing fuses or bridging a current circuit with-
out f u

ses can cause a fire and serious injury.
● Never use a fuse with a higher value. Only replace fuses with a fuse of
the same amperag
e (same colour and markings) and size.
● Never repair a fuse.
● Never replace a fuse by a metal strip, staple or similar. CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicles electric system, before replacing a fuse
t urn off

the ignition, the lights and all electrical elements and remove the
keys from the ignition.
● If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another part
of the electrical system.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity
inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem. Note
● One single consumer could have more than one fuse.
● Sev er

al consumers could run over one single fuse. 

324
If and when CAUTION
● Always carefully remove the fuse box covers and refit them correctly to
av oid pr
oblems with your vehicle.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity
inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem. Note
In the vehicle, there are more fuses than those indicated in this chapter.
These shoul
d only be changed by a specialist workshop. 
Replacing a blown fuse Fig. 201 Image of a
blo
wn f

use. Fig. 202 Removing or fit-
ting a f
u

se.
Preparation
● Switch off the ignition, lights and all electrical equipment.
● Open the corresponding fuse box ⇒ page 323
Identif
ying a blown fuse
A fuse is blown if its metal strip is ruptured ⇒ fig. 201.
Point a lamp at the fuse. This will make it easier to see if the fuse is blown.
To replace a fuse
● If necessary, remove the plastic pincers from the fuse box cover.
● For small fuses, insert the pincers from above ⇒ fig. 202 A .
● For larger fuses , inser
t the pincers from one side of the fuse B .
● Remove the relevant fuse.
● Replace the blown fuse by one with an identica
l amperage rating (same
colour and markings) and identical size ⇒  .
● Replace the cover. 

327
If and when
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.
Checking the bulbs of a trailer
For vehicles with the factory fitted trailer system, certain trailer lights are al-
so controlled if the socket is correctly connected.
A fault on a trailer turn indicator is indicated on the instrument panel by the
indicator blinking twice as fast (  or ) ⇒ page 95.
● General fault of all indicators on one side.
● Fault in one tail light (on some models, also the registration light).
● Fault in two brake lights. 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. Note
A fault in the LED on the tail lights will not be indicated. However, if the fault
affects al

l the LEDs then this will be indicated by the indicator . Information for replacing bulbs Checklist
To r
ep

lace a bulb, carry out the following operations always in the order giv-
en ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
Turn the light switch to position 0 ⇒ page 95.
Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒ page 95.
Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P ⇒ page 174.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 174.
Wait until all of the passenger compartment lights are turned off
⇒ page 95.
Allow the corresponding bulb to cool. Visually inspect fuses to see if any are blown ⇒ page 322.
Replace the bulb according to the instructions ⇒  . Bulbs should only
be rep l

aced by new identical models. Bulb information is displayed on
the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
In general, never touch the bulb glass directly. The heat of the bulb
would cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector.
This will impair the brightness of the headlight.
Check if the new bulb is working. If the bulb is not working, it may not
have been correctly fitted, it could be damaged or the connector may
not be correctly connected.
Every time a bulb for the headlights is replaced, visit a specialised
workshop to check the headlights. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

339
If and when
The vehicles should not touch. Otherwise, current may be allowed to flow
when the pos itiv
e poles are connected.
Connect the clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with the ter-
minals.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10
seconds and try again after about a minute.
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
Jump lead terminal connections
● Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒ page 170.
● Lik

ewise, open the battery cover in the engine compartment
⇒  pag

e 288, or remove the positive pole cap from one side 1)
, in the direc-
tion of the arrow ⇒ fig. 215.
● Connect one end of the red
jump lead to the positive terminal
⇒  fig. 216 + or ⇒ 
fig. 215 + of the vehicle with the flat battery
A ⇒  .
● Connect the other end of the red
jump lead to the positive terminal + in
the v ehic
le providing assistance B .
● For vehicles without
Start-Stop system: Connect one end of the black
jump lead to the negative terminal - in the vehicle providing assistance
B ⇒ fig. 216.
● For vehicles with St
art-Stop system: Connect one end of the black X jump lead to a suitable ground connection, a solid piece of metal in the en-
gine bloc
k, or t
o the engine block ⇒ fig. 217.
● Connect the other end of the black
jump lead X to a solid metal compo-
nent c onnect
ed to the engine block, or onto the engine block itself of the
vehicle with the flat battery however, connect it as far away as possible from
the battery A ⇒  .
● Place the leads so that they cannot be caught by any moving parts in the
engine c omp

artment. Switching on
●
Start the engine of the vehicle supplying current and let it run at idling
speed.
● Star

t the engine of the car with the flat battery and wait two or three mi-
nutes
until the engine is “running smoothly”.
Removing the jump leads
● Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are
switc
hed on).
● Turn on the heating and rear window heater in the vehicle with the flat
batter
y. This helps minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the
leads are disconnected.
● With the engines running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to con-
nection.
● Close the battery cover, or replace the positive pole cap 1)
. WARNING
Incorrectly jump starting could cause the battery to explode resulting in
serious injur

y. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of
a battery explosion:
● All work involving the vehicle battery and electrical system can cause
corro
sion, fire and serious electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the safety warnings and standards before beginning work on the
battery ⇒ page 288, Vehicle battery.
● Always protect your eyes with suitable working goggles and never
lean o
ver the vehicle battery.
● The jump leads must be connected in the correct order: first the posi-
tive cab
le, then the negative cable. 1)
Vehicles whose battery is not located in the engine compartment ⇒ page 338. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

340
If and when WARNING (Continued)
● Do not attach the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the
br ak
e hose/pipe.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. A
lso, the cable connected to the positive pole of the battery
should never enter into contact with electrically conductive parts of the
vehicle.
● Check the magic eye on the battery; use a lamp if necessary. If it is
cle

ar yellow or clear, do not start the vehicle: obtain specialist technical
assistance.
● Avoid static electricity discharges in the area around the battery. In
the event of
sparks, explosive gases coming from the battery could ig-
nite.
● Never use starting assistance if the vehicle battery is damaged, fro-
zen or ha
s been frozen. 
Towing and tow starting Introduction When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For t
ec

hnical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  pag

e 228 WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock c

ould engage. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident. WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
cons
iderably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operat
e. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does
not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently. CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the v

ehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age! 

341
If and when
Instructions for tow starting In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much mor
e pr
eferable ⇒ page 337.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake, given that it is possible that
the brake w
ill not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control units do
not operat
e correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As 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 to
w

ing, 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
advi

sable 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 ⇒ page 233.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not

drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels r
aised. 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 ⇒ page 341.
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:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic
parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be cov
ered is greater than 50 km (30 miles). Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

343
If and when
Fitting the tow ring to the rear for vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch
● Take the tow ring from the on-board tools ⇒ page 320.
● Pr
ess on the upper cover and carefully remove it back. This may require
some stren
gth. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the tow ring into its position anticlock
wise as far as it will go
⇒  . Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its location.
● After towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clock
wise and put the
cover back in place. CAUTION
● The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Other-
w i

se, it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can on
ly be used for towing
with a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball. Otherwise, the
tow hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. 
Towing advice Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
driver
s

should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on
an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn indicator lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest
position, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically. Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic
parking brake and to activate the turn signal indicators, the horn
as well as the window wipers and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not run-
ning, y
ou will need more strength to steer than normally.
● The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. A
void hitting the towing vehicle.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the
vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
● Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the
vehicle to be towed. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data