2011 Seat Alhambra light

290
Checking and refilling levels
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery Fig. 173 In the engine
comp
ar
tment: Remove
the cover from the vehi-
cle's battery. Fig. 174 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: Unfold the
vehicle's battery hose.
The battery's electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicl
es, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other batteries do not re-
quire maintenance. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 196) ar
e equipped with a special battery label-
led “AGM”. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check the electrolyte
level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● Open the bonnet

 ⇒ p
age 275.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a cover: pres
s the tab ⇒ fig. 173 A in the direction of the
arro w and p
ull the cover upwards.
● In the case of a hose: fol
d the cover to one side to remove ⇒ fig. 174.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open fl
ames or sparklers as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery
wil

l change colour. Colour indicator Necessary operations
light yellow
or col
-
ourless The electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the b
att
ery checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a specialist workshop. Black indication The electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shoc

k.
● Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. 

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. 

305
Wheels and tyres
Press the hubcap against the wheel so that the space for the valve fits over
the tyr e
valve ⇒ fig. 182 1 . Make sure that the hubcap is correctly fitted all
the wa y
around the wheel. 
Wheel bolt caps Fig. 180 Removing the
wheel bo
lt

caps
● Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 320.
● In

sert the wire hook in the cap through the opening ⇒ fig. 180 and pul
l
outwards in the direction of the arrow.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be remounted after changing
the tyre.
The anti-theft wheel locking bolt has a special cap. This cap only fits on an-
ti-theft locking bolts and is not for use with standard wheel bolts. Changing a wheel*
Introduction The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be ch
an

ged when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. See
⇒  page 299
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ pag
e 71
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Wheel trims ⇒ pag
e 304
● Vehicle tools ⇒ pag
e 320 WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Ple a

se observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
dist
ance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a saf
e distance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
suppor
t the jack on a wide solid base.
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required pr
ocedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

311
Wheels and tyres
Changing a wheel Fig. 185 Changing the
wheel: loosen wheel
bo
lt
s with the socket at
the end of the wheel
brace.
Removing the wheel
● Please observe the check list ⇒ page 306.
● L

oosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 307.
● Jac

king up the vehicle ⇒ page 309.
● U

sing the hexagonal socket in the wheel brace ⇒ fig. 185, uns
crew the
slackened wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface.
● Take off the wheel.
Putting on the s
pare wheel
Check the direction of rotation of the tyre ⇒ page 295.
● Fit the wheel.
● Screw on the anti-theft locking bolt with the adapter in position
⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 clockwise and tighten gently.
● Replace the other wheel bolts and tighten slightl
y using the hexagonal
socket on the end of the wheel brace.
● Lower the car with the jack. ●
Tighten all of the wheel bolts clockwise ⇒  . Tighten the bolts in diago-
nal p

airs (not in a circle).
● Put the caps, trim or full hubcap back on ⇒ page 304. WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not treated suitably or not tightened to the correct
tor que then thi

s could lead to loss of vehicle control and to a serious ac-
cident.
● All the wheel bolts and hub threads should be clean and free of oil
and grea
se. The wheel bolts should be easily tightened to the correct tor-
que.
● The hexagonal socket in the wheel brace should be used for turning
wheel bolt
s only. Do not use it to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts. 
After changing the wheel ●
Clean the wheel brace, if necessary and put it away in the luggage com-
par tment

⇒ page 320.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possi-
ble w
ith a torque wrench ⇒ page 307. Note
If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre monitoring system, this should be “reprog-
rammed” if nec

essary whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 223.Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

312
If and when
If and when
In case of emergency
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ pag e 183
● Emer
gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314
● V

ehicle tools ⇒ page 320 WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other r o

ad users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
dist
ance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors ar
e to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures. Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle Fig. 186 In the centre of
the ins
trument

panel:
Switch for hazard warn-
ing lights.
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of cou
ntries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 314.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights on, a change in direction
or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn indicator lever. The
hazard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground
⇒  .
Turn on the h az

ard warning lights with the button  ⇒ 
fig. 186 .
C

onnect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
1.
2.
3.

313
If and when
Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 174.
St op the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example
behind a guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your ve-
hicle to other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to w
arn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Alwa
ys comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as dried grass or fuel). Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning
lights r

emain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
● For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds
of approximately 80 km/h to warn vehicles behind. If braking con-
tinues, then the hazard warning lights will automatically be turned on at the
speed of less than approximately 10 km an hour. The brake lights remain lit.
Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights will be automatically turned
off. 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. 