2011 Seat Alhambra bonnet

197
Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driv
er's door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switc
hing Start-Stop mode on and off manually
● Press the  button on the centre console ⇒ 
fig. 139.
● The b

utton will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine wi
ll start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually. WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
swit c

hed off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off. CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor temper-
atur e

s could damage the vehicle's battery. Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe
the corr e

sponding message on the instrument panel display. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

244
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Switch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a
c ar w
ash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when enterin
g and driving through the car wash.
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be fol
ded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
scr

een after drying them. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside
the car wa
sh. 
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning
equipment When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operatin
g in

structions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the re-
quired pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
⇒  .
Keep a s uit

able distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The
parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where applica-
ble, in the front bumpers ⇒  .
Do not u se a no

zzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt ⇒  . WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent d

amage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials.
This could result in serious accident.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at
large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may dam-
age the tyres. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the brakin
g distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not end
angering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process. CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not be above +60°C (+140°F).
● To av

oid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● The sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times t
o ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not
direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 

255
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Notes for the user Labels and p
latesSome parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cat
e

s of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the passeng-
er's sun visor, on the driver's door strut, or on the floor of the luggage com-
partment.
● Never remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are k
ept in good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is re-
plac
ed, the qualified workshop should attach the information back in the
same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards
and regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible
for road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation. The vehicle ignition system complies with sev-
eral standards, including the Canadian standard, ICES-002. 
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
acc
or

dance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture. If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an ex-
tended period of time, the ap

plicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deac-
tivate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particu-
larly true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period
of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio or navigation system supplied at the factory does not
work in another country. CAUTION
● SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the
u se of

a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
● SEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
ful

l with the legal requirements of other countries or continents. 
Radio reception and the aerial The aerial of radio and navigation systems fitted at the factory may be
mount
ed in diff

erent parts of the vehicle:
● On the inside of the rear window, next to the rear window heating,
● on the inside of the rear side windows,
● on the inside of the windscreen,
● on the roof of the car.
Aerials
mounted on the inside of a window can be recognised by the fine
wires. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

261
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone
or other app li
ances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehi-
cle position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation,
the system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the net-
work operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. There-
fore, in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information
about how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and
airbag activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the
manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehi-
cle owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stor-
ed in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions,
such as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instruc-
tions on the display can be modified using special equipment at the work-
shop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the in-
structions manual will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT rec-
ommends that any modifications are recorded in the section “Other work-
shop notes” in the Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the pro-
gramming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehi-
cle fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from
the theoretical values of the electronic control units. The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever f
or opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a Technical Service. 
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection
to an ext
erior aerial Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on st
and-b

y. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding cer-
tain values may be harmful to the human body. International committees
and authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure
electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits
that do not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclu-
sive scientific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free device, it will comply with
the legislation in many countries which only permits the use of mobile
phones inside vehicles using a hands-free device.
The hands-free system mounted at the factory has been designed for use
with conventional mobile phones and phones with Bluetooth technology.
Mobile phones should be placed on a suitable phone cradle. In addition,
the cradle should always be correctly fitted into the base plate. This ensures
that the mobile phone is securely fastened to the instrument panel and con-
nected to the exterior aerial of the vehicle.
If the mobile phone is connected to an aerial incorporated into the vehicle
or an exterior aerial connected to the vehicle, this will help to reduce the 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

276
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Onc e the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
openin g the bonnet:
– T
urn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the g
ear stick in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them uns
upervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised!
Do not un
screw the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it
.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
ste
am using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhau
st system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as c

ausing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
● T

o minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences
while the en
gine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps. WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injur

y.
● Never place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
bla

des could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine runnin
g, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with
the utmost caution.
–Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and lon
g hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive.
The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tool
s, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire. WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
comp ar

tment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks. 

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