2011 Seat Alhambra check oil

251
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning CAUTION
Failure to observe the instructions in the check list for caring for your up-
hol s
tery could result in damage or discolouration of the upholstery and cov-
ers.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations. Note
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a Technical Service to treat any
stain
s on the upholstery caused by the discolouration of clothing. 
Cleaning upholstery, textile covers and Alcantara ®
mat eri
alNormal cleaning
●
Before applying cleaning products, please read the instructions for han-
dling and the w arnin

gs shown on the container.
● The upholstery, textile covers, Alcantara ®
materi
al and mats should be
regularly vacuumed (with vacuum brush).
● We recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre cloth
for normal
cleaning ⇒  .
● Clean Alcantara ®
sur f
aces with a damp lint-free cotton, wool or micro-
fibre cloth used for normal cleaning ⇒  .
General s
uperficial dirt on upholstery and textile covers can be cleaned with
a normal foam cleaning product.
If the upholstery and the material trims are very dirty, we recommend you
have them cleaned by a specialist cleaning form.
Cleaning stains
It may be necessary to clean the whole surface and not only the stain itself.
Especially if the surface has been dirtied through normal use. Otherwise, the stained area may become lighter than the rest of the surface after treat-
ment. Type of stain Cleaning the vehicle
Water-based stains
,
e.g. c off

ee or fruit
juice. 
Use a sponge and wipe with a solution of water
and w oo
l wash.
 Dry the area gently with a soft dry cloth. Persistent stains
,
e.g. c hoc

olate or
make-up. 
Apply cleaning paste a)
dir ectly to the stain and
treat.
 Next, rinse with clean water using a sponge or
damp cloth to remove the cleaning product deposits.
 Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth. Grease-based
st
ain

s, e.g. oil or lip-
stick. 
Apply a neutral soap or cleaning paste a)
and tr e at
the stain.
 Apply absorbent material to loose colorants or par-
ticles of grease.
 Then rinse the area with clean water. Take care not
to soak the upholstery. a)
Bile soap can be used as a cleaning paste. CAUTION
● Brushes should only be used to clean the mats and floor mat! Other sur-
f ac

es may be damaged if a brush is used.
● Do not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more incrus-
ted in the mat
erial when steam is applied.
● Alcantara ®
uphols
teries should never be soaked.
● Do not use leather cleaning products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream,
spot r
emovers or similar products on Alcantara ®
.
● Never use brushes for cleaning damp material as they could damage the
surf
ace.
● Do not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more incrus-
ted in the mat
erial when steam is applied. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

263
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
The vehicle should not be lifted using lifting platforms with lift pads con-
tainin g fluid.
When r
aising a vehicle using a platform or jack, a series of precautionary
measures are required. Never raise the vehicle with a lifting platform or jack
unless you have received training in how to do so and know how to lift the
vehicle safely.
Notes on raising the vehicle with a jack ⇒ page 309. WARNING
The improper use of the lifting platform or the jack when raising the vehi-
cl e m

ay result in accidents or serious injury.
● Before raising the vehicle, please observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions f
or the platform or jack, and the legal requirements, where applica-
ble.
● There should not be anyone inside the vehicle when it is being raised
or once it i
s in the air.
● Only use the jacking points indicated in the figures ⇒ fig. 160
and
⇒ fig. 161 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at the indi-
cated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or gearbox is
being dismounted, for example.
● The jacking points should be centrally aligned and firmly positioned
on the platf
orm support plates.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised! The vehicle may fall
from the pl
atform due to the engine vibrations.
● If it is necessary to work underneath the vehicle while it is raised, you
should c
heck that the supporting stands have an adequate load capacity.
● Never climb onto the lifting platform.
● Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the
lifting p
latform load capacity. CAUTION
● Never raise the vehicle at the engine oil sump, the gearbox or the rear or
fr ont

axles.
● Always use an intermediat
e rubber support to prevent damage to the
vehicle underbody. Check that the arms of the lifting platform are able to
move with obstruction.
● The arms should not come into contact with the side running boards or
other parts
of the vehicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

265
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the c ani
s
ter while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spar
e fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, f
or example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
av oid d

amage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause seriou
s engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the
wrong fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine run-
ning, the composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel
system and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no cir
cumstances should you re-
fuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty. For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allo w a pr

ofessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
nece s

sary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 162 On the instru-
ment p
anel: F

uel gauge
for petrol and diesel. lights up Gauge posi-
tion
⇒ fig. 162 Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 Red mark (ar-
row) The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The r
e

serve tank is be-
ing used ⇒ page 363. Refuel as soon as
pos
s
ible ⇒  .
 Fuel tank not closed
corr
ectly

. Stop the vehicle and
clo
se the t
ank flap
properly. 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.
When the control lamp lights up or the auxiliary heater and the auxiliary
heater running off petrol automatically switch off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

267
Checking and refilling levels
Closing the tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush w ith the body
contour. WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel t

ank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
av oid d

amage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork. For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions Information on bulb replacement
⇒ pag
e 326.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 275, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Check the following reg-
ularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ pag
e 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ pag
e 279 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ p
age 283
● Brake fluid level ⇒ pag
e 183
● Tyre pressure ⇒  pag
e 293
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Indicator
s
Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97 WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cident s

and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations. 
Fuel Introduction You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel
f

or your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Bookl et Maintenance Programme
● R

efuelling ⇒ pag e 264
● En

gine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 228
–
–
–
–
–
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

270
Checking and refilling levels CAUTION
● The vehicle is not pr epared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and sub-
sequently lead to engine faults!
● The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standar
d EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example)
is authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel
system.
● The diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefor
e, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composi-
tion of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the en-
gine.
● The use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considera-
bly r
educe the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your qualified work-
shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content. 
Information on fuel consumption The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehic
l

e. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different ve-
hicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions of a vehicle not on-
ly depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.
Calculating fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the cur-
rent version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows: Urban cycle Measurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
st
ar

t. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50 km/
h. Road cycle In the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent ac-
cel
er

ation and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h. Combined The average combined consumption is calculated with a
weightin
g of

around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle. CO
2 emis-
s ion

s of the
combination The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles
to c
alc
ulate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO 2 con-
tent and other emissions. Note
● The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This
c ou

ld raise consumption and the CO 2 emissions slightly.
● In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calcula-
ted ba
sed on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations. 

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

277
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Nev er pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
en gine p
arts and cause injuries.
● If it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
ple

ase follow the instructions below:
– Always disconnect the vehicle battery. When disconnecting the
batter
y, ensure that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise the antitheft
alarm will be triggered.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames
or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extin-
guisher clo
se by. CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right t

ank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
shoul d m

ake regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take
the vehicle to a specialist workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or
other fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. 
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment Checklist
Carr
y

out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment ⇒  : ●
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
● Pre

ss and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
● Mo

ve 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.
● W

ait for the engine to cool down.
● Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
● Ens

ure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly. WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in seri-
ous injur

y.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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