2011 Seat Alhambra oil level

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

280
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.
● 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 oil specifications Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications.
The corr
ect

oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long serv-
ice life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil
that can generally be used all year round.
Only use an oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible ⇒  . If
you w i

sh to maintain the long-life service duration, only engine oils ap-
proved for this service according to the corresponding VW standard ( ⇒ table
on page 280) may be used. All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade oils.
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Qualified workshops
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a SEAT Dealership. Engines Engine oil specifications
with LongLife service without LongLife service
Petrol engines VW 504 00, VW 503 00 VW 504 00, VW 502 00
Diesel engines VW 507 00 VW 507 00 CAUTION
● Only use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
S EA

T. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of s
uch additives would not be covered by the factory warranty. 

281
Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine oil level and topping up Fig. 168 Marked engine
oil
dip
stick. Fig. 169 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: Engine oil
filler cap. Preparations
●
Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
● Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
sump.
When the engine has cooled down, immediately check the oil level
and top up if necessary.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ p
age 275.
● The engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol  on the
cap ⇒ 
fig. 169 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Checking the engine oil level
● Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
● Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick has a
mark, when y
ou reintroduce it this mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
● Remove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level ⇒ tabl
e on
page 281.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil
topping up ranges fig. 168 Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up lev
el: Area
A Do not top up oil
⇒  .
Area
B Add approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon).
The oil
l

evel can be in the zone A , but never above
A .
Area
C : It is
essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a g al

lon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone B after adding oil.
Adding oil after checking the level
Only
a

dd engine oil in small quantities and in steps. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

282
Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
⇒  fig. 169
. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small
quantities (not
more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time)
⇒  page 280.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil h
as flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the
dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oi
l ⇒  .
● When the oil level is in at least the ⇒ fig. 168 B zone, insert the dip-
stic k

into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly
. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This c

ould lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is cor-
rectly tight
ened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running. CAUTION
● If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. You should
obt ain pr

ofessional assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and engine
damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids int
o the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the c r

ankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Engine oil consumption The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can
v

ary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5000 km
(3000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ fig. 168 A .

Changing the engine oil The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maint
en

ance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a Technical Service to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme. 

283
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a shor t
period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required. WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
pl e

ase note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Alw

ays keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so th
at the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never c

ollect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other container
s as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children. For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
dis po

sal. For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never di s

pose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operation
s

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. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 233
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a saf e p

lace.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people m
ay accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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

348
Technical Data
Technical Data
Checking fluid levels From time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the ve-
hicle must
be c
hecked. Never fill with incorrect fluids, other-
wise serious damage to the engine may be caused. Fig. 221 Diagram for the location of the various elements Liquid coolant deposit
Engine oi
l

dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the compo-
nents mentioned above. These operations are described in ⇒ page 275.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of ⇒ page 344 
1 2
3
4
5
6

Brakes
Assi
sted braking systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brake fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Changing the brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Emergency brake indicator in case of sud- den braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Running-in brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187, 189
Brake system Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brake systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Braking assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Braking assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Braking assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Breakdown Securing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Bulb fault See changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
C
Card compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Care See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Care of your vehicle Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Caring for paintwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 Carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Catalytic
converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141, 148
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 77 Antitheft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Locking and unlocking the vehicle . . . . . . . 76
Central locking system After airbag deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Opening doors individually . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Changing Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Raising the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Front bumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Initial operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Sea changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332, 333
Xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Engaging gears (manual gearbox) . . . . . . 177
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Manually unlocking the gear selection lev- er . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Selecting gears (automatic gearbox) . . . . 178
Warning and control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Changing gears Gear recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Changing the battery of the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Changing the wheel After changing the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Checking Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Checking the oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Checklist Before working in the engine compart-ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
In case of an emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Check list Preparations for changing a wheel . . . . . . 306
Raising the vehicle with the jack . . . . . . . . 310
Checklist Refilling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 40
Check list Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 367
Index