2011 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

167
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of thi
s
steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● T

ow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 340WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more diffic u

lt to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Power steering faulty. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible. 
(yel-
lo w) Power steering operation re-
duced. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop. The vehicle battery was dis-
connect
ed and h

as been re-
connected. Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

168
Driving flashes Possible cause Solution
 (red) Fault in the steering column
electr
onic
lock. 
Do not drive on!
Seek pr
ofessional advice. 
(yel-
lo w) Steering column deviation. Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro
. Steering wheel not unlocked
or lock
ed. Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then swit
c

h the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance. 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. 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. Information on the steering Steering column electronic lock
If the driv
er's

door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle. Please engage steering lock Unlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
⇒ page 183. Turn the steering wheel slightly to
rel
e

ase the steering lock. Remove the key from the ignition. Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you he
ar the s

teering lock. Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and swit
c
h on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
With the po
w

er steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 

169
Driving WARNING
The counter steering assistance system combined with ESC (ESP) helps
the driver t o s
teer the vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all times, it
is the driver who steers the vehicle. The counter steering system does
not steer the vehicle. 
Adjusting the steering wheel position Fig. 126 Mechanical
st
eerin

g wheel adjust-
ment.
Adjust the steering wheel before your trip and only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary
.
● Push the lever ⇒ fig. 126 1 downwards.
● Adjust the steering wheel so that you can hold onto the steering wheel
with both h and

s on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
positions and your arms slightly bent.
● Push the lever firmly upwards until it is flush to the steering column
⇒  . WARNING
Incorrect use of the steering wheel adjustment function and an incorrect
adju s

tment of the steering wheel can result in severe or fatal injury.
● After adjusting the steering column, push the lever 1 firmly upwards
to en s

ure the steering wheel does not accidentally change position while
driving.
● Never adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. If you
need to adju
st the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, stop
safely and make the proper adjustment.
● The adjusted steering wheel should be facing your chest and not your
face so a
s not to hinder the driver's frontal airbag protection in the event
of an accident.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of
the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to reduce inju-
ries when the driver's frontal airbag deploys.
● Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or in any oth-
er manner (e.g. in the c
entre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
driver's airbag deploys, you may sustain injuries to your arms, hands and
head. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

170
Driving
Stopping and starting the engine
Introduction Immobiliser display
When an inv
alid k
ey is used or in the event of a system fault,  or Immo-
biliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be star- ted.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ pag
e 71
● Changing gear ⇒  pag
e 174
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● St

eering ⇒  pag
e 167
● Start assist systems ⇒ pag
e 194
● Refuelling ⇒  pag
e 264
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● Emer

gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314
● Jump s

tarting ⇒  pag
e 337
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ pag
e 340 WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cu lt; thi

s could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, safety
belts and c
ertain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
stand
still. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injur

y.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spac
es. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle c
ould move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed u
nexpectedly. 

171
Driving 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 wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhau
st pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter. 
Ignition lock Fig. 127 Vehicle key positions
Car keys
⇒ fig. 127 No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.
0
Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be re-
mov
ed fr

om the vehicle. Car keys
⇒ fig. 127 1
Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock
c

an be unlocked. 2
Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has star-
ted.
When it

is released, the key returns to position 1 .
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

172
Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a k ey
which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Pres
s and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury .
● A

lways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine cou
ld accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the c
ar in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the v

ehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key
can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1. Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
comp
l

eted. 1 a. In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Pres
s the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts. 2. Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position
P
or N. 3. Only in vehicles with diesel engine:
To prehe
at, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 127 1 . A warning lamp
lights up in the c ontr
ol panel . 4. Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
⇒ fig. 127 2 ; do
not pr e

ss the accelerator. 5. When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6. If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minut
e. 7. Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
st
ar

t driving ⇒ page 183. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
cou l

d move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 

173
Driving WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Nev er u
se start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
di at

ely after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not mak
e the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bi lity

is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions. Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
s t

arted with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporari
ly when the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for t
echnical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicl
e when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1. Stopping the vehicle completely
⇒  .
2. Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
comp
l

eted. 3. In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position
P. 4. Connect the electronic parking brake
⇒ page 183. 5. Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
⇒ fig. 127 0 .
6. With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
contr o

l of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switc
hed off.
● The brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To
stop
, the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
wil

l need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
wil

l not be possible to steer the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it m a

y overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

174
Driving Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when
the sel ect
or lever is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue
running f
or a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or
the key removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off. 
Electronic immobiliser The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key
and the

vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobil-
izer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Authorised Service
Centre ⇒ page 71. If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this
case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
key s

are used. Changing gear
Introduction When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
tak
e

s place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● When reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
● The re

ar window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
● A

lso, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera f
or the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
● Instruments ⇒ page 57
● Br

aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● P

arking sensor system ⇒ page 198
● P

ark Assist system ⇒ page 202
● R

everse assist system (Rear Assist) ⇒ page 207
● Air c

onditioning ⇒ page 155
● El

ectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒ page 228
● Emer

gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314 WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slip per

y ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and considerable damage.
● Only use the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic c
onditions so permit. 