2011 Seat Alhambra change time

199
Driving
Parking sensor system* Fig. 140 Detailed view of
the centr
e c
onsole: but-
ton for switching the
parking sensor system
on and off. Fig. 141 Parking sensor
sys
t

em sensors on the
front bumper.
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
appro
aching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The short-
er the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant. Switching the parking sensor system on and off
●
Press the  button ⇒ 
fig. 140 when the ignition i
s switched on.
● Automatic on: select r
everse gear.
● Automatic off: drive fa
ster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
● The parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obs
tacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loud-
ly aft
er a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will re-
main constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound au-
tomatic
ally switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound wi
ll be emitted.
● Your Authorised Service Centre can adjust the volume of the warning
signal
s. Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the fir s

t time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a spe-
cialist workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

214
Driving Function Control position,
contr
o
l operations
⇒ fig. 151 Action
Switching the
speed settin
g
b

ack on. Press
RESUME 1 The stored speed is reached again
and maint
ained. If
no speed has
been set then the vehicle will re-
cord and maintain the actual
speed of the vehicle. Increasing the
st
or

ed speed (dur-
ing CCS setting). Hold down
SPEED + + Short press:
Incre
ases the speed
at intervals of 10 km/h and re-
cords it.
Long press: the vehicle acceler-
ates while the button remains
pressed. Release the button to
store the current speed. Reducing the stor-
ed speed (durin
g
C

CS setting). Press
SPEED – – Short press:
Reduce
s the speed at
intervals of 10 km/h and records
it.
Long press: while this remains
pressed, speed is reduced inter-
rupting the accelerator without
using the brakes. Release the but-
ton to store the current speed. Switching off the
crui
se c

ontrol sys-
tem. Click
OFF 2 The system is switched off. The
st
or
ed speed is deleted. Travelling down hills with the CCS
When trav
el

ling down hills the CCS cannot maintain a constant speed. Slow
the vehicle down using the brake pedal and reduce gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system is switched off automatically or temporarily: ●
If the system detects a fault that could affect the working order of the
CC
S.
● If you increase the stored speed by using the accelerator for a certain
time.
● if the brake or clutch pedal is depressed.
● If you change gears.
● If the airbag is triggered. 

215
Driving
Lane Assist system* Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
SEAT information system ⇒ pag e 62
● A
ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
The intelligent technology in the lane assist system cannot change the
limits impo

sed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless
or uncontrolled use of the lane assist system may cause accidents and in-
jury. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with v
isibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so you can turn it at
any time.
● The l

ane assist system does not detect all road markings. In some cir-
cumst
ances, the poor state of the road, structures located on it or certain
objects may be mistakenly recognised as road markings by the lane as-
sist system. In such situations, switch the lane assist system off immedi-
ately.
● Pay attention to the instructions on the instrument panel display and
act acc
ordingly to its requests.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's surroundings. Note
The lane assist system has been exclusively developed for driving on as-
phalt ed r

oads. Note
If the lane assist system does not work as described in this chapter, do not
use it and c

ontact a specialist workshop. Note
If you observe any system malfunction, have the system checked by a speci-
alised w ork

shop. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

216
Driving
Control lamps Blinks or lights
up Possible cause Solution
 (yellow) Lane assist system con-
nected b
ut
inactive. The system cannot clearly
detect
the l

ane. See and
page 217, The lane assist
system is inactive (control
lamp lit in yellow).  (green) Lane assist system con-
nected and activ
e. –
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. Operation mode
Fig. 152 In the sun visor:
Field of


vision of the lane
assist system camera.
Using the camera located in the sun visor, the lane assist system detects
the poss
ible lines dividing the lanes. When the vehicle involuntarily ap-
proaches a dividing line it has detected, the system will notify the driver
with a corrective intervention. It is possible to override the corrective inter-
vention at any time.
If the turn signal is connected, there will be no warning as the lane assist
system understands that you wish to change lanes voluntarily.
Steering wheel vibration
The following situations cause the steering wheel to vibrate and require the
driver to take active control of the steering:
● If the limits inherent to the system are reached.
● If the maximum rotational torque during the corrective intervention is
not enough to k
eep the vehicle inside the lane.
● If during the corrective intervention by the system the lane is no longer
detected. 

221
Driving
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre pressure of each wheel during
drivin
g u
sing the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor the tyre tread pe-
rimeter and vibrations of each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns the driv-
er if it detects a considerable drop in tyre pressure of one or several tyres
while driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indicated by the indicator  as
well as a sound and sometimes a text message on the screen of the instru-
ment panel. When you open the driver's door, you will find a label indicat-
ing the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer for the maximum
vehicle load for each tyre approved for the vehicle in question. By pressing
the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may change the
reference pressure for the tyres so that the tyre pressure to be monitored co-
incides with actual tyre pressure ⇒ page 223.
Suitable use of the adjustment button ⇒ page 223.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒  pag
e 13
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒  pag
e 183
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ pag
e 242
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ pag
e 257 WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pre s

sure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pres
sures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
col

d at all times ⇒ page 297.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
chan
ge the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of ty
re fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator button could result in the
indicat or giv

ing erroneous messages or prevented from indicating the
danger caused by a defective tyre ⇒ page 223. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap is not in place. Check that the
c ap

s are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tightened.
Do not use metal caps ⇒ page 223.
● Do not damage the valves when changing the tyres ⇒ page 223. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

226
Driving and the environment
Economic driving style Changing gear early
General
in
structions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h, drive in
third gear, at 40 km/h in fourth gear and at 50 km/h in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing. In vehicles which
have the Start-Stop function on, the engine switches off automatically when
the vehicle is not moving.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration. Calm and steady driving
Cons

tancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to c
ool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
window
s have demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched on when the vehicle is mov-
ing ⇒  p

age 163. 

231
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Introduction Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trai
l
er and to use a trailer bracket.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers however, it can also
be used to tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the necessary equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and the vehicle performance and, in some cases, reduce the service inter-
vals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from the vehicle and, thus, more
concentration from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted trailer bracket, the Start-Stop func-
tion is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For trailer
brackets not installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated
manually using a button located on the dashboard before driving with a
trailer and it must remain off for the entire journey ⇒  .
Addition a

l information and warnings:
● Anti-theft alarm system ⇒ page 74
● Light

⇒ page 95
● Ec

ological driving ⇒ page 225
● St

arter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 194●
Wheel
s and tyres
⇒ p
age 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
again s

t the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestri
ans and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in
when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances
the load”.
Your vehicle has not been designed for this type of tow hitch.
The tow hitch may fail and the trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can affect
vehic l

e handling and even cause an accident.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or s
traps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. 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. 