2011 Seat Alhambra tailgate

88
Unlocking and locking
Interrupting the opening and closing process
Tai l
gate opening and closing can be stopped by pressing one of the  but-
ton s. E

ach time one of the  buttons is pressed, the tailgate moves to its
initial po
sition.
Then, it can be opened or closed by hand. To do this, apply a little more
force.
Memorising the opening angle
The tailgate must be at least half open to memorise an opening angle.
● Stop automatic opening in the opening position required ⇒ pag
e 88.
● Hold down the button ⇒ fig. 56 w
ith the tailgate open for at least three
seconds. The opening angle is memorised.
Memorisation is confirmed by blinking of the hazard lights and a sound sig-
nal.
To be opened completely, the opening angle must be memorised once
more.
● Release the tailgate and open it to the memorised height.
● Push the tailgate all the way up. To do this, apply a little more force.
● Hold down the button ⇒ fig. 56 w
ith the tailgate open for at least three
seconds.
● The opening angle is reset to the original factory setting. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless closing and locking of the tailgate could cause se-
rious injurie

s.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervi
sion, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. A locked ve- WARNING (Continued)
hicle can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depend-
in g on the time of


year, thus causing serious injuries/illness and even
death. WARNING
It is possible that the tailgate does not open completely or, if it is open,
clo se

s alone if a large amount of snow has built up on it or if a luggage
rack is fitted. In this case, the tailgate must be supported. CAUTION
● When using a trailer, ensure that there is sufficient space to open and
c lo

se the tailgate.
● Before opening the tailgate, any kind of equipment carrier should be re-
moved, f
or example a bicycle carrier. CAUTION
In case of repeated short-term use, the system is turned off to avoid over-
heatin g.
● When it

has cooled, it may be used once again. During this time, the
tail

gate may be manually opened or closed applying a little more effort.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected or the fuse blows when the tailgate
is open, the t
ailgate system must be re-initialised. To do this, close the tail-
gate. Note
Before closing the tailgate, make sure that the key has not been left inside
the boot. 

101
Lights and visibility
For those vehicles in which it is not possible to adjust the headlights from
the menu, adhe s
ive strips are used to cover certain parts of the headlamp
cover or the headlights may be adjusted at a specialised workshop. For fur-
ther information, please refer to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends
visiting a Technical Service. Note
Use of the Touris
t light option and the adhesives on the headlights is only
allowed if they are to be used for a short period of time. To modify the direc-
tion of the headlights permanently, please take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
“Coming home” and “Leaving home” function (guidance
lights)C omin

g HomeThe “Coming home” function should be switched on manually. However the
“Le
av

ing home” function is automatically controlled by a photo sensor. “Coming Home” Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on: – Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly fl
a

sh the headlights for approximately one sec-
ond ⇒ page 96.
The “Coming home” lighting comes on when the driver's
door is opened. The delay in switching off the headlights
is counted from when the last door or tailgate is closed. The system
swit
c

hes off: – Automatically at the end of the delay period.
– Autom
atic

ally, if 30 seconds after coming on, a vehicle
door or tailgate remains open.
– If the light switch is turned to position .
– If the ignition is switched on. “Leaving home” Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on: – Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position

and the phot

o sensor detects darkness. The system
swit
c

hes off: – Automatically, at the end of the delay period.
– When the
v
ehicle is locked.
– When the light switch is turned to position .
– When the ignition is switched on. Lighting around the exterior mirrors
The lighting ar
ou

nd the exterior mirrors illuminates the door area on enter-
ing and leaving the vehicles. It comes on when the vehicle is unlocked,
when the vehicle door is opened and when the “Coming home” or “Leaving
home” function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor,
the lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark. Note
● The time tak en f
or the headlights to go off can be changed in the Lights
& Visibility menu and the function can be switched on or off ⇒ page 62.
● When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened
there is
no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

103
Lights and visibility Button /
Swit c
h Function
 Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights
c

ome on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.  Turning the reading light on and off
Storage and luggage compartment lighting
When the glov
e bo

x and the tailgate are opened and closed, a light auto-
matically switches on or off.
Background lighting
The background lighting in the front covering of the ceiling lights up the
controls on the central console from above when the side or dipped lights
are on.
In addition, the lever on the door moulding can also be illuminated. Note
The reading lights go out when the vehicle is locked, or a few minutes after
the key i

s removed from the ignition. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. Sun blind
Introduction WARNING
Sun visors and sun blinds may reduce visibility when open.
● Always roll or fold sun blinds and visors away when not in use. 
Sun visors Fig. 64 Sun visor.
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
● Lower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door ⇒ fig. 64 1 .
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

126
Seats and storage compartments WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors
and the tai l
gate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
● Do not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is
open. Childr
en could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tail-
gate from inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to
serious injury or death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
● Never transport people in the luggage compartment. WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a s ud

den manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
obj

ects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they can-
not enter the ar
eas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden
braking or an accident.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed. WARNING (Continued)
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger com-
p ar

tment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash-
board.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets in-
side the v
ehicle and store securely. WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
brak in

g distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured cor-
rectly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
● The vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due
to a ch
ange in the centre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
poss
ible.
● Store heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle a
s possible. CAUTION
● Hard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and ant enn

a of the rear window and cause damage.
● The side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from ob-
jects. Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be co v

ered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 

128
Seats and storage compartments
Folding the seats in the second row of seats for loading
●If necessary, open the belt loop and wind up the seat belt by hand.
● If it is necessary, remove the head rests on the integrated child seats
then rein s
talled the integrated child seats ⇒ page 46.
● If necessary, raise the armrests.
● Remove objects from the footrest area in front of and behind the rear
seat ⇒  .
● Move the rear seat all the way back.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it will go ⇒ page 10.
● In the mid

dle seat, close the drinks carrier in the rear of the centre con-
sole, if
necessary.
● Pull lever ⇒ fig. 89 1 back and fold the backrest forwards. The com-
pl et

e rear seat folds forward ⇒  .
● Fold the backrest forwards until it locks into the load surface position
B .
● If necessary, pull on the lever ⇒ fig. 90 2 to move the seat to the re-
quired po s

ition.
● When the seat is folded down, no adults or children should travel in it
⇒  .
Fo l

ding the seats in the third row of seats for loading
● If necessary, open the belt loop and wind up the seat belt by hand.
● Open the tailgate.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it will go ⇒ page 10.
● R

emove objects from the footrest area in front of and behind the rear
seat ⇒  .
● Remove objects from the space below the rear seat.
● Remove the attachment elements and supports for the net from the rail
sys t

em.
● Pull lever 1 back and fold the backrest forwards. The rear seat folds for-
war d

⇒  and the cushion also moves forward. ●
Fold the seat tray forward on top of the folded seat.
● When the se at

is folded down, no adults or children should travel in it
⇒  .
Puttin g the se

ats in the second row back in place
● Pull lever ⇒ fig. 89 1 upwards and place the seatback in vertical posi-
tion. The entir e se

at folds backwards.
● Pull on the rear seats and the backrest to ensure that they are correctly
locked in p
lace and that the safety belt protection is guaranteed for rear
seat passengers.
Putting the seats in the third row back in place
● Open the tailgate.
● Pull on the handle ⇒ fig. 90 2 to put the seat tray back in position.
● Pull on the handle 3 . The entire seat folds backwards.
● Press on the seat tray in the backrest until it is held in position by its
magnets.
● Open the s lidin

g door.
● Put the backrest into position and press firmly until it clicks into place.
● Pull on the rear seats and the backrest to ensure that they are correctly
locked in p
lace and that the safety belt protection is guaranteed for rear
seat passengers. WARNING
Folding and lifting the rear seats carelessly without paying attention
cou l

d cause serious injury.
● Never fold or lift the seats while driving.
● Do no trap or damage seat belts when raising the backrest.
● Keep your hands, fingers, feet and other body parts out of the hinges
and the seat loc
king mechanism when folding and unfolding. 

139
Seats and storage compartments
Additional information and warnings:
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Tr
ansporting ⇒ page 13
● E

cological driving ⇒ page 225
● Wheel

s and tyres ⇒ page 293
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky loads
on the roof , whic

h affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity and increasing susceptibility to cross winds.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or s
traps.
● Large, heavy, wide and flat loads negatively affect the vehicle aerody-
namics, c
entre of gravity and handling.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. CAUTION
● Always remove the roof carrier system from the roof before entering a car
w a

sh.
● The height of your vehicle is changed by the installation of the roof carri-
er and the load sec
ured on it. Compare the vehicle height with the passage
height, for example in underground car parks or entering garage doors.
● The roof antenna, the range of the panoramic sliding roof and the tail-
gate shou
ld not be affected by the roof carrier system and the load being
transported.
● Take extra care not to let the tailgate strike the roof load when opening. For the sake of the environment
The vehicle uses more fuel when the roof carrier system is fitted. 
Securing the base supports and roof carrier system Fig. 101 Attachment
points
f

or the basic sup-
port and the roof carrier
system.
The mounts are the basis of a complete roof carrier system. Special fixtures
mus t

then be added in order to safely transport luggage, bicycles, skis, surf
boards or boats on the roof. All these system components are available
from an Authorised Service Centre.
It will only be possible to install a basic support or roof carrier system if the
vehicle has a roof rail.
Securing the base supports and roof carrier system
Always secure the base supports and roof carrier system correctly.
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly according to the in-
structions provided. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

207
Driving
Rear Assist system*
Introduction The camera fitted to the tailgate helps drivers during parking or reversing
manoeu
vr
es. The camera image and certain orientation points generated by
the system are indicated on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen.
Two types of location point (modes) can be selected:
● Mode 1: reverse parking perpendicular to the road (e.g. in a car park).
● Mode 2: r

everse parking parallel to the curb.
The mode can be c
hanged by pressing the button on the radio or navigation
system screen. Only the mode to which the points can be changed will be
displayed.
Additional information and warnings:
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Use of the camera to calculate the distance from obstacles (people, vehi-
cl e

s, etc.) is inaccurate and may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● The camera lens expands and distorts the field of vision and displays
the obj
ects on the screen in a different, vague manner.
● Some objects may not be displayed or may not be very clear (e.g. very
thin post
s or fences), due to the resolution of the monitor or if the light is
dim.
● The camera has blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
regi
stered.
● Keep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice. Do not cover it. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the rear assist system cannot change the
limits impo

sed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless
or uncontrolled use of the rear assist system may result in severe injuries
and accidents. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and always
look to
wards where you are parking. The display shows the path of the
rear end of the vehicle using the current steering angle. The front of the
vehicle turns more in comparison with the rear.
● Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the cameras do not al-
way
s detect children, animals or objects.
● The system might not show all areas clearly.
● Only use the rear assist system when the tailgate is completely
closed. CAUTION
● The camera only displays 2D images on the screen. Due to the lack of
depth, it might

be difficult or impossible to recognise protruding objects or
cracks in the road.
● The cameras may not always be able to detect objects such as thin rails,
fence
s, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to your car. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

209
Driving
Things to note 1) Do not use the rear assist system in the following cases:
– If there is a fault in the dynamic chassis control (DCC).
– If the image displayed is not very clear or reliable (low visibility or dirty
len
s). – If the space behind the vehicle cannot be clearly or completely recog-
nised.
– If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– If the driver is not familiar with the system.
– If the tailgate is open.
– If the position and installation angle of the camera have been changed,
e.g. in a r
e
ar-end collision. Have a specialised workshop check the system. 2) Optical illusions of the camera (examples)
The rear assist camera produces two-dimensional images. Any cracks in or
ob
j

ects protruding from the ground or from other vehicles are more diffi-
cult to spot or cannot be seen due to a lack of depth in the image dis-
played. Objects or other vehicles may seem to be closer or further away than what
they r
e

ally are: – On changing from a flat surface to a slope or gradient.
– On changing from a slope or gradient to a flat surface.
– If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– On approaching protruding objects. These objects may be outside the
angl
e of

vision of the camera when reversing. Cleaning the camera lens
Keep the c
amer

a lens clean and clear of snow and ice:
● Moisten the lens using a commercially available, alcohol-based glass
cle

aning agent and clean the lens with a dry cloth ⇒  .
● Remove snow using a small brush.
● Use de-icing spray to remove any ice ⇒  . CAUTION
● Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the camera lens.
● Nev er r

emove snow or ice from the camera lens using warm or hot water.
This c
ould damage the lens. Note
● SEAT recommends that you practise parking with the rear assist system
in a quiet loc

ation or in a car park to become familiar with the system, in-
cluding the orientation lines and their function.
● The orientation lines will not be displayed on the screen if the tailgate is
open or the factor
y-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to a trailer. 
Parking perpendicular to the road (mode 1) Fig. 148 Display: orien-
tation line
s

for the park-
ing space behind the ve-
hicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data