2011 Seat Alhambra brake light

233
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer Tec hnic
al requirements If the car is supplied with a
factor
y-fitted tow hitch it will already have the
necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for
towing a trailer.
Only use an approved trailer hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balan-
ces the load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal re-
quirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the ve-
hicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer ⇒ page 235.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights

of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 235.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system.
In case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a spe-
cialist workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the stand-
ard wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications: Electrical consumer Maximum power
Position lights and rear lights 50 Watts
Indicator (each side) 54 Watts
Brake lights (total) 84 Watts
Reversing lights (total) 42 Watts
Rear fog light 42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the v ehic

le causing an accident with serious consequences. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

234
Trailer towing CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not correctly connected, the vehicle
el ectr
onics may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may
be damaged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the re
ar lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections
for providing electric current to the trailer. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we
r ec

ommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if
the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight i
s more than 2500 kg 
Electric tow hitch ball* Fig. 156 Right-hand
side of
the lug

gage com-
partment: button to elec-
trically release the tow
hitch ball. The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals
and obj

ects ⇒  .
The to w hit
ch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and can-
not be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 156. The to
w ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
● Move the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitc
hed.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trail
er. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 156. The to
w ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the but-
ton indicat
or lights.
● Close the tailgate. 

237
Trailer towing
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
dra wb
ar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor
if the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the
axle a
s possible or even above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyr

e pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum ⇒ page 293.WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
comb in

ation weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a seri-
ous accident with severe consequences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle
load shou
ld never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should
never exceed the gross vehicle weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer com-
bin ation w

ill be seriously affected and this could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or s
traps. 
Driving with a trailer Adjusting the headlights
When to
w

ing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overru
n brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
great
er.
● Select a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
brakin
g effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system
could overheat and fail. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

238
Trailer towing
●The vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
lo a
d and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trail-
er.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is
incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button  once to turn off the electric parking brake
⇒ p ag

e 183.
● Press and hold the button  to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
us in

g the parking brake.
● With a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
● Engage first gear or the gear range D ⇒ page 174, Ch
anging gear.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Move off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbo
x).
● Release the button  only when the engine provides sufficient power
to mo v

e the vehicle and trailer combination. WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
contr o

l with the subsequent serious consequences.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
chan
ge the vehicle handling and braking distances. WARNING (Continued)
● Antic ipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
● Adju
s

t your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sud-
den brakin
g.
● Always take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately
if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
● Always take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each c
ountry into account. 
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electr
onic

stability control ESC (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESC
(ESP)  indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more
than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is r

etrofitted.
● The ESC (ESP) is on. The warning indicator in the control panel  is not
lit

.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
● The vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
● The maximum drawbar load is used. 

239
Trailer towing
● The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
● Tr
ailers with brakes must be equipped with a mechanical inertia brake. WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the stabilisation system tempt you
into t ak

ing any risks when driving.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care when accelerating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot off the accelerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisation system does not correct-
ly r ec

ognised all driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system does not detect snaking of
a light trai
ler and thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trailer could jack-knife
despite
the stabilisation system.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before they
star
t to rock sideways.
● If a trailer is not used at the trailer socket is connected (for example,
inst
allation of a bicycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic braking
may occur in extreme driving conditions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 157 Measurements and attachments to retrofit a tow hitch.
SEA T r

ecommends visiting a specialist workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For
example, it may be necessary to adjust the cooling system or to include
thermal plates. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
In any case, the separation distances must be observed when fitting a tow
hitch. The distance between the centre of the tow hitch ball and the road
surface ⇒ fig. 157 D must never be lower than that indicated. This also ap-
plie s

when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances ⇒ fig. 157:
Attachment points.
1.040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches) 
A B
C
D
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

243
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Washing the vehicle The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
ro
a
d dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒  .
The v ehic

le paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washed without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 245, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first,
and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this. WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
under c

arriage or the interior of the wheel hubs. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the brakin
g distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not end
angering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process. CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60°C (+140°F).
● To av

oid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
cle

an away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first
. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not
direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before en-
terin g

an automatic car wash :
● Compare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance be-
tween the guide-rai
ls of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres! 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

312
If and when
If and when
In case of emergency
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ pag e 183
● Emer
gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314
● V

ehicle tools ⇒ page 320 WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other r o

ad users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
dist
ance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors ar
e to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures. Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle Fig. 186 In the centre of
the ins
trument

panel:
Switch for hazard warn-
ing lights.
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of cou
ntries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 314.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights on, a change in direction
or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn indicator lever. The
hazard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground
⇒  .
Turn on the h az

ard warning lights with the button  ⇒ 
fig. 186 .
C

onnect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
1.
2.
3.