2011 Seat Alhambra stop start

205
Driving
● A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length
of the
vehicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing
the wheels, the sys
tem must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels.
This process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To
help this process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car
park. 
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system Driving off
●
Switch on the engine.
● Press button  . When the function is enabled, the button
⇒ fig. 144
wi l

l light up.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave
the parkin
g space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒  in
Park in

g using the park assist system on page 204: The system will move the
steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
● The park

assist system is only r
esponsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system
wil

l stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park a

ssist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
● Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and pres
s the button  again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR (TCS) system is switched off or the ASR (TCS) or ESC (ESP) is
work in

g. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
sp ac

e using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the steer-
ing wheel spokes could lead to injuries. 
Park Assist brake operation The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
brak
in

g does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒  .
Brak in

g to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed.
The parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during
each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In cer-
tain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

223
Driving WARNING (Continued)
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a ty r
e may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the ve-
hicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly
inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure
is indicated on the label ⇒ fig. 176.
● The tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the
tyre
s are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them
and res
ult in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pres-
sure.
● If

tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces
and it ma
y be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the
tyre will burst.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burs
t resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, aff
ecting the vehicle's performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; driv
e to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure. 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. 
Tyre monitoring indicator Fig. 154 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: but-
ton for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this infor-
mation, the tr e

ad of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a
wheel is changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the
instrument panel. The wheel tread changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● Tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trail
er). 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. 

227
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving Fig. 155 Fuel consump-
tion in litre
s
per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead,
you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
workin
g tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 155 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20°C
(+68°F) and at -10°C (+14°F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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

232
Trailer towing WARNING (Continued)
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
tr ai
lers with a low centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seriously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking
from side t
o side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km an hour when towing a trailer (or 100
km an hour in exc
eptional circumstances). This also applies in countries
where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the speed limits for ve-
hicles with and without trailers in each country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a trailer hitch that was not installed
by

SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Other-
wise, this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident
with serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a tr
ailer hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
nectin g a tr

ailer ⇒ page 78. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
⇒ p
age 257. ●
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the trailer hitch ball when a trailer is
not bein
g used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle
with the extended trailer hitch ball could be more extensive.
● In some models, a trailer hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
rea

son, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times. 

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. 

265
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the c ani
s
ter while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spar
e fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, f
or example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86. 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.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause seriou
s engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the
wrong fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine run-
ning, the composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel
system and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no cir
cumstances should you re-
fuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty. For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allo w a pr

ofessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
nece s

sary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 162 On the instru-
ment p
anel: F

uel gauge
for petrol and diesel. lights up Gauge posi-
tion
⇒ fig. 162 Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 Red mark (ar-
row) The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The r
e

serve tank is be-
ing used ⇒ page 363. Refuel as soon as
pos
s
ible ⇒  .
 Fuel tank not closed
corr
ectly

. Stop the vehicle and
clo
se the t
ank flap
properly. 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.
When the control lamp lights up or the auxiliary heater and the auxiliary
heater running off petrol automatically switch off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data