2011 Seat Alhambra airbag

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. 

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

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. 

253
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning leather upholstery Only use water and neutral cleaning products to clean imitation leather up-
hol
s
tery. CAUTION
On no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or simi-
lar m at

erials on imitation leather. These will stiffen the material, making it
more likely to crack sooner. 
Cleaning storage compartments, drinks holders and
ashtr a

y Cleaning storage compartments and drinks holders
Some st
or

age compartments and drinks holders have a removable rubber
mat.
● Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● If this does not provide satisfactory results, we recommend using a spe-
cial

solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
● Extract the ashtray and empty it.
● Clean the ashtray with a dishcloth.
Use a toothpic
k or similar to remove ash from the area where cigarettes are
stubbed out. Care and cleaning of plastic parts, wooden trim and the
instrument

panel ●
Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● Clean plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the instrument
pane l

with a special solvent-free product for the care and cleaning of plas-
tic, approved by SEAT ⇒  .
● Wash wooden trims with a mi
ld soap and water solution. WARNING
Solvents cause the surfaces of the airbag modules to become porous. If
an airbag i s

accidentally triggered, the detachment of plastic parts could
cause serious injury.
● Never clean the instrument panel and the surfaces of the airbag mod-
ule

s with cleaners containing solvents. 
Cleaning seat belts If the seat belt is very dirty, the belt retractor may not work correctly thus
prev
entin

g the seat belt from operating correctly.
The seat belts should never be removed from the vehicle for cleaning.
● Use a soft brush to remove the worst dirt ⇒  .
● Pull the seat belt right out and leave it out.
● Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle so
ap and water solution.
● Wait until they are completely dry.
● Only allow the seat belt to retract when it is completely dry. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

256
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning CAUTION
Aerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if cleaned
with c orr
osive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive labels over
the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with
corrosive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning products. Note
If electrical equipment is used near an aerial built-into the window, you may
ob ser

ve interference in the reception of AM stations. 
Notes on SEAT repairs WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
dam ag

e or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist and airbag systems. This could result in serious accident.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Technical Service. 
Collection and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles Collection of end-of-life vehicles
An ext
en

sive network of used car reception centres already exists in much of
Europe. After the vehicle has been delivered, you will receive a certificate of
destruction describing the environmentally friendly scrapping of the vehicle
in accordance with applicable legislation.
We will collect the used vehicle free of charge, provided it complies with all
national legislation. Please see your Technical Service for further information about the collec-
tion and scr

apping of end-of-life vehicles.
Scrapping
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag or belt tensioner systems are scrapped. These re-
quirements are known to qualified dealerships. 

257
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications Accessories, replacement of parts and
modification s
Intr
oduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or incorrectly performed modifi-
cation s

or repairs may result in damage to the vehicle, accidents and se-
rious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use SEAT approved accesso-
ries and
SEAT ®
original spare parts. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Technical Service.
Qualified work
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics equipment,
repair information and qualified personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifications as the parts fitted at
factor
y.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cra

dles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of ac-
tion.
● Only use wheels and tyre combinations which have been approved by
SEAT f
or your vehicle type. 
Accessories and spare parts SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing acces-
sories
and s

pare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accesso- ries at a later date, or when replacing a component. A Technical Service will
advi

se you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommenda-
tions regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved SEAT accessories and genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
. These parts and accessories have been specially tested
by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the Technical Serv-
ice will guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehi-
cle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or
the way it is driven must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and
bear the e mark (the European Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself, these must bear the  mark (European Union manu-
facturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the per-
form anc

e of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cra

dles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of ac-
tion.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or within their radius of action,
coul
d lead to serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are triggered. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

259
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment s af
ely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
dam ag

e or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a
Technical Service. 
Repair and faults in the airbag system When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
mus
t

be observed! ⇒  Modifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and re-
pair
s

to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a Technical Service.
These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the airbag
system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the sys-
tem when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed
parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must
be observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealerships.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the air-
bag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms,
dampers, et

c., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and
sent to the control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors
and result in the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal
conditions, the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not
have been triggered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured
by the sensors and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations
when they should have triggered. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
dam ag

e or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a
Technical Service.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be re-
plac
ed.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthor-
ised wheel and ty

re combinations, may affect the performance of the air-
bags and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
● Never fit suspension components which are not identical to the origi-
nal

parts mounted in the vehicle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data