2011 Seat Alhambra ECU

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

235
Trailer towing
The warning lamp
● When the indicator flashes , the t ow ball is not in its final position, has
not engaged or is damaged ⇒  .
● When the indicator remain s
lit and the tailgate is open, the tow ball has
inserted correctly into the folded or deployed position.
● When the tailgate is closed, the indicator is turned off. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Ensure that no person, animal or object gets in the way of the tow
ba l

l.
● Never push the button when there is a trailer hitched or when any
kind of c
arrier or accessory is fitted to the tow hitch ball.
● While the ball is moving, do not interfere with any tool.
● Do not drive with a trailer if the indicator does not light.
● If there is a fault in the electric system or the trailer tow hitch, visit a
speci
alist workshop to have it checked.
● If the diameter of the tow hitch is less than 49 mm, never use this for
a trail
er. CAUTION
● If anything is attached to the tow hitch ball, do not, under any circum-
s t

ances press the button.
● Never direct a high-pressure or steam cleaning system directly at the
tow hit
ch ball or trailer power socket. This could cause damage to seals or
remove lubricating grease. Note
In extremely low temperatures, it is possible that the tow hitch is not re-
le a

sed. In this case, place the vehicle in a warmer location (for example, a
garage). Installing a bicycle carrier to the tow hitch The maximum load permitted for a bicycle carrier on the tow hitch ball is
75 kg
, w

ith a maximum distance of 300 mm from the support. The distance
between supports is the distance between the bicycle carrier centre of gravi-
ty (with the bicycles) and the centre of point of the tow hitch ball. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicycle carrier installed can
cau se ac

cidents and injury.
● Never exceed the load and distances between supports indicated.
● Never fit the bicycle carrier to the tow hitch ball neck, underneath the
tow hit
ch given that the bicycle carrier may be incorrectly fitted due to
the shape of the tow hitch and the model of bicycle carrier.
● Always read and take the manufacturer assembly instructions into ac-
count
. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum load and distance between supports indicated can
cau se c

onsiderable damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the specifications. 
Hitching and connecting the trailer Trailer cable
Alw
a

ys secure the trailer cable to the towing vehicle correctly. Leave a little
bit of slack in the cable for turning. However, ensure that the cable does not
rub off the ground while driving. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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

250
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Additional information and warnings:
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242
● A
ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are
not s uit

able or are used inappropriately, this could result in accident, se-
rious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Car care products must always be stored in the original container
which shoul
d be kept closed.
● Observe information provided by the manufacturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food
cans, bottl
es or other containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of children.
● Harmful vapours may be produced when using car care products.
Therefor
e, care products should only be used in well-ventilated spaces or
in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid to w
ash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the ve-
hicl e s

afety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
● Vehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in ac-
cord
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care products. CAUTION
● Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
● To av

oid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist
cle

aning company. Note
Suitable car care products are available from your Technical Service. 
Treating your upholstery Check list
For inf
orm

ation on how to treat and care for the vehicle upholstery, please
bear the following in mind ⇒  :
● Before entering the vehicle, fasten all Velcro fastenings which could
come int o c

ontact with upholstery and coverings. If the Velcro fastenings on
upholstery and material covers are not securely fastened, this could dam-
age them.
● To prevent damage, do not allow the upholstery or covers to come into
contact
with sharp or decorative objects. Decorative objects such as zips,
rivets and rhinestones on clothing and belts.
● Dust and grit in the pores and seams should be removed regularly to
prevent
them scratching and damaging the surface.
● Always check that the dyes used in clothing are fast to prevent them
from st
aining the upholstery. This is particularly true for clear-coloured up-
holstery. 

260
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Retro-fitting of two-way radios An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retr
o-fittin
g of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is sub-
ject to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances,
this could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer val-
id.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
An only e
xternal aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal reach.
Check first with a qualified dealer if you wish to use a two-way radio with a
transmitting power of over 10 watts. The qualified workshops are familiar
with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visiting a Tech-
nical Service.
All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed. WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flyin g ar

ound the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeu-
vres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the r
adius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away. WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial,
the max imum permitt

ed levels of electromagnetic radiation may be ex-
ceeded. This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
● You should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly
connected to an exterior aerial. 
Information stored by the control units Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
re
s

ponsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the con-
trol units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the air-
bag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units
are continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or devia-
tions from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the
warning lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
● Data relating to the engine or the gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Detection of seat belt
The vehic
le control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle. 

261
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone
or other app li
ances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehi-
cle position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation,
the system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the net-
work operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. There-
fore, in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information
about how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and
airbag activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the
manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehi-
cle owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stor-
ed in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions,
such as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instruc-
tions on the display can be modified using special equipment at the work-
shop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the in-
structions manual will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT rec-
ommends that any modifications are recorded in the section “Other work-
shop notes” in the Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the pro-
gramming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehi-
cle fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from
the theoretical values of the electronic control units. The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever f
or opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a Technical Service. 
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection
to an ext
erior aerial Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on st
and-b

y. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding cer-
tain values may be harmful to the human body. International committees
and authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure
electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits
that do not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclu-
sive scientific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free device, it will comply with
the legislation in many countries which only permits the use of mobile
phones inside vehicles using a hands-free device.
The hands-free system mounted at the factory has been designed for use
with conventional mobile phones and phones with Bluetooth technology.
Mobile phones should be placed on a suitable phone cradle. In addition,
the cradle should always be correctly fitted into the base plate. This ensures
that the mobile phone is securely fastened to the instrument panel and con-
nected to the exterior aerial of the vehicle.
If the mobile phone is connected to an aerial incorporated into the vehicle
or an exterior aerial connected to the vehicle, this will help to reduce the Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

262
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
electromagnetic radiation transmitted and the risk to human health. It will
also impr o
ve the quality of the connection.
If the phone is used inside the vehicle without the hands-free system, it will
not be securely fastened and will not be connected to the exterior aerial of
the vehicle telephone. Nor will the telephone charge if it is not on the sup-
port. In addition, some calls may break off and the quality of the connection
will be affected.
Mobile phones should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected
to a hands-free system with an exterior aerial. WARNING
If the mobile phone is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flyin g ar

ound the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeu-
vres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, mobile phones must be securely fastened in position,
outside the r
adius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away. WARNING
When using a mobile phone without a connection to an exterior aerial,
the max imum permitt

ed levels of electromagnetic radiation may be ex-
ceeded. This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
● A minimum of 20 centimetres should be kept between mobile phone
aerial
s and artificial pacemakers, as mobile telephones may affect the
working of pacemakers.
● Do not carry a mobile phone in your breast pocket directly over the
pacem
aker when the phone is switched on.
● If you suspect interference, switch the mobile phone off immediately. Jacking points for raising vehicle
Fig. 160 Front jacking
points
f

or raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack. Fig. 161 Rear jacking
points
f

or raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.
Always use the jacking points indicated in the figures ⇒ fig. 160 and
⇒ fig. 161 when rais
ing the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at these
points, it could be seriously damaged ⇒  or lead to serious injury
⇒  .


275
Checking and refilling levels
Working in the engine compartment Introduction Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
park
ed on horiz
ontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒  ! Have
the work c

arried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 105
● St

art and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● Br

ake fluid ⇒ page 183
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● Chec

ks when filling up ⇒ page 264
● En

gine oil ⇒ page 279
● En

gine coolant ⇒ page 283
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If y

ou must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stand
s additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries. WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury .
● F

or all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
ful

ly and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
famili
ar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Technical Service to carry out the necessary work. In-
correct work can cause serious injuries.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine comp
artment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
● Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause b
urns. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data