2011 Seat Alhambra child seat

151
Seats and storage compartments
Emptying the ashtray
● Remove the ashtray from the cup holder or lining of the door by pulling
it up w
ards.
● After emptying the ashtray, insert it from above into the cup holder or
door lining. 
Cig

arette lighter Fig. 118 Front centre
con
so

le: lighter.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a lighter to the front of
the centre c
onsole ⇒ fig. 118 or in the compartment to the front of the cen-
tre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
⇒ fig. 118.
● Wait for the cigarette lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
⇒  .
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other se-
rious injurie

s.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition i
s switched on. Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt socket ⇒ pag
e 151.
Sockets Intr oduction Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.
Connect
ed equipment

must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter
⇒ page 150
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

152
Seats and storage compartments WARNING
Improper use of the sockets or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cau se seriou
s injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The sockets and
equipment connect
ed to them can be used when the ignition is switched
on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immedi
ately. CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment th

at generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cordin
g to current regulations.
● To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12
V sockets before switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt socket that consumes more
than the pow
er indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power absorp-
tion could damage the vehicle's electrical system. For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill. Note
● Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition
sw it

ched on will drain the battery.
● Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment
and the vehic
le's electrical system.
● Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical applian-
ces

are used near the rear window aerial. 

153
Seats and storage compartments
Vehicle sockets Depending on your vehicle's version, you may have a 12-
volt

socket and/or a 230 volt socket. Fig. 119 Centre console,
re
ar section: 12

volt
socket. Fig. 120 Rear centre
con
so

le: 230 Volt Euro
socket. Maximum power consumption Socket Maximum power consumption
12 Volts 120 Watts
230 Volts 150 Watts (300 Watt peak)
The maximum capacity of each socket must not be exceeded. The power
con
s

umption is indicated on the rating plate of each appliance.
Where two or more appliances are connected at the same time, the total rat-
ing of all the connected devices must never exceed 190 Watts ⇒  .
12 v o

lt socket
The 12 Volt socket will only work with the ignition on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery. Therefore, electrical consumers connected to
the socket must only be used when the engine is running.
To prevent voltage variations from causing damage, switch off the electrical
consumer connected to the 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on
or off and before starting the engine.
12 Volt sockets can be found in the following locations in the vehicle:
● Compartment in the centre of the centre console.
● Compartment in the front centre console.
● Storage compartment in the front central armrest.
● Rear centre console ⇒ fig. 119.
● At the rear right of the luggage compartment.
230 Vo
lt Euro socket*
The socket only works when the engine is running ⇒  .
Conn e

cting an electrical appliance: Plug the appliance into the socket as far
as possible to unlock the built-in child safety device. The current only flows
when the child safety device is unlocked. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

154
Seats and storage compartments LED on the socket
⇒ fig. 120Steady green light: The child safety device is unlocked. The
sock
et
can now be used. Flashing red light: There is some kind of fault (e.g. discon-
nection due to e
x

cess current or tempera-
ture). Heat protection
The 230 V
o

lt Euro power connector converter switches off automatically
when a certain temperature is exceeded. This disconnect prevents overheat-
ing in the event of an increase in power consumption of the connected ap-
pliance and where the atmospheric temperature is too high. The converter
will switch on again automatically after it has cooled down. Appliances that
are switched on and connected to the socket will start up again. Therefore,
switch off all electrical appliances connected to the socket when the current
converter switches off due to overheating. WARNING
High voltage in the electrical installation!
● Liquids must not be spilt over the socket.
● Do not plug adapters or extension cords into the 230 Volt Euro power
connect or

. Otherwise, the built-in child safety device will switch off and
the connector will become live.
● Do not plug current conductors such as a knitting needle into the 230
Volt
Euro power connector. CAUTION
● Always follow the operating instructions for the appliances to be con-
nect ed!
● Nev

er exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the vehi-
cle's
general electrical system. ●
12 volt socket:
– Only

use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cordin
g to current regulations.
– Never power the socket.
● 230 Volt Euro socket:
– Do not hang appliances or plugs that are too heavy (e.g. a transform-
er) from the sock
et.
– Do not connect lamps which contain a neon tube.
– Only plug appliances with a voltage that matches the socket voltage
into the sock
et.
– In the event of consumers with a high start-up current, surge protec-
tion prevents
them from switching on. In this case, unplug the consumer
and try plugging it back in after around 10 seconds. Note
● Some app li
ances may not work properly in the 230 Volt Euro power con-
nector due to a lack of power (Watts).
● The 230 Watt Euro power connector can be modified for 115 Watt appli-
ances
and vice versa. Consult a specialist shop for advice on accessories to
adapt the connector. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 

186
Driving
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electr onic
parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her
seat belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recogni-
ses that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal ⇒  !
● Pull button  hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be ac-
c omp

anied by the corresponding warning chime.
● To stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator. WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious ac-
cident .
● Nev

er use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in
an emergency
. The braking distance is considerably longer, because
braking is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a ge
ar or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if
the parking brake is applied. Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released
and the ac c

elerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake
is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the elec-
tronic p
arking brake. Use the jump-start ⇒ page 337. ●
When the electronic
parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the
syst
em sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. 
Parking When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To p
ark

the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒  .
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
● F

or an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the rev
erse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additiona
l information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb. 

258
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Fluids and consumables All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such a s notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a Techni-
cal Service. Qualified workshops are permanently informed of any modifica-
tions. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injur

y, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original con-
tainer.
● Nev

er store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may
accidentally drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
container
s.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using
products
which give off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maint
enance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions! CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Failure to observe this
point w

ill result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
● Accessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet re-
duce the coo
ling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat. For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
abl e c

ontainers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with re-
spect for the environment. 
Repairs and technical changes When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
mus
t

be observed! ⇒  Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehic
l

e may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by
the faults. This may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents
are no longer valid.
Your Technical Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by tech-
nical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs per-
formed at a SEAT authorised service and that you use genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to
the restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances
and preparations. 

274
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the tank filling neck
● Open the tailgate.
● Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise ⇒ fig. 164 and open the cov er
forwards.
● Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ fig. 165 1 anticlockwise.
Refi l

ling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT and that complies with the
ISO 22241-1 Standard. Only use genuine bottles.
● Observe the instructions and information provided by the refill bottle
manufact
urer.
● Observe the expiry date.
● Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
● Place the refill bottle 2 upside down inside the tank filler neck.
● Press the refill bottle against the filler neck and keep in this position.
● Add at least 10 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles). A lower quantity
would be
insufficient.
● Wait until the contents of the refill bottle have been poured into the
AdBlue tank. Do not c
rush or damage the bottle!
● Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and remove it carefully ⇒  .
● You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full because the bottle will be emp-
ty.
C lo

sing the tank filling neck
● Screw on the tank filler neck cap 1 clockwise until it is fully inserted.
● Place the cover and turn the shut off anticlockwise to close it.
Operation s

before driving
● Only switch the ignition on after refilling.
● Keep the ignition sw

itch on for at least 30 seconds so that the system
detects t
ank refilling.
● Wait 30 seconds before starting the engine! WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container, tightly shut and in a safe
pl ac

e.
● Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bottles or other containers to
avoid other peopl
e mistaking it for something else.
● Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small children. CAUTION
● Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT. The use of any oth-
er type of AdBlue c

ould cause engine damage!
● AdBlue should never be mixed with water or any other additives. Any
type of dam
age caused by a mixture will not be covered by the warranty.
● Do not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise you may damage
the engine.
● Never l

eave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It could become permeable
due to temper
ature changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue could dam-
age the vehicle interior. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-friendly manner. Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be purchased from a Technical Service. 

283
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a shor t
period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required. WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
pl e

ase note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Alw

ays keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so th
at the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never c

ollect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other container
s as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children. For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
dis po

sal. For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never di s

pose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operation
s

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. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 233
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a saf e p

lace.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people m
ay accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowe
st outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze c
ausing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data