2011 Seat Alhambra lights

167
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of thi
s
steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● T

ow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 340WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more diffic u

lt to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Power steering faulty. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible. 
(yel-
lo w) Power steering operation re-
duced. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop. The vehicle battery was dis-
connect
ed and h

as been re-
connected. Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

172
Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a k ey
which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Pres
s and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury .
● A

lways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine cou
ld accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the c
ar in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the v

ehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key
can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1. Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
comp
l

eted. 1 a. In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Pres
s the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts. 2. Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position
P
or N. 3. Only in vehicles with diesel engine:
To prehe
at, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 127 1 . A warning lamp
lights up in the c ontr
ol panel . 4. Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
⇒ fig. 127 2 ; do
not pr e

ss the accelerator. 5. When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6. If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minut
e. 7. Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
st
ar

t driving ⇒ page 183. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
cou l

d move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 

174
Driving Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when
the sel ect
or lever is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue
running f
or a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or
the key removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off. 
Electronic immobiliser The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key
and the

vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobil-
izer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Authorised Service
Centre ⇒ page 71. If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this
case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
key s

are used. Changing gear
Introduction When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
tak
e

s place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● When reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
● The re

ar window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
● A

lso, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera f
or the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
● Instruments ⇒ page 57
● Br

aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● P

arking sensor system ⇒ page 198
● P

ark Assist system ⇒ page 202
● R

everse assist system (Rear Assist) ⇒ page 207
● Air c

onditioning ⇒ page 155
● El

ectronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒ page 228
● Emer

gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314 WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slip per

y ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and considerable damage.
● Only use the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic c
onditions so permit. 

175
Driving WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or f
or long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
nec e

ssary to brake. This will increase wear.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. 
Warning and control lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Brake pedal not pressed! Press brake pedal to the floor.

(green) Brake pedal not pressed. To select a range of gears, press
the brak
e ped

al.
Please also see "Electronic park-
ing brake" ⇒ page 183. flashes Possible cause Solution

(green) The selector lever locking but-
ton h
a

s not engaged. The ve-
hicle does not start to move. Engage the selector lever lock
⇒ pag
e 178. 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. 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.
● If the vehicle stops and must be stopped for repairs, always park a
safe di
stance from surrounding traffic, turn on the hazard warning lights,
stop the engine and take all of the safety measures necessary to warn
other road users. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

183
Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the br
ak
e assist system (BAS), the electronic differential system (EDS), the
ASR traction control system (TCS) and the ESC electronic stabilisation pro-
gram (ESP).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 233
● St

art assist systems ⇒ page 194
● Wheel

s and tyres ⇒ page 293
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous ac

cident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument
panel, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to check
the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
st eerin

g lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control. WARNING (Continued)
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
c ome in c

ontact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when
you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
coul
d release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine cou
ld accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the c
ar in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children. CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x

ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

184
Driving
Warning and control lamps lights up Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 (red) Together with the control
lamp
 on the b
utton: Elec-
tronic parking brake on. ⇒ page 185
Fault in the brake system 
Stop the vehicle!
Seek pr

ofessional assistance!
⇒ page 187. Brake fluid level inadequate. 
Do not drive on!
Chec k

brake fluid level
⇒ page 192. Together with the ABS con-
tro
l

lamp : ABS fault. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS.  (red) Brake pedal not pressed! Press brake pedal to the floor.
 (yel-
lo w) Front brake pads worn. Contact a specialist workshop
immediat
ely

. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary. 
(yel-
lo w) ESC (ESP) disconnected by
sys
t

em. Switching the ignition on and
off If
nec
essary, drive for a short
distance. Fault in ESC (ESP). Contact a specialist workshop.
Together with the ABS con-
tro
l

lamp : Fault in ABS. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS. The battery has been recon-
nected.
⇒ page 288

(yellow) ASR (TCS) manually deactiva-
ted. Turn on the ASR (TCS)
⇒ pag
e 191. ASR (T

CS) is auto-
matically activated when the ig-
nition is switched on or off. lights up Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 (yel-
lo w) Together with the ESC (ESP)
contr
o

l lamp : Fault in ABS. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS. Together with the warning
lamp


or : ABS fault.  (yel-
lo w) Together with the warning
lamp


flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty. Contact a specialist workshop.

(green) Brake pedal not pressed. Press the brake pedal to select
a ge
ar r

atio. Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the el
ectr

onic parking
brake ⇒ page 185. flashes Possible cause ⇒  Solution

(red) Electronic parking brake faul-
ty.
The c

ontrol lamp  may
light up at the same time or
the control lamp  may flash
on the button. Contact a specialised work-
shop, a
s
it may not be possible
to park the vehicle in safety.  (yel-
lo w) ESC (ESP) or ASR (TCS) regu-
lat
or

. Take your foot off the accelera-
tor
. Adju
st your driving style to
the road conditions. 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. 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. 

185
Driving WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 191, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up t
ogether with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialist workshop close by to check
the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not
go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument
panel screen, please go immediately to a specialist workshop
to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parkin
g brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button  until the control lamp
 on the button lights
up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
ins

trument panel ⇒ page 184.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button  . At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
pre s

s the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and
 on the instrument panel go
out. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

187
Driving
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
k erb
.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x

ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Information about the brakes For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles),
new brake p
ads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒  .
The slightly r
educed braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic. The rate of wear of the brake pads
depends
to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only
do this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users
⇒  .
A la y

er of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted
roads without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the
layer of salt on the brakes ⇒  .
If the v

ehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users ⇒  .
Fau lt

s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that
the braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there
is a fault in the braking system. The  warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a Technical Service immediately and
have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to use
more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data