2011 Seat Alhambra ECU

278
Checking and refilling levels
Opening and closing the bonnet Fig. 166 In the footwell
on the driver s
ide: L
ever
for unlocking the bonnet. Fig. 167 Release lever to
open the bonnet in the
r a

diator grille.
Opening the bonnet
The lever t
o open the bonnet can only be used if the driver's door is open. ●
Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in p
lace against the windscreen ⇒  .
● Open the driver's door.
● Pull the release lever ⇒ fig. 166 in the direction of the arr
ow. The bonnet
is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒  .
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever ⇒ fig. 167 (arrow) and open the
bonnet
fully. The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
● To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure
⇒  .
● Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier. Do not pre
ss down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
le av

ing the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the lockin
g mechanism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be flush with
the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immedi
ately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
rang
e. 

288
Checking and refilling levels
Vehicle battery
Introduction The battery is a component of the vehicle's electrical system.
Never w
ork
on the electrical system without fully understanding the opera-
tions required, the applicable safety standards and without the correct tools
⇒  ! Have the work carried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain.
SEA T r

ecommends visiting a Technical Service. Negligent work can cause
serious injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehicle
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warning indications on the vehicle's battery Symbol Meaning
 Wear eye protection!
 Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
prot
ectiv

e gloves and eye protection!  Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited.
 A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when
the batt
er

y is under charge.  Keep children away from acid and batteries!
Additional information and warnings:
●
⇒ Book l
et Maintenance Programme
● St

arter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 194
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause corro-
sion, fir e and el

ectric shocks. Always read and take into account the fol-
lowing warnings and safety standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
all

electrical devices then disconnect the negative connection on the bat-
tery.
● Keep children away from acid and the battery itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindnes
s. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to places exposed to flames or
spark
s.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges when working with cables
and electrica
l devices.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can explode. Replace a damaged bat-
tery
immediately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as soon as possible. A flat bat-
tery
can freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32°F).
● Vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Ensure that
the batter
y ventilation hose is correctly secured. 

292
Checking and refilling levels
● the idling s peed i s increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even comp
letely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and
the cigar
ette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle
is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly
if the ignition is
switched on.
● Use of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ page 163.WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short -c

ircuits, fire and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose proper
ties, specifications and size correspond to the stand-
ard battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
ch ar

ge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at
temperatures around 0°C (+32°F). WARNING (Continued)
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● B
att

ery cables not correctly connected may cause a short circuit. Re-
connect fir
st the positive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine i s

running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Never plug accessories supply current, such as solar panels or a battery
char
ger, to the 12-volt sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage
the vehicle's electrical system. For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-friendly manner. Batteries con-
t ain t

oxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service
fluids and al
low a dispose of them correctly. 

296
Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the corr
ect
wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly ⇒ page 305.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ page 305.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together
by special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance,
a better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims
should always be replaced and must only be repaired in a Technical Service.
SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
Wheel rims w

ith bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attach-
ed to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at
a Technical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more danger-
ous and r

esult in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be u
sed.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required. WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loo sened, thi

s could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried
out at qua
lified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims New tyres
●
When tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km
(310 mil e

s), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in
do not have such good grip ⇒  or braking capacity
⇒  .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(ro l

ling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyr
e and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front ax
le or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒  .
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in ques tion, and in ac

cordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres
are too b
ig, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage. 

307
Wheels and tyres
Wheel bolts Fig. 181 Changing the
wheel: Sl
ac
ken the wheel
bolts. Fig. 182 Changing the
wheel: T
y

re valve 1 and
pos ition of
anti-theft
wheel locking bolt 2 or
3 .
Only use the tool supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
Loo sen the wheel

bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle with
the jack. If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down
on the end of the wheel br

ace carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for
support and take care not to slip.
Loosening wheel bolts
● Fit the wheel brace as far as it will go over the wheel bolt ⇒ fig. 181.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Loo senin
g anti-theft wheel bolts
For wheels with full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded into
position ⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 before mounting the hubcap. Otherwise it will
not be po s

sible to mount the full hubcap.
● Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle tool kit.
● Insert the adapter onto the wheel bolt.
● Fit the wheel brace onto the adapter as far as possible.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Import ant
information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been designed to be fitted to factory op-
tions. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length
and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are
fitted securely and that the brake system functions correctly.
In some circumstances, wheel bolts from the same model vehicle should
not be used.
Wheel bolt tightening torque
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels
is 140 Nm. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon
as possible with a reliable torque wrench.
If wheel bolts are rusty and it is difficult to tighten them, the threads should
be replaced and cleaned before checking the torque. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

312
If and when
If and when
In case of emergency
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ pag e 183
● Emer
gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314
● V

ehicle tools ⇒ page 320 WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other r o

ad users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
dist
ance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors ar
e to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures. Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle Fig. 186 In the centre of
the ins
trument

panel:
Switch for hazard warn-
ing lights.
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of cou
ntries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 314.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights on, a change in direction
or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn indicator lever. The
hazard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground
⇒  .
Turn on the h az

ard warning lights with the button  ⇒ 
fig. 186 .
C

onnect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
1.
2.
3.

314
If and when
First aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vests and fire
extingui
shers* Fig. 187 On the boot lid:
Warnin
g tri

angle bracket.
Reflective vests
Some vehic
les will have a driver's door compartment to store a reflective
vest ⇒ page 53.
Warning triangle
With the tailgate open, rotate the lock ⇒ fig. 187 90°. Lower the bracket and
remove the warning triangle.
First-aid kit
There is a first aid kit ⇒ page 141 in the rear left-hand side storage com-
partment of the luggage compartment.
The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements. Check the expiry date
of the contents of the first aid kit.
Fire extinguisher
There is a Fire extinguisher underneath the passenger seat. The fire extinguisher must conform to legal requirements, be ready for use
and be check

ed regularly. Check the certification seal on the extinguisher. WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently thrown in
ca se of

a sudden manoeuvre or braking and especially in accidents caus-
ing serious injury.
● Secure fire extinguishers, first aid kit, reflective vests and warning
triangl
e securely to their respective supports. 
Emergency locking and unlocking Introduction The doors, tailgate and panoramic sliding roof can be locked manually and
par
ti

ally opened, for example if the key or the central locking is damaged.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ pag
e 71
● Central locking and locking system ⇒ pag
e 74
● Doors ⇒ page 80
● T

ailgate ⇒  pag
e 84
● Panorama sliding sunroof ⇒ pag
e 92
● In case of emergency ⇒ pag
e 312 

319
If and when
Manually unlocking the gear selection lever Fig. 195 Remove the lin-
ing fr
om the ar
ea of the
gear indication. Fig. 196 Manual release
of g
e

ar selector lever.
If the vehicle power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and
the vehic
le has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be
moved to position N using the manual release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is located underneath the gearbox cover
panel t

o the right-hand side. To release the gear selector lever mechanism,
a suitable tool is required, for example a screwdriver.
Preparations
● Apply the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be activated in the
vehicl
e must be secured otherwise so that it cannot move.
● Switch the ignition off.
To remo
ve the gearbox cover panel
● Pull the cover up around the dust guard on the gear selector lever
⇒ fig. 195.
● Take the cover off by passing it over the gear selector lever ⇒  .
Manua l

release of selector lever
● Press the release lever ⇒ fig. 196 in the direction of the arr
ow and hold
it in this position.
● Press the lock button ⇒ fig. 195 1 on the gear selector lever knob and
pl ac

e the gear selector lever in the N position. WARNING
Never move the gear selector lever from the position P while the electron-
ic p ark

ing brake is deactivated. Otherwise, the vehicle may accidentally
move off on hills or steep slopes causing serious accidents. CAUTION
If the vehicle is moved on its wheels with the engine stopped and the selec-
tor l ev

er in position N for a prolonged period of time and at high speed, for
example for towing, then the automatic gearbox will be damaged. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data