2011 Seat Alhambra tow

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
⇒  .


282
Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
⇒  fig. 169
. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small
quantities (not
more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time)
⇒  page 280.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil h
as flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the
dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oi
l ⇒  .
● When the oil level is in at least the ⇒ fig. 168 B zone, insert the dip-
stic k

into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly
. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This c

ould lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is cor-
rectly tight
ened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running. CAUTION
● If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. You should
obt ain pr

ofessional assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and engine
damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids int
o the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the c r

ankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Engine oil consumption The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can
v

ary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5000 km
(3000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ fig. 168 A .

Changing the engine oil The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maint
en

ance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a Technical Service to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme. 

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

306
Wheels and tyres WARNING (Continued)
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● A
lw
ays stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and
plac
e the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or
engage a gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
poss
ible with a reliable torque wrench. 
Preparations for changing a wheel Check list
Bef
or

e changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle on an even and solid surface.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P ⇒ page 174.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 174.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe
place (for example, behind the safety barrier).
Block the opposite wheel with wedges or a similar object.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle. Take the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
Remove the wheel trims ⇒ page 304.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 

310
Wheels and tyres
Check list
For y
our own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒  :
Select a s

uitable flat and firm surface for raising the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, engage a gear (manual gearbox) or place the se-
lector lever in position P ⇒ page 174 and turn on the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 183.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed ⇒ page 307.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking point ⇒ fig. 183 closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
Raise the jack with the handle until it can be inserted below the jacking
point.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly on the ground and that it is
placed immediately below the lifting point on the vehicle ⇒ fig. 184.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ fig. 184.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground. WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could fall off the jack causing seri-
ous injur

y. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● You should only use a jack approved by SEAT for your vehicle. Other
jack
s, even those approved for other SEAT models, might slip out of
place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the ground is sloped or soft
then the vehic
le could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary, support the
jack on a wide solid base. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. WARNING (Continued)
● If the ground is slippery (for example, on tiles), place a non-slip sur-
f ac

e (for example a floor mat) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking points. The claw of the jack
should grip the r
einforcement nerve on the underbody ⇒ fig. 184.
● You should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is
only s
upported by a jack.
● 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!.
● Never raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one side or the engine is run-
ning.
● Never s

tart the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may
come loose fr
om the jack due to the engine vibrations. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 

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.

313
If and when
Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 174.
St op the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example
behind a guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your ve-
hicle to other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to w
arn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Alwa
ys comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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 dried grass or fuel). Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning
lights r

emain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
● For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds
of approximately 80 km/h to warn vehicles behind. If braking con-
tinues, then the hazard warning lights will automatically be turned on at the
speed of less than approximately 10 km an hour. The brake lights remain lit.
Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights will be automatically turned
off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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