2011 Seat Alhambra engine

208
Driving
User instructions Fig. 146 On the boot lid:
location of
the r
ear assist
camera. Fig. 147 Rear assist dis-
pl
a

y: mode 2 connected.
Function buttons on the screen:  disp
lay the menu;  hide the menu.
 Turning off the reversing camera images
1 2 Display help. The help list explains the surfaces and lines on the cam-
era im
ag

e. Press  to exit help.
Mute the sound.
Adjust the display: brightness, contrast, colour.
Switching on the orientation points for rear parking perpendicular to
the road (mode 1).
Displaying the optical parking system. Function Operations in vehicles with
no optica
l

parking system
(OPS) Operations in vehicles with
the optica
l
parking system
(OPS) Switching the
dis
p

lay on auto-
matically: select reverse gear with the ignition switched on or the
engine ru nnin
g. Mode 1 will be displayed. Switching the
dis
p

lay off man-
ually: Press a button to select the area on the radio or the navi-
gation sy s

tem ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation
system. ALTERNATIVELY: Pre
s
s the button  on the screen.
ALTERNATIVELY: Aft
er sw
itching off the ignition, the rear
assist image remains on the screen for a short period. Press button
 .
Switching off
the dis
p

lay by
disengaging re-
verse gear: The image will switch off af-
ter ar
ou
nd 10 seconds. The OPS display will imme-
diat
ely
be shown. Switching off
the dis
p

lay by
driving for-
wards: Drive forwards at more than
appr
o
x. 15 km/h. Drive forwards at more than
appr
o
x. 10 km/h.  3
4
5
6
7

225
Driving and the environment
Practical tips Drivin g and the en
vironment
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Ru
nnin

g-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 1000 miles) , gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ pag
e 293
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ pag
e 187 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oi l

consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend lar
g

ely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with v

isibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

226
Driving and the environment
Economic driving style Changing gear early
General
in
structions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h, drive in
third gear, at 40 km/h in fourth gear and at 50 km/h in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing. In vehicles which
have the Start-Stop function on, the engine switches off automatically when
the vehicle is not moving.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration. Calm and steady driving
Cons

tancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to c
ool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
window
s have demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched on when the vehicle is mov-
ing ⇒  p

age 163. 

227
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving Fig. 155 Fuel consump-
tion in litre
s
per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead,
you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
workin
g tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 155 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20°C
(+68°F) and at -10°C (+14°F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

228
Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the v
ehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification sy
stem
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Changing gear ⇒ p ag
e 174
● Refuelling ⇒ pag
e 264
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● En

gine oil ⇒ pag
e 279
● Vehicle battery ⇒ pag
e 288
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ pag
e 257
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ pag
e 340 WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhau
st pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter. 
Warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 Fault in engine management
(Electr
onic

Power Control). Take the vehicle to a Technical
Serv
ic
e as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.  Pre-heating a diesel engine
befor
e s

tarting the engine. ⇒ page 170
 Fault in catalytic converter. You should reduce speed ac-
cor
din

gly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.  Diesel particulate filter
bloc
k

ed Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual
g

earbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒  .
If the w arnin

g lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service ⇒ page 229. 

229
Driving and the environment flashes Possible cause Solution
 Fault in the engine manage-
ment (die
sel
engines). Take the vehicle to a Technical
Serv
ic
e as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.  Combustion fault which could
dam
ag

e the catalytic convert-
er. You should reduce speed ac-
cor
din
gly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there. 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
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter
whil e driv

ing.
● Only carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
so permit.
● Never end

anger your safety or that of other road users. CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and ins truction

s to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
While the control lamps ,  or  r
emain lit, there may be engine prob-
lems, fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power. Catalytic converter The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
ga
se

s thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 279.
● Do not

tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 337.
If

you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a Technical
Service. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and es-
cape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of

sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Diesel particulate filter The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filt
er r

etains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combus-
tion process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur content ⇒ page 267.
● Nev

er use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer c
ontaining biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used ⇒ page 267. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

230
Driving and the environment
●Never run the tank completely dry.
● Do not t
op up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 279.
● Do not

tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 337.
In or
der to reduce blocking of the diesel particulate filter, some vehicles
with an automatic gearbox may increase the engine speed slightly to auto-
matically start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. The warning lamp will
not light up in this case .For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of

sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 

232
Trailer towing WARNING (Continued)
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
tr ai
lers with a low centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seriously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking
from side t
o side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km an hour when towing a trailer (or 100
km an hour in exc
eptional circumstances). This also applies in countries
where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the speed limits for ve-
hicles with and without trailers in each country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a trailer hitch that was not installed
by

SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Other-
wise, this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident
with serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a tr
ailer hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
nectin g a tr

ailer ⇒ page 78. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
⇒ p
age 257. ●
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the trailer hitch ball when a trailer is
not bein
g used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle
with the extended trailer hitch ball could be more extensive.
● In some models, a trailer hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
rea

son, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times. 