2011 Seat Alhambra engine

233
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer Tec hnic
al requirements If the car is supplied with a
factor
y-fitted tow hitch it will already have the
necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for
towing a trailer.
Only use an approved trailer hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balan-
ces the load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal re-
quirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the ve-
hicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer ⇒ page 235.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights

of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 235.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system.
In case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a spe-
cialist workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the stand-
ard wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications: Electrical consumer Maximum power
Position lights and rear lights 50 Watts
Indicator (each side) 54 Watts
Brake lights (total) 84 Watts
Reversing lights (total) 42 Watts
Rear fog light 42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the v ehic

le causing an accident with serious consequences. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

234
Trailer towing CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not correctly connected, the vehicle
el ectr
onics may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may
be damaged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the re
ar lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections
for providing electric current to the trailer. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we
r ec

ommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if
the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight i
s more than 2500 kg 
Electric tow hitch ball* Fig. 156 Right-hand
side of
the lug

gage com-
partment: button to elec-
trically release the tow
hitch ball. The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals
and obj

ects ⇒  .
The to w hit
ch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and can-
not be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 156. The to
w ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
● Move the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitc
hed.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trail
er. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 156. The to
w ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the but-
ton indicat
or lights.
● Close the tailgate. 

236
Trailer towing
Trailer electric socket
The electric c
onnection between vehicle and trailer is a 13-pin socket. If the
trailer plug has seven pins, an adapter cable must be used.
Trailer rear lights
Check the trailer rear lights to ensure they work correctly and remain legal.
Ensure that the trailer does not use more than the maximum power
⇒ page 233.
Trailer connected to the antitheft alarm:
● When a vehicle comes from the factory fitted with an antitheft alarm and
tow hit
ch.
● When the trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
● When the vehicle and trailer electrical systems work correctly and are
not dam
aged.
● When the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key and the antitheft alarm
is t

urned on.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered when the electrical con-
nection between the vehicle and the trailer is removed.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or disconnect-
ing a trailer. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously activate the alarm. WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may supply energy
to the tr ai

ler causing an anomaly in the vehicle electronics that could re-
sult in an accident with serious consequences.
● All work on the electrical system must be carried out only by a spe-
cia

list workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connec-
tions of
the rear lights or any other power sources. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehicle when parked; places on its
sup por

t wheel or its supports. For example, when changing the load or a
puncture, the vehicle will be pushed up or down. The force acting on the
tow hitch and the trailer could damage the vehicle or the trailer. Note
● In case of a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical system or in case of
pr o

blems with the antitheft alarm system, have the system checked by a
specialist workshop.
● If the trailer accessories use energy from the socket when the engine is
stop
ped, the battery will be discharged.
● For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear LED lights cannot be con-
nected to the antithef
t alarm system.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the electrical connection with the
trail
er is automatically cut.
● With the engine running, the electrical equipment on the trailer will con-
sume pow
er. 
Loading the trailer Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trai
l

er weight is the load that the vehicle can pull ⇒  . The drawbar
loa d i

s the vertical weight of the trailer hitch on the tow hitch ball
⇒  page 240.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate
of the towing bracket are for values of this model only. The correct figures
for your specific vehicle, which may be lower than these figures for the tow
hitch, are given in the registration documents. The instructions in the offi-
cial vehicle documents take precedence. 

237
Trailer towing
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
dra wb
ar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor
if the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the
axle a
s possible or even above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyr

e pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum ⇒ page 293.WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
comb in

ation weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a seri-
ous accident with severe consequences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle
load shou
ld never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should
never exceed the gross vehicle weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer com-
bin ation w

ill be seriously affected and this could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or s
traps. 
Driving with a trailer Adjusting the headlights
When to
w

ing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overru
n brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
great
er.
● Select a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
brakin
g effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system
could overheat and fail. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

238
Trailer towing
●The vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
lo a
d and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trail-
er.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is
incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button  once to turn off the electric parking brake
⇒ p ag

e 183.
● Press and hold the button  to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
us in

g the parking brake.
● With a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
● Engage first gear or the gear range D ⇒ page 174, Ch
anging gear.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Move off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbo
x).
● Release the button  only when the engine provides sufficient power
to mo v

e the vehicle and trailer combination. WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
contr o

l with the subsequent serious consequences.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
chan
ge the vehicle handling and braking distances. WARNING (Continued)
● Antic ipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
● Adju
s

t your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sud-
den brakin
g.
● Always take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately
if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
● Always take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each c
ountry into account. 
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electr
onic

stability control ESC (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESC
(ESP)  indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more
than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is r

etrofitted.
● The ESC (ESP) is on. The warning indicator in the control panel  is not
lit

.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
● The vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
● The maximum drawbar load is used. 

240
Trailer towing
247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inche s)
1097 mm (43 inc
hes)
1102 mm (43 inches) WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may cause anoma-
lies in the

vehicle electronics that could result in an accident with serious
consequences.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connec-
tions of
the rear lights or any other unsuitable power sources. Only use
suitable connectors to connect a trailer.
● Visit a specialist workshop if you wish to retrofit a tow hitch to the
vehicl
e. WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the v ehic

le while driving. This could result in serious accident. Note
Use only tow hitches approved by SEAT for the vehicle. 
Maximum gross trailer weight The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
tec
hnic

al data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle. E F
G
H The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for diff
er

ent models and for special vehicles. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indicated could cause a serious
acc ident

.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indicated could cause damage to the
vehic l

e.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. 
Gross combined vehicle weight rating The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
tec
hnic

al data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
The maximum combined weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up
to 1000 m above sea level. The weight of the car and trailer must be re-
duced by about 10% for every further 1000 m (or part thereof). WARNING
Exceeding the maximum weight indicated could cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the gross combined weight rating. 

242
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction Regular maintenance and washing help to maint
ain the value of the vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty
claims in the event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle are available at any Technical
Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 249
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are
not s uit

able or are used inappropriately, this could result in accident, se-
rious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Car care products must always be stored in the original container
which shoul
d be kept closed.
● Observe information provided by the manufacturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food
cans, bottl
es or other containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of children. WARNING (Continued)
● Harmf ul vapours may be produced when using car care products.
Ther ef

ore, care products should only be used in well-ventilated spaces or
in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid to w
ash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the ve-
hicl e s

afety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
● Vehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in ac-
cord
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care products. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material. For the sake of the environment
● Only wash the vehicle in areas allocated for this purpose, to prevent
dir ty

water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from entering
the drains. In some districts, washing vehicles outside wash bays is prohibi-
ted.
● Where possible, always use products which respect the environment.
● The remains of car care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry hou
sehold waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 

249
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning WARNING
Additional underseal or anti-corrosion products could catch fire due to
the high temper at
ures reached by the exhaust gas system and other en-
gine components.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion products to the
exhau
st pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields or other parts of the ve-
hicle which reach high temperatures. 
Cleaning the engine compartment The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous
are
a

⇒ page 275.
The engine compartment should only be cleaned by qualified personnel. If
it is not correctly cleaned, the anti-corrosion coating and consequently elec-
trical components may be damaged. Moreover, water may filter directly into
the vehicle interior through the water chamber ⇒  .
If the en gine c

ompartment is very dirty, always take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service for professional cleaning. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Service.
Water box
The water box is in the engine compartment, between the windscreen and
the engine, and beneath a perforated cover. Air is taken in through the wa-
ter box from outside to the vehicle interior via the heating and air condition-
ing system.
Leaves and other loose objects should be regularly cleaned away from the
water box either by hand or with a vacuum. WARNING
When working on the engine or in the engine compartment, there is a
risk of

injury, burns, accident or fire.
● Before starting work, please ensure you are familiar with the required
procedur
e and the safety precautions ⇒ page 275.
● SEAT recommends you have this work performed by a qualified deal-
ership. CAUTION
If water is manually poured into the water box (for example, using a high
pre s

sure cleaning appliance), this could cause significant damage to the ve-
hicle. For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas allocated for this purpose, to
prev ent

dirty water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from
entering the drains. In some districts, the engine compartment may not be
washed outside the wash bays provided for this purpose. 
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior Introduction The dye from many items of modern clothing (e.g. dark jeans) is not always
solid enough.
Se

at upholstery (material and leather), especially when light-
coloured, may visibly discolour if the dye comes out of clothing (even when
used correctly). This is not an upholstery defect but indicates that the dye in
the item of clothing is not solid enough. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data