2011 Seat Alhambra brake pads

55
Cockpit
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the vehicle, instead of a warning
lamp , sometime
s a symbol may be displayed on the instrument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
Red symbols Symbol Meaning ⇒  See
 
Do not continue driving!
The el ectr

onic parking brake is on, the brake
fluid level is too low or the brake system is faul-
ty. ⇒ page 183
 
Do not continue driving!
F au

lt in the engine cooling system. ⇒ page 283
 
Do not continue driving!
En gine oi

l pressure too low. ⇒ page 279
 
Do not continue driving!
At l

east one of the vehicles doors is open, or is
not correctly closed. ⇒ page 80
 
Do not continue driving!
The t ai

lgate is open or is incorrectly closed. ⇒ page 84
 
Do not continue driving!
F au

lt in the steering. ⇒ page 167
 Engine cannot be started again!
"AdBlue" lev
el

too low. ⇒ page 271
 Driver or passenger has not fastened seat belt. ⇒ page 21
 Use the foot brake! Change
⇒ pag
e 174
Br

ake
⇒ page 183  Faulty generator. ⇒ page 288 Yellow symbols
 Front brake pads worn.
⇒ page 183 lights: ESC (ESP) faulty or off
flashes: ESC (ESP) operating
 ASR (TCS) manually deactivated.
 ABS faulty or does not work.
 Electronic parking brake faulty. ⇒ page 183
 Rear fog light switched on. ⇒ page 95
 lights: Driving light totally or partially faulty. ⇒ page 326
flashes: Fault in the adaptive light system. ⇒ page 95
 Fault in catalytic converter.
⇒ page 228 lights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.
flashes: Fault in engine management.
 Fault in engine management.
 Diesel particulate filter blocked
 Fault in the steering system. ⇒ page 167
 Tyre pressure too low. ⇒ page 293
Fault in the tyre pressure gauge. ⇒ page 221
 Level of windscreen washer fluid too low. ⇒ page 105
 Fuel tank almost empty. ⇒ page 264
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

188
Driving
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brak e ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒  .
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their max imum br

aking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
alwa
ys take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between y
ou and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
cr e

ase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly
.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking ef-
fect and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brake
s and cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
brak in

g distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when we
ather, road and traffic conditions permit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
dist
ance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the br

ake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
nec e

ssary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● 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. 

189
Driving Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brak e p
ads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thorough-
ly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Assisted braking systems The assisted braking systems ESC (ESP), ABS, BAS, ASR (TCS) and EDS only
operat
e when the ignition i

s switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic stability programme ESC (ESP)
ESC (ESP) reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC (ESP) de-
tects critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheel-
spin on the drive wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking indi-
vidual wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC (ESP) has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC (ESP) is also
subject to the laws of physics. ESC (ESP) will not be able to deal with all sit-
uations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface
changes suddenly then ESC (ESP) will not be useful in all cases. If the vehi-
cle suddenly enters a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC (ESP)
will not provide assistance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle
loses its grip on the ground and moves on a film of water (“aquaplaning”),
the ESC (ESP) will not be able to assist the driver to control the vehicle due
to the loss of adherence with the road surface preventing braking and steer-
ing. If the vehicle is driven through series of bends at high speed, the ESC
(ESP) will not always be as effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driv-
ing is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving with a trailer, ESC
(ESP) does not provide the same amount of vehicle control as without a
trailer. Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESC (E

SP) cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the trans-
mission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver at-
tention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC (ESP) assists in
maintaining vehicle control in extreme situations and uses the movements
of the steering made by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the de-
sired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the
road before ESC (ESP) can intervene then the system cannot provide assis-
tance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR (TCS) and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESC
(ESP). The ESC (ESP) is always on. The ESC (ESP) should only be turned off
using the ASR (TCS) button ⇒ fig. 136 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn on the ASR (TCS) once more when the vehicle has traction
once again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before
the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake ped
al or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully.
● When the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced,
ABS is
turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any cir-
cumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain configuration of the ABS is au-
tomatically turned on. When ABS is activated, the front wheels may lock
briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

192
Driving
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the br
ake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒  .
Brak e fluid s

pecifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒  .
Brak e fluid

s conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒  .
It i s

not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a Tech- nical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This means
that on

ly brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be
used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brak e sy

stem may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instruction
s given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
brakin
g forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVS
S 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the cont
ainer does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. 