2011 Seat Alhambra coolant temperature

160
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Keep the air vents in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to
ens ur
e heating and cooling are not impaired and to prevent the windows
from misting over.
Adjustment for safer driving
When the air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air hu-
midity in the vehicle interior drop. Hence, when the outside air humidity is
high, the windows do not mist over and comfort for the vehicle occupants is
improved:
With Climatic
● Disable air recirculation mode ⇒  pag
e 161.
● Set the fan to setting 1 or 2.
● Turn the temperature control to the centre position.
● Open the air outlets in the dash panel ⇒ pag
e 161.
● Turn the air distribution control to the required position.
● Press the AC button to turn on cooling. The button will light up.
With C lim

atronic
● Press the AUTO button.
● Set the temperature to +22°C (+72°F).
● Open the air outlets in the dash panel ⇒ pag
e 161.
Switching the Climatronic temperature measuring unit
Press and hold the AC and
AUT
O buttons to switch the temperature display
between C el

sius and Fahrenheit.
Heat
The maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only avail-
able when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
The air conditioning system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on, this may be caused by
the following: ●
The engine is not running.
● The fan i

s switched off.
● The climate control fuse has blown.
● The outside temperature is lower than approximately +3°C (+38°F).
● The climate control system compressor has been temporarily switched
off becau
se the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the climate control system checked by
a Tec
hnical Service.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak!
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated charcoal cartridge serves as a
barrier against impurities in the ambient air.
For the climate control system to work with maximum efficiency, the dust
and pollen filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Programme.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the filter must be changed more frequently than sta-
ted in the Service Schedule. Note
● The climate control system must left running for a few minutes to reach
the set t

emperature in the vehicle interior.
● After starting it, any residual humidity in the climate control system
coul
d mist over the windscreen.
● The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and
out through the outl
ets below the rear window. Do not cover these outlets
with items of clothing or other objects. 

258
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Fluids and consumables All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such a s notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a Techni-
cal Service. Qualified workshops are permanently informed of any modifica-
tions. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injur

y, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original con-
tainer.
● Nev

er store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may
accidentally drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
container
s.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using
products
which give off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maint
enance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions! CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Failure to observe this
point w

ill result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
● Accessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet re-
duce the coo
ling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat. For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
abl e c

ontainers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with re-
spect for the environment. 
Repairs and technical changes When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
mus
t

be observed! ⇒  Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehic
l

e may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by
the faults. This may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents
are no longer valid.
Your Technical Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by tech-
nical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs per-
formed at a SEAT authorised service and that you use genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to
the restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances
and preparations. 

276
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Onc e the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
openin g the bonnet:
– T
urn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the g
ear stick in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them uns
upervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised!
Do not un
screw the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it
.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
ste
am using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhau
st system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as c

ausing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
● T

o minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences
while the en
gine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps. WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injur

y.
● Never place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
bla

des could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine runnin
g, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with
the utmost caution.
–Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and lon
g hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive.
The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tool
s, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire. WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
comp ar

tment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks. 

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

284
Checking and refilling levels For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in s
uitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge Fig. 170 Engine coolant
temper
at

ure gauge on
the instrument panel: A cold area;
B normal
are a; C warning area.
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The tem-
perat ur

e may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. lights up Gauge po-
sition
⇒  fig. 170 Possible cause Solution
 Warning
are a C Excessive engine
coo
l

ant tempera-
ture. 
Stop the vehicle!
St op the

vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant lev-
el ⇒ page 286. Normal
are a B Insufficient engine
coo
l

ant level. Check the engine coolant
when the engine h
a

s cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant ⇒ page 286.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault. -- Engine coolant
sys
t

em faulty. 
Do not drive any further.
O bt
ain professional assis-
tance. -- Cold area
A -- Avoid revving the engine too
much or m
ak

ing it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature. flashes Possible cause Solution
 Engine coolant system faulty. You should obtain professio-
nal
a

ssistance. 

285
Checking and refilling levels WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a
y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. 
Engine coolant specifications The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at
le
a

st 40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine
coolant additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in
colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also pre-
vents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must al-
ways be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries
with a warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity. When adding coolant, a mixture of
disti
lled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection
⇒  .
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
sys t

em, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
● 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. CAUTION
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEA T

. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine
and the engine cooling system.
● The engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and
G 11.
● If the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, thi
s means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with an-
other coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and
engine damage! For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in s

uitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

Control of function
Rain sen sor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Reprogramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Convenience closing Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Convenience functions Reprogramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Convenience opening Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Convenient entry function for the third row of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Coolant Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
See engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Counter steering assistance system . . . . . . . . 168
Crossing a river Salt water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148, 150
Curb weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Curtain airbags See "Airbag system" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 D
Damaged ty res . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Dangers of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . . . 20
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Data link connector (DLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Data plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Model identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . 345
Data registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Data storage during the journey . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Data stored by the control units . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Daytime driving light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
De-icing the door lock cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
De-icing the locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Details Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Diagnostics connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Filter pre-heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter-grade diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Recommended gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Differential lock
See "Brakin g assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . 190
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Dipped beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57, 58
Disposal Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Belt tension device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
End-of-life vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . 315
Warning indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Drawbar load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Loading the trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Driving Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cross country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Data storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Driving through water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ecological . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Economic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Fuel level to low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Parking downhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Parking uphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 369
Index