2011 Seat Alhambra engine overheat

152
Seats and storage compartments WARNING
Improper use of the sockets or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cau se seriou
s injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The sockets and
equipment connect
ed to them can be used when the ignition is switched
on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immedi
ately. CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment th

at generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cordin
g to current regulations.
● To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12
V sockets before switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt socket that consumes more
than the pow
er indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power absorp-
tion could damage the vehicle's electrical system. For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill. Note
● Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition
sw it

ched on will drain the battery.
● Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment
and the vehic
le's electrical system.
● Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical applian-
ces

are used near the rear window aerial. 

173
Driving WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Nev er u
se start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
di at

ely after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not mak
e the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bi lity

is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions. Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
s t

arted with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporari
ly when the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for t
echnical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicl
e when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1. Stopping the vehicle completely
⇒  .
2. Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
comp
l

eted. 3. In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position
P. 4. Connect the electronic parking brake
⇒ page 183. 5. Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
⇒ fig. 127 0 .
6. With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
contr o

l of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switc
hed off.
● The brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To
stop
, the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
wil

l need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
wil

l not be possible to steer the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it m a

y overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

181
Driving
● You should reduce speed accordingly.
● Pre
ss the selector lever from position D to the right int
o the Tiptronic se-
lector gate ⇒ page 180.
● Gently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Reduce u
sing the steering wheel paddles ⇒ page 180.
Emergency program
If all the selector lever positions on the instrument panel display are shown
with a light-coloured background, this means there is a fault in the system.
The automatic gearbox will operate in emergency programme mode. When
the emergency program is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle how-
ever, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG ®
dual clutch gearbox, in some cases, this may mean that re-
verse gear does not engage . The gearbox should be checked by a Technical
Service as soon as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG gearbox ®
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the selector
lever position indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage to the clutch,
this interrupts the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox.
There is no more traction and it is not possible to accelerate. If the clutch is
opened automatically due to overloading, press the brake pedal. Wait a few
seconds before starting to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum acceleration when the gear selec-
tor lever is in the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down, the automatic gearbox
will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed.
This takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle ⇒  .
When the acc el

erator is pressed to the floor, the automatic gearbox shifts to
the next gear only after the engine reaches the specified maximum engine
speed. Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-C

ontrol programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
● Deactivate the ASR (TCS) ⇒ page 183.
● Pr

ess and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
● Place the selector lever in position S or Tiptronic
.
● Press the accelerator with the right foot until the vehicle reaches an en-
gine speed of ap
proximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ⇒  . The vehicle starts with maximum ac-
cel er

ation.
● Turn on the ASR (TCS) after accelerating! WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slip per

y ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and considerable damage.
● Only use kick-down and rapid acceleration when weather conditions,
surf
ace conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
● Please remember that the drive wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the ASR (T
CS) is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR (TCS) after accelerating. CAUTION
● If you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
v ehic

le from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
● Never allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
c

ially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubrica-
ted and could be damaged. 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. 

190
Driving
wheels are prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only
inter v
enes when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned,
the normal ABS is activated.
Braking assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating ASR (TCS)
In the event of wheelspin, the ASR (TCS) reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. The ASR (TCS) makes some situations easier,
for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in unfavoura-
ble road conditions.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched on or off manually ⇒ page 191.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDS is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down. WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicl e c

ontrol and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Even though the braking assist systems ABS, BAS,
EDS, ASR (TCS) and ESC (ESP) provide more security, do not take unnec-
essary risks while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC
(ESP) and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be
dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact w
ith the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Braking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does
not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions.
● Even though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
contro
l the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow
, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
braking assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC (ESP) can be considerably reduced if other
component s

and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained
or are not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes,
tyres and other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect
operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC (ESP). 

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

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

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. 