2011 Seat Alhambra fuel cap

Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel trims* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Changing a wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Tools* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Towing and tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
General notes on the technical data . . . . . . . . 344
Outstanding information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Data on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 HP). Automatic . 350
Petrol engine 2.0 147 kW (200 HP). Automatic . 351
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 85 kW (115 PS) . . . . . . 352
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS) . . . . . 354
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS)
Autom atic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . 356
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS)
Automatic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) four-
wheel drive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS) . . . . . 360 Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS)
Automatic

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3654
Table of Contents

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

221
Driving
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre pressure of each wheel during
drivin
g u
sing the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor the tyre tread pe-
rimeter and vibrations of each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns the driv-
er if it detects a considerable drop in tyre pressure of one or several tyres
while driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indicated by the indicator  as
well as a sound and sometimes a text message on the screen of the instru-
ment panel. When you open the driver's door, you will find a label indicat-
ing the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer for the maximum
vehicle load for each tyre approved for the vehicle in question. By pressing
the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may change the
reference pressure for the tyres so that the tyre pressure to be monitored co-
incides with actual tyre pressure ⇒ page 223.
Suitable use of the adjustment button ⇒ page 223.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒  pag
e 13
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒  pag
e 183
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ pag
e 242
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ pag
e 257 WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pre s

sure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pres
sures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
col

d at all times ⇒ page 297.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
chan
ge the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of ty
re fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator button could result in the
indicat or giv

ing erroneous messages or prevented from indicating the
danger caused by a defective tyre ⇒ page 223. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap is not in place. Check that the
c ap

s are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tightened.
Do not use metal caps ⇒ page 223.
● Do not damage the valves when changing the tyres ⇒ page 223. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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

255
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Notes for the user Labels and p
latesSome parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cat
e

s of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the passeng-
er's sun visor, on the driver's door strut, or on the floor of the luggage com-
partment.
● Never remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are k
ept in good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is re-
plac
ed, the qualified workshop should attach the information back in the
same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards
and regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible
for road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation. The vehicle ignition system complies with sev-
eral standards, including the Canadian standard, ICES-002. 
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
acc
or

dance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture. If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an ex-
tended period of time, the ap

plicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deac-
tivate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particu-
larly true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period
of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio or navigation system supplied at the factory does not
work in another country. CAUTION
● SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the
u se of

a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
● SEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
ful

l with the legal requirements of other countries or continents. 
Radio reception and the aerial The aerial of radio and navigation systems fitted at the factory may be
mount
ed in diff

erent parts of the vehicle:
● On the inside of the rear window, next to the rear window heating,
● on the inside of the rear side windows,
● on the inside of the windscreen,
● on the roof of the car.
Aerials
mounted on the inside of a window can be recognised by the fine
wires. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

264
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels
Filling the tank
Introduction The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Addition
a
l information and warnings:
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● Selectiv

e Catalytic Reduction (AdBlue) ⇒ page 271
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
su ltin

g in serious burns and injuries.
● Always make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evap-
oration and fuel
spillage.
● Fuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can
cause seriou
s burns and injuries.
● Fuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
fill

er fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● When refuelling, turn off the engine, the auxiliary heating
(⇒ page 163) and t
urn off the ignition for safety reasons.
● Always turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emittin
g equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire. WARNING (Continued)
● Nev er enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary
t o ent

er the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before
touching the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static
electricity. Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
● Never handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combu
stion (e.g. cigarettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuel-
ling.
● Ob

serve the safety regulations of the service station.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canis-
ter in the v

ehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of
an accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty contain-
ers. This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
● Observe the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a can-
ist

er:
– Never place a fuel container to fill it inside the vehicle or on the ve-
hicle, f
or example, in the luggage compartment or on the tailgate.
Filling in these circumstances could create an electrostatic charge
and spark that could ignite fuel fumes.
– Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as possi-
ble. 

266
Checking and refilling levels WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in tr affic
and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irre
gular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel s
upply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid runnin
g out of fuel. CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tion s

and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead to
ignition faults
and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This could
damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter! Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ fig. 162
indic
ates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel Fig. 163 Open tank flap
with t
ank

cap attached to
the holder.
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele- phones, aux
iliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Unscrewing the tank cap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
● Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hing
e ⇒ fig. 163.
Refilling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 267.
● If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon a
s the tank is full ⇒  .
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pan s

ion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm. 

267
Checking and refilling levels
Closing the tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush w ith the body
contour. WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel t

ank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
av oid d

amage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork. For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions Information on bulb replacement
⇒ pag
e 326.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 275, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Check the following reg-
ularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ pag
e 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ pag
e 279 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ p
age 283
● Brake fluid level ⇒ pag
e 183
● Tyre pressure ⇒  pag
e 293
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Indicator
s
Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97 WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cident s

and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations. 
Fuel Introduction You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel
f

or your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Bookl et Maintenance Programme
● R

efuelling ⇒ pag e 264
● En

gine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 228
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Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data