2011 Seat Alhambra power steering

167
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of thi
s
steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● T

ow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 340WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more diffic u

lt to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Power steering faulty. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible. 
(yel-
lo w) Power steering operation re-
duced. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop. The vehicle battery was dis-
connect
ed and h

as been re-
connected. Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

168
Driving flashes Possible cause Solution
 (red) Fault in the steering column
electr
onic
lock. 
Do not drive on!
Seek pr
ofessional advice. 
(yel-
lo w) Steering column deviation. Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro
. Steering wheel not unlocked
or lock
ed. Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then swit
c

h the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance. 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. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Information on the steering Steering column electronic lock
If the driv
er's

door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle. Please engage steering lock Unlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
⇒ page 183. Turn the steering wheel slightly to
rel
e

ase the steering lock. Remove the key from the ignition. Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you he
ar the s

teering lock. Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and swit
c
h on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
With the po
w

er steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 

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

197
Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driv
er's door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switc
hing Start-Stop mode on and off manually
● Press the  button on the centre console ⇒ 
fig. 139.
● The b

utton will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine wi
ll start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually. WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
swit c

hed off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off. CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor temper-
atur e

s could damage the vehicle's battery. Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe
the corr e

sponding message on the instrument panel display. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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. 

340
If and when WARNING (Continued)
● Do not attach the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the
br ak
e hose/pipe.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. A
lso, the cable connected to the positive pole of the battery
should never enter into contact with electrically conductive parts of the
vehicle.
● Check the magic eye on the battery; use a lamp if necessary. If it is
cle

ar yellow or clear, do not start the vehicle: obtain specialist technical
assistance.
● Avoid static electricity discharges in the area around the battery. In
the event of
sparks, explosive gases coming from the battery could ig-
nite.
● Never use starting assistance if the vehicle battery is damaged, fro-
zen or ha
s been frozen. 
Towing and tow starting Introduction When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For t
ec

hnical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  pag

e 228 WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock c

ould engage. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident. WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
cons
iderably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operat
e. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does
not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently. CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the v

ehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age! 

342
If and when Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the electronic parking brake and steering
lock ar
e deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an elec-
tric system fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate
the electronic parking brake and electronic steering lock. 
Fitting the front tow ring Fig. 218 On the right-
hand s
ide of

the front
bumper: Screw in the
towing ring.
The location for the removable tow ring is on the right-hand side of the front
bumper ⇒ fig. 218. The t

owing eye should always be kept in the vehicle.
Note the instructions for towing ⇒ page 341.
To fit the tow ring
● Take the tow ring from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 320.
● Pr

ess on the upper cover and carefully remove it forwards. Allow the cov-
er to han
g. ●
Screw in the tow ring into its position anticloc
kwise as far as it will go
⇒ fig. 218 ⇒  . Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its loca-
tion.
● After towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clock
wise and put the
cover back in place. CAUTION
The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise, it
cou l

d be released while towing and tow-starting. 
Fitting the rear tow ring Fig. 219 On the rear
bumper
, t

o the right hand
side: Tow ring in position.
The location for the removable tow ring is on the right-hand side of the rear
bumper ⇒ fig. 219. F
or vehicles with a factory fitted trailer system , there is
no fitting behind the cover to insert the tow ring. For towing, fit and use the
trailer hitch ⇒ page 233, ⇒  .
Note the in s

tructions for towing ⇒ page 341. 