2011 Seat Alhambra suspension

191
Driving WARNING (Continued)
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
c omb
inations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC
(ESP) and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC (ESP) depends on the use of suita-
ble ty
res ⇒ page 293. Note
● To ensure that the ESC (ESP) and ASR (TCS) work properly, all four
wheel s

must be fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radi-
us of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is
not desired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESC (ESP), ASR (TCS) and
EDS w
ill also be affected.
● Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating. 
Turning on and off the ASR (TCS) Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: but-
ton used to switch ASR
(TCS) on and off (vehicles
with ESC (ESP)). The electronic stabilisation control ESC (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and ASR
(TCS) and on

ly works when the engine is running.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing
the  OFF ⇒ fig. 136 butt
on.
The ASR (TCS) (and similar) is only switched off
when the required traction is not obtained:
● When driving through deep snow or on loose ground (gravel...).
● When freeing a trapped vehicle.
Turn the ASR (TC
S) back on by pressing the button  OFF ⇒ fig. 136.

Brake fluid Fig. 137 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is
too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the sys-
tem. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

257
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications Accessories, replacement of parts and
modification s
Intr
oduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or incorrectly performed modifi-
cation s

or repairs may result in damage to the vehicle, accidents and se-
rious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use SEAT approved accesso-
ries and
SEAT ®
original spare parts. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Technical Service.
Qualified work
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics equipment,
repair information and qualified personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifications as the parts fitted at
factor
y.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cra

dles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of ac-
tion.
● Only use wheels and tyre combinations which have been approved by
SEAT f
or your vehicle type. 
Accessories and spare parts SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing acces-
sories
and s

pare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accesso- ries at a later date, or when replacing a component. A Technical Service will
advi

se you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommenda-
tions regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved SEAT accessories and genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
. These parts and accessories have been specially tested
by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the Technical Serv-
ice will guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehi-
cle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or
the way it is driven must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and
bear the e mark (the European Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself, these must bear the  mark (European Union manu-
facturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the per-
form anc

e of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cra

dles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of ac-
tion.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or within their radius of action,
coul
d lead to serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are triggered. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

259
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment s af
ely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
dam ag

e or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a
Technical Service. 
Repair and faults in the airbag system When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
mus
t

be observed! ⇒  Modifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and re-
pair
s

to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a Technical Service.
These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the airbag
system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the sys-
tem when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed
parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must
be observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealerships.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the air-
bag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms,
dampers, et

c., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and
sent to the control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors
and result in the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal
conditions, the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not
have been triggered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured
by the sensors and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations
when they should have triggered. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
dam ag

e or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a
Technical Service.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be re-
plac
ed.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthor-
ised wheel and ty

re combinations, may affect the performance of the air-
bags and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
● Never fit suspension components which are not identical to the origi-
nal

parts mounted in the vehicle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

345
General notes on the technical data
Vehicle code Fig. 220 Vehicle identifi-
cation number
.
V
ehicle identification number
The vehic
le identification number (chassis number) can be read from out-
side the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen ⇒ fig. 220. This viewer
is located in the lower part of the windscreen. The vehicle identification
number (chassis number) is also stamped on the right water drain channel.
The water drain channel is located between the suspension tower and the
wing. Open the bonnet to read the vehicle identification number 
⇒ page 275.
Vehicle data plate
The vehicle data plate is attached to the luggage compartment, and con-
tains the following information:
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type
Engine and gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment.
Optional extras, PR numbers
This information also figures in the Maintenance Programme. 1 2
3
4 Type plate
The type pl
at

e is visible when the driver door is opened, on the lower part of
the strut. Vehicles for certain export countries do not have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the following data:
Gross vehicle weight
Maximum authorised weight of vehicle and trailer
Maximum gross front axle weight
Maximum rear axle weight  5
6
7
8
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data