2012 Seat Alhambra technical specifications

177
Driving
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore long 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. 
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.

(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
To select a range of gears, press
the brake pedal.
Please also see "Electronic park-
ing brake" ⇒ page 185.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(green)The selector lever locking but-
ton has not engaged. The ve-
hicle does not start to move.Engage the selector lever lock
⇒ page 180.
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.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● If the vehicle stops and must be stopped for repairs, always park a
safe distance from surrounding traffic, turn on the hazard warning lights,
stop the engine and take all of the safety measures necessary to warn
other road users.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

179
Driving
Manual gearbox: Engaging gears
Fig. 131 Gear shift pat-
tern of a 6-speed manual
gearbox.
The position of each of the gears is shown on the gear stick ⇒ fig. 131.
● Keep the clutch pedal pushed all the way down.
● Move the gear stick to the required position.
In some countries, it is necessary to press the clutch pedal to the floor to
start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
● With the vehicle at a standstill, press the clutch pedal to the floor and
keep pressed.
● Push the gear lever down.
● Move the gear stick to the left and then forwards to reverse gear R
.
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released. This is also the case with the
electronic parking brake on.
● Never engage the reverse gear when a vehicle is moving forward.
CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature wear, please observe the follow-
ing:
● While driving, do not leave your hand resting on the gear stick. The pres-
sure applied by your hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped before engaging
the reverse gear.
● When changing gear, always make sure the clutch pedal is pushed right
to the floor.
● Never hold the vehicle on the clutch on hills. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

181
Driving
To release the gear selector lever lock, press and hold the brake pedal with
the ignition on. Press simultaneously on the selector lever lock.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible,
for instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in
snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake
pedal is not pressed and the lever is in position N for more than about one
second at a speed of less than 5 km/h (3 mph).
In vehicles with a DSG ®
automatic gearbox, on rare occasions the selector
lever lock may not engage. In this case, the transmission is locked to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving accidentally. The green control light  flashes
and an information text is displayed. Proceed as follows to engage the se-
lector lever lock:
● Press the brake pedal and then release.
WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect position may cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and a serious accident.
● Do not press the accelerator when engaging a range of gears.
● With the engine running and a range of gears selected, the vehicle
will move off when the brake pedal is released.
● Never select reverse gear or the parking lock while driving.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the electronic parking brake and en-
gage parking lock P.
WARNING (Continued)
● While the engine is running and with the D, S or R range of gears se-
lected, keep the brake pressed to keep the vehicle at a standstill. Trans-
mission is not totally interrupted either when the vehicle is idling or
when the vehicle continues moving forwards.
● Never engage the R or P gear ranges when the vehicle is moving.
● Never leave the vehicle with the gear selector in N. The vehicle may
move downhill regardless of whether the engine is switched on or not.
CAUTION
If, when the vehicle is at a standstill, the electronic parking brake is not ap-
plied and the brake pedal is released while in position P, the vehicle may
move a few centimetres forwards or backwards.
Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is accidentally placed in position N, lift
your foot off the accelerator. Wait until the engine is running at idle speed
before selecting a new gear ratio. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

183
Driving
● You should reduce speed accordingly.
● Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic se-
lector gate ⇒ page 182.
● Gently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Reduce using the steering wheel paddles ⇒ page 182.
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 the
reverse gear does not engage . The gearbox should be checked by a Techni-
cal 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 accelerator 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-Control programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
●
Switch off the ASR ⇒ page 185.
● Press 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 approximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ⇒ 
. The vehicle starts with maximum ac-
celeration.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating!
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery 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,
surface conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
● Please remember that the driven wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the ASR is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating!
CAUTION
● If you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle 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-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubrica-
ted and could be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

185
Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDL), the trac-
tion control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel, please go immediately to a specialised workshop to
check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed 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, kerbs 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

187
Driving
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 193, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel screen, please go immediately to a specialised workshop
to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake
Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centre console: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button 
until the control lamp
 on the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
instrument panel ⇒ page 186.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button 
. At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and  on the instrument panel go
out. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

189
Driving
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact 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
fixed 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, kerbs 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 pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒ .
The slightly reduced 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 specialised 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 layer 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 vehicle 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 build-up 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 ⇒ 
.
Faults 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 FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

191
Driving
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thorough-
ly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Brake assist systems
The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to increasing active
safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by brak-
ing individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual
wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC is also subject to
the laws of physics. ESC will not be able to deal with all situations with
which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters
a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC will not provide assis-
tance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (aquaplaning), the ESC will not be able
to assist the driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence with
the road surface preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driven
through series of bends at high speed, the ESC will not always be as effec-
tive: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driving is not the same as at reduced
speeds. When driving with a trailer, ESC does not provide the same amount
of vehicle control as without a trailer. Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESC cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the transmission
available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver attention cre-
ates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC assists in maintaining vehicle
control in extreme situations and uses the movements of the steering made
by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the desired direction. If the
vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the road before ESC can
intervene then the system cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are incorporated into the ESC. The ESC
is always on. The ESC should only be turned off using the ASR button
⇒ 
fig. 137 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn on the ASR
once more when the vehicle has traction again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before
the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully.
● When the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced,
ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any cir-
cumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain configuration of the ABS is au-
tomatically turned on. When ABS is activated, the front wheels may lock
briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the
wheels are prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications