2012 Seat Alhambra ESP

324If and when
Tools*
Introduction
When securing the vehicle in case of a breakdown, please note the legal re-
quirements for each country.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● In case of emergency ⇒ page 316
WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently fired
through the compartment in case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and
especially in accidents causing serious injury.
● Make sure that the vehicle tools are stored safely in the luggage com-
partment.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged on-board tools can cause injury or accidents.
● Never work with inappropriate or damaged tools.
 Location
Fig. 199 In the luggage
compartment, viewed
from inside the vehicle:
On-board tools are loca-
ted in a cavity close to
the lock carrier.
Depending on the model, the vehicle tools may be kept in the luggage com-
partment, in a cavity close to the lock carrier ⇒ fig. 199. Loosen the safety
straps and remove the on-board tools. For vehicles factory-fitted with winter
tyres, you will find additional tools in a toolbox located in the luggage com-
partment.
Note
After use, return the jack to its initial position using the handle in order to
securely store it in the vehicle. 

328If and when
CAUTION
● Always carefully remove the fuse box covers and refit them correctly to
avoid problems with your vehicle.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem.
Note
In the vehicle, there are more fuses than those indicated in this chapter.
These should only be changed by a specialised workshop. 
Replacing a blown fuse
Fig. 203 Image of a
blown fuse.
Fig. 204 Removing or fit-
ting a fuse.
Preparation
● Switch off the ignition, lights and all electrical equipment.
● Open the corresponding fuse box ⇒ page 327
Identifying a blown fuse
A fuse is blown if its metal strip is ruptured ⇒ fig. 203.
Point a lamp at the fuse. This will make it easier to see if the fuse is blown.
To replace a fuse
● If necessary, remove the plastic pincers from the fuse box cover.
● For small fuses, insert the pincers from above ⇒ fig. 204 A
.
● For larger fuses , insert the pincers from one side of the fuse B.
● Remove the relevant fuse.
● Replace the blown fuse by one with an identical amperage rating (same
colour and markings) and identical size ⇒ 
.
● Replace the cover. 

330If and when
Changing bulbs
Introduction
Changing bulbs requires a certain amount of manual skill. If you are unsure,
SEAT recommends that you consult an Technical Service or request assis-
tance from a specialist. In general, a specialist is required if other vehicle
components must be removed or if the discharge lamps must be replaced.
You should store spare light bulbs in the vehicle for safety-relevant lights.
Spare bulbs may be obtained from the Technical Services. In some coun-
tries, it is a legal requirement to carry spare bulbs in the vehicle.
Driving with faults and blown bulbs on the vehicle exterior lighting is
against the law.
Additional bulb specifications
The specifications of some headlamp bulbs and bulbs for the tail lamps fit-
ted at the factory may be different to those of conventional bulbs. Bulb in-
formation is displayed on the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
Additional information and warnings:
● Lights and visibility ⇒ page 95
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
● Fuses ⇒ page 326
WARNING
If the road is not well-lit and the vehicle is not clearly visible to other
drivers, there is a risk of accident.
WARNING
Failure to replace bulbs correctly may cause serious accidents.
● Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment please read
and observe the warnings ⇒ page 279. In any vehicle, the engine com-
partment is a hazardous area and could cause severe injury.
● Discharge lamps work with high-voltage and can cause serious or fa-
tal injury if handled incorrectly.
● H7 and discharge lamps are highly pressurised and could explode
when being changed.
● Only replace the bulbs concerned when they have cooled.
● Never replace bulbs alone if you are not familiar with the operations
necessary. If you are not sure about procedures then visit a Technical
Service to carry out the necessary work.
● Never touch the bulb glass directly. Fingerprints will be evaporated by
the heat of the operating bulb thus “fogging” up the reflector.
● The headlamp frameworks in the engine compartment and the tail
lamps contain sharp elements. Always protect your hands when chang-
ing bulbs.
CAUTION
After changing a bulb, if the rubber covers and plastic caps are not replaced
correctly on the headlamp framework, the electrical installation may be
damaged, especially if water is allowed to enter. 
Indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
A vehicle exterior lighting
bulb is not working.Replace the faulty bulb. 

331
If and when
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.
Checking the bulbs of a trailer
For vehicles with the factory fitted trailer system, certain trailer lights are al-
so controlled if the socket is correctly connected.
A fault on a trailer turn indicator is indicated on the instrument panel by the
indicator blinking twice as fast (  or ) ⇒ page 95.
● General fault of all indicators on one side.
● Fault in one tail light (on some models, also the registration light).
● Fault in two brake lights.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
A fault in the LED on the tail lights will not be indicated. However, if the fault
affects all the LEDs then this will be indicated by the indicator . Information for replacing bulbs
Checklist
To replace a bulb, carry out the following operations always in the order giv-
en ⇒ 
:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
Turn the light switch to position 0 ⇒ page 95.
Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒ page 95.
Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P ⇒ page 176.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 176.
Wait until all of the passenger compartment lights are turned off
⇒ page 95.
Allow the corresponding bulb to cool. Visually inspect fuses to see if any are blown ⇒ page 326.
Replace the bulb according to the instructions ⇒ 
. Bulbs should only
be replaced by new identical models. Bulb information is displayed on
the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
In general, never touch the bulb glass directly. The heat of the bulb
would cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector.
This will impair the brightness of the headlight.
Check if the new bulb is working. If the bulb is not working, it may not
have been correctly fitted, it could be damaged or the connector may
not be correctly connected.
Every time a bulb for the headlights is replaced, visit a specialised
workshop to check the headlights. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

344If and when
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not attach the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the
brake hose/pipe.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. Also, 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
clear yellow or clear, do not start the vehicle: seek specialised 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 has been frozen.

Towing and tow starting Introduction
When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For technical 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
⇒  page 232
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock could 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
considerably. 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 operate. 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 vehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age! 

347
If and when
Fitting the tow ring to the rear for vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch
● Take the tow ring from the on-board tools ⇒ page 324.
● Press on the upper cover and carefully remove it back. This may require
some strength. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the tow ring into its position anticlockwise as far as it will go
⇒ 
. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its location.
● After towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise and put the
cover back in place.
CAUTION
● The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Other-
wise, it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can only be used for towing
with a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball. Otherwise, the
tow hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. 
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on
an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn indicator lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest
position, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically. Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic parking brake and to activate the turn signal indicators, the horn
as well as the window wipers and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not run-
ning, you will need more strength to steer than normally.
● The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
● Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

351
Description of specifications
Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain cir-
cumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ 
.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball
joint of the towing bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow approach-
ing the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will
be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar load.
WARNING
● For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid
in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
 Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced. ⇒ 
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒ 
.
The tightening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 140 Nm.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
there is an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
● If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen while the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
Note
We recommend that you ask your Technical Service for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications