2012 Seat Alhambra lock

323
If and when
Manually unlocking the gear selection lever
Fig. 197 Remove the lin-
ing from the area of the
gear indication.
Fig. 198 Manual release
of gear selector lever.
If the vehicle power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and
the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be
moved to position N using the manual release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is located underneath the gearbox cover
panel to the right-hand side. To release the gear selector lever mechanism,
a suitable tool is required, for example a screwdriver.
Preparations
●
Apply the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be activated in the
vehicle must be secured otherwise so that it cannot move.
● Switch the ignition off.
To remove the gearbox cover panel
● Pull the cover up around the dust guard on the gear selector lever
⇒ fig. 197.
● Take the cover off by passing it over the gear selector lever ⇒ 
.
Manual release of selector lever
● Press the release lever ⇒ fig. 198 in the direction of the arrow and hold
it in this position.
● Press the lock button ⇒ fig. 197 1
on the gear selector lever knob and
place the gear selector lever in the N position.
WARNING
Never move the gear selector lever from the position P while the electron-
ic parking brake is deactivated. Otherwise, the vehicle may accidentally
move off on hills or steep slopes causing serious accidents.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is moved on its wheels with the engine stopped and the selec-
tor lever in position N for a prolonged period of time and at high speed, for
example for towing, then the automatic gearbox will be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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. 

336If and when
To replace the tailgate light bulbs
Fig. 211 On the boot lid:
Remove the cover.
Fig. 212 On the boot lid:
Remove the lamp holder. Complete operations only in the sequence given:
1.Always take the checklist into account and take the necessary ac-
tions
⇒ page 331.
2.Open the tailgate ⇒ page 84.
3.Extract the cover carefully using the flat part of the screwdriver as a
lever (⇒ fig. 200) on the indent ⇒ fig. 211 1.
4.Release the lamp holder connector by pulling on the red connector
block.
5.Press on the attachment tabs in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 212 and pull out the lamp holder.
6.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
7.Install the lamp holder. The attachment tabs should audibly click
into place.
8.Insert the cover. The cover should lock into place.

338If and when
To change the bulb
9.To release the lamp holder, press on the attachment tabs
⇒ fig. 214 1 to 4 in the direction of the arrow.10.Remove the lamp holder from the tail light unit.11.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
12.Place the lamp holder in the tail light unit. The attachment tabs
should audibly click into place.
13.Insert the connector and press the red attachment strip in so that
the connector is locked into place.
Assembling the tail light units
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Rear light, leftRear light, right
14.Carefully insert the tail light unit into the opening in the bodywork.
To do this, insert the upper tail light unit guide into the attachment ring.
15.Tighten the white attachment screw using the screwdriver from theon-board tools.
Rear light, leftRear light, right
16.Ensure that the tail light unit has been correctly fitted and is firmly secured.
17.Replace the cap 1 and rotate it
90° in the opposite direction of
the arrow.Move the 12 V socket support
upwards gently until it is correct-
ly closed.
18.Close the storage compartment. 19.Close the tailgate ⇒  page 84.

339
If and when
Changing the number plate light
Fig. 215 On the rear
bumper: number plate
lights.Fig. 216 Number plate
light: To remove the lamp
holder.
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Fixed number plate lightBolted number plate light1.Always take the checklist into account and take the necessary actions ⇒ page 331.
2.Press the flat part of the screwdriver included in the vehicle on-board
tools (⇒ fig. 200) in the direction of the arrow, in the groove of the
number plate light ⇒ fig. 215.Unscrew the number plate light screws using the screwdriver from the
on-board tools (⇒ fig. 200).
3.Detach the number plate light.
4.Press on the connector lock in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 216 Aand pull out the connector.Separate the attachment tabs from the rear panel of the number plate
light by pressing.
5.Rotate the lamp holder in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 216 B and
extract it with the lamp.Take the lamp holder out of the number plate light.
6.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
7.Insert the lamp holder into the number plate light and rotate all the
way in the opposite direction to the arrow ⇒ fig. 216 B.Insert the lamp holder into the number plate light.
8.Plug the connector into the lamp holder.Press on the attachment tabs. The lamp holder must be firmly attached
to the number plate light.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

343
If and when
The vehicles should not touch. Otherwise, current may be allowed to flow
when the positive poles are connected.
Connect the clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with the ter-
minals.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10
seconds and try again after about a minute.
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
Jump lead terminal connections
● Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒ page 172.
● Likewise, open the battery cover in the engine compartment
⇒  page 292, or remove the positive pole cap from one side 1)
, in the direc-
tion of the arrow ⇒ fig. 217.
● Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal
⇒  fig. 218 +
or ⇒ 
fig. 217 + of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ .
● Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal + in
the vehicle providing assistance B.
● For vehicles without Start-Stop system: Connect one end of the black
jump lead to the negative terminal -
in the vehicle providing assistance
B ⇒ fig. 218.
● For vehicles with Start-Stop system: Connect one end of the black X
jump lead to a suitable ground connection, a solid piece of metal in the en-
gine block, or to the engine block
⇒ fig. 219.
● Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid metal compo-
nent connected to the engine block, or onto the engine block itself of the
vehicle with the flat battery however, connect it as far away as possible from
the battery A
⇒ .
● Place the leads so that they cannot be caught by any moving parts in the
engine compartment. Switching on
●
Start the engine of the vehicle supplying current and let it run at idling
speed.
● Start the engine of the car with the flat battery and wait two or three mi-
nutes until the engine is “running smoothly”.
Removing the jump leads
● Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are
switched on).
● Turn on the heating and rear window heater in the vehicle with the flat
battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks which are generated when the
leads are disconnected.
● With the engines running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to con-
nection.
● Close the battery cover, or replace the positive pole cap 1)
.
WARNING
Incorrectly jump starting could cause the battery to explode resulting in
serious injury. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of
a battery explosion:
● All work involving the vehicle battery and electrical system can cause
corrosion, fire and serious electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the safety warnings and standards before beginning work on the
battery ⇒ page 292, Vehicle battery.
● Always protect your eyes with suitable working goggles and never
lean over the vehicle battery.
● The jump leads must be connected in the correct order: first the posi-
tive cable, then the negative cable. 
1)
Vehicles whose battery is not located in the engine compartment ⇒ page 342.
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! 

345
If and when
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒  page 341.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake, given that it is possible that
the brake will not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control units do
not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Towing instructions
Tow-rope or tow-bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
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 ⇒ page 237.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four wheel drive
vehicles.
Instructions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles
Four wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the
vehicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG ®
(direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply ⇒ page 345.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications