2012 Seat Alhambra warning

192Driving
intervenes when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned,
the normal ABS is activated.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. The ASR makes some situa-
tions easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even
in unfavourable road conditions.
The ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒ page 193.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL and XDS)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down.
The XDS function is an extension of the electronic differential lock. The XDS
does not react to the traction of the driving wheels, but to the adherence of
the front wheel on the inside of the curve whilst gripping rapidly in corners.
The XDS gives pressure to the brakes of the wheel on the interior of the cor-
ner to prevent skidding. This improves traction, which assists the vehicle in
continuing the required line.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the brake assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDL, ASR and ESC, provide more security, do not take unnecessary risks
while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dan-
gerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact with the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the driv-
er does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult condi-
tions.
● Even though brake assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
brake assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC can be considerably reduced if other compo-
nents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or are
not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC. 

193
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
combinations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC and
their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC depends on the use of suitable
tyres ⇒ page 297.
Note
● To ensure that the ESC and ASR work properly, all four wheels must be
fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius 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, EDL and ASR will also
be out of action.
● Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating. 
Turning on and off the ASR
Fig. 137 Detailed view of
the centre console: but-
ton used to switch ASR
on and off (vehicles with
ESC). The electronic stability control ESC consists of ABS, EDL and ASR and only
works when the engine is running.
The ASR can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing the
 OFF
⇒ fig. 137 button. The ASR (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 back on by pressing the button  OFF
⇒ fig. 137.
Brake fluid
Fig. 138 In the engine
compartment: 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 FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

194Driving
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒ 
.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒ 
.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Technical Services.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒ 
.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a Tech- nical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This means
that only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be
used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brake system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the container does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. 

195
Driving
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks bot-
tles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipients
even if the contents are clearly marked.
● Always keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

196Driving
Start assist systems
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
● Jump starting ⇒ page 341
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the start assist systems cannot change the
laws of physics. The improved comfort provided by start assist systems
should not prompt you to take risks.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● The start assist systems are not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Always try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving
to the condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic con-
ditions.
● The start assist system cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all con-
ditions on a gradient or cause it to brake on steep downhill gradients,
e.g. if the road is slippery or icy.
 Auto Hold function*
Fig. 139 Detailed view of
the centre console: Au-
to Hold button.
The control lamp on the button switches on when the Auto Hold function is
on.
When the Auto Hold function is on, it helps the driver if they must regularly
stop the vehicle or if they must stop with the engine running for prolonged
periods, for example, on hills, before a traffic light or in traffic jams with
continuous stopping and starting.
The Auto Hold function automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling away
accidentally when at a standstill, without the driver having to keep his/her
foot on the brake pedal.
When the system that detects that the vehicle has stopped, the Auto Hold
keeps the vehicle at a standstill. The brake pedal can be released.
If the driver presses the brake pedal briefly or presses the accelerator to
start off, the Auto Hold function releases the brake once more. The vehicle
moves according to the gradient. 

197
Driving
If any of the conditions necessary for the Auto Hold function change while
the vehicle stopped, the system is turned off as is the indicator on the but-
ton ⇒ fig. 139. The electronic parking brake engages where necessary to
park the vehicle safely ⇒ 
.
Conditions for keeping the vehicle at a standstill with Auto Hold:
● The driver's door must be closed.
● The driver's seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine must be running.
● The ASR system is switched on ⇒ page 185.
Switching Auto Hold on and off manually
Press the AUTO HOLD
button ⇒ . The control lamp on the button switches
off when the Auto Hold function is switched off.
Permanent Auto Hold connection
The Auto Hold function must be switched on every time the engine is star-
ted. However, to switch the Auto Hold function on permanently, the mark
must be switched on in the Settings menu, “Autohold” submenu
⇒ page 62.
Auto Hold works automatically under the following conditions:
All points must be fulfilled simultaneously ⇒ : manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox1.If the vehicle is stopped using the brake pedal on a flat or slope.2.The engine must be running smoothly.3.On a slope, the 1st gear is engag-
ed uphill or the reverse gear is en-
gaged for a downhill. The clutch
must be held down.A gear for driving is selected from
R, D or S.
Upon accelerating and pressing in
the clutch simultaneously, the
brake releases gradually.Upon accelerating, the brake re-
leases gradually.
Auto Hold turns off automatically under the following conditions:
manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox1.If one of the conditions mentioned in table on page 197 changes.2.If the engine is not running regularly or if there is a malfunction.3.When changing to idle speed.If the selector lever is placed in
neutral (N).
4.If the engine is turned off or stalls.If the engine is switched off.5.If the driver accelerates while
pressing the clutch in.If the vehicle is accelerated.
6. When one of the wheels has mini-
mal contact with the ground (for
example, on uneven ground).
WARNING
The Auto Hold technology is limited by the laws of physics. The improved
comfort provided by Auto Hold should never prompt you to take risks.
● Never leave the vehicle running and with the Auto Hold function
switched on.
● Auto Hold cannot always stop the vehicle uphill and downhill (for ex-
ample, if the ground is slippery or frozen).
CAUTION
Before entering an automatic car wash, always switch the Auto Hold func-
tion off, as it could be damaged when the electronic parking brake automat-
ically engages. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

199
Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver's door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
● Press the 
button on the centre console ⇒ 
fig. 140.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will 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
switched 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-
atures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
● In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Ob-
serve the corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, Stop will not function;
however, the angle of steering wheel turn does not affect starting the vehi-
cle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

200Driving
Parking sensor system*
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehi-
cle approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound
will be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close
to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Park Assist system ⇒ page 204
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot re-
place driver awareness.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
ways detect small children, animals or objects.
WARNING (Continued)
● The surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the ul-
trasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be de-
tected.
CAUTION
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could re-
sult in damage to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 in-
ches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles. 