2012 Seat Alhambra engine coolant

287
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! Have
the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people may accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

288Checking and refilling levels
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge
Fig. 172 Engine coolant
temperature gauge on
the instrument panel: A
cold area; B normal
area; C warning area.
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The tem-
perature may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
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.
lights upGauge po- sition
⇒  fig. 172Possible causeSolution

Warning
area CExcessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.

Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant lev-
el ⇒ page 290.
Normal
area BInsufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant
⇒ page 290.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assis-
tance.
--Cold area A--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant system faulty.You should obtain professio-
nal assistance. 

289
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
● 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. 
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at
least 40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine
coolant additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in
colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25 °C (-13 °F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also pre-
vents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must al-
ways be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries
with a warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity. When adding coolant, a mixture of
distilled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection
⇒ 
.
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
system, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
CAUTION
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine
and the engine cooling system.
● The engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and
G 11.
● If the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, this means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with an-
other coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Using the wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and en-
gine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

290Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine coolant level and refilling
Fig. 173 In the engine
compartment: Marking
on coolant expansion
reservoir.
Fig. 174 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap.
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warning indicator will light. Preparations
●
Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
● Allow the engine to cool ⇒ 
.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 279.
● The coolant expansion reservoir is easily recognisable because of the
symbol  on the cap ⇒  fig. 174.
Checking the engine coolant level
● When the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion reservoir ⇒ fig. 173.
● If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the en-
gine is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
● Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
● Remove the cap very carefully ⇒ 
.
● Only refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(⇒ page 289) ⇒ 
.
● The engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank ⇒ fig. 173. Do not exceed the top level of the marked area
⇒ 
.
● Screw on the cap tightly.
● If, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to
the required specifications ( ⇒ page 289), never use another type of addi-
tive. Instead, first top up with distilled water ⇒ 
only. Then re-establish
the correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as
possible ⇒ page 289. 

291
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
● Never open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any
steam or coolant escaping.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin burns.
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
–Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the gear stick in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised.
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under specific cir-
cumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.CAUTION
● Top up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to con-
siderable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This could
consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water but
another type of water to top up the coolant, a specialised workshop must
immediately replace all of the fluid in the engine cooling system.
● Only top up coolant to the top level of the marked area ⇒ fig. 173. Other-
wise the excess coolant will be forced out of the cooling system when the
engine is hot, causing damage.
● If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
completely before adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an indication of
leaks in the engine cooling system. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a Technical Service. Otherwise you may damage the en-
gine.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

348Description of specifications
Technical Specifications
Description of specifications
Important information
Important
The information in the vehicle documentation always has
precedence. All technical specifications provided in this manual are valid for the stand-
ard model in Spain. The vehicle data card included in the Inspection and
Maintenance Plan in the vehicle documents shows which engine is installed
in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 229
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Engine oil ⇒ page 283
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 287
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 259 Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifications section
Abbrevia-
tionMeaning
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine
power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.l/100 kmFuel consumption in litres per 100 km.g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.CO2Carbon dioxideCNCetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance
of petrol.
WARNING
Failure to observe requirements for weight, loads, dimensions and maxi-
mum speed may lead to severe accident.


352Technical specifications
Technical specifications
Checking fluid levels
From time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the ve-
hicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids, other-
wise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Fig. 223 Diagram for the location of the various elements Coolant fluid deposit
Engine oil dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the compo-
nents mentioned above. These operations are described in ⇒ page 279.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of ⇒ page 348 
1
23456

Seat upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 40
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Child safety seat Securing with seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ISOFIX child seat on rear seats . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mounting child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mounting systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
On rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
On the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Securing using a Top Tether retaining strap 45
Securing using ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Securing using LATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 40
Weight categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Child seats Disabling the front passenger airbag . . . . . 35
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151, 152
Cleaning Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cleaning chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Cleaning the vehicle Folding exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Climate control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Climatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Indirect ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Climatic see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Climatronic see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Closing Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Electric sliding door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
See "Locking" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Code number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Collection of end-of-life vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Combined weight rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Compartment Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Compartments Card compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Folding table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Front central armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Other storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 149
Portable waste bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Rear floor area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Roof console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Spectacle case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Connectors Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Consumer disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Consumption How it is determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Control lamp AdBlue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brake pad wear indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine oil sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Lane assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Pressing the brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
372 Index