2012 Seat Alhambra headlights

241
Trailer towing
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
drawbar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor
if the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the
axle as possible or even above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum ⇒ page 297.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
combination weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a seri-
ous accident with severe consequences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle
load should never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should
never exceed the gross vehicle weight.
WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer com-
bination will be seriously affected and this could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.

Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
greater.
● Select a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system
could overheat and fail. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

247
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, wear and dam-
age to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recom-
mends the use of car washed without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 249, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first,
and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before en-
tering an automatic car wash :
● Compare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance be-
tween the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

271
Checking and refilling levels
Closing the tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 330.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 279, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following
regularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ page 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ page 283 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ page 287
● Brake fluid level ⇒ page 185
● Tyre pressure ⇒  page 297
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Turn signals
Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Fuel Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Refuelling ⇒ page 268
● Engine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 232
–
–
–
–
–
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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

332If and when
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.CAUTION
Always remove and fit headlights carefully to avoid damage to the paint-
work and other vehicle parts. 
To replace halogen headlight bulbs
Fig. 205 In the engine
compartment: Left-hand
side headlight lining. A
dipped beam headlights,
B daytime driving lights
and C main beam head-
lights and side lights.Fig. 206 Left headlight
There is no need to remove the headlight to replace bulbs.
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
fig. 205, fig. 206 ABCIndicators (small lamp holder)Dipped beam head-lightsDaytime driving lightMain beam headlightsSide lights
1.Always take the checklist into account and take the necessary actions ⇒ page 331.2.Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 279. 

333
If and when
fig. 205,
fig. 206 ABCIndicators (small lamp holder)Dipped beam head-lightsDaytime driving lightMain beam headlightsSide lights
3. Remove the rubber cover on the rear of the headlight.
4.
Rotate the lamp holder1 to the left all the way
and pull it out back-
wards with the bulb.Rotate the lamp holder to the left all the way and pull it out backwards with the bulb.Press the wire clip down-wards and pull the lamp holder 2
out with the
bulb.
Pull the lamp holder 3out backwards with the
bulb.
5.Depending on the model, the bulb is removed directly from the lamp holder or it may need to be rotated and then removed.6.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
7.Place the bulb holder in the headlight and rotate to the right all the way.
Place the lamp holder in
the headlight and pull the
wire clip upwards until it
clicks into place.Place the lamp holder inthe headlight and insert completely.
8. Insert the rubber cover.
Note
The images show the left hand headlight from behind. The structure of the
right hand side headlight is symmetric. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

334If and when
To replace the xenon headlights bulb
Fig. 207 In the engine
compartment: Turn signal
cover.
Fig. 208 Turn signal in-
dicator lamp holder 1
and turning light 2.
There is no need to remove the headlight to replace bulbs.
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Turn signal indicators 1Turning lights 2
1.Always take the checklist into account and take the necessary ac-
tions ⇒ page 331.
2.Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 279.
3.Rotate the cover ⇒  fig. 207 in the direction of the arrow and remove
it.
4.
Rotate the lamp holder 1⇒ fig. 208 to the left all the way
and pull it out backwards with
the bulb.Press the wire clip downwards
and pull the lamp holder 2
⇒ fig. 208 out with the bulb.
5.Depending on the model, the bulb is removed directly from the
lamp holder or it may need to be rotated and then removed.
6.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
7.Place the bulb holder in the
headlight and rotate to the right
all the way.Place the lamp holder in the
headlight and pull the wire clip
upwards until it clicks into place.
8.Rotate the cover ⇒  fig. 207 in the opposite direction to the arrow as
far as it will go.
Always seek the help of a specialist when changing the Xenon dipped beam
and full beam headlamps ⇒  in Introduction on page 330.
Note
The illustrations show the left hand headlight. The structure of the right
hand side headlight is symmetric. 

335
If and when
To replace the front bumper bulbs
Fig. 209 On the right-
hand side of the front
bumper: Removing the
headlights
Fig. 210 Changing the
bulbs in the headlights.
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
1.Always take the checklist into account and take the necessary ac-
tions ⇒ page 331.
2.Pull the cover forwards, in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 209.
3.Unscrew the attachment screw ⇒ fig. 209 1 using the screwdriver
from the on-board tools ⇒ page 324.
4.Tilt the headlight slightly forward and extract it from its lateral at-
tachments ⇒ fig. 210 (small arrows).
5.Release the connector ⇒ fig. 210 1 and remove it.
6.Rotate the lamp holder ⇒ fig. 210 2 to the left all the way, in the
direction of the arrow, and pull it out backwards with the bulb.
7.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
8.Place the bulb holder in the headlight and rotate to the right all the
way.
9.Insert the connector ⇒ fig. 210 1 on the lamp holder
⇒ fig. 210 2. The connector must audibly click into place.
10.Place the headlight into its position
⇒ fig. 210 (small arrows) and
tilt it backwards.
11.Tighten the attachment screw ⇒ fig. 209 1 using the screwdriver.12.Replace the cover on the bumper ⇒ fig. 209.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications