2012 Seat Alhambra service interval

201
Driving
Parking sensor system*
Fig. 141 Detailed view of
the centre console: but-
ton for switching the
parking sensor system
on and off.
Fig. 142 Parking sensor
system sensors on the
front bumper.
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The short-
er the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant. Switching the parking sensor system on and off
●
Press the 
button ⇒ 
fig. 141 when the ignition is switched on.
● Automatic on: select reverse gear.
● Automatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
● The parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loud-
ly after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will re-
main constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound au-
tomatically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound will be emitted.
● Your Technical Service can adjust the volume of the warning signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

231
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 157 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 157 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at
+20 °C (+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

238Trailer towing
CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not correctly connected, the vehicle
electronics may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may be damaged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the rear lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections
for providing electric current to the trailer.
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we
recommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if
the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight is more than 2500 kg 
Electric tow hitch ball*
Fig. 158 Right-hand
side of the luggage com-
partment: button to elec-
trically release the tow
hitch ball. The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals
and objects
⇒ 
.
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and can-
not be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 158. The tow ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
● Move the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitched.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trailer. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 158. The tow ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the but-
ton indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate. 

258Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
WARNING
Solvents cause the surfaces of the airbag modules to become porous. If
an airbag is accidentally triggered, the detachment of plastic parts could
cause serious injury.
● Never clean the instrument panel and the surfaces of the airbag mod-
ules with cleaners containing solvents.

Cleaning seat belts
If the seat belt is very dirty, the belt retractor may not work correctly thus
preventing the seat belt from operating correctly.
The seat belts should never be removed from the vehicle for cleaning.
● Use a soft brush to remove the worst dirt ⇒ 
.
● Pull the seat belt right out and leave it out.
● Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap and water solution.
● Wait until they are completely dry.
● Only allow the seat belt to retract when it is completely dry.
WARNING
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If the web-
bing or other parts of the belt are damaged, the vehicle should be taken
to a Technical Service immediately and the belts should be replaced. It is
extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could result
in serious injury or loss of life.
● Seat belts and their components must never be cleaned with chemi-
cal products, nor should they be allowed to come into contact with corro-
sive liquids, solvents or sharp objects. This could affect the strength of
the seat belt webbing.
● Seat belts should be completely dry before retracting. Damp could
damage the belt retractor so that it is does not operate correctly.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never attempt to repair, modify or remove a seat belt yourself.
● Always have damaged seatbelts replaced immediately by seat belts
approved for the vehicle in question by SEAT. Seat belts which have been
worn in an accident and stretched must be replaced by a specialised
workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent dam-
age. The belt anchorage should also be checked.


273
Checking and refilling levels
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it. 
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter serv-
ice intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme ⇒ 
. Your Technical Serv-
ice will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sep-
aration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low
as -20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. Technical Services and fill-
ing stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of diesel
fuels available. A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will de-
pend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This en-
sures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C (+5 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11,2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a
warm garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam
may be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it
is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious in-
jury. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

286Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
⇒  fig. 171. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small
quantities (not more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time)
⇒  page 284.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the
dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil ⇒ 
.
● When the oil level is in at least the ⇒ fig. 170 B zone, insert the dip-
stick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is cor-
rectly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
CAUTION
● If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. You should
obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and engine
damage may occur.
● 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!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5000 km
(3000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ fig. 170 A
.
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a Technical Service to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme. 

295
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.

Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment ⇒ 
. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a Tech-
nical Service for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size and
maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the bat-
tery replaced by a Technical Service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 198) are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒ 
.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒ 
.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 57. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range
of measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands
are made on it: 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

Preparation before replacing . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
G G 12 plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
G 12 plus-plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
General overview of the engine compartment 352
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Glove compartment lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
H Handbrake See "Parking brake" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Hazard warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Headlamp range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Headlight adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Headlights Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Dipped beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Headlight washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Side light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Turning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Heated windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
High pressure cleaning equipment . . . . . . . . . 248
Hitch ball
Electric release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
I
Ignition See "Engine and ignition" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Key removal lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Unauthorised vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Operating fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
In case of a breakdown Securing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
In case of an emergency Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
In case of a breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Protecting yourself and securing the vehi-cle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Indication on display Sign Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Indicator Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine oil pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Information on consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Initial operations
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57, 63 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57, 58, 63
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Seat belt routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Setting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Integrated seat belt Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
J Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Raising the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Assigning a key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Changing the battery (vehicle key) . . . . . . . 73
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Spare key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Key switch Deactivating the front passenger airbag . . 35
376 Index