2012 Seat Alhambra tow

78Unlocking and locking
Driver's door indicator light.
When the vehicle is locked:MeaningThe red LED flashes for approximately 2
seconds at short intervals and then more
slowly.The "Safe" security system is
switched on.
The red LED flashes for about two sec-
onds then turns off. After 30 seconds, the
LED flashes again.The "Safe" security system is
switched off.
The red LED remains lit for about 30 sec-
onds.There is a fault in the locking
system. Contact a specialised
workshop.
WARNING
Careless use of the "Safe" security system can cause serious injury.
● Never leave anybody inside the vehicle if this is locked using the key.
When the "Safe" security system is activated, doors cannot be opened
from the inside.
● When the doors are locked, it is difficult to get to passengers in the
passenger compartment in case of an emergency. Passengers could re-
main trapped inside in case of emergency.

Antitheft alarm
The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle or steal
it.
The anti-theft alarm is automatically turned on when the vehicle is locked
with the key. When does the system trigger an alarm?
The anti-theft alarm siren will be triggered for about 30 seconds accompa-
nied by optical warning signals for about five minutes when the vehicle is
locked and the following unauthorised actions are taken:
●
When the door is mechanically unlocked using the vehicle key without
turning the ignition within the following 15 seconds.
● A door is opened.
● The bonnet is opened.
● The tailgate is opened.
● When the ignition is switched on with a non-authorised key.
● When the vehicle battery is disconnected.
● When there is movement inside the vehicle (vehicles with interior moni-
toring).
● When the vehicle is towed (vehicles with anti-tow system)
● When the vehicle is lifted (vehicles with anti-tow system).
● Transporting the vehicle on a ferry or by railroad (vehicles with an anti-
tow system or interior monitoring).
● Unhitch a trailer connected to the anti-theft alarm ⇒ page 237.
How to turn OFF the alarm
Unlock the vehicle with the unlocking button on the key or turn on the igni-
tion with a valid key.Note
● The alarm will be triggered once more when anybody enters the same
zone of surveillance or any other zone. If, for example, after opening a door,
the tailgate is also opened.
● The anti-theft alarm is not activated when the vehicle is locked from
within using the central locking button 
.


79
Unlocking and locking
● If the driver's door is unlocked mechanically with the key, only the driv-
er's door is unlocked, the rest of the doors remain locked. Only when the
ignition has been turned on will the other doors be available - but not un-
locked - and the central locking button activated.
● If the vehicle battery is run down or flat then the anti-theft alarm will not
operate correctly. 
Interior monitoring system and anti-tow system*
Fig. 48 On the roof con-
sole: interior monitoring
sensors.
The interior monitoring system triggers the alarm if the vehicle is locked and
movement is detected inside the vehicle. The anti-tow system triggers the
alarm if the vehicle is locked when the system detects the vehicle is being
raised.
Switching on the interior monitoring and the anti-tow systems
Close the storage compartment ⇒ fig. 48 1
on the roof console otherwise
the interior monitoring function (arrow) may not work without restrictions. Use the key to lock the vehicle. If the anti-theft alarm is turned on, the interi-
or monitoring and the anti-tow systems are also activated.
Switching off the interior monitoring and the anti-tow systems
The interior monitoring is switched off by pressing the remote control lock
button

twice.
● Lock all doors and tailgate.
● Use the key to lock the vehicle. The interior monitoring and / or anti-tow-
ing alarm are switched off until the next time the vehicle is locked.
To turn off the interior monitoring and anti-tow systems before unlocking
the vehicle, for example in the following situations:
● When leaving animals inside the vehicle  ⇒ page 74.
● When the vehicle must be loaded.
● When the vehicle is being transported, for example, by ferry.
● When the vehicle must be towed with the axle raised.
Risk of false alarms
The interior monitoring system only operates correctly if the vehicle is com-
pletely closed. Observe legal requirements. The alarm may be accidentally
triggered in the following cases:
● When a window is completely or partially open.
● If the sunglasses storage compartment in the roof console is open.
● When the panorama sliding sunroof is completely or partially open.
● When suspended objects are hung from the interior mirror (air freshen-
er) or there are loose papers in the vehicle.
● If the separation net is fitted and moves (due to heating).
● Due to a vibrating mobile telephone inside the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

80Unlocking and locking
Note
Upon activating the alarm, if any door or the tailgate is open, only the alarm
will be activated. The interior monitoring and anti-tow systems will only be
activated when the doors and tailgate are fully closed. 
Doors Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Central locking and locking system ⇒ page 74
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
WARNING
If a door is not correctly closed, it could open unexpectedly when driving
and cause serious injuries.
● Always stop immediately and close the door.
● When closing, ensure that the door has closed correctly. A closed
door should be flush with the corresponding parts of the bodywork.
● Open and close doors only when nobody is in the way of the door.
WARNING
A door held open by its retainer could be blown closed by the wind or
close if the vehicle is on a hill causing injury.
● When opening and closing doors, always use the door handle.
 Warning indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
At least one vehicle door is
open or not correctly shut.
Stop driving immediately!
Open the corresponding door
and close it immediately.
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.
If a door is open or incorrectly closed, the indicator  or  on the instru-
ment panel will light.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 
Sliding doors Introduction
Additional information:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Central locking and locking system ⇒ page 74
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318 

84Unlocking and locking
Tailgate
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Central locking ⇒ page 74
● Transporting ⇒  page 13
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
WARNING
Careless and unsuitable locking, opening and closing of the tailgate can
cause accidents and serious injury.
● Open and close the tailgate only when nobody is in the way.
● Do not close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the
rear window. The rear window could break and cause injury.
● Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing, otherwise, it may open un-
expectedly while driving. A closed tailgate should be flush with the cor-
responding parts of the bodywork.
● Always keep the tailgate closed while driving to avoid toxic gases en-
tering the passenger compartment.
● Do not open the tailgate when there is a load carrier installed. Like-
wise, the tailgate cannot be opened when a load is attached to it, for ex-
ample bicycles. An open tailgate could close itself if there is an addition-
al weight on it. If necessary, press down on the tailgate and remove the
load.
● Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors when you are
not using the vehicle. Ensure that nobody remains inside the vehicle.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervision, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. Depending
WARNING (Continued)
on the time of the year, temperatures inside a locked and closed vehicle
can be extremely high or extremely low resulting in serious injuries and
illness or even death, particularly for young children.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle key or the central locking button is used, they may be locked in the
vehicle.
CAUTION
Before opening the tailgate, ensure that there is sufficient free space to
open and close it, for example if you are towing a trailer or in a garage. 
Warning indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
The tailgate is open or not
correctly shut. Stop driving immediately!
Open the tailgate and close it
again.
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.
A warning appears on the instrument panel  if the tailgate is open or not
properly closed.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 

97
Lights and visibility
The control turn signals are switched on and off from the menu Lights & Visi-
bility on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 62. This function can be dis-
connected at a specialised workshop for those vehicles which do not have
the menu Lights & Visibility .
WARNING
Incorrect use of the headlamps may cause accidents and serious injury,
as the main beam may distract or dazzle other drivers.
Note
● The turn signal only works when the ignition is switched on. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ page 316.
● If a turn signal on the vehicle or trailer is faulty, the warning lamp flash-
es twice as fast as usual.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. 
Turning lights on and off
Fig. 61 Next to the steering wheel: diagram of some of
the types of light switch.
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
In vehicles with tow bar fitted as standard: If the trailer is connected electri-
cally and is fitted with a rear fog light, this is automatically switched off on
the vehicle. Turn the light switch to the required position
⇒ fig. 61:
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

103
Lights and visibility
Sun blind Introduction
WARNING
Sun visors and sun blinds may reduce visibility when open.
● Always roll or fold sun blinds and visors away when not in use.

Sun visors
Fig. 63 Sun visor.
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
● Lower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door ⇒ fig. 63 1
.
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards. Make-up mirror light
There may be a make-up mirror, with a cover, on the rear of the sun visor.
When the cover is opened
2
a light comes on.
The lamp goes out when the make-up mirror cover is closed or the sun visor
is pushed back up.
Note
The light above the sun visor automatically switches off after a few minutes
in certain conditions. This prevents the battery from discharging. 
Rear side window sun blinds
Fig. 64 On the rear
right-hand window: sun
blind.
The sun blinds for the passenger compartment are fitted in the side panels
of the windows. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

107
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioning comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside of the vehicle.
For the intermittent wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash /wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 67 Wipers in service
position.
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ fig. 67. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 279.
● Switching the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ fig. 65 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

126Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted in-
creases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of accidents and
sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● Always fit and adjust the head restraint properly whenever a person
is occupying a seat.
● Refit any removed head restraints immediately so that passengers
are properly protected.
CAUTION
On removing and fitting the head restraint, make sure the head restraint
does not hit the interior roof of the vehicle or the backrest of the front seat.
This could damage the interior roof and other parts of the vehicle. 
Centre armrest
Fig. 88 Front centre arm-
rest. To lift the central armrest, lift it upwards in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 88, setting by setting.
To lower the centre armrest, pull it downwards. Then lower the centre arm-
rest.
WARNING
The centre armrest may limit the freedom of movement of the driver's
arm and cause a serious accident.
● Keep the centre armrest compartments closed while the vehicle is in
motion.
● The centre armrest is not designed for children to sit on! Sitting in
this incorrect position can cause severe injuries.

Loading luggage compartment Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical position. Always use the fastening rings with suitable rope or straps.
Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well as the distri-
bution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving behaviour and
braking ability ⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Airbag system ⇒ page 31
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297 