2012 Seat Alhambra tow

141
Seats and storage compartments
The position holes are located on the inner side of the rail ⇒ fig. 101.
WARNING
If the base supports and the roof carrier system are incorrectly fitted or
used in an unsuitable manner, the entire system could break free causing
accident and injury.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly instructions into account.
● Only use base supports and roof carrier systems that are not dam-
aged and are correctly fitted.
● The base support should only be fitted to the points indicated in the
diagram ⇒ fig. 101.
● Secure the base supports and roof carrier system correctly.
● Check the screw fittings and attachments before driving and after a
short distance. During each long journey, check the attachments during
every break.
● Always fit the roof carrier system correctly for wheels, skis and surf-
boards.
● Never change or repair the basic supports or roof carrier system.
Note
Read and take into account the instructions included with the roof carrier
system fitted and keep them in the vehicle. 
Loading the roof carrier system
Loads can only be correctly secured when the roof carrier system is correctly
fitted ⇒ .
Maximum authorised roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 100 kg (about 220 lbs). The roof load
includes the roof carrier system and the load being transported ⇒ 
.Always check the roof carrier system weight and the weight of the load to be
transported and, if necessary, weigh them. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
If you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating, you cannot trans-
port the maximum roof load. Do not exceed the maximum weight limit for
the roof carrier given in the fitting instructions.
Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them correctly
⇒ 
.
Check attachments
After fitting the base supports and the roof carrier system, always check the
attachments after a short trip or at regular intervals.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load can result in accidents
and/or vehicle damage.
● Always respect the maximum authorised weight for the roof, the max-
imum authorised weight on the axles and the total maximum authorised
weight of the vehicle.
● Never exceed the capacity of the roof carrier system even if this is
less than the maximum authorised roof load.
● Secure heavy objects towards the front and distribute the load even-
ly.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall from the roof carrier system
causing accidents and injury.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
● Always secure loads correctly.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

160Air conditioning
Some Climatronic controls may also be on the climate control system con-
trol panel located in the rear centre console. These controls are used to
make the appropriate settings for the rear seats.
Control but- tonAdditional information. Climatic ⇒ fig. 122; Climatronic
⇒ fig. 123.
1 Temper- ature
 ... 
Climatic: Rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly. In the position AC MAX, the cooling output will be set to
maximum. The air recirculation mode and the cooling system
are automatically switched on.
Climatronic: The left and right sides can be adjusted sepa-
rately. Rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly.
2 Fan
Climatic: Setting 0: Air fan and air conditioning system (man-
ual) switched off, setting 4: Maximum setting of fan.
Climatronic: The power of the fan is automatically adjusted.
Rotate the control to manually adjust the fan.
3 Air dis-
tribution
Climatic: Rotate the continuous control to direct the airflow
to the desired area.
Climatronic: The airflow will be automatically adjusted to a
comfortable flow. It can also be switched on manually with
the buttons 3
.
4Climatronic: Display of the selected interior temperature for
the left and right sides.

Climatic: Defrost function. The airflow is directed at the wind-
screen. In this position, air recirculation is automatically
switched off or is not switched on. Increase the fan power to
clear the windscreen of condensation as soon as possible.
To dry the air the cooling system will automatically switch on.

Climatronic: Defrost function. The air drawn in from outside
the vehicle is directed at the windscreen and air recirculation
is automatically switched off. To defrost the windscreen more
quickly, the air is dehumidified at temperatures over approxi-
mately +3 °C (+38 °F) and the fan runs at maximum output.
Control but-
tonAdditional information. Climatic ⇒ fig. 122; Climatronic
⇒ fig. 123.
The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by
the dashboard air vents.
– Air distribution towards the footwell.
Climatic: Air distribution towards the windscreen and the
footwell.
Climatronic: Upward air distribution.
Heated rear window: Only works when the engine is running
and switches off automatically after a 10 minutes.
Climatic: Air recirculation ⇒ page 163.
Climatronic: Manual and automatic air recirculation
⇒ page 163.
Instant auxiliary heating on/off button ⇒ page 165.
 Buttons for the seat heating ⇒ page 117.

Climatronic: According to the vehicle equipment there may
be a button for the windscreen heating on the air conditioner
control panel. The windscreen heating only works when the
engine is running and switches off automatically after a few
minutes.
Press the button to switch on or off the cooling system.

Climatronic: Accept the temperature selection for the driver
and front passenger sides: When the SYNC button light is lit,
the temperature settings on the driver side also apply to the
passenger side. Press the button or adjust the temperature
control for the passenger side in order to set a different tem-
perature. No lamp lights up on the button. 

169
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 172
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
 (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.

(yel-
low)
Power steering operation re-
duced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been re-
connected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Stopping and starting the engine
Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault,  or Immo-
biliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be star- ted.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Changing gear ⇒  page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Steering ⇒  page 169
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Refuelling ⇒  page 268
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
● Jump starting ⇒  page 341
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult; this could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, safety
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly. 

175
Driving
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Never use start boosters.
CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
● At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step 1.Stopping the vehicle completely
⇒ .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.4.Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 0.6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. To stop, the brake
pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
will not be possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

182Driving
Changing gears with Tiptronic*
Fig. 134 Selector lever
in Tiptronic position (left-
hand drive vehicles). The
lay-out in right-hand
drive vehicles is symmet-
rically opposed.
Fig. 135 Steering wheel
with two paddle shifts for
Tiptronic.
The Tiptronic system allows you to manually change gears in vehicles with
an automatic gearbox. When you change to the Tiptronic programme, the
vehicle remains in the currently selected gear. This is possible as long as
the system is not changing gear automatically due to a traffic situation. Using Tiptronic with the selector lever
●
Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic se-
lector gate ⇒ 
in Automatic gearbox*: Selecting gears on page 181.
● Press the lever forwards + or backwards – to move up or down a gear
⇒ fig. 134.
Using the Tiptronic with the steering wheel paddle shifts
● In D or S, move the steering wheel paddle shifts ⇒ fig. 135.
● Pull the right-hand side paddle + OFF
⇒ fig. 135 towards the steering
wheel to step up a gear.
● Pull the left-hand side paddle –
⇒ fig. 135 towards the steering wheel
step down a gear.
If the paddles are not used for a period of time, the vehicle leaves Tiptronic
mode.
CAUTION
● When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next
gear shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
● When reducing speed manually, the gear box only shifts gear when the
engine can no longer exceed the maximum engine speed. 
Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. The lowest gears
increase the engine braking work. Never go down hills with the selector lev-
er in neutral N. 

184Driving
Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
DisplayMeaning
Optimum gear.
Recommendation to change up a gear.
Recommendation to change down a gear.
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driv-
ing. It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exception-
ally high speed ⇒ page 232.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation contin-
ues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a hill or
towing a trailer.
For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel.
Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pressed. 

185
Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDL), the trac-
tion control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel, please go immediately to a specialised workshop to
check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications