2012 Seat Alhambra heating

168Air conditioning
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button 
will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain
carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.

Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be ob-
structed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the pas-
senger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned to-
wards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be affec-
ted.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxili-
ary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching
the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater. Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
●
The auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off auto-
matically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
● The heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the outside temperature low, the
heating system may evaporate condensation from the auxiliary heater. In
this case, steam may be released from underneath the vehicle. This is com-
pletely normal and there is no need to suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times over a prolonged period, the ve-
hicle battery may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive the vehicle for a
long distance. In general: drive for as much time as the auxiliary heating
was working. 

173
Driving
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● 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).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Ignition lock
Fig. 128 Vehicle key positions
Car keys ⇒ fig. 128 No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.0Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be re-
moved from the vehicle.
Car keys ⇒ fig. 1281Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
2Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has star-
ted. When it is released, the key returns to position 1.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

183
Driving
● You should reduce speed accordingly.
● Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic se-
lector gate ⇒ page 182.
● Gently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Reduce using the steering wheel paddles ⇒ page 182.
Emergency program
If all the selector lever positions on the instrument panel display are shown
with a light-coloured background, this means there is a fault in the system.
The automatic gearbox will operate in emergency programme mode. When
the emergency program is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle how-
ever, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG ®
dual clutch gearbox, in some cases, this may mean that the
reverse gear does not engage . The gearbox should be checked by a Techni-
cal Service as soon as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG gearbox ®
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the selector
lever position indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage to the clutch,
this interrupts the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox.
There is no more traction and it is not possible to accelerate. If the clutch is
opened automatically due to overloading, press the brake pedal. Wait a few
seconds before starting to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum acceleration when the gear selec-
tor lever is in the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down, the automatic gearbox
will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed.
This takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle ⇒ 
.
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor, the automatic gearbox shifts to
the next gear only after the engine reaches the specified maximum engine
speed. Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-Control programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
●
Switch off the ASR ⇒ page 185.
● Press and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
● Place the selector lever in position S or Tiptronic.
● Press the accelerator with the right foot until the vehicle reaches an en-
gine speed of approximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ⇒ 
. The vehicle starts with maximum ac-
celeration.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating!
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and considerable damage.
● Only use kick-down and rapid acceleration when weather conditions,
surface conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
● Please remember that the driven wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the ASR is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating!
CAUTION
● If you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
● Never allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubrica-
ted and could be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

192Driving
intervenes when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned,
the normal ABS is activated.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. The ASR makes some situa-
tions easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even
in unfavourable road conditions.
The ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒ page 193.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL and XDS)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down.
The XDS function is an extension of the electronic differential lock. The XDS
does not react to the traction of the driving wheels, but to the adherence of
the front wheel on the inside of the curve whilst gripping rapidly in corners.
The XDS gives pressure to the brakes of the wheel on the interior of the cor-
ner to prevent skidding. This improves traction, which assists the vehicle in
continuing the required line.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the brake assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDL, ASR and ESC, provide more security, do not take unnecessary risks
while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dan-
gerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact with the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the driv-
er does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult condi-
tions.
● Even though brake assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
brake assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC can be considerably reduced if other compo-
nents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or are
not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC. 

230Driving and the environment
Economic driving style
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h, drive in
third gear, at 40 km/h in fourth gear and at 50 km/h in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing. In vehicles which
have the Start-Stop function on, the engine switches off automatically when
the vehicle is not moving.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration. Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
●
Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
windows have demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched on when the vehicle is mov-
ing ⇒  page 165. 

232Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 176
● Refuelling ⇒ page 268
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Engine oil ⇒ page 283
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 261
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a Technical
Service as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.
Pre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.⇒ page 172
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒ 
.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service ⇒ page 233. 

233
Driving and the environment
flashesPossible causeSolution
Fault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a Technical
Service as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.

Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic convert-
er.You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
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.
WARNING
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter
while driving.
● Only carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
so permit.
● Never endanger your safety or that of other road users.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators  ,  or  remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power. Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
●
Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 283.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 341.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a Technical
Service. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and es-
cape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combus-
tion process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur content ⇒ page 271.
● Never use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used ⇒ page 271. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

249
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Spray windows and exterior windows with a standard window cleaner con-
taining alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. The cha-
mois leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable for cleaning win-
dows because they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the win-
dows.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and
silicone deposits off ⇒ 
.
Removing wax deposits
Automatic car washes and certain car care products may leave wax deposits
on the windows. These deposits can only be removed with a special product
or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. SEAT recommends you wipe the wax deposits off the wind-
screen with a soft cloth each time after you have washed the vehicle.
A window cleaning detergent which helps to dissolve the wax may be added
to the windscreen washer fluid to prevent the wiper blades from scratching
the windscreen. Please ensure the you add the cleaning product in the cor-
rect proportions. Products for removing grease do not eliminate the wax de-
posits ⇒ 
.
Special cleaning products or window cloths are available at any Technical
Service. To remove wax deposits, SEAT recommends the following products:
● For the hottest time of the year: the window cleaner for summer
use G 052 184 A1. Proportion 1:100 (1 part detergent, 100 parts water) in
the windscreen washer bottle.
● All year round: the window cleaner G 052 164 A2; proportion 1:2 in
windscreen washer bottle (1 part concentrate, 2 parts water) in winter, up to
-18 °C (-0.4 °F), or 1:4, during the rest of the year.
● Window cloths G 052 522 A1 for all windows and exterior mirrors. Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper,
push it in one direction only
without swinging it. If you pull the scraper
backwards, the dirt may scratch the window.
WARNING
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility in all directions and increase
the risk of accident and serious injury.
● Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● Remove ice and snow from the windows and demist inside and out.
CAUTION
● Never mix our cleaning products with other products not recommended
by SEAT in the windscreen washer bottle. This could lead to flocculation and
may block the windscreen washer jets.
● Do not use hot or warm water to remove ice or snow from the windows
and exterior mirrors. The glass could crack!
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. Do not stick adhesive labels over the heating elements and
never clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acid products or
other similar chemical cleaning products.
● Aerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if
cleaned with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive la-
bels over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear win-
dow with corrosive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning prod-
ucts. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications