2012 Seat Alhambra ESP

96Lights and visibility
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.
● Park the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. Turn signal and main beam leverFig. 60 Turn signal and
main beam lever.
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn signal. Right-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 98.
Left turn signal. Left-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 98.
Main beam switched on ⇒ 
. The indicator lamp  will light up on the
instrument panel.
Flashing the headlamps. The flashed beam comes on if the lever is
pressed. The indicator lamp  will light up.
Push the lever all the way down to turn off the corresponding function.
Convenience indicators
For the convenience turn signals, move the lever as far as possible upwards
or downwards and release the lever. The turn signal will flash three times. 
1
2
3
4

98Lights and visibility
if the ignition is switched offwhen the ignition is on
Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights off.Lights off or daytime driving light
on.
The guidance lights may be
switched on.Automatic dipped beam control
or daytime driving light on.
Side light on.Side light on.
Dipped beam off; if necessa-
ry, the side light comes on for
a time.Dipped beam switched on.
Fog lights
The warning lamps  or  on the light switch also indicate that the fog
lights are switched on.
● Switching on the fog lights : Turn the switch to position  or pull out
 to the first stop.
● Switching on the rear fog light : turn the light switch to position  o
pull out  to the maximum.
● To switch off the fog lights, press the light switch or turn it to position .
Audible warnings to advise the driver that the lights have not been
switched off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver's door is open, an audible
warning signal is heard in the following cases: This is a reminder to turn off
the lights.
● When the parking light is on ⇒ page 96.
● When the light switch is in position .
WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illumi-
nate the road ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see
you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility
is poor.

Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light
When the parking light is switched on,(right or left turn signal), the front
side light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit.
The parking lights will only work with the ignition off.
Daytime driving light*
The daytime driving light consists of individual lights in the front head-
lamps.
When the daytime driving light is switched on, only the individual lights
come on ⇒ 
.
The daytime lights are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light switch is in position  .
When the light switch is in position , a photo sensor automatically turns
the instrument and switch lighting on and off.
Activating the daytime lightsDeactivating the daytime lightsPress and hold the turn signal and
main beam lever upwards and back-
wards (right turn signal and light
flasher).Press and hold the turn signal and
main beam lever downwards and
backwards (left turn signal and light
flasher).
Switch the ignition on and off for approximately 3 seconds. 

102Lights and visibility
1
Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the switch ⇒ fig. 62 1
.
2
Headlight range control
The headlight range control 2 is modified according to the value of the
headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver optimum
visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers ⇒ 
.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch 2
:
ValueVehicle load statusa)–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full. With trailer
and minimum support load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full. With trailer and
maximum support load
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to select
intermediary positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control 2
is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
control. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the ve-
hicle load status when the headlights are switched on.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not
blind other drivers.
 Interior and reading lights
Button /
SwitchFunction
Switches interior lights off.
Switches interior lights on.

Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Turning the reading light on and off
Storage and luggage compartment lighting
When the glove box and the tailgate are opened and closed, a light auto-
matically switches on or off.
Ambient lighting
The background lighting in the front covering of the ceiling lights up the
controls on the centre console from above when the side or dipped lights
are on.
In addition, the lever on the door moulding can also be illuminated.
Note
The reading lights go out when the vehicle is locked, or a few minutes after
the key is removed from the ignition. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. 

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the
windscreen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  page 62
● Seat memory
⇒ page 117
● Changing gear
⇒ page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking
⇒ page 185
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to
the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respi-
ratory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical ad-
vice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing,
wash the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes
and clothing before wearing them again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless rec-
ommended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
CAUTION
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

115
Seats and storage compartments
Electrical controls on the front seat*
Fig. 75 Adjusting the
front left seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest.
Fig. 76 Adjusting the
lumbar support.
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat.
fig. 75 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
A1Move the seat backwards or forwards.2 and 3Raise or lower the seat.2 or 3Adjust the seat angle.
BForwards or
backwards.Adjust the backrest angle.
fig. 76 Press the corresponding area of the switch:1 or 2Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.3 or 4Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may
lead to severe injuries.
● The front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switched off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any button.
CAUTION
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the seats or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or
backrest.
Note
● It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery
is very low.
● Seat adjustment is stopped when the engine is started. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

119
Seats and storage compartments
● Press the required memory button.
● Select reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror so that you can see, for exam-
ple, the kerb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the vehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
Activating exterior mirror settings
● With the driver's door open and the ignition turned off, push the memo-
ry button of the corresponding door briefly.
● ALTERNATIVELY: With the ignition switched on, hold in the correspond-
ing memory button until the memorised position is reached.
To activate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Open the driver-side door.
● Press and hold any memory button.
● Within the following three seconds, push the button 
to open the vehi-
cle on the vehicle key. A sound confirms the settings have been activated.
Adjusting the wing mirrors for driving and assigning driver seat settings to
a vehicle key
● Activate the memory function of the vehicle key
● Adjust the front seat and the exterior mirrors.
● Lock the vehicle. The settings are assigned to the vehicle key.
To deactivate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Press and hold the SET
button.
● Within the following ten seconds, push the button  to open the vehi-
cle on the vehicle key. A sound confirms the settings have been deactiva-
ted. Initialising the seat position memory
The position memory system must be initialised if, for example, the driver's
seat has been changed.
Initialisation deletes all memories and assignments for the seat with posi-
tion memory. The memory buttons can then be reprogrammed and the vehi-
cle keys re-assigned.
●
Open the driver's door and do not get into the vehicle.
● Operating the seat settings from outside the vehicle.
● Move the angle of the backrest completely forwards.
● Release the control to set the angle and then press again until a sound
is heard.
Note
The front passenger side wing mirror automatically changes from the posi-
tion stored for reversing as soon as the vehicle moves forward at a speed of
at least 15 km/h or when the gear selection lever is changed to a position
other than R. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

127
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors
and the tailgate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
● Do not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tail-
gate from inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to
serious injury or death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
● Never transport people in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they can-
not enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden
braking or an accident.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger com-
partment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash-
board.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets in-
side the vehicle and store securely.
WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
braking distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured cor-
rectly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
● The vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due
to a change in the centre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
possible.
● Store heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle as possible.
CAUTION
● Hard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and antenna of the rear window and cause damage.
● The side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from ob-
jects.
Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be covered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

134Seats and storage compartments
Installing the net partition behind the front seats
●Hook in the net partition on the left-hand side roof support C
. To do
this, guide the rod from up to down.
● Hook in the net partition on the rear right-hand side roof support by
pressing on the rod.
● Secure the hooks of the net partition to the attachment rings in the left
and right hand side foot rests on the second row of seats then tighten the
straps.
Removing the net partition
● Loosen the net partition straps.
● Release the net partition hooks from the rings B
.
● Release the net partition from the right and left roof supports A or Cby pressing on the rod.
●
Unhook the net partition from the left-hand side roof support.
Folding in the net partition
● Press on the release button ⇒ fig. 93 2
and bend the rod A in the di-
rection of the arrow with the release o button pressed.
● Press on the release button 3
and bend the rod B in the direction of
the arrow with the release button pressed.
● Store the net partition securely in the vehicle.
WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently thrown in
case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and especially in accidents caus-
ing serious injury.
● Ensure that the rods are correctly locked in place.
● Even when net partition is correctly fitted, objects must be secured.
● When driving with the net partition, no passengers should be behind
it.
 Fastening rings*
Fig. 95 In the luggage
compartment: fastening
rings
To the front and rear of the luggage compartment, there are fastening rings
for securing objects ⇒ fig. 95 (arrows). On some models, the fastening rings
are all the way to the back on the lock carrier plate.
There are other fastening rings located to the left and right hand side of the
second row footrests.
Some models of fastening rings must be lifted to use them.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged ropes or straps may be released in case of sud-
den braking or an accident. As a result, objects may be fired through the
passenger compartment causing serious injury or death.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
● Secure the ropes and straps to the fastening rings. 