2012 Seat Alhambra door lock

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

129
Seats and storage compartments
Folding the seats in the second row of seats for loading
● If necessary, open the belt loop and wind up the seat belt by hand.
● If it is necessary, remove the head rests on the integrated child seats
then reinstalled the integrated child seats ⇒ page 45.
● If necessary, raise the armrests.
● Remove objects from the footrest area in front of and behind the rear
seat ⇒ 
.
● Move the rear seat all the way back.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it will go ⇒ page 10.
● In the middle seat, close the drinks carrier in the rear of the centre con-
sole, if necessary.
● Pull lever ⇒ fig. 89 1
back and fold the backrest forwards. The com-
plete rear seat folds forward ⇒ .
● Fold the backrest forwards until it locks into the load surface position
B
.
● If necessary, pull on the lever ⇒ fig. 90 2 to move the seat to the re-
quired position.
● When the seat is folded down, no adults or children should travel in it
⇒ 
.
Folding the seats in the third row of seats for loading
● If necessary, open the belt loop and wind up the seat belt by hand.
● Open the tailgate.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it will go ⇒ page 10.
● Remove objects from the footrest area in front of and behind the rear
seat ⇒ 
.
● Remove objects from the space below the rear seat.
● Remove the attachment elements and supports for the net from the rail
system.
● Pull lever 1
back and fold the backrest forwards. The rear seat folds for-
ward ⇒  and the cushion also moves forward. ●
Fold the seat tray forward on top of the folded seat.
● When the seat is folded down, no adults or children should travel in it
⇒ 
.
Putting the seats in the second row back in place
● Pull lever ⇒ fig. 89 1
upwards and place the backrests in vertical posi-
tion. The entire seat folds backwards.
● Pull on the rear seats and the backrest to ensure that they are correctly
locked in place and that the safety belt protection is guaranteed for rear
seat passengers.
Putting the seats in the third row back in place
● Open the tailgate.
● Pull on the handle ⇒ fig. 90 2
to put the seat tray back in position.
● Pull on the handle 3. The entire seat folds backwards.
● Press on the seat tray in the backrest until it is held in position by its
magnets.
● Open the sliding door.
● Put the backrest into position and press firmly until it clicks into place.
● Pull on the rear seats and the backrest to ensure that they are correctly
locked in place and that the safety belt protection is guaranteed for rear
seat passengers.
WARNING
Folding and lifting the rear seats carelessly without paying attention
could cause serious injury.
● Never fold or lift the seats while driving.
● Do no trap or damage seat belts when raising the backrest.
● Keep your hands, fingers, feet and other body parts out of the hinges
and the seat locking mechanism when folding and unfolding. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

149
Seats and storage compartments
Other storage compartments
Fig. 114 In the luggage
compartment: Side stor-
age compartment.
Fig. 115 Other compart-
ments in the luggage
compartment floor
Side compartments in the luggage compartment
There are other compartments ⇒ fig. 114 1
and 2 in the side of the lug-
gage compartment. To open the compartment 1, turn the catch clockwise.
To open the compartment 2, lift the cover. The factory-fitted
CD changercan be located in the storage compartment
1
.. The cover of the compart-
ment 1 can be used to safely store the covers of the rear shelf supports.
Compartments in the luggage compartment floor
More storage compartments can be found in the luggage compartment
floor.
FunctionNecessary operationsOpen the front compartment
⇒ fig. 115 3:
Pull the front of the luggage compart-
ment floor back using the handle.
Open the rear compartment
⇒ fig. 115 4:
Lift the rear of the luggage compart-
ment floor using the handle.
Keeping the rear compartment
open: Move the hook at the rear right of the
luggage compartment and hook the lug-
gage compartment floor onto it
⇒ page 126.
Closing the compartment:
 Push back the hook and push the rear
of the luggage compartment floor 4
down.

Fold the front part of the luggage com-
partment floor forwards 3
.
Other storage compartments:
●
in the centre console, front and rear.
● in the door trims, front and rear.
● Coat hooks on the central door pillars and on the rear roof handles.
● Bag hook in the luggage compartment ⇒ page 126.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

170Driving
flashesPossible causeSolution
 (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
 (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
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
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle
⇒ page 185.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical power steering
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.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 

188Driving
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her
seat belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recogni-
ses that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal ⇒ 
!
● Pull button 
hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be ac-
companied by the corresponding warning chime.
● To stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious ac-
cident.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in
an emergency. The braking distance is considerably longer, because
braking is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a gear or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if
the parking brake is applied.
Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released
and the accelerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake
is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake. Use the jump-start ⇒ page 341. ●
When the electronic parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the
system sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. 
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ 
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 187.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb. 

247
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, wear and dam-
age to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recom-
mends the use of car washed without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 249, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first,
and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before en-
tering an automatic car wash :
● Compare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance be-
tween the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

248Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Switch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a
car wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside
the car wash. 
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning
equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the re-
quired pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
⇒ 
.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The
parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where applica-
ble, in the front bumpers ⇒ 
.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt ⇒ 
.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials.
This could result in serious accident.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may dam-
age the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● The sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 

252Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean anodized surfaces.
● If there is a lot of dirt, use a special cleaning product which does not
contain solvents.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the anodized surfaces:
● Do not use products containing solvents.
● Do not use polish or hard wax.
● Do not use abrasive products.
● Do not polish anodized surfaces in sandy or dusty environments.
● Do not polish dirty surfaces. 
Cleaning wheels
Cleaning steel wheels
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Therefore, clean wheels reg-
ularly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the
metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels approximately
once a fortnight. Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims. SEAT
recommends treating the wheels thoroughly with a wax compound about
once every three months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims. Car polish or other
abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective coating on the paint has been damaged (for example, hit by
a stone), it should be repaired immediately.

Caring for rubber seals
The rubber seals on doors, windows, etc., remain flexible, provide a better
seal and last longer if they are regularly treated with a product specifically
designed for use on rubber.
Before applying the product, use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from
the rubber seals. 
De-icing the door lock cylinder
To de-ice the lock cylinders, SEAT recommend the use of genuine SEAT spray
with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties.
CAUTION
The use of products containing degreasing agents to de-ice the locks may
rust the lock cylinder. 
Protection of vehicle undercarriage
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical and mechanical
damage. The protective coat on the undercarriage may wear through use
while driving. Therefore, SEAT recommends that the protective coating on
the undercarriage and on the running gear should be regularly checked, and
repaired if necessary. 