2012 Seat Alhambra maintenance

286Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
⇒  fig. 171. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small
quantities (not more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time)
⇒  page 284.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the
dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil ⇒ 
.
● When the oil level is in at least the ⇒ fig. 170 B zone, insert the dip-
stick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is cor-
rectly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
CAUTION
● If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. You should
obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and engine
damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5000 km
(3000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ fig. 170 A
.
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a Technical Service to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical
Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme. 

292Checking and refilling levels
Vehicle battery
Introduction
The battery is a component of the vehicle's electrical system.
Never work on the electrical system without fully understanding the opera-
tions required, the applicable safety standards and without the correct tools
⇒ 
! Have the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncer-
tain. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Negligent work can
cause serious injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehicle
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warning indications on the vehicle's battery
SymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited.
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when
the battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Starter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 196
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause corro-
sion, fire and electric shocks. Always read and take into account the fol-
lowing warnings and safety standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
all electrical devices then disconnect the negative connection on the bat-
tery.
● Keep children away from acid and the battery itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to places exposed to flames or
sparks.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges when working with cables
and electrical devices.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can explode. Replace a damaged bat-
tery immediately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as soon as possible. A flat bat-
tery can also freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Check that
the battery gas ventilation hose is securely attached. 

294Checking and refilling levels
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 175 In the engine
compartment: Remove
the cover from the vehi-
cle's battery.
Fig. 176 In the engine
compartment: Unfold the
vehicle's battery hose.
The battery's electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other batteries do not re-
quire maintenance. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 198) are equipped with a special battery label-
led “AGM”. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check the electrolyte
level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 279.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a cover: press the tab ⇒ fig. 175 A
in the direction of the
arrow and pull the cover upwards.
● In the case of a hose: fold the cover to one side to remove ⇒ fig. 176.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open flames or sparklers as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery
will change colour.
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a specialised workshop.
Black indicationThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
● Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. 

295
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.

Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment ⇒ 
. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a Tech-
nical Service for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size and
maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the bat-
tery replaced by a Technical Service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 198) are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒ 
.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒ 
.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 57. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range
of measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands
are made on it: 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

296Checking and refilling levels
● the idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and
the cigarette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle
is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly
if the ignition is switched on.
● Use of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running ⇒ page 165.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the stand-
ard battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can al-
so freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may cause a short circuit. Re-
connect first the positive cable and then the negative cable.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Never plug accessories supply current, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage
the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-friendly manner. Batteries con-
tain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service
fluids and allow a dispose of them correctly. 

348Description of specifications
Technical Specifications
Description of specifications
Important information
Important
The information in the vehicle documentation always has
precedence. All technical specifications provided in this manual are valid for the stand-
ard model in Spain. The vehicle data card included in the Inspection and
Maintenance Plan in the vehicle documents shows which engine is installed
in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 229
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Engine oil ⇒ page 283
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 287
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 259 Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifications section
Abbrevia-
tionMeaning
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine
power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.l/100 kmFuel consumption in litres per 100 km.g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.CO2Carbon dioxideCNCetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance
of petrol.
WARNING
Failure to observe requirements for weight, loads, dimensions and maxi-
mum speed may lead to severe accident.


349
Description of specifications
Vehicle code
Fig. 222 Vehicle identifi-
cation number.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number (chassis number) can be read from out-
side the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen ⇒ fig. 222. This viewer
is located in the lower part of the windscreen. The vehicle identification
number (chassis number) is also stamped on the right water drain channel.
The water drain channel is located between the suspension tower and the
wing. Open the bonnet to read the vehicle identification number 
⇒ page 279.
Vehicle data plate
The vehicle data plate is attached to the luggage compartment, and con-
tains the following information:
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type
Engine and gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment.
Optional extras, PR numbers
These data are also provided in the Maintenance Programme. 1
234
Type plate
The type plate is visible when the driver door is opened, on the lower part of
the strut. Vehicles for certain export countries do not have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the following data:
Gross vehicle weight
Maximum authorised weight of vehicle and trailer
Maximum gross front axle weight
Maximum rear axle weight 
5678
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

Kickdown system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Knee airbagSee "Airbag system" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
L
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Lamps Audible warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Lane Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Lane assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Operation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
When is it necessary to disconnect it? . . . 219
Lane Assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
LATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Launch-Control programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Leaving Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Acoustic warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
AUTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Coming home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Daytime driving light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Leaving home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Main beam lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Switch lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Turn signal lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Load Driving with the tailgate open . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Transporting a load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Fastening rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
General advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Loading luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . 126
Net partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Rails and attachment system . . . . . . . . . . 135
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Loading the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Locking From the inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
The tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
The vehicle from the outside . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Locking button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Luggage compartment Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Folding down rear seats to create loadspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Luggage compartment lighting . . . . . . . . . 102
Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Net partition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Rails and attachment system . . . . . . . . . . 135
Luggage compartment baggage net . . . . . . . . 139
M
Main beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Main beam lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Main panel Turn signal and main beam lever . . . . . . . . 96
Maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Malfunction Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Diesel particle filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
DSG automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
DSG Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Lane assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Please also see "Changing gears" . . . . . . 176
MEDIA-IN connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Menus Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Mirrors Adjusting passenger mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Convenience function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Folding exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Synchronised mirror adjustment . . . . . . . . 112
Mobile telephone Using without an exterior aerial . . . . . . . . 265
377
Index