2012 Seat Alhambra steering wheel

219
Driving
Switching the lane assist system on or off
● Select the corresponding menu option using the button for the driver as-
sist systems ⇒ page 62.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Activate or deactivate the system in the menu Settings,
sub-menu Assist systems , menu Lane Assist ⇒ page 62. The “confirmation
sign” indicates that the driver assist system is switched on.
Automatic deactivation: the lane assist system can be deactivated automat-
ically if there is a system malfunction. Control lamp switches off.
The lane assist system is inactive (control lamp lit in yellow)
● When the speed of travel drops to below approx. 65 km/h (40 mph).
● When the lane assist system does not detect the dividing lines of the
road. For example, in the event of road works, and snow, dirt, moisture or
reflections.
● When the radius of a curve is too small.
● When there is no dividing line.
● When the distance to the next dividing line is excessive.
● When there are more than two lane markings per lane.
● When the ASR is switched off.
● When the system does not detect any active rotation of the steering
wheel by the driver during a prolonged period.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic driving.
● When the turn signal is connected.
Note
Before starting travel, verify that the camera's field of vision is not covered
⇒ fig. 153.
Note
Keep the camera window clean. Disconnect the lane assist system in the following
situations
Due to the limits of the lane assist system, disconnect it in the following sit-
uations:
●
When more attention is required of the driver
● For very sporty driving
● In very unfavourable weather conditions
● In very unfavourable road conditions
● In areas of road works 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

223
Driving
Tiredness detection (recommendation to
take a break) Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the tiredness detection func-
tion tempt you into taking any risks when driving. When making long
trips, conveniently long breaks must be taken.
● The driver is responsible for determining their capacity to drive.
● Never drive when tired.
● The system does not always detect the tiredness of the driver. Please
read the information provided in the section ⇒ page 224, Limited opera-
tion.
● In some situations the system may incorrectly interpret an intended
manoeuvre as a sign of tiredness of the driver.
● In the event of the an episode called “microsleep” at the wheel, a
strong warning is not in place!
● Observe the indications on the display of the instrument panel and
act in accordance with them.
Note
● The tiredness detection function has only been conceived for driving on
motorways and wide roads.
● If there is a fault in the system, refer to a Specialised workshop to have
the system inspected. Function and operation
Fig. 155 Display in the
instrument panel: tired-
ness detection symbol.
The tiredness detection function registers the behaviour of the driver at the
wheel at the beginning of a journey and, using this, evaluates the tiredness.
This is continually compared with the current behaviour at the wheel. If the
system detects that the driver is tired, an audible warning using a “gong” is
given and a symbol and complementary message on the instrument panel
display are shown ⇒ fig. 155. The message on the instrument panel display
is shown for about 5 seconds and, if necessary, is repeated a second time.
The system stores the last message displayed.
The message that appears on the instrument panel display can be switched
off by pressing the OK
button on the multifunction steering wheel or on the
window wiper lever ⇒ page 65. Using the multifunction display ⇒ page 65
the message on the instrument panel display can be shown.
Conditions of operation
The behaviour at the wheel is only evaluated at speeds of above 65 km/h
(40 mph). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

304Wheels and tyres
Driving style : driving round bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres
wear too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a Technical
Service.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and sus-
pension. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again.
When a new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again.
Running gear settings : an incorrectly positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a specialised workshop.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls to one side while driving,
this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified as-
sistance immediately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.

Winter tyres*
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicle's han-
dling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle brak-
ing performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT rec- ommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced if the
tyre tread is worn be-
low 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting per-
formance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each country.
● Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
● Only use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
● Only use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒ 
.
Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 307.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion indicator) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your Technical Service for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the
tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response. 

344If and when
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not attach the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the
brake hose/pipe.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. Also, the cable connected to the positive pole of the battery
should never enter into contact with electrically conductive parts of the
vehicle.
● Check the magic eye on the battery; use a lamp if necessary. If it is
clear yellow or clear, do not start the vehicle: seek specialised technical
assistance.
● Avoid static electricity discharges in the area around the battery. In
the event of sparks, explosive gases coming from the battery could ig-
nite.
● Never use starting assistance if the vehicle battery is damaged, fro-
zen or has been frozen.

Towing and tow starting Introduction
When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  page 232
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock could engage. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
considerably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the vehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age! 

345
If and when
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒  page 341.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake, given that it is possible that
the brake will not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control units do
not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Towing instructions
Tow-rope or tow-bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Vehicles with a
factory fitted towing device , can only be used for towing
with a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball ⇒ page 237.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four wheel drive
vehicles.
Instructions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles
Four wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the
vehicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG ®
(direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply ⇒ page 345.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

347
If and when
Fitting the tow ring to the rear for vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch
● Take the tow ring from the on-board tools ⇒ page 324.
● Press on the upper cover and carefully remove it back. This may require
some strength. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the tow ring into its position anticlockwise as far as it will go
⇒ 
. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its location.
● After towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise and put the
cover back in place.
CAUTION
● The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Other-
wise, it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device, can only be used for towing
with a tow-bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball. Otherwise, the
tow hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. 
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on
an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn indicator lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest
position, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically. Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic parking brake and to activate the turn signal indicators, the horn
as well as the window wipers and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not run-
ning, you will need more strength to steer than normally.
● The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
● Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

Index
A
AbroadExtended stay abroad with your vehicle . . 259
Sale of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
ABS See "Brake assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Acoustic warnings Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Adaptive headlights Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
AdBlue Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Minimum quantity for a refill . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tank filling capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Additional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Additional heater See "Auxiliary heater" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Adjusting passenger exterior mirror . . . . . . . . 112
Adjustment Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electric front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Mechanical front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Seat with position memory . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Adjustments Folding the backrest of the front passengerseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Headlight range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Aerial built into the window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
AFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 31 Cleaning instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Deactivating the front passenger airbag . . 35
Deactivating using the key switch . . . . . . . . 35
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Differences between front passenger airbagsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Locking the vehicle after airbag deploy- ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Air conditioner Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Air conditioning
see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
All-wheel drive Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Anodized surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Anti-theft alarm Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Anti-theft alarm system False alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Anti-theft bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Anti-theft locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Anti-theft wheel locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Anti-tow system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Anti-trap function Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Antitheft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
369
Index

Seat upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 40
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Child safety seat Securing with seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ISOFIX child seat on rear seats . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mounting child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mounting systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
On rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
On the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Securing using a Top Tether retaining strap 45
Securing using ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Securing using LATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 40
Weight categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Child seats Disabling the front passenger airbag . . . . . 35
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151, 152
Cleaning Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cleaning chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Cleaning the vehicle Folding exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Climate control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Climatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Indirect ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Climatic see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Climatronic see "Climate control" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Closing Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Electric sliding door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Panorama sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
See "Locking" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Code number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Collection of end-of-life vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Combined weight rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Compartment Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Compartments Card compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Folding table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Front central armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Other storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 149
Portable waste bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Rear floor area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Roof console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Spectacle case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Connectors Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Consumer disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Consumption How it is determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Control lamp AdBlue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brake pad wear indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine oil sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Lane assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Pressing the brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
372 Index