2012 Seat Alhambra lights

166Air conditioning
Remote control
Fig. 126 Auxiliary heat-
er: remote control.
fig. 126MeaningONSwitch the auxiliary heater on.OFFSwitch the auxiliary heater off:AAerial.BLight.
The auxiliary heater may accidentally switch on if a button is pressed on the
remote control by mistake. This may also occur outside the range of the re-
mote control or if the light flashes.
Remote control light
The remote control light provides users with different information at the
push of a button:
Battery light fig. 126 BMeaningLights up green for around two
seconds.The auxiliary heater has been switched on
using the ON button.Lights up red for around two
seconds.The auxiliary heater has been switched off
using the OFF button.Slowly flashes green for
around two seconds.No ona)
signal has been received.
Quickly flashes green for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater is locked.
Possible causes: the fuel tank is almost
empty, the battery charge is very low or
there is a fault.
Flashes red for around two
seconds.No off a)
signal has been received.
Lights up orange for around
two seconds, then green or
red.The remote control battery is almost flat.
However, the on or off signal has been re-
ceived, respectively.
Lights up orange for around
two seconds, then flashes
green or red.The remote control battery is almost flat.
The on or off signal has not been received,
respectively.
Flashes orange for around five
seconds.The remote control battery is flat. The on
or off signal has not been received, re-
spectively.
a) Within its range, the remote control might not receive the signal sent by the vehicle receiv-
er. In this case, the remote control will send an error message despite the auxiliary heater
being on or off. Come closer to the vehicle and press the corresponding button on the re-
mote control once again.
Replacing the remote control battery
When the light B
on the remote control does not come on when the button
is pressed, the remote control battery should soon be replaced.
The battery is located beneath a cover on the back of the remote control.
Turn the slot to the left using a flat, blunt object (e.g. a coin). When chang-
ing the battery, use another battery of the same model and observe the po-
larity when fitting it ⇒ 
. 

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. 

169
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
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.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 172
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
 (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.

(yel-
low)
Power steering operation re-
duced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been re-
connected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

174Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the vehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Press the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position P
or N.
3.Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 1. A warning lamp
lights up in the control panel .
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 2; do
not press the accelerator.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minute.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
start driving ⇒ page 185.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 

176Driving
Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when
the selector lever is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue
running for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or
the key removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off. 
Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobil-
izer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Technical Services
⇒ page 71.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this
case
Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
keys are used. Changing gear
Introduction
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● When reversing, the air conditioner automatically changes to air recircu-
lation mode.
● The rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
● Also, the parking sensor system, the optical parking sensor and the
camera for the reverse assist system are connected.
Additional information and warnings:
● Instruments ⇒ page 57
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Parking sensor system ⇒ page 200
● Park Assist system ⇒ page 204
● Reverse assist system (Rear Assist) ⇒ page 209
● Air conditioning ⇒ page 157
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒ page 232
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
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 the kickdown or rapid acceleration if visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions so permit. 

177
Driving
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. 
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.

(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
To select a range of gears, press
the brake pedal.
Please also see "Electronic park-
ing brake" ⇒ page 185.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(green)The selector lever locking but-
ton has not engaged. The ve-
hicle does not start to move.Engage the selector lever lock
⇒ page 180.
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.
● If the vehicle stops and must be stopped for repairs, always park a
safe distance from surrounding traffic, turn on the hazard warning lights,
stop the engine and take all of the safety measures necessary to warn
other road users.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

185
Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDL), the trac-
tion control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel, please go immediately to a specialised workshop to
check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control.
● 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).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

186Driving
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 (red)
Together with the control
lamp  on the button: Elec-
tronic parking brake on.⇒ page 187
Fault in the brake system Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional assistance!
⇒ page 189.
Brake fluid level inadequate. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
⇒ page 194.
Together with the ABS con-
trol lamp : ABS fault.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
 (red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.
 (yel-
low)Front brake pads worn.
Contact a specialised workshop
immediately. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary.
 (yel-
low)
ESC disconnected by system.Switching the ignition on and
off If necessary, drive for a short
distance.
Fault in the ESC.Contact a specialised workshop.
Together with the ABS con-
trol lamp : Fault in ABS.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.⇒ page 292
 (yellow)ASR manually deactivated.
Switch on ASR ⇒ page 193.
ASR is automatically activated
when the ignition is switched on
or off.
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 (yel-
low)Together with the ESC control
lamp  : Fault in ABS.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp  or : ABS fault.
 (yel-
low)Together with the warning
lamp  flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.

(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
Press the brake pedal to select
a gear ratio.
Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 187.
flashesPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 (red)
Electronic parking brake faul-
ty. The control lamp  may
light up at the same time or
the control lamp  may flash
on the button.Contact a specialised work-
shop, as it may not be possible
to park the vehicle in safety.
 (yel- low)ESC or ASR regulating.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
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. 