2012 Seat Alhambra trailer

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dear SEAT Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjusting the seat position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transporting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Child seats (accessories) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Unlocking and locking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Vehicle key set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Central locking and locking system . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Panorama sliding sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Loading luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Roof carrier system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Ashtray and cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Electrical sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater) . . . . . . . . . . 165
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Stopping and starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Braking, stopping and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Start assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Parking sensor system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Park Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Rear Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cruise control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Lane Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Sign Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tiredness detection (recommendation to take a
break) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Practical tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 246
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . 246
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior . . . . 253
Notes for the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue) . . . . . . . 275
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 279
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
3
Table of Contents

Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Wheel trims* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Changing a wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tools* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Towing and tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) Automatic . . 354
Petrol engine 2.0 147 kW (200 PS) Automatic . . 355
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 85 kW (115 PS) . . . . . . 357
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS) . . . . . 358
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 100 kW (136 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . 360
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 103 kW (140 PS) All-
wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS) . . . . . 364 Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 125 kW (170 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
4Table of Contents

14Safe driving
WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability change when transporting
heavy and large objects.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.

Transporting a load
Secure all objects in the vehicle
● Distribute the load throughout the vehicle, on the roof and in a trailer as
uniformly as possible.
● Transport heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage com-
partment and lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
● Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the
fastening rings ⇒ page 126.
● Check the headlight adjustment ⇒ page 95.
● Use the suitable tyre pressure according to the load being transported.
Read the tire inflation information label ⇒ page 297.
● For vehicles with a tire pressure indicator, change the vehicle load status
⇒ page 225.
CAUTION
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating element in
the rear window and cause damage.
Note
Please note the information about loading a trailer ⇒ page 237 and the
roof carrier system ⇒ page 139. 
Driving with the tailgate open
Driving with the tailgate open creates an additional risk. Secure all objects
and secure the tailgate correctly and take all measures possible to reduce
toxic gases from entering the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open could cause serious injuries.
● Always drive with the tailgate closed.
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Loose items could fall out of the ve-
hicle and injure other road users or damage other vehicles.
● Drive particularly carefully and think ahead.
● Avoid sudden manoeuvres and braking given that this could cause an
uncontrolled movement of the open tailgate.
● When transporting objects that protrude out of the luggage compart-
ment, indicate them suitably. Observe legal requirements.
● If objects must project out of the luggage compartment, the tailgate
must never be used to “secure” or “attach” objects.
● If a baggage rack is fitted on the tailgate, it should be removed before
travelling with the tailgate open. 

15
Safe driving
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tail-
gate closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate
open, observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the
vehicle:
–Close all windows and the sliding roof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
– Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
– Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
CAUTION
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle. 
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
● Secure all objects
⇒ page 14.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 237.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 139.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position.

Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles
could cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

78Unlocking and locking
Driver's door indicator light.
When the vehicle is locked:MeaningThe red LED flashes for approximately 2
seconds at short intervals and then more
slowly.The "Safe" security system is
switched on.
The red LED flashes for about two sec-
onds then turns off. After 30 seconds, the
LED flashes again.The "Safe" security system is
switched off.
The red LED remains lit for about 30 sec-
onds.There is a fault in the locking
system. Contact a specialised
workshop.
WARNING
Careless use of the "Safe" security system can cause serious injury.
● Never leave anybody inside the vehicle if this is locked using the key.
When the "Safe" security system is activated, doors cannot be opened
from the inside.
● When the doors are locked, it is difficult to get to passengers in the
passenger compartment in case of an emergency. Passengers could re-
main trapped inside in case of emergency.

Antitheft alarm
The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle or steal
it.
The anti-theft alarm is automatically turned on when the vehicle is locked
with the key. When does the system trigger an alarm?
The anti-theft alarm siren will be triggered for about 30 seconds accompa-
nied by optical warning signals for about five minutes when the vehicle is
locked and the following unauthorised actions are taken:
●
When the door is mechanically unlocked using the vehicle key without
turning the ignition within the following 15 seconds.
● A door is opened.
● The bonnet is opened.
● The tailgate is opened.
● When the ignition is switched on with a non-authorised key.
● When the vehicle battery is disconnected.
● When there is movement inside the vehicle (vehicles with interior moni-
toring).
● When the vehicle is towed (vehicles with anti-tow system)
● When the vehicle is lifted (vehicles with anti-tow system).
● Transporting the vehicle on a ferry or by railroad (vehicles with an anti-
tow system or interior monitoring).
● Unhitch a trailer connected to the anti-theft alarm ⇒ page 237.
How to turn OFF the alarm
Unlock the vehicle with the unlocking button on the key or turn on the igni-
tion with a valid key.Note
● The alarm will be triggered once more when anybody enters the same
zone of surveillance or any other zone. If, for example, after opening a door,
the tailgate is also opened.
● The anti-theft alarm is not activated when the vehicle is locked from
within using the central locking button 
.


84Unlocking and locking
Tailgate
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Central locking ⇒ page 74
● Transporting ⇒  page 13
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
WARNING
Careless and unsuitable locking, opening and closing of the tailgate can
cause accidents and serious injury.
● Open and close the tailgate only when nobody is in the way.
● Do not close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the
rear window. The rear window could break and cause injury.
● Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing, otherwise, it may open un-
expectedly while driving. A closed tailgate should be flush with the cor-
responding parts of the bodywork.
● Always keep the tailgate closed while driving to avoid toxic gases en-
tering the passenger compartment.
● Do not open the tailgate when there is a load carrier installed. Like-
wise, the tailgate cannot be opened when a load is attached to it, for ex-
ample bicycles. An open tailgate could close itself if there is an addition-
al weight on it. If necessary, press down on the tailgate and remove the
load.
● Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors when you are
not using the vehicle. Ensure that nobody remains inside the vehicle.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervision, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. Depending
WARNING (Continued)
on the time of the year, temperatures inside a locked and closed vehicle
can be extremely high or extremely low resulting in serious injuries and
illness or even death, particularly for young children.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle key or the central locking button is used, they may be locked in the
vehicle.
CAUTION
Before opening the tailgate, ensure that there is sufficient free space to
open and close it, for example if you are towing a trailer or in a garage. 
Warning indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
The tailgate is open or not
correctly shut. Stop driving immediately!
Open the tailgate and close it
again.
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.
A warning appears on the instrument panel  if the tailgate is open or not
properly closed.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 

87
Unlocking and locking
Opening the tailgate electronically
Fig. 55 Button with tail-
gate open.
Opening the tailgate
● Press and hold the 
button on the vehicle key until the tailgate opens
automatically.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Press and hold the 
button on the centre console for
approximately 1 second ⇒ fig. 52.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Press the ⇒ fig. 53 tailgate button (arrow).
In case of difficulty or obstruction, automatic opening of the tailgate is inter-
rupted.
Electronically opening the tailgate does not work when a trailer is electrical-
ly connected and hitched to a factory fitted trailer hitch ⇒ page 237.
The tailgate can be opened manually by applying more force. Closing the tailgate
●
Press and hold the 
button on the vehicle key for approximately 1
second.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Press and hold the 
button on the centre console for
approximately 1 second ⇒ fig. 52.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Press the ⇒ fig. 53 tailgate button (arrow).
● Press the button 
on the open tailgate ⇒ 
fig. 55 ⇒ .
● Manually push the tailgate down to close it.
The tailgate will move down to the closed position to close and lock itself
automatically using the power-close feature ⇒ 
.
In case of difficulty or obstruction, automatic closing of the tailgate is inter-
rupted and it will open slightly.
Check why the tailgate could not close.
Attempt to close it once more.
Interrupting the opening and closing process
Tailgate opening and closing can be stopped by pressing one of the 
but-
tons. Each time one of the  buttons is pressed, the tailgate moves to its
initial position.
Then, it can be opened or closed by hand. To do this, apply a little more
force.
Memorising the opening angle
The tailgate must be at least half open to memorise an opening angle.
● Stop automatic opening in the opening position required ⇒ page 87.
● Hold down the button ⇒ fig. 55 with the tailgate open for at least three
seconds. The opening angle is memorised.
Memorisation is confirmed by blinking of the hazard warning lights and a
sound signal. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

88Unlocking and locking
To be opened completely, the opening angle must be memorised once
more.
● Release the tailgate and open it to the memorised height.
● Push the tailgate all the way up. To do this, apply a little more force.
● Hold down the button ⇒  fig. 55 with the tailgate open for at least three
seconds.
● The opening angle is reset to the original factory setting.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless closing and locking of the tailgate could cause se-
rious injuries.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervision, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. A locked ve-
hicle can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depend-
ing on the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness and even
death.
WARNING
It is possible that the tailgate does not open completely or, if it is open,
closes alone if a large amount of snow has built up on it or if a luggage
rack is fitted. In this case, the tailgate must be supported.
CAUTION
● When using a trailer, ensure that there is sufficient space to open and
close the tailgate.
● Before opening the tailgate, any kind of equipment carrier should be re-
moved, for example a bicycle carrier.
CAUTION
In case of repeated short-term use, the system is turned off to avoid over-
heating.
● When it has cooled, it may be used once again. During this time, the
tailgate may be manually opened or closed applying a little more effort.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected or the fuse blows when the tailgate
is open, the tailgate system must be re-initialised. To do this, close the tail-
gate.
Note
Before closing the tailgate, make sure that the key has not been left inside
the boot. 
Electric windows Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system
⇒ page 62
● Central locking and locking system
⇒ page 74
WARNING
Careless use of the electric windows can cause serious injury.
● Only operate the electric windows when nobody is in the way.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors are to be locked. The windows cannot be opened in case of an
emergency. 