2013 Seat Alhambra warning light

268Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the
wrong fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine run-
ning, the composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel
system and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you re-
fuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 164 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge
for petrol and diesel
lights upGauge posi-
tion
⇒ Fig. 164Possible cause ⇒ Solution
Red mark (ar- row)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is be-
ing used ⇒ page 366.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
 Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
When the control lamp lights up or the auxiliary heater and the auxiliary
heater running off petrol automatically switch off. 

270Checking and refilling levels
Closing the fuel tank flap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 329.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 278, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following
regularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ page 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ page 282 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ page 286
● Brake fluid level ⇒ page 184
● Tyre pressure ⇒  page 296
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Turn signals
Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Fuel Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Refuelling ⇒ page 267
● Engine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 231
–
–
–
–
–

272Checking and refilling levels
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it. 
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter serv-
ice intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme ⇒ 
. Your Technical Serv-
ice will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sep-
aration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low
as -20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. Technical Services and fill-
ing stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of diesel
fuels available. A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust gases may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will de-
pend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heating system.
This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C
(-11.2 °F), provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C
(+5 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11.2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a
warm garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam
may be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it
is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious in-
jury. 

274Checking and refilling levels
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue)
Introduction
The AdBlue fill level must be checked when the vehicle is being serviced.
Additional information and warnings:
● Luggage compartment ⇒ page 126
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 296
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle may not restart after switch-
ing the ignition off. The emergency start or jump start will not be possi-
ble either!
● Top up with AdBlue at the latest 1000 km or 600 miles before it runs
out.
● Do not allow the AdBlue to run too low.
WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can cause injuries if it touches
the skin, eyes or respiratory organs.
● If AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin, rinse for at least 15 mi-
nutes with plenty of water and seek medical help.
● If the AdBlue is swallowed, wash your mouth with plenty of water for
at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recommended
by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
CAUTION
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastic, items of
clothing and carpets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as quickly as possi-
ble using a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
● If the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with warm water and a sponge. 
Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

(red)The engine cannot be restar-
ted! The level of AdBlue is too
low.Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
safe and flat area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required ⇒ page 276.

(red)
with
The engine cannot be restar-
ted! AdBlue system malfunc-
tion.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there.

(yellow)The AdBlue reserve is low.
Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metres or miles as indicated
⇒ page 276. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialised work-
shop.

(yellow)
together with
There is a fault in the AdBlue
system or unsuitable AdBlue
fluid has been used.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there. 

275
Checking and refilling levels
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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 control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
Information on AdBlue
In vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction, a special urea solution (AdBl-
ue) is injected into the exhaust gas system in front of the catalytic converter
to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The consumption of AdBlue depends on individual driving style, the tem-
perature at which the system operates and the outside temperature where
the vehicle is driven.
AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the vehicle and should be refilled
at an official supplier. The AdBlue tank holds about 17 litres.
A message will be displayed on the dash panel around 2400 km
(1500 miles) before the next service to indicate that AdBlue must be refilled
⇒ page 276. If you ignore this message and do not refill, you will be unable
to start the engine afterwards
⇒ page 274.
SEAT recommends contacting a specialised workshop. If you are unable to
visit a qualified specialised workshop, you should temporarily refill with a
minimum of 10.0 litres of AdBlue. Only refill using AdBlue expressly ap-
proved by SEAT.
When the indicators  and  light simultaneously, there is a fault. SEAT
recommends visiting the closest specialised workshop.
AdBlue ®
is a registered trademark in the US, Germany, the European Union
and other countries belonging to the German automobile industry ("Ver-
band der Automobilindustrie e. V.", VDA). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

282Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the windscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Engine oil Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 278
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
● Engine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come
into contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
● With the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the en-
vironment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the environ-
ment. 
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Insufficient engine oil.Switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level ⇒ page 284.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure too low.
 Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
- If the warning lamp flashes al-
though the oil level is correct,
do not continue driving or leave
the engine running. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Engine oil sensor faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor
checked. 

287
Checking and refilling levels
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge
Fig. 172 Engine coolant
temperature gauge on
the instrument panel: A
cold area; B normal
area; C warning area
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The tem-
perature may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
lights upGauge po- sition
⇒ Fig. 172Possible causeSolution

Warning area CExcessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.

Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant lev-
el ⇒ page 289.
Normal
area BInsufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant
⇒ page 289.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assis-
tance.
--Cold area A--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant system faulty.You should obtain professio-
nal assistance. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

288Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25 °C (-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒ 
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒ 
.
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of additive is correct with re-
spect to the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which
the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze
and the vehicle would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would
not work either and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. 