2013 Seat Alhambra warning

227
Driving
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator  or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sports driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, the ⇒ Fig. 156
button on the tyre monitoring indicator must be kept pressed down, with
the ignition on, until an audible warning is heard. Do the same, for exam-
ple, when the front and rear wheels are swapped ⇒ Fig. 177.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive load (towing a trailer, heavy
load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the maximum recommended
pressure ⇒ page 296. Press the tyre monitoring indicator button to confirm
the new pressure value.
Note
An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use because
the chains increase the tread of the wheel. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

228Driving and the environment
Practical tips
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ page 296
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ page 188
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Savings of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips.
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation.


231
Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 175
● Refuelling ⇒ page 267
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Engine oil ⇒ page 282
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 291
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 260
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 343
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
Pre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.⇒ page 171
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next specialised
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒ 
.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a special-
ised workshop ⇒ page 232. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

232Driving and the environment
flashesPossible causeSolution
Fault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.

Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic convert-
er.You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next specialised
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
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
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter
while driving.
● Only carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
so permit.
● Never endanger your safety or that of other road users.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding de-
scriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators  ,  or  remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power. Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
●
Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 282.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 340.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a special-
ised workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system
and escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be dam-
aged by overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combus-
tion process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur content ⇒ page 270.
● Never use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used ⇒ page 270. 

234Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Introduction
Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trailer and to use a tow hitch.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers however, it can also
be used to tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the necessary equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and the vehicle performance and, in some cases, reduce the service inter-
vals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from the vehicle and, thus, more
concentration from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted tow hitch, the Start-Stop function is
automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For tow hitches not
installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated manually us-
ing a button located on the dash panel before driving with a trailer and it
must remain off for the entire journey ⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Anti-theft alarm system ⇒ page 74
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 228
● Starter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 195●
Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 296
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
against the law.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in
when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances
the load”. Your vehicle has not been designed for this type of tow hitch.
The tow hitch may fail and the trailer will separate from the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can affect
vehicle handling and even cause an accident.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. 

235
Trailer towing
WARNING (Continued)
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
trailers with a low centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seriously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking
from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km an hour (50 mph) when towing a trail-
er (or 100 km an hour (60 mph) in exceptional circumstances). This also
applies in countries where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the
speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in each country into ac-
count.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow hitch that was not installed
by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Other-
wise, this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident
with serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a tow hitch that has not been installed by SEAT.
Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer ⇒ page 78. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
⇒ page 260. ●
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the tow hitch ball when a trailer is not
being used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle
with the extended tow hitch ball could be more extensive.
● In some models, a tow hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
reason, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

236Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer.
Only use an approved tow hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balan-
ces the load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal re-
quirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the ve-
hicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer ⇒ page 238.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 238.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system.
In case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the stand-
ard wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
Electrical consumerMaximum powerSide lights and rear lights50 WattsTurn signal (each side)54 WattsBrake lights (total)84 WattsReversing lights (total)42 WattsRear fog light42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the vehicle causing an accident with serious consequences. 

238Trailer towing
The control lamp
●When the control lamp flashes, the tow ball is not in its final position,
has not engaged or is damaged ⇒ 
.
● When the control lamp remains lit and the rear lid is open, the tow ball
has inserted correctly into the folded or deployed position.
● When the rear lid is closed, the indicator is turned off.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Ensure that no person, animal or object gets in the way of the tow
ball.
● Never push the button when there is a tow hitched or when any kind
of carrier or accessory is fitted to the tow hitch ball.
● While the ball is moving, do not interfere with any tool.
● Do not drive with a trailer if the control lamp does not light.
● If there is a fault in the electric system or the trailer tow hitch, visit a
specialised workshop to have it checked.
● If the diameter of the tow hitch is less than 49 mm, never use this for
a trailer.
CAUTION
● If anything is attached to the tow hitch ball, do not, under any circum-
stances press the button.
● Never direct a high-pressure or steam cleaning system directly at the
tow hitch ball or trailer power socket. This could cause damage to seals or
remove lubricating grease.
Note
In extremely low temperatures, it is possible that the tow hitch is not re-
leased. In this case, place the vehicle in a warmer location (for example, a
garage). Installing a bicycle carrier to the tow hitch
The maximum load permitted for a bicycle carrier on the tow hitch ball is
75 kg, with a maximum distance of 300 mm from the support. The distance
between supports is the distance between the bicycle carrier centre of gravi-
ty (with the bicycles) and the centre of point of the tow hitch ball.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicycle carrier installed can
cause accidents and injury.
● Never exceed the load and distances between supports indicated.
● Never fit the bicycle carrier to the tow hitch ball neck, underneath the
tow hitch given that the bicycle carrier may be incorrectly fitted due to
the shape of the tow hitch and the model of bicycle carrier.
● Always read and take the manufacturer assembly instructions into ac-
count.
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum load and distance between supports indicated can
cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the specifications. 
Hitching and connecting the trailer
Trailer cable
Always secure the trailer cable to the towing vehicle correctly. Leave a little
bit of slack in the cable for turning. However, ensure that the cable does not
rub off the ground while driving. 