2013 Seat Alhambra child seat

146Seats and storage
Press the cover upwards to close.
Vehicle wallet compartment
The glove compartment is designed to store the vehicle documentation.
The vehicle on-board documentation wallet should always be kept in the
glove compartment. To store the wallet, insert it sideways into the glove
compartment.
Glove compartment cooling
There is an air vent ⇒ Fig. 109 A
on the rear panel so that cooled air from
the air conditioner (this must be connected) is fed into the glove compart-
ment. Turn the air vent to open and close it.
WARNING
The risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident during a sudden
braking manoeuvre or turn is increased if the glove compartment is left
open.
● Keep the glove compartment closed while the vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
For structural reasons, some model versions will have gaps behind the
glove compartment into which small objects may fall. This could lead to
strange noises and damage to the vehicle. You should therefore not keep
very small objects in the glove compartment. Storage compartments in the rear footwell*
Fig. 110 Storage com-
partments in the footwell
of the second row of
seats
Move the mat to one side (where applicable).
To open, pull on the rear centre part of the cover ⇒ Fig. 110 (arrow).
To close, press the cover down.
WARNING
Make sure children are properly belted in and correctly secured to avoid
severe or fatal injuries while the vehicle is in motion.
● If you are using a child seat with a base or foot, always install this
base or foot correctly and safely.
● If the vehicle has a storage compartment in the footwell in front of
the last row of seats, this compartment cannot be used as designed; on
the contrary: It must be filled using the specially designed accessory so
that the base or foot is correctly supported by the closed compartment
and the child seat is secured properly. If this compartment is not suitably 

147
Seats and storage
WARNING (Continued)
secured when using a child seat with a base or foot then the compart-
ment cover could rupture in an accident and the child will be ejected and
suffer serious injury.
● Please read and observe the child seat manufacturer's handling in-
structions.

Drawers*
Fig. 111 Drawer under
the front seat
There may be a drawer below the front seats.
Opening and closing the drawer
To open, press the button on the drawer handle and pull the drawer out.
To close, push the drawer under the seat until it clicks into place.
WARNING
If the drawer is open it could obstruct use of the pedals. This could result
in serious accident.
● The drawers must remain closed while the vehicle is in motion. Other-
wise, the drawer and any objects in it could fall into the driver's footwell
and obstruct the pedals.

Folding table*
Fig. 112 Folding table
on the front seat
Fold out the table by pulling on it ⇒ Fig. 112 (arrow).
A drink holder is built into the folding table ⇒ page 149.
To fold it back , push the folding table down as far as possible ⇒ Fig. 112.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

152Seats and storage
Emptying the ashtray
● Remove the ashtray from the drink holder or lining of the door by pulling
it upwards.
● After emptying the ashtray, insert it from above into the drink holder or
door lining. 
Cigarette lighter
Fig. 119 Front centre
console: lighter
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a lighter to the front of
the centre console ⇒ Fig. 119 or in the compartment to the front of the cen-
tre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
⇒  Fig. 119.
● Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
⇒ 
.
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert.
WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other se-
rious injuries.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition is switched on.
Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt power socket
⇒ page 152. 
Power sockets Introduction
Electrical equipment can be connected to the power sockets in the vehicle.
All connected appliances should be in perfect working order without any
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter
⇒ page 151
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications
⇒ page 260


153
Seats and storage
WARNING
Improper use of the power sockets or electrical devices could lead to a
fire and cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The power sockets
and equipment connected to them can be used when the ignition is
switched on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immediately.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment that generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt power sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations.
● To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12 V power sockets before switching the ignition on or off and
before starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt power socket that consumes
more than the power indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power ab-
sorption could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Note
● Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition
switched on will drain the battery.
● Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment
and the vehicle's electrical system.
● Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical applian-
ces are used near the rear window aerial. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

154Seats and storage
Vehicle power sockets
Depending on your vehicle's version, you may have a 12-
volt power socket and/or a 230 volt power socket.
Fig. 120 Centre console,
rear section: 12 volt pow-
er socket
Fig. 121 Rear centre
console: 230 Volt Euro
power socket Maximum power consumption
Power socketMaximum power consumption12 Volts120 Watts230 Volts150 Watts (300 Watt peak)
The maximum capacity of each power socket must not be exceeded. The
power consumption is indicated on the rating plate of each appliance.
Where two or more appliances are connected at the same time, the total rat-
ing of all the connected devices must never exceed 190 Watts
⇒ 
.
12 volt power socket
The 12 Volt power socket will only work with the ignition on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery. Therefore, electrical consumers connected to
the power socket must only be used when the engine is running.
To prevent voltage variations from causing damage, switch off the electrical
consumer connected to the 12 Volt power socket before switching the igni-
tion on or off and before starting the engine.
12 Volt power sockets can be found in the following locations in the vehicle:
● Compartment in the centre of the centre console.
● Compartment in the front centre console.
● Storage compartment in the front central armrest.
● Rear centre console ⇒ Fig. 120.
● At the rear right of the luggage compartment.
230 Volt Euro power socket*
The power socket only works when the engine is running ⇒ 
.
Connecting an electrical appliance: Plug the appliance into the power socket
as far as possible to unlock the built-in childproof lock. The current only
flows when the childproof lock is unlocked. 

155
Seats and storage
LED on the power socket ⇒ Fig. 121Steady green light:The childproof lock is unlocked. The power
socket can now be used.
Flashing red light:There is some kind of fault (e.g. discon-
nection due to excess current or tempera-
ture).
Heat protection
The 230 Volt Euro power connector converter switches off automatically
when a certain temperature is exceeded. This disconnect prevents overheat-
ing in the event of an increase in power consumption of the connected ap-
pliance and where the atmospheric temperature is too high. The inverter
will switch on again automatically after it has cooled down. Appliances that
are switched on and connected to the power socket will start up again.
Therefore, switch off all electrical appliances connected to the power socket
when the current converter switches off due to overheating.
WARNING
High voltage in the electrical installation!
● Liquids must not be spilt over the power socket.
● Do not plug adapters or extension cords into the 230 Volt Euro power
connector. Otherwise, the built-in child safety device will switch off and
the connector will become live.
● Do not plug current conductors such as a knitting needle into the 230
Volt Euro power connector.
CAUTION
● Always follow the operating instructions for the appliances to be con-
nected!
● Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the vehi-
cle's general electrical system. ●
12 volt power socket:
– Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations.
– Never power the socket.
● 230 Volt Euro power socket:
– Do not hang appliances or plugs that are too heavy (e.g. a transform-
er) from the power socket.
– Do not connect lamps which contain a neon tube.
– Only plug appliances with a voltage that matches the power socket
voltage into the power socket.
– In the event of consumers with a high start-up current, surge protec-
tion prevents them from switching on. In this case, unplug the consumer
and try plugging it back in after around 10 seconds.
Note
● Some appliances may not work properly in the 230 Volt Euro power con-
nector due to a lack of power (Watts).
● The 230 Watt Euro power connector can be modified for 115 Watt appli-
ances and vice versa. Consult a specialist shop for advice on accessories to
adapt the connector. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

187
Driving
seat belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recogni-
ses that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal ⇒ 
!
● Pull button 
hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be ac-
companied by the corresponding audible warning.
● To stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious ac-
cident.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in
an emergency. The braking distance is considerably longer, because
braking is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a gear or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if
the parking brake is applied.
Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released
and the accelerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake
is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake. Use the jump-start ⇒ page 340.
● When the electronic parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the
system sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
●
Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ 
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 186.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road. 
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193
Driving
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒ 
.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Technical Services.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒ 
.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This
means that only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will
be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brake system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the container does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks bot-
tles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipients
even if the contents are clearly marked.
● Always keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications