2013 Seat Alhambra instrument panel

241
Trailer towing
● The vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
load and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trail-
er.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button 
once to turn off the electric parking brake
⇒  page 184.
● Press and hold the button 
to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
using the parking brake.
● With a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
● Engage first gear or the gear range D ⇒ page 175, Changing gear.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Move off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbox).
● Release the button 
only when the engine provides sufficient power
to move the vehicle and trailer combination.
WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
control with the subsequent serious consequences.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
change the vehicle handling and braking distances.
WARNING (Continued)
● Anticipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sud-
den braking.
● Always take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
● Always take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each country into account.

Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electronic stability control (ESC) and helps, with the assistance of the trajec-
tory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESC 
indicator on the dash panel remains lit for about two seconds more than the
ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is retrofitted.
● The ECS is switched on. The warning lamp on the instrument panel  is
not lit.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using the power socket.
● The vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h (40 mph).
● The maximum drawbar load is used. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

256Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
● On no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or
similar materials on leather.
● If the stain remains on the leather for long, it will soak in and be impos-
sible to remove.
● In the event of spilt liquids, dry immediately with an absorbent cloth to
prevent the liquid penetrating through the leather or seams.
● If the vehicle is left standing in the sun for long periods, the leather
should be protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Note
The leather will usually change colour slightly with use. 
Cleaning synthetic leather upholstery
Before cleaning the synthetic leather upholstery, bear in mind the following
recommendations ⇒ page 254, Cleaning the fabric on heated seats and
electrically adjustable seats or seats with airbag components
Only use water and neutral cleaning products to clean synthetic leather up-
holstery.
CAUTION
Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain removers or similar prod-
ucts on synthetic leather. These will stiffen the material, causing it to crack
prematurely. Cleaning storage compartments, drinks holders and
ashtray
Cleaning storage compartments and drinks holders
Some storage compartments and drinks holders have a removable rubber
mat.
●
Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● If this does not provide satisfactory results, we recommend using a spe-
cial solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
● Extract the ashtray and empty it.
● Clean the ashtray with a dishcloth.
Use a toothpick or similar to remove ash from the area where cigarettes are
stubbed out. 
Care and cleaning of plastic parts, wooden trim and the
instrument panel
● Use a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
● Clean plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel
with a special solvent-free product for the care and cleaning of plastic, ap-
proved by SEAT ⇒ 
.
● Wash wooden trims with a mild soap and water solution. 

263
Accessories, replacement of parts and modifications
Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is sub-
ject to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances,
this could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer val-
id.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
The optimal reach of the equipment is only achieved with an external aerial.
Check first with a specialised workshop if you wish to use a two-way radio
with a transmitting power of over 10 watts. The specialised workshops are
familiar with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visit-
ing a Technical Service.
All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed.
WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeu-
vres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the radius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial,
the maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be ex-
ceeded. This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
● You should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly connected to an exterior aerial.

Information stored by the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the con-
trol units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the air-
bag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units
are continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or devia-
tions from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the
warning lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
● Data relating to the engine or the gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Detection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

269
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irregular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding
descriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead
to ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This
could damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter!
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 164
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Fig. 165 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele-
phones, auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Opening the fuel tank flap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
● Unscrew the tank cap anticlockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hinge ⇒ Fig. 165.
Refuelling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 270.
● If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon as the fuel tank is full
⇒ 
.
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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

304Wheels and tyres
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒ 
.
Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 307.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion display) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your Technical Service for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response.
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
⇒ page 304.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you
should not take unnecessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
Note
● If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “reprog-
rammed” whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 226.
● Please ask at a Technical Service for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres. 
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum permit-
ted speed limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help to improve grip but also im-
prove the braking capacity.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
Tyre sizeWheel rim205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
SEAT recommends you ask a Technical Service for further information on
wheel, tyre and chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm
(37/64 inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒ 
.
The wheel bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from Technical Services. 

330If and when
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.
Checking the bulbs of a trailer
For vehicles with the factory fitted towing bracket, certain trailer lights are
also controlled if the power socket is correctly connected.
A fault on a trailer turn signal is indicated on the instrument panel by the
turn signal blinking twice as fast (  or ) ⇒ page 95.
● General fault of all turn signals on one side.
● Fault in one tail light (on some models, also the registration light).
● Fault in two brake lights.
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.
Note
A fault in the LED on the tail lights will not be indicated. However, if the fault
affects all the LEDs then this will be indicated by the control lamp . Information for replacing bulbs
Checklist
To replace a bulb, carry out the following operations always in the order giv-
en ⇒ 
:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 184.
Turn the light switch to position 0 ⇒ page 95.
Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒ page 95.
Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P ⇒ page 175.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 171.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 175.
Wait until all of the vehicle interior lights are turned off ⇒ page 95.
Allow the corresponding bulb to cool. Visually inspect fuses to see if any are blown ⇒ page 325.
Replace the bulb according to the instructions ⇒ 
. Bulbs should only
be replaced by new identical models. Bulb information is displayed on
the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
In general, never touch the bulb glass directly. The heat of the bulb
would cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector.
This will impair the brightness of the headlight.
Check if the new bulb is working. If the bulb is not working, it may not
have been correctly fitted, it could be damaged or the connector may
not be correctly connected.
Every time a bulb for the headlights is replaced, visit a specialised
workshop to check the headlights. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Check listPreparations for changing a wheel . . . . . . 309
Raising the vehicle with the jack . . . . . . . . 313
Checklist Refilling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 41
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Child safety seat Securing with seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ISOFIX child seat on rear seats . . . . . . . . . . 44
Mounting child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mounting systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
On rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
On the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Securing using a Top Tether retaining strap 46
Securing using ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Securing using LATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . 41
Weight categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Child seats Disabling the front passenger front airbag 36
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151, 152
Cleaning dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Cleaning chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cleaning the vehicle Folding exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Climatronic see "Air conditioner" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Closing Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Electric sliding door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
See "Locking" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Code number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Collection of end-of-life vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Combined weight rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compartment Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Compartments Card compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Drawers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Folding table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front central armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Other storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 148 Portable waste bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Rear footwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Roof console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Spectacle case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Connectors Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Consumer disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Consumption How it is determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Control lamp AdBlue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Brake pad wear indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . 282
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine oil sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . 231
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Lane assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Pressing the brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
370 Index