2013 Seat Alhambra ABS

19
Seat belts
Why wear seat belts? Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
Fig. 5 Vehicle about to
hit a wall: the vehicle oc-
cupants are not wearing
seat belts
Fig. 6 The vehicle hits
the wall: the vehicle oc-
cupants are not wearing
seat belts It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: when a vehicle starts moving
⇒ Fig. 5, this is a certain amount of
energy known as kinetic energy both in the vehicle and in the vehicle occu-
pants.
The higher the speed and the greater the weight of the vehicle, the more
energy there is to be absorbed in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the
speed doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h (15 to 30 mph), for example, the
kinetic energy is multiplied by four.
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight of the vehicle and the vehicle occupants, the more ener-
gy there is to be absorbed in an accident.
Vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle.
As a result, in a frontal collision they will continue to move forward at the
speed their vehicle was travelling just before the impact until something
stops them! Because the vehicle occupants in our example are not restrain-
ed by seat belts, all of the vehicle occupants' kinetic energy has to be ab-
sorbed at the point of impact ⇒ Fig. 6.
At speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h (20 to 30 mph), the forces acting on bod-
ies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed
these forces are even higher.
This example applies not only to head-on collisions, but to all accidents and
collisions. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

21
Seat belts
Seat belt protection
Fig. 9 Drivers with prop-
erly worn seat belts will
not be thrown forward in
the event of sudden brak-
ing
Wearing a correctly fastened seat belt can significantly change the situa-
tion. Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sit-
ting positions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an
accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that
could lead to severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce
the danger of being thrown from the car ⇒ Fig. 9.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to ab-
sorb the kinetic energy generated in a collision. Taken together, all these
features reduce the energy released and decrease the risk of injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is
why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when just
driving “around the corner”. Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well. Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective
means of considerably reducing the risk of severe injury and improving the
chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat
belts improve the protection provided by deployed airbags in the event of
an accident. For this reason, wearing a seat belt is required by law in most
countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fas-
tened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some
frontal accidents. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor frontal
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which
the airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that your pas-
sengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!

Seat belts Using seat belts
Checklist
Using seat belts ⇒ :
● Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals.
● Keep the seat belts clean.
● Keep the belt web, the latch plate and the buckle free of foreign bodies
and liquids.
● Do not jam or damage the seat belt or the latch plate when closing the
door, for example.
● Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or belt fastening mecha-
nisms.
● Fasten your seat belt properly before each trip and keep it fastened. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

32Airbag system
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding de-
scriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle. 
Airbag system Description and function of the airbag
The airbag can protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accidents, cush-
ioning the movement of the occupants in the direction of the collision in
frontal and side accidents.
Deployed airbags fill with a propellant gas. This causes the airbag covers to
break and the airbags to deploy extremely quickly in their entire deploy-
ment space within fractions of a second. When an occupant with the seat
belt properly fastened puts pressure on the inflated airbag, the propellant
gas escapes to absorb the force of the impact and slow the movement. This
reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Airbag deployment does not
mean that other types of injury such as swelling, bruising, burns and skin
injuries can be ruled out.
Airbags do not protect the arms or the lower part of the body.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident,
the angle of impact, the vehicle speed and the characteristics of the object
the vehicle hits. Therefore, airbags are not triggered every time the vehicle
is visibly damaged.
The airbag system is designed to be triggered in collisions with a severe im-
pact. The front, curtain, side and knee airbags may be triggered under spe-
cial circumstances. The scope of any visible damage to the vehicle is not an
indication of airbag deployment. Airbags act in conjunction with three-point seat belts in the event of certain
accidents, when the vehicle deceleration rate is severe enough to trigger
the airbags. Airbags only deploy once and only under certain circumstan-
ces. Seat belts remain present to offer protection in situations where air-
bags are not triggered or where they have already deployed. For example,
when a vehicle hits another after an initial collision or is hit by another vehi-
cle.
The airbag system is an integral part of the car's passive safety system. The
airbag system can only work effectively when the vehicle occupants are
wearing their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints
properly
 ⇒ page 10.
Vehicle safety components
The following safety equipment makes up the vehicle safety design to re-
duce the risk of severe and fatal injuries. Depending on the vehicle equip-
ment, some equipment may not be fitted in the vehicle or may not be avail-
able in some markets.
● Optimised seat belts for all seats.
● Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and, where applicable,
on the outer seats of the second row of seats in combination with the side
airbags.
● Furthermore, belt tension limiters for the driver's and front passenger
seat belt.
● Belt height adjustment for the front seats and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
● Seat belt warning lamp
● Front airbags for driver and passenger.
● Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
● Left and right curtain airbags.
● One airbag for the driver's knees.
● Airbag control lamp .
● PASSENGER AIR BAG   control lamp. 

55
Cockpit
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the vehicle, instead of a warning
lamp, sometimes a symbol may be displayed on the instrument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
Red symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See

 Do not continue driving!
The electronic parking brake is on, the brake
fluid level is too low or the brake system is faul-
ty.
⇒ page 184
 Do not continue driving!
Fault in the engine cooling system.⇒ page 286
 Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ page 282

 Do not continue driving!
At least one of the vehicles doors is open, or is
not correctly closed.⇒ page 80
 Do not continue driving!
The rear lid is open or is incorrectly closed.⇒ page 83
 Do not continue driving!
Fault in the steering.⇒ page 168
Engine cannot be started again!
"AdBlue" level too low.⇒ page 274
Driver or passenger has not fastened seat belt.⇒ page 21
Use the foot brake!
Change
⇒ page 175
Brake
⇒ page 184
Faulty generator.⇒ page 291
Yellow symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Front brake pads worn.
⇒ page 184lights: ESC malfunction or off.flashes: ESC working.
ASR manually deactivated.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Electronic parking brake faulty.⇒ page 184
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 95
lights: Driving light totally or partially faulty.⇒ page 329flashes: Fault in the adaptive light system.⇒ page 95
Fault in catalytic converter.
⇒ page 231lights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.flashes: Fault in engine management.
Fault in engine management.
Diesel particulate filter blocked
Fault in the steering system.⇒ page 168
Tyre pressure too low.⇒ page 296Fault in the tyre pressure gauge.⇒ page 224
Level of windscreen washer fluid too low.⇒ page 105
Fuel tank almost empty.⇒ page 267 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar additives with the
windscreen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water in the reservoir.
CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  page 62
● Seat memory
⇒ page 117
● Changing gear
⇒ page 175
● Braking, stopping and parking
⇒ page 184
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to
the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respi-
ratory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical ad-
vice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing,
wash the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes
and clothing before wearing them again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash your mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless rec-
ommended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror breaks, an elec-
trolyte fluid may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it
should be cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

184Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDL), the trac-
tion control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 236
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 195
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 296
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel display, please go immediately to a specialised work-
shop to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in a serious ac-
cident.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 

185
Driving
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

(red)
Together with the control
lamp  on the button: Elec-
tronic parking brake on.⇒ page 186
Fault in the brake system Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional assistance!
⇒ page 188.
Brake fluid level inadequate. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
⇒ page 193.
Together with the ABS con-
trol lamp : ABS fault.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.

(red)Brake pedal not pressed!Press brake pedal to the floor.

(yellow)Front brake pads worn.
Contact a specialised workshop
immediately. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary.

(yellow)
ESC disconnected by the sys-
tem.Switching the ignition on and
off If necessary, drive for a short
distance.
Fault in the ESC.Contact a specialised workshop.
Together with the ABS con-
trol lamp : Fault in ABS.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.⇒ page 291
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

(yellow)ASR manually deactivated.
Switch on ASR ⇒ page 192.
ASR is automatically activated
when the ignition is switched on
or off.

(yellow)
Together with the ESC control
lamp  : Fault in ABS.Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp  or : ABS fault.

(yellow)Together with the warning
lamp  flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.

(green)Brake pedal not pressed.
Press the brake pedal to select
a gear range.
Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 186.
flashesPossible cause ⇒ Solution

(red)
Electronic parking brake faul-
ty. The control lamp  may
light up at the same time or
the control lamp  may flash
on the button.Contact a specialised work-
shop, as it may not be possible
to park the vehicle in safety.

(yellow)ESC or ASR regulating.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

186Driving
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.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 192, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel display, please go immediately to a specialised work-
shop to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake
Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centre console: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button 
until the control lamp
 on the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
instrument panel ⇒ page 185.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button 
. At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and  on the instrument panel go
out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her