2013 Seat Alhambra maintenance

Foreword
This Instruction Manual and its corresponding supplements should be read carefully to familiarise yourself
with your vehicle.
Besides the regular care and maintenance of the vehicle, its correct handling will help preserve its value.
For safety reasons, always note the information concerning accessories, modifications and part replace-
ments.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the on-board documentation to the new owner, as it should be kept with the
vehicle.

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dear SEAT Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjusting the seat position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transporting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Child seats (accessories) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Opening and closing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Vehicle key set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Central locking and locking system . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Panoramic sliding sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Seats and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Loading luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Roof carrier system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Ashtray and cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater) . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Stopping and starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Braking, stopping and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Start assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Parking sensor system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 Park Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Rear Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Cruise control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lane Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Sign Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Tiredness detection (recommendation to take a
break) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Practical tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 245
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . 245
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior . . . . 252
Notes for the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue) . . . . . . . 274
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
3
Table of Contents

6Content
Content
This manual is structured to provide the information you need in an organ-
ised way. The content of this Manual is divided into sections which belong
to chapters (e.g. “Air conditioning”). The entire manual is divided into five
large parts which are:
1. Safety First Information about the vehicle equipment relating to passive safety such as
seat belts, airbags, seats, etc.
2. Operating instructions
Information about the distribution of controls in the driver position of your
vehicle, about the seat adjustment possibilities, about how to create a suit-
able climate in the vehicle interior, etc.
3. Practical tips Tips relating to the driving, caring and maintenance of your vehicle and cer-
tain problems you can solve yourself.
4. Technical specifications
Figures, data, dimensions and measurements (for example fuel consump-
tion) of your vehicle.
5. Alphabetic index
At the end of this manual there is a detailed alphabetical index, this will
help you to quickly find the information you require. 

8Safe driving
● Check that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
● Check the tyre pressures ( ⇒ page 296) and level of fuel ( ⇒ page 267).
● Ensure there is good visibility through all the windows.
● Make sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely fas-
tened ⇒ page 13.
● Ensure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
● Use child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height ⇒ page 40.
● Correctly adjust front seat, head rests and rear vision mirrors to suit your
height ⇒ page 10.
● Wear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
● The driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
● Before starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehi-
cle ⇒ page 10.
● Correctly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it se-
curely fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the
vehicle ⇒ page 21.
● Never carry more passengers than the number of available seats and
seat belts in your vehicle.
● Never drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs).
● Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to re-
set or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
● Always try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to
the condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic condi-
tions.
● Observe the highway code and speed limits. ●
On long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
● If carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accord-
ance with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having
a serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the ve-
hicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a Technical Service or specialised workshop. 
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you con-
sult a Technical Service about the legal requirements and the following
points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for ex-
ample, adjustment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs? 

15
Safe driving
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the rear lid is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the rear lid
closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the rear lid open,
observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the vehi-
cle:
–Close all windows and the sliding sunroof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioner.
– Open all of the air outlets in the dash panel.
– Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
CAUTION
An open rear lid changes the length and height of the vehicle. 
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
● Secure all objects
⇒ page 14.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 236.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 139.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position.

Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending whether additional equipment is fit-
ted, for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles
could cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the luggage compartment, these
should be placed as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as
little influence on handling as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

57
Cockpit
WARNING (Continued)
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
● In any vehicle, the engine compartment is a hazardous area and could
cause severe injuries ⇒ page 278.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Instruments
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Control and warning lamps ⇒ page 54
● Gear engaged display (automatic gearbox) ⇒ page 175
● Instructions for inspection intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
● Do not operate the instrument panel controls when driving.

View of instrument panel
Fig. 35 Instrument panel, on dash panel
Details of the instruments ⇒ Fig. 35: 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

61
Cockpit
Calibrating compass
To calibrate the compass you must be in one of the valid magnetic zones
with sufficient space to be able to trace a circumference with the vehicle.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Select the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Calibrate.
● Confirm the message Describe a complete circumference to calibrate the
compass with OK
and then trace a complete circumference driving at ap-
proximately 10 km/h (6 mph).
When the corresponding cardinal point is displayed, the calibration is com-
plete. 
Service interval display
The service indication is shown on the instrument panel display
⇒ Fig. 35 4.
SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Interval
Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service). The
service interval display only gives information for service dates which in-
volve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for exam-
ple, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time or mileage , the service inter-
vals are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service , the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an Interval Service when it is necessary. To establish when the Interval
Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use and individual
driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first appears 20 days
before the date established for the corresponding service. The kilometres remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest
100 km (miles) and the remaining time is given in complete days. The cur-
rent service message cannot be viewed until 500 km (miles) after the last
service. Prior to this only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages
, a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel  with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few sec-
onds, the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number
of days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km (miles) or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the spanner displayed on the screen flashes for a few sec-
onds . In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km (miles) or --- days is
displayed on the instrument panel.
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off and the vehicle at a standstill,
the current service notification can be read:
● Press the button 
on the instrument panel several times until the
spanner symbol is displayed .
● OR: select the Settings menu.
● From the Service submenu, select the option Info.
When the service date has past , a minus sign is displayed in front of the
number of kilometres or days. In vehicles with text messages the following
is displayed: Service --- km (miles) or --- days ago .
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

62Cockpit
The service interval display is reset
If the service was not carried out by a Technical Service, the display can be
reset as follows:
In vehicles with text messages:Select the Settings menu.In the submenu Service, select the option Reset.Confirm with OK when requested to do so by the system.
In vehicles without text messages:Switch the ignition off.Press and hold the 0.0 / SET button.Switch the ignition back on.Release the 0.0 / SET button and, press  for the next 20 seconds.
Do not reset the indicator to zero between two intervals, otherwise the dis-
play will be incorrect.
If, while the LongLife service is valid, the service interval display is reset to
zero, the “service will be activated by time or mileage”. The service interval
is no longer calculated individually
⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
Note
● The service message disappears after a few seconds, when the engine is
started or when OK
is pressed.
● In vehicles with the LongLife system in which the battery has been dis-
connected for a long period of time, it is not possible to calculate the date
of the next service. Therefore the service interval display may not be correct.
In this case, please check the maximum permitted service intervals ⇒ Book-
let Maintenance Programme. SEAT information system
Introduction
With the ignition switched on, it is possible to read the different functions of
the display by scrolling through the menus.
In vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel, there are no buttons on the
windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled
from the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
The number of menus displayed on the instrument panel will vary according
to the vehicle electronics and equipment.
A specialised dealer will be able to programme or modify additional func-
tions, according to the vehicle equipment. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service.
Some menu options can only be read when the vehicle is at a standstill.
As long as a priority 1 warning is displayed, it will not be possible to read
the menus. To display the menus, confirm the warning by pressing OK
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior mirrors ⇒ page 110
● Auxiliary heating ⇒ page 164
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
● Do not read the instrument panel menus when driving.
