2014 Seat Alhambra steering

98Lights and visibility
The control turn signals are switched on and off from the menu Lights & Visi-
bility on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 62. This function can be dis-
connected at a specialised workshop for those vehicles which do not have
the menu Lights & Visibility .
WARNING
Incorrect use of the headlights may cause accidents and serious injury,
as the main beam may distract or dazzle other drivers.
Note
● The turn signal only works when the ignition is switched on. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ page 316.
● If a turn signal on the vehicle or trailer is faulty, the warning lamp flash-
es twice as fast as usual.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. 
Turning lights on and off
Fig. 62 Next to the steering wheel: diagram of some of
the types of light switch
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
In vehicles with tow hitch fitted as standard: If the trailer is connected elec-
trically and is fitted with a rear fog light, this is automatically switched off
on the vehicle.
Turn the light switch to the required position ⇒ Fig. 62:
if the ignition is switched offwhen the ignition is on
Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights off.Lights off or daytime driving light
on.
The guidance lights may be
switched on.Automatic dipped beam control
or daytime driving light on.

102Lights and visibility
“Leaving home”Necessary operationsTo switch sys-
tem on:– Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position
 and the photo sensor detects darkness.
To switch sys-
tem off:– Automatically, at the end of the delay period..
– When the vehicle is locked.
– When the light switch is turned to position .
– When the ignition is switched on.
Lighting around the exterior mirrors
The lighting around the exterior mirrors illuminates the door area on enter-
ing and leaving the vehicles. It comes on when the vehicle is unlocked,
when the vehicle door is opened and when the “Coming home” or “Leaving
home” function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor,
the lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark.
Note
● The time taken for the headlights to go off can be changed in the Lights
& Visibility menu and the function can be switched on or off ⇒ page 62.
● When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened
there is no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on. Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Fig. 63 Next to the
steering wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control
1
and headlight
range control 2
1 Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the switch ⇒ Fig. 63 1
.
2
Headlight range control
The headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 63 2 is modified according to the value
of the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver op-
timum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers ⇒ 
.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch ⇒ Fig. 63 2
:
ValueVehicle load statusa)–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty


108Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioner comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside the vehicle.
For the interval wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 68 Wipers in service
position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ Fig. 68. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed
as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 279.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ Fig. 66 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 

167
Air conditioning
Range
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle. The remote control, when fitted
with new batteries, has a range of several hundred metres. Obstacles be-
tween the remote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and dis-
charged batteries can considerably reduce the range of the remote control.
An optimum range is obtained by keeping the remote control vertical, with
the aerial ⇒ Fig. 127 A
pointing upwards. When doing so, do not cover the
aerial with your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of two metres between the remote con-
trol and the vehicle.
CAUTION
● The radio frequency remote control contains electronic components.
Therefore, avoid getting the remote control wet and from being knocked
and protect it from direct sunlight.
● Use of inappropriate batteries may damage the remote control. For this
reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage,
size and specifications.
For the sake of the environment
● Please dispose of old batteries so that they do not harm the environ-
ment.
● The remote control battery may contain perchlorate. Observe the legal
requirements for their disposal. 
Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle can be programmed for a certain
period. Before programming, check that the day is correctly set in the
Auxiliary heat-
er - day of the week menu ⇒ 
.
Enabling the Auxiliary heater menu on the instrument panel
● From the main menu, select the Auxiliary heater submenu and press the
OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever.
● OR: press the  or  arrow buttons on the multi-function steering
wheel until the Auxiliary heater menu is displayed.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automati-
cally if required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a .
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If
no timer has been selected, the instrument panel dis-
play will show Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another tim-
er or select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected
using the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be
switched on for just a certain day of the week, select
the day of the week and the time for the auxiliary heat-
er to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 mi-
nutes and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the
auxiliary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Factory settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

169
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 172
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

(red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.

(yellow)
Power steering operation re-
duced.
The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning lamp no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been re-
connected.Travel a short distance at about
15-20 km/h (9-12 mph). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

170Driving
flashesPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.

(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance.
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
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. Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle
⇒ page 185.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 

171
Driving
WARNING
The counter steering assistance system combined with ESC helps the
driver to steer the vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all times, it is
the driver who steers the vehicle. The counter steering system does not
steer the vehicle.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 128 Mechanical
steering wheel adjust-
ment
Adjust the steering wheel before your trip and only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
● Push the lever ⇒ Fig. 128 1
downwards.
● Adjust the steering wheel so that you can hold onto the steering wheel
with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
positions and your arms slightly bent.
● Push the lever firmly upwards until it is flush to the steering column
⇒ 
.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the steering wheel adjustment function and an incorrect
adjustment of the steering wheel can result in severe or fatal injury.
● After adjusting the steering column, push the lever ⇒ Fig. 128 1
firmly upwards to ensure the steering wheel does not accidentally
change position while driving.
●
Never adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. If you
need to adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, stop
safely and make the proper adjustment.
● The adjusted steering wheel should be facing your chest and not your
face so as not to hinder the driver's front airbag protection in the event of
an accident.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to reduce inju-
ries when the driver's front airbag deploys.
● Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or in any oth-
er manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
driver's airbag deploys, you may sustain injuries to your arms, hands and
head.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Stopping and starting the engine
Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault,  or Immo-
biliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be star- ted.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 72
● Changing gear ⇒  page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Steering ⇒  page 169
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Refuelling ⇒  page 268
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
● Jump starting ⇒  page 341
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult; this could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, seat
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly. 