2015 Seat Alhambra warning light

Advice
Checking the engine coolant level and
refilling Fig. 168
In the engine compartment: Marking
on coolant expansion tank Fig. 169
In the engine compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap If the coolant level is low, the coolant warn-
ing indicator will light. Preparations
● Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm
ground.
● Allow the engine to cool ››› .
● Open the bonnet  ››› page 214.
● The coolant expansion tank is easily recog-
nisable because of the symbol  on the cap
› ›
› Fig. 169.
Check
ing the engine coolant level
● When the engine is cold, check the coolant
level using the side marking on the expan-
sion tank ››› Fig. 168.
● If the l

evel is below the “MIN” mark, top up
with coolant. When the engine is hot it may
be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
● Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap.
● Remove the cap very carefully ››› .
● Only refill using new engine coolant ac-
c or

ding to SEAT specifications ( ››› page 223)
››› .
● The engine coolant level should be be-
tween the marks on the coolant expansion
tank ››› Fig. 168 .
Do not exceed the top level
of

the marked area ››› .
● Screw on the cap tightly. ●
If, in the event of an emergency, you have
no coolant that is compliant to the required
specifications ( ››› page 223 ), do not use an-
other type of a

dditive. Instead, top up with
distilled water only ››› . Then re-establish
the correct proportion of the mixture with the
correct additive as soon as possible
››› page 223 . WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious
burns.
● Never open the coolant expansion tank if
steam or coolant is coming from the engine
compartment. Wait until you cannot see or
hear any steam or coolant escaping.
● Always wait until the engine has complete-
ly cooled before very carefully opening the
expansion tank cap. Contact with hot ele-
ments of the engine can cause skin burns.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.
– Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap an-
ti-clockwise, gently pressing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth. 224

Advice
It is not always possible to check the level of
the brake fluid, as in some models the en-
gine components make it difficult to see the
brake fluid reservoir. 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 accord-
ance with the instructions given in the Main-
tenance Programme. Have the brake fluid
changed by a specialised workshop. SEAT
recommends taking your car in for 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 unsuita-
ble/old brake fluid is used, the brake system
may fail or braking power may be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid
level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regular-
ly in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes
are subjected to extreme braking forces, bub-
bles of vapour form in the brake system. These bubbles can significantly reduce brak-
ing power, notably increasing braking dis-
tance, and could 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 af-
fect brake operation and reduce braking pow-
er. 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.
● 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 bottles/containers or
similar. Other people could drink from these
recipients even if the contents are clearly
marked.
● Always keep brake fluid in the original con-
tainer; keep it correctly sealed and out of
reach of children. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork.
Wipe off any brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them. Checking and topping up the
windscreen washer reservoir with
water
Fig. 171
In the engine compartment: wind-
screen washer reservoir top Check the level in the windscreen washer
tank regularly and top up as required.
● Open the bonnet  ››› page 214.
226

Checking and refilling levels
● The washer reservoir is marked with the
symbol  on the lid
›
›› Fig. 171.
● Check there is enough water in the reser-
voir.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner
recommended by SEAT ››› . Please follow
the instructions for use found on the packag-
ing.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should
also be added to prevent the water from
freezing ››› .
Reservoir capacity
The capacity of the tank is approximately 3 li-
tres; in vehicles with a headlight washer sys-
tem, it is approximately 7 litres. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
similar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the water in the reservoir. CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets. ●
When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely certain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! Vehicle battery
Introduction The battery is a component of the vehicle's
electrical system.
Never work on the electrical system without
fully understanding the operations required,
the applicable safety standards and without
the correct tools
››› ! If required, have any
work carried out by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Negligent work can cause seri-
ous injury.
Location and number of batteries in the
vehicle
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment.
Explanation of the warning indications on
the vehicle's battery
SymbolMeaning 
Wear eye protection!
SymbolMeaning 
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic.
Always wear protective gloves and eye
protection!

Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking
are prohibited.

A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batter-
ies!
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the elec-
trical system can cause corrosion, fire and
electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the following warnings and safety
standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off
the engine, the ignition and all electrical de-
vices then disconnect the negative connec-
tion on the battery.
● Keep children away from acid and the bat-
tery itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It
can burn skin and cause blindness. When
handling the battery, protect yourself from
splashes of acids, above all your hands, arms
and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to pla-
ces exposed to flames or sparks. » 227
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
●
Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges
when working with cables and electrical devi-
ces.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can ex-
plode. Replace a damaged battery immedi-
ately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as
soon as possible. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage
compartment: Check that the battery gas
ventilation hose is securely attached. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
over a long period of time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
● If the car is left standing for long periods,
protect the battery from extreme cold temper-
ature so that it does not “freeze up” and be-
come damaged. Warning lampIt
lights upPossible causeSolution 
Faulty generator.
Contact a specialised
workshop. Have the
electrical system
checked.
Disconnect any unneces-
sary electrical devices.
The generator does not
charge the battery while
the vehicle is in motion.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignor-
ed, 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. Checking the electrolyte level of the
vehicle battery
Fig. 172
In the engine compartment: Remove
the cover from the vehicle's battery. Fig. 173
In the engine compartment: unfold
the vehicle's battery hose. The battery's electrolyte level should be
checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles,
in hot countries and in older batteries. Other
batteries do not require maintenance.
228

Checking and refilling levels
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 158) are equip-
ped with a special battery labelled “AGM”.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
check the electrolyte level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine
compartment ››› page 214
● Open the bonnet  ››› page 214.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on
the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a cover: press the tab
››› Fig. 172 A in the direction of the arrow
and pull the cover upwards.
● In the case of a hose: fold the cover to one
side to remove ››› Fig. 173 .
Chec k
ing the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to
clearly recognise the colours. Never use
flames or flashing objects as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic
eye on the top of the battery will change col-
our.
Colour in-
dicatorNecessary operations
Light yellow
or ColourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is too low. Have the battery checked
and, where applicable, replaced by a
specialised workshop.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is correct. WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a
risk of corrosion, explosions and electric
shock.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid
could spill out of the openings for the release
of gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediate-
ly rinse your eyes and skin abundantly with
water for several minutes. Then seek medical
care immediately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediately. Charging, replacing and connecting or
disconnecting the battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installedand they must be charged in a controlled en-
vironment
››› . SEAT recommends taking
your car in for technical service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 158) are equip-
ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must
only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment. »
229Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
● The vehicle must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive ››› .
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negative ››› .
Different control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short
trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 40 . Respect the maximum service in-
t er
vals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Vehic

les with Keyless Access (››› page 59): if,
after connecting the battery, the ignition can-
not be switched on, lock and unlock the vehi-
cle from outside. Then try to switch on the ig-
nition again. If the ignition does not work,
seek professional assistance. Automatic device disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system auto-
matically implements a range of measures to
prevent the battery from discharging when
high demands are made on it:
● the idling speed is increased so that the al-
ternator provides more electricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most
powerful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-volt power sockets and the ciga-
rette lighter may be interrupted for a short
time.
The on-board management program cannot
always prevent the battery from running flat.
For example, if the ignition is left on for a
long period with the engine off or if the side
lights or parking lights are left on while the
vehicle is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without
starting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switched off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running
››› page 128
. WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wrong battery can cause short-circuits, fire
and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries
that do not run flat alone and whose proper-
ties, specifications and size correspond to
the standard battery. The specifications are
indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
battery. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may
cause a short circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Never plug accessories that supply current,
such as solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power sockets or the cigarette 230

Wheels and tyres
lighter. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. Collect any spilt service fluids and dis-
pose of them correctly. Wheels and tyres
Wheels Introduction The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard
with anti-puncture technology tyres (Conti-
Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of
up to 5 mm, the tyre seals the hole with a
protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of this technology means that
there is no type of spare wheel included in
the vehicle's equipment.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or
braked if the tyres (new or used) are worn or
damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could
make driving more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage. ●
All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and
will not have reached their maximum braking
capacity to start with, and therefore need
running in. To prevent accidents and major
damage, extreme caution should be taken for
the first 600 km.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut,
cracked or dented) or worn tyres. Driving on
damaged or worn tyres could result in burst
tyres, serious accidents or damage. Worn or
damaged tyres must be replaced immediate-
ly.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist
systems also depends on the grip of the
tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-
hicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the
car immediately and check the tyres and
wheels for damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the
vehicle or causing a serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. » 231Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Emergencies
First-aid kit
There is a first aid kit ››› page 112 in the rear
left-hand side storage compartment of the
luggage compartment.
The first aid kit must comply with legal re-
quirements. Check the expiry date of the con-
tents of the first aid kit.
Fire extinguisher
There is a Fire extinguisher underneath the
fr ont
passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must conform to legal
requirements, be ready for use and be
checked regularly. Check the certification
seal on the extinguisher. WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently thrown in case of a sudden manoeu-
vre or braking and especially in accidents
causing serious injury.
● Secure fire extinguishers, first aid kit, re-
flective vests and warning triangle securely
to their respective supports. Protecting yourself and securing the
vehicle
Fig. 179
In the centre of the dash panel: push
button for hazard warning lights. Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest
››› page 242.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
For your own safety and that of other passen-
gers, the following points should be ob-
served in the order given:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on suitable ground ››› .
1. Turn on the hazard warning lights with
the button

››› Fig. 179.
Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 137 .
Mo v

e the selector lever to its intermedi-
ate position or to
P ››› page 143.
Stop the engine and remove the key
from the ignition ››› page 133.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning
lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down
or reach the end of a traffic jam, to warn the
vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Always comply with the applicable laws re-
garding the use of hazard warning lights. »
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
243Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety