2015 Seat Alhambra warning

Operation
slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the brak-
ing system could overheat and fail.
● The vehicle centre of gravity and handling
change because of the trailer load and be-
cause of the increased combined mass of the
vehicle and trailer.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trail-
er loaded then the load distribution is incor-
rect. If you must travel in these conditions,
drive carefully and reduce your speed accord-
ingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross com-
bined weight, it is possible that the com-
bined vehicle and trailer move backwards
slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as fol-
lows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button  once to turn off the
electric parking brake ››› page 137.
● 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 143, Changing gear .
● Rel
ease the brake pedal. ●
Move off slowly. To do this, gently release
the clutch pedal (for manual gearbox).
● Release the button  only when the en-
gine 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 vehi-
cle handling and braking distances.
● Anticipate traffic and be extremely cau-
tious. Brake early.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brus-
que manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously. Reduce your speed immediately if you
observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing 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 combi-
nation is an extension of the electronic sta-
bility control (ESC) and helps, with the assis-
tance of the trajectory control, to reduce trail-
er “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation is active when the ESC
 indicator on
the d a

sh panel remains lit for about two sec-
onds more than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the
vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manu-
facturer or a compatible model is retrofitted.
● The ECS is switched on. The warning lamp
on the dash panel  is not lit.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using
the power socket.
● It travels faster than 60 km/h (37 mph).
● The maximum drawbar load is used.
● The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
● Trailers with brakes must be equipped with
a mechanical inertia brake. WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the
stabilisation system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. 186

Towing bracket device
●
Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care
when accelerating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot
off the accelerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisa-
tion system does not correctly recognised all
driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system
does not detect snaking of a light trailer and
thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trail-
er could jack-knife despite the stabilisation
sy
stem.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip over before they start to rock side-
ways.
● If a trailer is not used and the trailer power
socket is connected (e.g. installation of a bi-
cycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic
braking may occur in extreme driving condi-
tions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 155
Measurements and attachments to
retrofit a tow hitch SEAT recommends visiting a specialised
workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For example,
it may be necessary to adjust the cooling sys-
tem or to include thermal plates. SEAT recom-mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
In any case, the separation distances must
be observed when fitting a tow hitch. The dis-
tance between the centre of the tow hitch ball
and the road surface
››› Fig. 155 D must nev-
er be lower than that indicated. This also ap-
plies when the vehicle is fully laden, includ-
ing maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances
›
›› Fig. 155
:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inches)
1,097 mm (43 inches)
1,102 mm (43 inches) WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of elec-
tric cables may cause anomalies in the vehi-
cle electronics that could result in an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other unsuitable power sources. Only
use suitable connectors to connect a trailer.
● Visit a specialised workshop if you wish to
retrofit a tow hitch to the vehicle. » A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
187
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the trailer may separate from the vehicle
while driving. This could result in a serious
accident. Note
Use only tow hitches approved by SEAT for
the vehicle. Maximum gross trailer weight
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments 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 instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted could cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted could cause damage to the vehicle. ● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. Gross combined vehicle weight rating
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments 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 instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles.
The maximum combined weights listed are
only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m
above sea level. The weight of the car and
trailer must be reduced by about 10% for ev-
ery further 1000 m (or part thereof).
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum weight indicated
could cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the gross combined weight
rating. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum gross combined
weight rating indicated could cause damage
to the vehicle. ● Never exceed the gross combined weight
rating. 188

Care and maintenance
Advice
Care and maintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
correctly performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT approved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a specialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions as the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action. ●
Only use wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Service before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A technical
service centre will advise you as to the legal
requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts
and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories
and
genuine SEAT spare
p
arts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition the techni-
cal service centre will guarantee that the as-
sembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suita-
ble for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot ac-
cept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspec-
tion office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect

on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv- en must be approved by SEAT for use in your
vehicle and bear the e mark (the European
Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically con-
trolled suspension.
If any
additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the  mark (European
Union manuf

acturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the vehicle may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their radius of action, could lead to se-
rious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such as
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
189Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
consumables should be changed at a speci-
alised workshop. Technical services are per-
manently informed of any modifications. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or con-
sumables may result in accident, serious in-
jury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored
closed in their original container.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers
or bottles as other people may accidentally
drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of
reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and
warnings given on the fluid containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventila-
ted zones, when using products which give
off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any other volatile liquid in the main-
tenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and
highly flammable. They could lead to fire or
explosions! CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Do not confuse
fluids as this can cause serious malfunctions
or engine damage.
● Accessories and other components moun-
ted in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running
under great strain in high outside tempera-
tures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment.
Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers
and dispose of them in accordance with legis-
lation and with respect for the environment. Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ifications, SEAT's directives must be ob-
served!

›
›› Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
components or software in the vehicle may
cause malfunctions. Due to the way the elec-
tronic components are linked together in net-
works, other indirect systems may be affec-
ted by the faults. This may significantly affect
the vehicle's performance, increase compo-
nent wear and could mean that the vehicle
registration documents are no longer valid.
Your technical service centre cannot be held
liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-
ly.
The technical service centre does not accept
liability for damage resulting from technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-ly; neither is the SEAT warranty valid in these
cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical
modifications or repairs performed at a tech-
nical service centre and that you use
genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and
equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment
guarantee that the equipment complies with
applicable laws and regulations with respect
to the environment, in particular Directives
2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehi-
cles while the second refers to the restric-
tions on the marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documen-
tation for the additional equipment safely
and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end
of the vehicle's service life. This ensures that
any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with re-
spect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the driver assist systems. This
could result in serious accident. 190

Care and maintenance
●
All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop. Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ifications, SEAT's directives must be ob-
served!
››› Modifications and repairs to the front bump-
er, doors, front seats, and repairs to the roof
or chassis should only be carried out in a
specialised workshop. These components
may contain parts or sensors belonging to
the airbag system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or
parts have to be removed and fitted on the
system when performing other repair work,
parts of the airbag system may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of
an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or
does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not
reduced and that removed parts do not cause
any injuries or environmental pollution, regu-
lations must be observed. These require-
ments are known to specialised workshops.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may
affect the operation of the airbag system in
the event of collision. For example, if wheel
and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered,
the suspension is stiffened or the suspension
springs, telescopic arms, dampers, etc., are
modified, the results received by the airbag
sensors and sent to the control unit may not
be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the
force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in colli-
sions. Under normal conditions, the meas-
ured values would be lower and the airbag
would not have been triggered. Other modifi-
cations may reduce the forces measured by
the sensors and prevent the airbags from be-
ing triggered when they should.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the airbag systems. This could
result in serious or fatal accidents.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if
damaged, they must be replaced.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag compo-
nents in your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, in-
cluding the use of unauthorised wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the perform-
ance of the airbags and increase the risk of
serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
●
Never fit suspension components which are
not identical to the original parts in the vehi-
cle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not
approved by SEAT. 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 ap-
pliances in the vehicle is subject to their ap-
proval for use in your vehicle. Under certain
circumstances, this could mean that your ve-
hicle registration documents are no longer
valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with
two-way radios providing the following condi-
tions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted pro-
fessionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10
watts.
The optimal reach of the equipment is only
achieved with an external aerial. »
191Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
Check first with a specialised workshop that
understands the technical possibilities of in-
stallation if you wish to use a two-way radio
with a transmitting power of over 10 watts.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
All legal requirements, together with the in-
structions 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
manoeuvres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, two-way radios must be se-
curely fastened in position, outside the radi-
us of action of the airbags, or safely stowed
away. WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a con-
nection to an exterior aerial, the maximum
permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation
may be exceeded. 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 con-
nected to an exterior aerial. Information stored by the control
units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a ser-
ies of electronic control units responsible for
the engine and gearbox management. In ad-
dition, the control units supervise the per-
formance of the exhaust gas system and the
airbag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven,
these electronic control units are continuous-
ly analysing the vehicle data. In the event of
faults or deviations from the theoretical val-
ues, 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 us-
ing 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 conver-
sations held by passengers in the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call
function via the mobile phone or other appli- ances connected in the vehicle, it is possible
to send the vehicle position. If the control
unit records an accident with airbag activa-
tion, the system may automatically send a
signal. This will depend on the network oper-
ator. Normally, transmission is only possible
in areas with good coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is
not
fitted with an event data re-
c or
der.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the
vehicle information. Therefore, in the event of
an accident, it is possible to obtain detailed
information about how the accident occur-
red. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat
belt status, seat positions and airbag activa-
tion times may be stored. The volume of data
depends on the manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted
with authorisation from the vehicle owner
and, in some countries, they are governed by
local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the
component management is stored in the con-
trol units. The programming of certain con-
venience functions, such as the turn signals,
individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special
192

Care and maintenance
equipment at the workshop. If this is the
case, the information and descriptions given
in the Instruction Manual will not match the
original functions. Therefore, SEAT recom-
mends that any modifications be recorded in
the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The technical service centre must have a re-
cord of any modification to the programming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehi-
cle interior for reading the vehicle fault mem-
ory. The fault memory documents errors and
deviations from the theoretical values of the
electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver
side footwell area, next to the lever for open-
ing the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and re-
set by a specialised workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle
without connection to an exterior
aerial Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio
waves, both when in use and when on stand-
by. Scientific studies state that radio waves
exceeding certain values may be harmful to
the human body. International committees and authorities have established limits and
directives in order to ensure electromagnetic
radiation from mobile phones remains within
certain limits that do not endanger health.
Nevertheless, there is no conclusive scientif-
ic evidence that wireless telephones are to-
tally safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use
of mobile phone be kept to a minimum until
the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an
exterior aerial is used inside the vehicle, the
electromagnetic radiation may be greater
than if the mobile phone were connected to a
built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-
free device, it will comply with the legislation
in many countries which only permits the use
of mobile phones inside vehicles using a
hands-free device.
The hands-free system mounted at the facto-
ry has been designed for use with conven-
tional mobile phones and phones with Blue-
tooth technology. Mobile phones should be
placed on a suitable phone cradle. In addi-
tion, the cradle should always be correctly fit-
ted into the base plate. This ensures that the
mobile phone is securely attached to the
dash panel, it is always within reach of the
driver and is connected to the vehicle exterior
aerial.
If the mobile phone is connected to an aerial
incorporated into the vehicle or an exterior
aerial connected to the vehicle, it will help re-
duce the electromagnetic radiation transmit-
ted and the risk to human health. It will also
improve the quality of the connection.
If the phone is used inside the vehicle with-
out the hands-free system, it will not be se-
curely fastened and will not be connected to
the exterior aerial of the vehicle telephone.
Nor will the telephone charge if it is not on
the support. In addition, some calls may
break off and the quality of the connection
will be affected.
Mobile phones should only be used inside
the vehicle if they are connected to a hands-
free system with an exterior aerial.
WARNING
If the mobile phone is not securely fastened
in position, it could be sent flying around the
vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden
manoeuvres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, mobile phones must be se-
curely fastened in position, outside the radi-
us of action of the airbags, or safely stowed
away. WARNING
When using a mobile phone without a con-
nection to an exterior aerial, the maximum
permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation » 193Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety