2015 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Driver assistance systemsDisplay text of
Sign Assist on
the instrument
panelCause and solution
Error: Sign AssistSystem fault.
Have the system checked by a
specialised workshop.
Sign Assist: Clean the
windscreen!The windscreen is dirty in the
area of the camera.
Clean the windscreen.
Sign Assist: only
partly available at the
moment.No data is being transmitted
from the navigator.
Connect the navigator and in-
sert the navigation data medi-
um.
ALTERNATIVELY: Sign Assist is
not supported in the country in
which you are driving at this
time. 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 ve-
hicle faults. Operation mode
Sign Assist does not work in all countries.
This must be taken into account when travel-
ling abroad.
Display of traffic signs
Speed limits or overtaking prohibitions to-
gether with the corresponding additional
signs are shown on the instrument panel dis-
play
››› Fig. 150. Depending on the naviga-
tion sy s
tem installed in the vehicle, traffic
signs will be shown as above and also in the
navigation system's map display.
When Sign Assist is connected, the vehicle
records the traffic signs with a camera in the
base of the interior rear vision mirror. After
checking and evaluating the information
from the camera, the navigation system and
the current vehicle data, up to three valid
traffic signs are displayed in conjunction with
the corresponding additional signs. The traf-
fic sign that is currently valid for the driver is
shown first, in the left side of the screen. A
traffic sign of only limited validity,
e.g. 90 km/h
(56 mph) is shown second, to-
gether with the additional sign “if the road is
wet”. If the vehicle's rain sensor detects rain
during travel, the traffic sign valid at this mo-
ment will move to the first position along the
additional sign “if the road is wet”.
The permanent display on the instrument
panel screen is shown as you pass the real traffic signs. The signs for entering and leav-
ing towns activate the display of the usual
speed limits for that country on roads in
populated areas and national highways, even
if the speed is not limited by an actual traffic
sign.
The end of a prohibition or limitation is not
displayed. If you exceed the speed limits
shown, a warning will not appear. The system
does not detect areas with little traffic. The
current legal provisions apply.
Connection and disconnection
● Connect or disconnect the assist system in
the Settings menu in the SEAT information
system ››› page 47.
● OR: press the button for the driver assist
sy s

tems on the main beam lever.
Trailer
Connect or disconnect the secondary display
for speed limits and overtaking bans that ap-
ply to trailers (trailer mode) in the Settings
menu in the SEAT information system
››› page 47.
175
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Tiredness detection
(recommendation to take a
break) Introduction WARNING
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by
the tiredness detection function tempt you
into taking any risks when driving. When
making long trips, conveniently long breaks
must be taken.
● The driver is responsible for determining
their capacity to drive.
● Never drive when tired.
● The system does not always detect the
tiredness of the driver. Please read the infor-
mation provided in the section ››› page 176,
Limited operation.
● In some s it
uations the system may incor-
rectly interpret an intended manoeuvre as a
sign of tiredness of the driver.
● In the event of the an episode called “mi-
crosleep” at the wheel, a strong warning is
not in place!
● Observe the indications on the display of
the instrument panel and act in accordance
with them. Note
● The tiredness detection function has only
been designed for driving on motorways and
wide roads.
● If there is a fault in the system, refer to a
Specialised workshop to have the system in-
spected. Function and operation
Fig. 151
On the instrument panel display:
tiredness detection symbol The tiredness detection function registers the
behaviour of the driver at the wheel at the
beginning of a journey and, using this, evalu-
ates the tiredness. This is continually com-
pared with the current behaviour at the
wheel. If the system detects that the driver is
tired, an audible warning using a “gong” is
given and a symbol and complementary mes-
sage on the instrument panel display areshown
››› Fig. 151 . The on-screen message
on the d a

sh panel is displayed for 5 seconds
and, where required, repeated again. The
system stores the last message displayed.
The message that appears on the instrument
panel display can be switched off by pressing
the OK button on the multifunction steering
wheel or on the window wiper lever
››› page 49 . Using the multifunction display
› ›

› page 49 the message on the instrument
panel
display can be shown.
Conditions of operation
Behaviour at the wheel is only evaluated at
speeds of above 65 km/h (40 mph).
Switching on and off
The system can be switched on or off in the
Assistants menu. If an assistance system is switched on, this is indicated with a “mark”.
Limited operation
The tiredness detection function is subject to
certain limitations. Therefore it is possible
that in some driving situations behaviour at
the wheel cannot be correctly interpreted.
E.g. in the following situations:
● at speeds lower than 65 km/h (40 mph),
● in sections with corners,
● on roads in poor condition,
● in the event of adverse weather conditions,
176

Driver assistance systems
● when a sporty driving style is employed,
● in the event of a major distraction for the
driver,
The tiredness detection function switches off
when the ignition is switched off or when the
driver unbuckles their seat belt and opens
the door. If driving for a long time under 65
km/h (40 mph), the system ceases to assess
tiredness automatically. If driving speed is
then increased, the behaviour at the wheel
will again be evaluated.
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre
pressure of each wheel during driving using
the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor
the tyre tread perimeter and vibrations of
each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns
the driver if it detects a considerable drop in
tyre pressure of one or several tyres while
driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indica-
ted by the indicator
 as well as an audible
warning and sometimes a text message on
the dash panel display. When you open the
driver door, you will find a label indicating
the tyre pressure recommended by the manu-
facturer for the maximum vehicle load for
each tyre approved for the vehicle in ques-
tion. By pressing the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may
change the reference pressure for the tyres
so that the tyre pressure coincides with ac-
tual pressure
››› page 179 .
S uit
able use of the adjustment button
››› page 179. WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres
may lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to
tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres
could overheat, resulting in tread detachment
or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on
the label when the tyres are cold at all times
››› page 235.
● Re

gularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyres. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and
wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator
button could result in the indicator giving er- roneous messages or prevented from indicat-
ing the danger caused by a defective tyre
››› page 179. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap
is not in place. Check that the caps are identi-
cal to the standard caps and have been cor-
rectly tightened. Do not use metal caps
››› page 179.
● Do not damage the valves when changing
the tyres ››› page 179
. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
consumption and tyre wear. Note
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring sys-
tem. Regularly check your tyres to ensure
that the tyre pressure is correct and that the
tyres are not damaged due to puncture, cuts,
tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when the tyres have not
been pierced by these.
● The tyre monitoring system is set to the
tyre pressure recommended by the manufac-
turer and indicated on the label ››› Fig. 175. 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Elements of the tyre monitoring
indicatorTyre monitoring indicator with button.
See ››› page 179. 
Control lamp  on the instrument panel.

 SET button on the centre console.

Monitoring the tread of all tyres using ABS sensors
(indirect measurement). 
Adjustable medium and full-load tyre pressures.

Button to update the system when the tyre pressure is
changed. Control lamp
Lights
up or
flashesPossible causeSolution 
The tyre pressure
of a wheel has
dropped consider-
ably in relation to
the pressure set
by the driver
››› page 179. 
Stop the vehicle!
Reduce your speed im-
mediately! Stop the ve-
hicle safely as soon as
possible. Avoid sud-
den manoeuvres and
braking!
Check all tyres and
pressures. Replace any
damaged tyres.
Lights
up or
flashesPossible causeSolution 
System malfunc-
tion.
Consult a specialised
workshop if the tyre
pressure is correct and
the lamp remains lit af-
ter switching the igni-
tion off and back on
again. Have the sys-
tem checked there.
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
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 47. WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or at a pressure that is too low then a
tyre may be damaged resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle and a serious or fatal
accident.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, stop im-
mediately and check the tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or if a tyre pressure is too low, this will
increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehi- cle stability and increasing braking distan-
ces.
●
If tyres are inflated at different pressures or
a tyre pressure is too low, a tyre may be dam-
aged and burst resulting in a loss of control
of the vehicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that
all of the vehicle tyres are correctly inflated
to the right pressure. The recommended tyre
pressure is indicated on the label ››› Fig. 175.
● The ty r

e monitoring system can only oper-
ate correctly if all of the tyres are inflated to
the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure
can damage them and result in an accident.
Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate
tyres to the correct pressure.
● If tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is
subject to greater forces and it may be heated
to such an extent that the tread can rupture
and the tyre will burst.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed,
the tyres can overheat and burst resulting in
a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduce the useful life of the tyre, affect-
ing vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been “punctured” and does
not have to be changed immediately, drive to
the nearest specialised workshop at a moder-
ate speed and have the tyre checked and in-
flated to the correct pressure. 178

Towing bracket device
Tyre monitoring indicator Fig. 152
Detailed view of the centre console:
button for the tyre pressure monitoring indi-
cator The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel
revolutions and, with this information, the
tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If
the tread of a wheel is changed, the tyre
monitoring indicator will indicate as such on
the instrument panel. The wheel tread
changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient
● Tyre structure is damaged
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a
load
● If the wheels on an axle are subject to a
heavier load (e.g. when towing a trailer).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains
● The wheel on one axle is changed There may be a delay in the reaction of the
tyre monitoring indicator

or it may not in-
dic
ate anything under certain circumstances
(e.g. sports driving, snow-covered or un-
paved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one
or more wheels, the ››› Fig. 152
button on the
tyre monitoring indicator must be kept press-
ed down, with the ignition on, until an audi-
ble warning is heard. Do the same, for exam-
ple, when the front and rear wheels are swap-
ped ››› Fig. 174
.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive
load (towing a trailer, heavy load), the tyre
pressure must be increased to the maximum
recommended pressure ››› page 231. Press
the tyre monitoring indicator button to con-
firm the new pressure value. Note
An incorrect warning may be given when
snow chains are in use because the chains in-
crease the tread of the wheel. Towing bracket device
Driving with a trailer Introduction Always be aware of the legal requirements for
each country to drive with a trailer and to use
a tow hitch.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting
passengers however, it can also be used to
tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the
necessary equipment. The additional load
has an effect on the useful life, fuel con-
sumption and the vehicle performance and,
in some cases, reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from
the vehicle and, thus, more concentration
from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres
to the vehicle
and
the trailer.
Dr a

wbar load
The
maximum permitted Drawbar load exer-
ted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint of
the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (ap-
proximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted tow
hitch, the Start-Stop function is automatically »
179
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
deactivated when a trailer is connected. For
tow hitches not installed by SEAT, the Start-
St op f
unction must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dash panel be-
fore
driving with a trailer and it must remain
off for the entire journey ››› .
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will
endanger in their life and is against the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause
accidents and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in perfect condition
and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a re-
versing collision, injury to pedestrians and
cyclists when parking, always keep the ball
joint in when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distrib-
utes the load” or “balances the load”. Your
vehicle has not been designed for this type of
tow hitch. The tow hitch may fail and the
trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or large objects can affect vehicle handling
and even cause an accident. ●
Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
overturn more easily than those with a low
centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you ob-
serve the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when towing a trailer (or 100 km/h [60 mph]
in exceptional circumstances). This also ap-
plies in countries where higher speeds are
permitted. Always take the speed limits for
vehicles with and without trailers in each
country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow
hitch that was not installed by SEAT, the
Start-Stop function must be manually deacti-
vated. Otherwise, this could cause a braking
anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop
function when a trailer is being used on a tow
hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 62. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may er-
r oneou
sly activate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for
the first 1,000 km) ››› page 189.
● At

SEAT, we recommend folding in the tow
hitch ball when a trailer is not being used. In
case of a rear collision, the damage caused to
the vehicle with the extended tow hitch ball
could be more extensive.
● In some models, a tow hitch is necessary
for towing vehicles. For this reason, you
should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all
times. Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a
factory-fitted tow-
in g br

acket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer.
Only use an approved tow hitch for the gross
trailer weight rating. The tow hitch must be
suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and
must be securely fitted to the vehicle chassis.
Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the
tow hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never
fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the
load” or “balances the load”.
180

Towing bracket device
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the
bumper. A tow hitch should never interfere
with the bumper performance. Do not modify
the exhaust system and brake system. Regu-
larly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should always have sufficient coolant
and to be able to cope with the vehicle and
trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system,
please note the relevant legal requirements.
The trailer braking system should never be
connected to the vehicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 183 .
T r
ailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the cor-
responding standards ››› page 183.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle electric system. In case of any
doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a specialised workshop. SEAT rec-
ommends visiting a technical service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer
cannot be seen using the standard wing mir-
rors of the towing vehicle, additional wing
mirrors are required according to the legal re-
quirements of each country. The wing mirrors
must be fitted before driving and must pro-
vide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
DevicesMaximum power
Side lights and rear lights50 Watts
Turn signal (each side)54 Watts
Brake lights (total)84 Watts
Reversing lights (total)42 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the trailer may separate from the vehicle
causing an accident with serious consequen-
ces. CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle electronics may
be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the vehicle electronics may be dam-
aged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources. Only use suitable
connections for providing electric current to
the trailer. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recommend addi-
tional services between the normal inspec-
tion intervals if the vehicle is used frequently
for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extin-
guisher is required if the trailer weight is
more than 2500 kg 181
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Electric tow hitch ball* Fig. 153
Right-hand side of the luggage com-
partment: button to electrically release the
tow hitch ball The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball
should be free of people, animals and ob-
jects
››› .
The towing bracket is located in the bumper.
The electric tow ball is fixed and cannot be
removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric
parking brake.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the rear lid.
● Press the knob briefly ››› Fig. 153 . The tow
b al
l is released electronically and folds out
automatically; the button indicator will blink. ●
Move the ball joint until it inserts and the
button control lamp lights.
● Close the rear lid.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust
guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the boot
hatch is open and when a trailer is not hitch-
ed.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally
position
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric
parking brake.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the ca-
ble between the vehicle and trailer. If neces-
sary, remove the power socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the rear lid.
● Press the knob briefly ››› Fig. 153
. The tow
ball is electronically released; the indicator
blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it
locks in position and the button indicator
lights.
● Close the rear lid. The control lamp
●
When the control lamp flashes, the tow ball
is

not in its final position, has not engaged or
is damaged ››› .
● When the control lamp remains lit and the
rear lid is open, the tow ball has inserted cor-
rectly into the folded or deployed position.
● When the rear lid is closed, the indicator is
turned off. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause
accidents and injury.
● Ensure that no person, animal or object
gets in the way of the tow ball.
● Never push the button when there is a tow
hitched or when any kind of carrier or acces-
sory is fitted to the tow hitch ball.
● While the ball is moving, do not interfere
with any tool.
● Do not drive with a trailer if the control
lamp does not light.
● If there is a fault in the electric system or
the trailer tow hitch, visit a specialised work-
shop to have it checked.
● If the diameter of the tow hitch is less than
49 mm, never use this for a trailer. 182