2015 Seat Alhambra ABS

Checking and refilling levels
●
Never enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it
is absolutely necessary to enter, close the
door and touch a metal surface before touch-
ing the filler nozzle again. This will prevent
the generation of static electricity. Sparks
could cause a fire when refuelling.
● Never handle fuel close to flames, sparks or
objects with slow combustion (e.g. ciga-
rettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnet-
ic radiation when refuelling.
● Observe the safety regulations of the serv-
ice station.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the lug-
gage compartment. WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend
carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all
in case of an accident and this applies to a
full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and inju-
ries.
● Observe the following if you exceptionally
have to carry fuel in a canister:
–Never place a fuel container to fill it in-
side the vehicle or on the vehicle, for ex-
ample, in the boot or on the hatch. Filling
in these circumstances could create an
electrostatic charge and spark that could
ignite fuel fumes. –
Always place the canister on the ground
to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the neck of the
canister as far as possible.
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the
nozzle must always touch the canister
while it is being filled to avoid static elec-
tricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use,
storage and transport of spare fuel canis-
ters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies
with manufacturing standards, for exam-
ple, ANSI or ASTM F852-86. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehi-
cle paintwork immediately to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle
paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a
diesel engine with petrol can cause serious
engine and fuel system damage; the resulting
malfunctions are not covered by the SEAT
warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to
even the smallest amount of the wrong fuel.
Seek specialist assistance. With the engine
running, the composition of the wrong fuel
could significantly damage the fuel system
and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no
circumstances should you refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other
type of different fuel. Other types of fuels
could cause serious damage to the engine
and to the fuel supply system and the result-
ing problems are not covered by the SEAT
warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Col-
lect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the
manual release of the tank flap. If necessary,
request assistance from specialised person-
nel. 207Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
●
When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them
on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under
specific circumstances, the ethylene glycol
can catch fire. CAUTION
● Only fill with distilled water. Any other type
of water may lead to considerable rusting in
the engine due to its chemical components.
This could consequently damage the engine.
If you have not used distilled water but an-
other type of water to top up the coolant, a
specialised workshop must immediately re-
place all of the fluid in the engine cooling
system.
● Only top up coolant to the top level of the
marked area ››› Fig. 168
. Otherwise the ex-
c e
ss coolant will be forced out of the cooling
system when the engine is hot, causing dam-
age.
● If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait
for the engine to cool down completely before a

dding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an
indication of leaks in the engine cooling sys-
tem. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a specialised workshop.
Otherwise engine damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids,
ensure that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine! Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level Fig. 170
In the engine compartment: brake
fluid reservoir cap In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs
water from the ambient air. If there is too
much water in the brake fluid, the brake sys-
tem could be damaged. In addition, the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too
much water and the brakes are subject to
considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour
can form in the system. These bubbles can
significantly reduce braking power, notably
increasing braking distance, and could even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
Ensuring that the brake system is always
functioning correctly is essential for your own
safety and the safety of other road users
››› .Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid
optimised for the brake systems of their vehi-
cles. To ensure the optimum working of the
brake system, SEAT recommends the use of
brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard
. If this brake fluid is not available or
another br ak

e fluid is used for different rea-
sons, use a brake fluid that complies with the
United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
››› .
Brake fluids conforming to the standard
VW 501 14, fulfil the American requirements
of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the
German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
However, fluids that comply with the US
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do not nec-
essarily comply with the VW 501 14 stand-
ard. Always check the information on the
brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from
technical service centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be
between the MIN and MAX marks, or above
the MIN mark ››› .
»
225Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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

Emergencies
Note
After use, return the jack to its initial position
using the handle in order to securely store it
in the vehicle. Components
Fig. 181
Components of the vehicle tool kit The vehicle tool kit depends on the vehicle
equipment. The following is a description for
a vehicle with all options.
The individual elements of the vehicle tool
kit

›
›› Fig. 181
Ad apter for anti-theft bolt. SEAT recom-
mend you carry the wheel bolt adapter in
the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code
number
of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
stamped on the front of the adapter. In
case it is lost, another adapter can be or-
1 dered using this number. Note the anti-
theft bolt code for the wheels and keep it
in a place other than the vehicle.
Towline anchorage, removable.
Wheel spanner.
Jack crank handle. The crank handle
needs to be folded away before returning
it to the tool kit.
Jack. Before storing the jack in the tool
kit, fold its hook.
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the
handle for screwing and unscrewing the
wheel bolts. The screwdriver bit is inter-
changeable. The screwdriver may be
found underneath the wheel spanner.
Wire hook for pulling off the wheel cover,
integral hubcaps and the wheel bolt
caps.
Note
The jack does not generally require any main-
tenance. If required, it should be greased us-
ing universal type grease. 2
3
4
5
6
7 Folding wheel chocks*
Fig. 182
To unfold the foldable wedges. The folding chocks are in the tool kit
››› Fig. 181 .
As semb

le the folding chocks
● Lift the base plate ››› Fig. 182 1 .
● Insert the two “tabs” of the mounting plate
into the long openings on the base plate 2 .
Correct use
The folding chocks may be used to block the
wheel diagonally opposite to the wheel being
changed.
The chocks should be placed directly in front
and behind the wheel and only be used on
firm ground. »
245
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
the Keyless Access system, the steering
wheel could lock ››› .
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be
towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
lock. Otherwise, the steering wheel lock
could suddenly lock. The vehicle would not
be controlled and a serious accident could
ensue. WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and
braking efficiency change considerably.
Please observe the following instructions to
minimise the risk of serious accidents and in-
jury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must hard-
er as the brake servo does not operate.
Always remain aware to avoid collision
with the towing vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering
wheel as the power steering does not op-
erate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and
brake gently. CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towline anchor-
age and its cover to avoid damage to the ve-
hicle (e.g. paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and cause damage! Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started
by towing. Jump-starting is much more pref-
erable
› › ›
page 253.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles
can
not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with the Keyless Access locking
and ignition system, since the electronic
steering lock may not unlock.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake,
given that it is possible that the brake will
not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible
that the engine control units do not operate
correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Put it into second or third gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down. ●
Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are
moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the
clutch and move the gear lever into neutral.
This helps to prevent a collision with the tow-
ing vehicle. CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the cata-
lytic converter and damage it. Towing instructions
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and
vehicle friendly way. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid
damage to both vehicles. It is advisable to
use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or sim-
ilarly elastic material.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the
towline anchorage or specially designed fit-
ting.
Vehicles with a
factory fitted towing device ,
can only
be used for towing with a tow bar,
s

pecially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball
››› page 179.
256

Advice
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage
by turning it clockwise and put the cover
b ac
k in place. CAUTION
The towline anchorage must always be com-
pletely and firmly tightened. Otherwise, it
could be released while towing and tow-start-
ing. Fitting the rear towline anchorage
Fig. 195
On the rear bumper, to the right
hand side: Tow ring in position The location for the removable towline an-
chorage is on the right-hand side of the rear
bumper
››› Fig. 195 . For
vehicles with a facto-
ry

fitted towing bracket , there is no fitting be-
hind the cover to insert the towline anchor-
age. For towing, fit and use the tow hitch
››› page 179, ››› . Note the instructions for towing
››› page 256.
Fitting the towline anchorage to the rear for
vehicles without factory fitted tow hitch ● Take the towline anchorage from the vehi-
cle tool kit in the luggage compartment
››› page 244 .
● Pr e

ss on the upper cover and carefully re-
move it back. This may require some
strength. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its po-
sition anticlockwise as far as it will go ›
›› .
Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow-
line anchorage in its location.
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage
by turning it clockwise and put the cover
b ac

k in place. CAUTION
● The towline anchorage must always be
completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise,
it could be released while towing and tow-
starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing brack-
et, can only be used for towing with a tow
bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch
ball. Otherwise, the tow hitch ball and the ve-
hicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
be familiar with the technique required for
towing. For this reason, inexperienced drivers
should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces
and jerking. When towing on an unpaved
road, there is always a risk of overloading
and damaging the anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warn-
ing lights on and the ignition switched on,
the turn signal may be used to indicate
changes of direction. Simply operate the turn
signal lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn sig-
nal lever is returned to the rest position, the
hazard warning lights will be turned on auto-
matically.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the
steering wheel, to release the electronic
parking brake and to activate the turn sig-
nals, the horn as well as the window wipers
and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not
work if the engine is not running, you will
need more strength to steer than normally.
258

Fuses and bulbs
●
Several components may run on a single
fuse. Vehicle fuses
Fig. 207
On the driver-side dash panel: fuse
box cover Fig. 208
In the engine compartment: fuse box
cover Only replace fuses with a fuse of the same
amperage (same colour and markings) and
size.
Identifying fuses by coloursColourAmp rating
Purple3
Light brown5
Brown7.5
Red10
Blue15
Yellow20
White or trans-
parent25
Green30
Orange40 To open the dash panel fuse box
●
To remove the cover, move the activation
lever in the lower part to the right ››› Fig. 207.
● For right-hand drive vehicles, move the lev-
er to the left.
To open the engine compartment fuse box
● Open the bonnet  ››› page 214. ●
Move the attachment tabs forwards, in the
direction indicated by the arrow to release
the fuse box cover ››› Fig. 208 .
● Then lif t

the cover out.
● To
fit the cover, place it on the fuse box.
Push the attachment tabs back, in the oppo-
site direction indicated by the arrow until
they click audibly into place.
In is possible that there are more fuses be-
hind a cover in the lower left-hand side of the
luggage compartment. CAUTION
● Always carefully remove the fuse box cov-
ers and refit them correctly to avoid problems
with your vehicle.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid
the entry of dust or humidity. Dirt and humid-
ity inside fuse boxes can cause damage to
the electrical system. Note
In the vehicle, there are more fuses than
those indicated in this chapter. These should
only be changed by a specialised workshop. 265
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Fuses and bulbs
To replace the rear lid light bulbs Fig. 217
On the rear lid: Remove the cover. Fig. 218
On the rear lid: remove the bulb-
holder. Complete operations only in the sequence
given:1.Open the rear lid
››› page 66.
2.Extract the cover carefully using the flat part of the
screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit as a lever
(››› Fig. 181) on the indent ››› Fig. 217 1
.
3.Release the lamp holder connector by pulling on
the red connector block.
4.Press on the attachment tabs in the direction of
the arrow
››› Fig. 218 and pull out the lamp holder.
5.Replace the faulty bulb by a new identical bulb.
6.Install the lamp holder. The attachment tabs
should audibly click into place.
7.Insert the cover. The cover should lock into place. To replace the tail light bulbs
Fig. 219
On the side of the luggage compart-
ment: removing the left and right hand side
rear lights. 1 remove the cap;
2 attach-
ment screw » 271
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety