2015 Seat Alhambra towing

Towing bracket device
●
With the engine running, the electrical
equipment on the trailer will be supplied with
power. Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle
can pull
››› . The drawbar load is the vertical
weight of the tow hitch on the tow hitch ball
››› page 188.
The figur e
s for trailer weights and drawbar
load weights given on the data plate of the
tow hitch are for values of this model only.
The correct figures for your specific vehicle,
which may be lower than these figures for the
t o

w hitch, are given in the vehicle documen-
tation. The instructions in the official vehicle
documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recom-
mends using the maximum allowed drawbar
load
. The handling of the combined vehicle
and trailer will be poor if the drawbar load is
too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of
the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. Use the maximum drawbar load
authorised and do not overload the front or
the rear of the trailer:
●
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the man-
ufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maxi-
mum ››› page 231. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle
load, drawbar load or the gross combination
weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could
cause a serious accident with severe conse-
quences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear
axles, the maximum axle load should never
be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear
should never exceed the gross vehicle
weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of
the vehicle and trailer combination will be se-
riously affected and this could result in a seri-
ous accident.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps. Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle
may rise and so the dipped beam headlights
may blind other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you
do not have headlight range control, have
the headlights adjusted by a specialised
workshop. Vehicles with high-intensity dis-
charge lamps adapt automatically and do not
require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then, firmly.
This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer
mass, braking distances will be greater.
● Select a low gear before driving down a
steep hill to use the engine braking effect to »
185
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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

AdviceFig. 165Operations required depending on
the engine oil level:
Area
C
It is
essential to add oil (approximately 1 li-
tre or quarter of a gallon). Ensure that the
level is around the centre of the zone B
after adding oil.Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in
steps:
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler neck
on the cylinder head ›››
Fig. 166 . If you are
not s

ure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly ap-
proved by SEAT and in small quantities (not
more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at
a time) ›››
page 218
.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time
you add a quantity, wait until the oil has flow-
ed into the crankcase so that it can be meas-
ured with the dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more
oil. Do not top up with too much engine oil
››› .
● When the oil level is at least in the
››› Fig. 165 B zone, insert the dipstick into
the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping
when the engine is running.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the
cap is screwed on to the filler neck correctly. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact
with hot engine components. This could lead
to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the
engine oil filler cap is correctly tightened.
This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot en-
gine parts when the engine is running. CAUTION
● If the engine oil level is above the area
››› Fig. 165 A do not start the engine. Seek
specialist assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and 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! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area
››› Fig. 165 A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape
into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be differ-
ent from one engine to another and can vary
during the useful life of the engine.Depending on driving style and the condi-
tions of use, the consumption of engine oil
can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter
of a gallon every 1200 miles); for new vehi-
cles, this could be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney.
When the engine is working hard, for in-
stance, during long motorway journeys in
summer, when towing a trailer or climbing
high mountain passes, the oil level should
preferably be kept within area
››› Fig. 165 A .
Changing the engine oil The engine oil must be changed regularly ac-
cording to the specifications of the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of
used oil and the need for suitable tools and
special knowledge, always visit a specialised
workshop to have the engine oil and filter
changed. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.
Detailed information on the service intervals
is shown in the Maintenance Programme.
220

Emergencies
Raising the vehicle with the jack Fig. 187
Jack position points Fig. 188
Jack mounted on the left rear part of
the vehicle The jack may be applied only at the jacking
points shown (marks on chassis)
››› Fig. 187 .
The m ark
indicates the jacking points below
the vehicle. The jacking points are on the ribs
behind
the front edges ››› Fig. 188. Always
the rel
evant jacking point for the wheel to be
changed ››› . Raise the vehicle using only the designated
jacking points.
For your own safety and that of other passen-
gers, the following points should be ob-
served in the order given:
Select a suitable flat and firm surface for
raising the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, engage a gear
(manual gearbox) or place the selector
lever in position P
›
›› p
age 143 and turn
on the electronic parking brake
››› page 137.
Block

the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel being changed with folding wheel
chocks* or other suitable objects.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer
from the towing vehicle and park it cor-
rectly.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to
be changed ››› page 247.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking
point ››› Fig. 187 closest to the tyre
which h

as to be changed.
Raise the jack with the handle until it
can be inserted below the jacking point.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly
on the ground and that it is placed im-
mediately below the lifting point on the
vehicle ››› Fig. 188
.
Straighten the jack and continue raising
it using the handle until the claw holds
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. the vertical reinforcement beneath the
vehicle
››› Fig. 188
.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear
of the ground. WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could
fall off the jack causing serious injury. Please
observe the following rules to minimise the
risk of injury:
● You should only use a jack approved by
SEAT for your vehicle. Other jacks, even those
approved for other SEAT models, might slip
out of place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the
ground is sloped or soft then the vehicle
could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
● If the ground is slippery, such as tiles,
place a non-slip surface (a floor mat, for in-
stance) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking
points. The claw of the jack should grip the
reinforcement nerve on the underbody
››› Fig. 188.
● You shou

ld never place a body limb such as
an arm or leg under a raised vehicle that is
solely supported by the jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you must use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. » 10.
249
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Emergencies
Starting
7. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling
speed.
8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait 2 or 3 minutes until the
engine is “running”.
Removing the jump leads
9. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights (if they
are switched on).
10. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear
w indo
w in the vehicle with the flat battery.
This helps minimise voltage peaks which
are generated when the leads are discon-
nected.
11.When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details
given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have
good metal-to-metal contact with the battery
terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the start-
er after about 10 seconds and try again after
about 1 minute. WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to
working in the engine compartment
››› page 214.
● The b att

ery providing assistance must have
the same voltage as the flat battery (12V) and
approximately the same capacity (see imprint
on battery). Failure to comply could result in
an explosion.
● Never use jump leads when one of the bat-
teries is frozen. Danger of explosion! Even af-
ter the battery has thawed, battery acid could
leak and cause chemical burns. If a battery
freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes
away from batteries, danger of explosion.
Failure to comply could result in an explo-
sion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the jump leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the
other vehicle directly to the negative terminal
of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the
battery could be ignited by sparks. Danger of
explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the
other vehicle to parts of the fuel system or to
the brake line.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery
clamps must not be allowed to touch. The
jump lead attached to the positive battery
terminal must not touch metal parts of the ve-
hicle, this can cause a short circuit. ●
Position the leads in such a way that they
cannot come into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could re-
sult in chemical burns. Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, oth-
erwise electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected. Towing and tow starting
Introduction When towing, always respect legal require-
ments.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
If the vehicle comes with the Keyless Access
system, towing is only allowed with the igni-
tion on!
The vehicle battery drains if the vehicle is
towed with the engine switched off and the
ignition connected. Depending on the battery
charge status, the drop in voltage may be so
large, even after just a few minutes, that no
electrical device in the vehicle may work e.g.
the hazard warning lights. In vehicles with
»
255
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

Emergencies
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N
position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels raised.
Note the following instructions for towing
four all-wheel drive vehicles.
Instructions for towing all-wheel drive
vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a
toolbar or tow rope. If the vehicle is towed
with the front or rear axle raised, the engine
must be turned off to avoid transmission
damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG ®
(di-
rect shift gearbox) the instructions for towing
vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply
››› page 257 .
Sit uation
s in which the vehicle should not be
towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not
be towed but transported on a trailer or spe-
cial vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lu-
bricant due to a fault. ●
If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result,
the electronic steering lock and electronic
parking brake cannot be disengaged if ap-
plied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic
gearbox and the distance to be covered is
greater than 50 km (30 miles). Note
● The vehicle can only be towed if the elec-
tronic parking brake and steering lock are de-
activated. If the vehicle has no power supply
or there is an electric system fault, the en-
gine must be started using jump leads to de-
activate the electronic parking brake and
electronic steering lock.
● Vehicles with the Keyless Access locking
and ignition system should only be towed
with the ignition connected since, otherwise,
the electronic steering lock will not unlock. Fitting the front towline anchorage
Fig. 194
On the right-hand side of the front
bumper: Screw in the towline anchorage. The location for the removable towline an-
chorage is on the right-hand side of the front
bumper
››› Fig. 194 .
The t o

wline anchorage should always be kept
in the vehicle.
Note the instructions for towing ››› page 256.
To fit the towline anchorage
● Take the towline anchorage from the vehi-
cle tool kit ››› page 244.
● Pre

ss on the upper cover and carefully re-
move it forwards. Allow the cover to hang.
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its po-
sition anticlockwise as far as it will go
›

›› Fig. 194 ››› . Use a suitable tool to firmly
tighten the towline anchorage in its location. »
257
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety