2015 Seat Alhambra display

Driving
Electromechanical power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning.
You should remember that you will need con-
siderably more power than normal to steer
the vehicle if the power steering is not work-
ing correctly or not at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps
the driver in critical situations. Additional
steering power helps the driver when counter
steering. WARNING
The counter steering assistance system com-
bined with ESC helps the driver to steer the
vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all
times, it is the driver who steers the vehicle.
The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle. Stopping and starting the
engine
Introduction Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of
a system fault, 
or Immobiliser on is dis-
played on the instrument panel. The engine
cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make
stopping the vehicle difficult; this could even
result in the loss of control causing an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems,
the airbag system, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehicle is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
could help reduce the risk of serious injury. ●
Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly ventilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
could explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. 133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
Starter button Fig. 126
In the centre console: start-up push
button for the Keyless Access lock and start-
up system. The layout in right-hand drive ve-
hicles is symmetrical. Fig. 127
Emergency ignition in vehicles with
KESSY. The start-up button may only be used if there
is a valid key in the vehicle. Opening the driver's door
when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
s t
eering column if the ignition is disabled
››› page 131.
Swit

ching the ignition on/off
● Briefly push the start-up button ››› Fig. 126
without touching the brake or clutch ped-
al ››› .
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the vehicle key battery is very low or
flat:
● Immediately after pushing the start-up but-
ton, keep the vehicle key next to the steering
column ››› Fig. 127 .
● The ignition c onnects

and the engine starts
automatically.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not stop after briefly press-
ing the start-up button, an emergency dis-
connect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 1 sec-
ond or press it once for more than 2 seconds
››› .
● The engine turns off automatically. Engine restart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
result in serious injury.
● When pressing the start-up button, do not
pr e

ss the brake or clutch pedal, this way the
engine will start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due care, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exiting. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
In diesel vehicles with the Keyless Access
system, there may be a delay in the engine
starting if it requires preheating. 135
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
1.Bring the vehicle to a full stop ››› .
2.Press and hold the brake pedal until the step 4 is
performed.
3.If the vehicle has an automatic gearbox, place theselector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake ››› page 137.
5.Turn the vehicle key in
the ignition lock to po-
sition ››› Fig. 125 0
.
Briefly press the start-
up button
››› Fig. 126. If
the engine fails to
switch off, perform an
emergency disconnect
››› page 135.
6.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox,
put it into 1st or reverse. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is moving. You may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition is switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. To stop, the brake pedal must be
pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the
engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than normally. ●
If the key is removed from the ignition, the
steering may lock and it will not be possible
to steer the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed
for a prolonged period of time, it may over-
heat when turned off. To avoid engine dam-
age, allow the engine to run for approximate-
ly two minutes in neutral before switching it
off. Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key
can only be removed when the selector lever
is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine com-
partment fan may continue running for a few
minutes, even when the ignition has been
switched off or the key removed. The radiator
fan is automatically switched off. Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being
started with an unauthorised key and the ve-
hicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a chip that automatically
disables the immobilizer when the key is
placed in the ignition lock.The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock. For vehicles with
the Keyless Access system, the key has to be
outside the vehicle
››› page 59.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used
with a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code. Coded keys can be purchased from
your technical service centre ››› page 54.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is displayed on the
instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be star-
ted in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guaranteed when original SEAT keys are
used. Braking and parking
Introduction The
assisted braking systems
include the an-
ti-loc

k braking system (ABS), the brake assist
system (BAS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL), the traction control system (ASR) and
the electronic stability control (ESC). »
137
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty
brake system may lead to serious accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a
warning message on the instrument panel
display, please go immediately to a special-
ised workshop to check the brake pads and to
replace them if they are worn. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock
may engage and lock the steering wheel mak-
ing the vehicle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Always apply the electronic parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you
park.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the vehicle. They could release the
electronic parking brake, activate the selec-
tor lever or gear stick and start the vehicle
moving. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you leave the vehicle. The engine could acci-
dentally be started and electrical equipment
such as the windows could accidentally be
operated resulting in serious injury. ●
Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car. They could be trapped in the
car in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children. CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entrances, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Warning and control lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(red)
Together with the
control lamp  on
the button: Elec-
tronic parking
brake on.››› page 140
Fault in the brake
system  Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional
assistance!
››› page 142.
Brake fluid level
inadequate.  Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid
level ››› page 225.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: ABS fault.
Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS. 
(red)Brake pedal not
pressed!Press brake pedal to
the floor.

(yellow)Front brake pads
worn.
Contact a special-
ised workshop im-
mediately. Inspect
all the brake pads
and replace as nec-
essary.
138

DrivingIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(yellow)
ESC disconnected
by the system.Switching the igni-
tion on and off If
necessary, drive for a
short distance.
Fault in the ESC.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: Fault in the
ABS.
Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS.
The battery has
been reconnected.››› page 227 
(yellow)ASR manually de-
activated.
Switch on ASR
››› page 156. ASR is
automatically activa-
ted when the igni-
tion is switched on
or off. 
(yellow)
Together with the
ESC control lamp
: Fault in the
ABS.Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS.
Together with the
warning lamp or : ABS fault. 
(yellow)
Together with the
warning lamp flashing: electron-
ic parking brake
faulty.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
It lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(green)Brake pedal not
pressed.
Press the brake ped-
al to select a gear
range.
Press the brake ped-
al to disconnect the
electronic parking
brake
››› page 140.
FlashesPossible causeSolution 
(red)
Electronic parking
brake faulty. The
control lamp
may light up at the
same time or the
control lamp
may flash on the
button.
Contact a special-
ised workshop, as it
may not be possible
to park the vehicle in
safety.

(yellow)ESC or ASR regu-
lating.Take your foot off the
accelerator. Adjust
your driving style to
the road conditions.
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
Driving with brakes in bad condition could re-
sult in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go
out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake
fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there
is a fault in the brake system. Obtain profes-
sional assistance immediately ››› page 225,
Checking the brake fluid level.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up to-
gether with the ABS warning lamp , the
regulation function of the ABS could be mal-
functioning. As a result, the rear wheels can
lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle
control! If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully to a specialised workshop
close by to check the brake system. During
the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out
or if it lights while driving, the ABS is mal-
functioning. The vehicle can only be stopped
using normal braking without ABS. The pro-
tection provided by the ABS is not available.
Visit a specialised workshop as soon as pos-
sible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a
warning message on the instrument panel
display, please go immediately to a special-
ised workshop to check the brake pads and to
replace them if they are worn. 139
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Electronic parking brake Fig. 128
Detailed view of the centre console:
electronic parking brake switch Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever
the vehicle is at a standstill, even when the
ignition is switched off. Always apply the
parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
●
Pull button  until the control lamp
 on
the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the con-
trol lamp  lights up on the instrument pan-
el ››› page 138 .
R el
easing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button  . At the same time, press
the brake pedal hard or gently press the ac-
celerator pedal with the engine switched on. ●
The control lamps  on the button and 
on the in s

trument panel go out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking
brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically
released when the vehicle starts moving, if
the driver door is closed and
the driver is
wearing his/her seat belt. In addition, in ve-
hicles with a manual gearbox the clutch ped-
al should also be pressed to the floor before
starting the engine so that the system recog-
nises that the parking brake should be re-
leased.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if
the vehicle cannot be stopped with the brake
pedal ››› !
● Pull button 
hard
to stop the vehicle. The
w

arning display will be accompanied by the
corresponding audible warning.
● To stop the braking process, release the
button or press the accelerator. WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking
brake may result in serious accident.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to
brake the vehicle except in an emergency.
The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to the rear
wheels. Always use the foot brake.
●
Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the engine running and a gear or a
gear range engaged. The vehicle could move,
even if the parking brake is applied. Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: when
the clutch pedal is released and the accelera-
tor pressed at the same time, the electronic
parking brake is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be
possible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start ››› page 253.
● When the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or released, noises may be heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been
used for a long while, the system sometimes
performs automatic and audible checks while
the vehicle is at a standstill. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››› .
140

Operation
frequently, or if rust has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. The  warning lamp lights up and a
text message displayed. Take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop immediately and have
the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed
and be prepared to use more pressure on the
brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the ve-
hicle must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate ››› . WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficien-
cy.
● For the first 320 km, new brake pads have
not yet reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity, and need to be “run in” first. For this,
to compensate for reduced braking efficiency
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with
more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and
causing serious accidents, always take great
care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always
respect the safety distances between you and
other vehicles and do not cause situations re-
quiring extreme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less effi-
cient and braking distances increase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be
overloaded and overheat quickly.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced with steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take lon-
ger to engage and this increases braking dis-
tances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by
braking gently several times, when weather,
road and traffic conditions permit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may signifi-
cantly increase the braking distance and re-
sult in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards
when the engine is switched off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the
vehicle must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes “slip” by pressing
the pedal gently, if it is not really necessary
to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake
pedal will heat the brakes. This could signifi-
cantly reduce braking power, increase brak-
ing distance or even result in the total failure
of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced with steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to 142

DrivingSelector
lever po- sitionsDenomi- nationMeaning ››› 
Standard
forwards driving
position (sports pro-
gramme)
The shift up to a higher gear
is automatically delayed and
the shift down is faster with
respect to the D range of
gears, to take full advantage
of the engine power. The
gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individ-
ual driving style and the
speed of the vehicle. Selector lever locking
The gear selector lever lock prevents, in
P or
N , a gear selection from being inadvertently
en
gaged and the vehicle moving off acciden-
tally.
To release the gear selector lever lock, press
and hold the brake pedal with the ignition
on. Press simultaneously on the selector lev-
er lock.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if it is
moved quickly through position N (e.g. when
shiftin

g from R to D). This makes it possible,
for instance, to “rock the vehicle backwards
and forwards” if it is stuck in snow or mud.
The selector lever lock engages automatically
if the brake pedal is not pressed and the lev-
er is in position N
for more than about one
second at a speed of less than 5 km/h
(3 mph). In vehicles with a DSG
®
automatic gearbox,
on rare occasions the selector lever lock may
not engage. In this case, the transmission is
locked to prevent the vehicle from moving ac-
cidentally. The green control light  flashes
and an inform

ation text is displayed. Proceed
as follows to engage the selector lever lock:
● Press the brake pedal and then release. WARNING
Placing the selector lever in an incorrect posi-
tion may cause loss of control of the vehicle
and a serious accident.
● Do not press the accelerator when engag-
ing a range of gears.
● With the engine running and a range of
gears selected, the vehicle will move off
when the brake pedal is released.
● Never select reverse gear or the parking
lock while driving. WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle
could cause serious injury.
● As a driver, you should never leave your ve-
hicle if the engine is running and a gear range
is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must apply
the electronic parking brake and engage
parking lock P with the selector lever.
● While the engine is running and with the D,
S or R range of gears selected, keep the brake pressed to keep the vehicle at a standstill.
Transmission is not totally interrupted either
when the vehicle is idling or when the vehicle
“continues moving forwards”.
●
Never engage the R or P gear ranges when
the vehicle is moving.
● Never leave the vehicle with the gear selec-
tor in N. The vehicle may move downhill re-
gardless of whether the engine is switched
on or not. CAUTION
If, when the vehicle is at a standstill, the
electronic parking brake is not applied and
the brake pedal is released while in position
P, the vehicle may move a few centimetres
forwards or backwards. Note
If, while driving, the selector lever is acciden-
tally placed in position N, lift your foot off the
accelerator. Wait until the engine is running
at idle speed before selecting a new gear
range. 145
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety