2015 Seat Alhambra service

Operation
Air conditioning
Air conditioner Introduction Viewing Climatronic information
The factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen briefly displays information relating to
Climatronic.
The units of temperature measurement is dis-
played on the factory-installed radio or navi-
gation system and, depending on the vehicle
equipment, can be set using the
Configura-
tion menu on the instrument panel. WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows in-
creases the risk of serious accidents.
● Ensure that all windows are free of ice and
snow and that they are not fogged up pre-
venting a clear view of everything outside.
● The maximum heat output required to de-
frost windows quickly is only available when
the engine has reached its normal running
temperature. Only drive when you have good
visibility. ●
Always ensure that you use the air condi-
tioner and heated rear window to maintain
good visibility.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a
long period of time. If the cooling system is
switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very
quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not required. WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and re-
duce driver concentration possibly resulting
in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or
use the air recirculation for long periods of
time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be
refreshed. CAUTION
● Switch the air conditioner off if you think it
may be broken. This will avoid additional
damage. Have the air conditioner checked by
a specialised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require spe-
cialist knowledge and special tools. SEAT rec-
ommends taking your car in for technical
service. ●
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
switched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
● When the cooling system is turned off, air
coming from the outside will not be dried. To
avoid fogging up the windows, SEAT recom-
mends leaving the cooler (compressor) on. To
do this, press the A/C button. The button
lamp should light up.
● If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle, this is
completely normal and there is no need to
suspect a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the
windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to en-
sure heating and cooling are not impaired,
and to prevent the windows from misting
over. 122

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

Driving
reduce the strain on the brake system. Other-
wise, the brakes may overheat and fail. Only
use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the
time to also check the rear brake pads. The
thickness of the brake pads should be
checked visually and regularly, by looking
through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, re-
move the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Changing gear
Introduction When reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is switched on the following takes
place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● When reversing, the air conditioner auto-
matically changes to air recirculation mode.
● The rear window heater switches on when
the windscreen wiper is activated.
● Also, the parking sensor system, the opti-
cal parking sensor and the camera for the re-
verse assist system are connected. WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skidding, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and considerable
damage.
● Only use the kick-down function or rapid
acceleration if visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions so permit. WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a pro-
longed period of time, or brake frequently or
for long periods of time. Continuous braking
heats up the brakes. This could significantly
reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the
brake system. Warning and control lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(red)Brake pedal not
pressed!Press brake pedal to
the floor.

(green)Brake pedal not
pressed.
To select a range of
gears, press the
brake pedal.
Please also see "Elec-
tronic parking brake"
››› page 137.
FlashesPossible causeSolution 
(green)
The selector lever
locking button
has not engaged.
The vehicle does
not start to move.Engage the selector
lever lock
››› page 145. 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. Manual gearbox: Engaging gears
Fig. 129
Gear shift pattern of a 6-speed man-
ual gearbox » 143
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
they flow around the engine more quickly
and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The
effect is particularly noticeable in vehicles
frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and ob-
serve service intervals (engine oil change in-
tervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe
legal requirements and ensure that the oil is
approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical
and ecological the driving style. For example,
an additional weight of 100 kg will increase
fuel consumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads
from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and
unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower
the fuel consumption. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds. Other factors which increase fuel
consumption (examples):
●
Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the vehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and
exhaust gas purification
system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. Control lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
Fault in engine
management
(Electronic Power
Control).Take the vehicle to a
specialised work-
shop as soon as
possible and have
the engine checked.

Pre-heating a die-
sel engine before
starting the en-
gine.
›››
page 133 
Fault in catalytic
converter.
You should reduce
speed accordingly.
Drive carefully until
you reach the next
specialised work-
shop. Have the en-
gine checked there.

Diesel particulate
filter blocked
Drive for 15 minutes
in 4th gear (manual
gearbox), or in D (au-
tomatic gearbox) at
a minimum speed of
70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed lim-
its
›››
.
If the warning lamp
remains lit up, take
the vehicle to a spe-
cialised workshop
››› page 152.
» 151
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
automatically. The control lamp will not light
up in this case . For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
working perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel be-
ing used. Driving abroad
In some countries, certain safety regulations
and requirements are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
●
Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions for driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostics equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion country?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available
with a low sulphur content? ●
Are a suitable engine oil ( ››› page 218) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Will the navigation system fitted at the fac-
tory operate correctly in the destination coun-
try with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
country? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the vehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing through water, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear
or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which
raise the level of the water, making it difficult
to cross the water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted
snow, etc., please remember that due to
damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in win-
ter, the braking effect may be delayed, there-
fore the required braking distance is greater.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
carefully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden
sharp manoeuvres. CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, drive train or electrical
system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt cau-
ses corrosion. Always rinse any parts of the
vehicle which have been in contact with salt
water. 153Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
show it. Therefore, it will not warn you of
these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged
or misaligned, for example, when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly,
the bumper sensors must be kept clean, free
of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pres-
sure or steam cleaning equipment, spray the
sensors briefly at a distance of no less than
10 cm (4 inches). Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warn-
ings on the parking sensor system, e.g.
rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other
vehicles. Parking sensor system*
Fig. 137
Detailed view of the centre console:
button for switching the parking sensor sys-
tem on and off Fig. 138
Parking sensor system sensors on
the front bumper The parking sensor system assists the driver
when parking. If the vehicle is approaching
an obstacle, an intermittent audible warning
is emitted. The shorter the distance, the
shorter the intervals between tones. If the ve-hicle is too close to the obstacle, the audible
warning becomes constant.
Switching the parking sensor system on and
off
● Press the  button
››› Fig. 137 when the
ignition i s
switched on.
● Automatic on: select reverse gear.
● Automatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h
(9 mph).
The button lights up when the function is
switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor
system
● The parking sensor system sometimes reg-
isters water on the sensors as an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warn-
ing signal will sound less loudly after a few
seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the
volume will remain constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the ob-
stacle, the beeping sound automatically
switches off. On approaching the obstacle
again, the beeping sound will automatically
switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged
or the selector lever is set to P, no
audible
warning will be emitted.
● Your technical service centre can adjust the
volume of the warning signals.
160

Driver assistance systems
●
Although the parking sensor system de-
tects and warns of the presence of an obsta-
cle, the obstacle could disappear from the an-
gle of measurement of the sensors if it is too
high or low and the system would no longer
show it. Therefore, it will not warn you of
these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle. This is also valid
when using the park assist (e.g. to park be-
hind a truck or motorcycle). Therefore, always
keep a close watch on the area in front of and
behind the vehicle while parking, and inter-
vene promptly if necessary.
● To ensure that the system works properly,
the bumper sensors must be kept clean, free
of ice and snow and uncovered.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged
or misaligned, for example, when parking.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pres-
sure or steam cleaning equipment, spray the
sensors briefly at a distance of no less than
10 cm. Note
Contact a specialised workshop with any sys-
tem faults. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service. Parking using the park assist system
Fig. 141
Detailed view of the centre console:
button to switch the park assist system on
manually Fig. 142
Gap detected: engage the reverse
gear to park (parallel or nose/tail to the kerb) Preparing to park
● The Traction control system ASR must be
turned on ›››
page 137 .
● Par
allel parking: press the button  at
speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) once. When
the function is enabled, the button
››› Fig. 141 will light up.
»
163
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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