2015 Seat Alhambra ESP

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

Driving
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 140 .
● For an aut
omatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
● Sw

itch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat ground and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and
hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are against the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the road. 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, or spilled fuel). 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. Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, new brake pads
have not yet reached their maximum braking
capacity, and need to be “run in” first
››› .
The slightly reduced braking effect can be
compensated for by increasing pressure on
the brake pedal. While running in, the full
br ak

ing distance or emergency braking dis- tance is larger
then when the brake pads
have been run in. While running in, avoid full
power braking or situations requiring braking
performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends
to a great extent on the conditions in which
the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is
driven. If the vehicle is used frequently in city
traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more
frequently than advised in the Maintenance
Programme, to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, in heavy rainfall
or even after washing the car, the effect of
the brakes is lessened as the brake discs are
wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possi-
ble by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind
you or any other road users ››› .
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads
w i

ll reduce the effectiveness of the brakes
and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a prolonged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the vehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt on
the brake pads. If the brakes are not used »
141
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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

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

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

Driving
checked by a specialised workshop as soon
as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG
gearbox ®
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle
begins to jerk and the selector lever position
indic at
or begins to flash. To prevent damage
to the clutch, this interrupts the power trans-
mission between the engine and the gear-
box. There is no more traction and it is not
possible to accelerate. If the clutch is opened
automatically due to overloading, press the
brake pedal. Wait a few seconds before start-
ing to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum ac-
celeration when the gear selector lever is in
the positions D,
S or in the Tiptronic position.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down, the automatic gearbox will shift down
to a lower gear, depending on road speed
and engine speed. This takes advantage of
the maximum acceleration of the vehicle
››› .
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor,
the automatic gearbox shifts to the next gear
only after the engine reaches the specified
maximum engine speed. Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-Control programme enables max-
imum acceleration while at a standstill.
●
Switch off the ASR ››› page 137.
● Press and hold the brake pedal with your
left foot.
● Place the selector lever in position S or Tip-
tronic.
● Press the accelerator with the right foot un-
til the vehicle reaches an engine speed of ap-
proximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ››› . The ve-
hicle starts with maximum acceleration.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! 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 kick-down and rapid acceleration
when weather conditions, surface conditions
and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and
drive in a manner that does not endanger
other road users.
● Please remember that the driven wheels
can slip and the vehicle can skid if the ASR is
turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! CAUTION
● If you stop on a hill with a gear range en-
gaged, do not try to prevent the vehicle from
rolling back by pressing on the accelerator.
This could cause overheating and damage the
automatic gearbox.
● Never allow the vehicle to move with the
gear selector lever in N, especially with the
engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will
not be lubricated and could be damaged. Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for
reducing fuel consumption is displayed on
the instrument panel:DisplayMeaning

Optimum gear.

Recommendation to change up a gear.

Recommendation to change down a
gear.
Information for “cleaning” the diesel
particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises
when the diesel particulate filter is blocked,
»
147
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
and helps to clean it by recommending a spe-
cific gear for driving. It may therefore be nec-
essary to drive with the engine at an
exceptionally high speed ››› page 151. WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as
a guideline only; it should never replace the
driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear
for each situation continues to lie with the
driver, for example when overtaking, climb-
ing a hill or towing a trailer. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the
situation will help you to save fuel. Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the clutch pedal is pressed. Run-in and economical driving
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new components. Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first
1500 km (1000 miles). During its first few
hours of running, the internal friction in the
engine is greater than later on when all the
moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first
1500 km (1000 miles) influences the future
engine performance. Throughout the life of
the vehicle, it should be driven at a moderate
speed – especially when the engine is cold –
this will reduce engine wear and increase its
useful life. Never drive at extremely low en-
gine speeds. Always engage a lower gear
when the engine works “irregularly”. For the
first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of
its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to
1000 miles) ,
gradually increase power until
reaching the maximum speed and high en-
gine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
››› page 231
● Notes on the brakes ››› page 141 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine will be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage
recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Increased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its components are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating from renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in plastic materials.
148