2015 Seat Alhambra ABS

Safety
Seat belt status display for rear seats
The seat belt status display on the instru-
ment panel informs the driver, when the igni-
tion is switched on, whether any passengers
in the rear seats have fastened their seat
belts. The symbol  indicates that the pas-
sen g
er in this seat has fastened “his or her”
seat belt ››› Fig. 5.
The seat

belt status is displayed for around
30 seconds when a seat belt in the rear seats
is fastened or unfastened. You can switch off
this display by pressing the 0.0 / SET button.
The seat belt status flashes for a maximum of
30 seconds when a seat belt in the rear seats
is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion.
An audible warning will also be heard if the
vehicle is travelling at over 25 km/h
(15 mph).
The rear seat display can be enabled or disa-
bled by a technical service centre. Seat belt protection Fig. 6
Drivers with properly worn seat belts
will not be thrown forward in the event of sud-
den braking Properly worn seat belts hold the occupants
in the proper position. They also help prevent
uncontrolled movements that may result in
serious injury and reduce the risk of being
thrown out of the vehicle in case of an acci-
dent.
Vehicle occupants wearing their seat belts
correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the
belts to absorb kinetic energy. In addition,
the front part of your vehicle and other pas-
sive safety features (such as the airbag sys-
tem) are designed to absorb the kinetic ener-
gy released in a collision. Taken together, all
these features reduce the releasing kinetic
energy and consequently, the risk of injury.
This is why it is so important to fasten seat
belts before every trip, even when "just driv-
ing around the corner".Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well. Accident statistics have shown
that wearing seat belts is an effective means
of substantially reducing the risk of injury
and improving the chances of survival when
involved in a serious accident. Furthermore,
properly worn seat belts improve the protec-
tion provided by airbags in the event of an
accident. For this reason, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with air-
bags, the seat belts must be fastened and
worn. The front airbags, for example, are only
triggered in some cases of head-on collision.
The front airbags will not be triggered during
minor frontal or side collisions, rear-end colli-
sions, rollovers or accidents in which the air-
bag trigger threshold value in the control unit
is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat
belt and ensure that all vehicle occupants
have fastened their seat belts properly before
you drive off!
12

Seat belts
Frontal collisions and the laws of
physics Fig. 7
A driver not wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently Fig. 8
The unbelted rear passenger is thrown
forward violently, hitting the driver wearing a
seat belt It is easy to explain how the laws of physics
work in the case of a head-on collision: when
a vehicle starts moving, a type of energy called “kinetic energy” is created both in the
passengers and inside the vehicle.
The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on
the speed of the vehicle and the weight of
the vehicle and its passengers. The higher
the speed and the greater the weight, the
more energy there is to be “absorbed” in an
accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the
speed of the vehicle. If the speed doubles
from 25 km/h (15 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph), for example, the corresponding ki-
netic energy is multiplied by four.
Because the vehicle occupants in our exam-
ple are not restrained by seat belts, in the
event of crashing against a wall, all of the oc-
cupants' kinetic energy will be absorbed
solely by said impact.
Even at speeds of 30 km/h (19 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph), the forces acting on bod-
ies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne
(1000 kg). At greater speed these forces are
even higher.
Vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are
not “attached” to the vehicle. In a head-on
collision, they will move forward at the same
speed their vehicle was travelling just before
the impact. This example applies not only to
head-on collisions, but to all accidents and
collisions.
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the
body in a collision are so great that it is not
possible to brace oneself with one's hands.
In a frontal collision, unbelted passengers
are thrown forward and will make violent con-
tact with the steering wheel, dash panel,
windscreen or whatever else is in the way
››› Fig. 7 .
It i
s also important for rear passengers to
wear seat belts properly, as they could other-
wise be thrown forward violently through the
vehicle interior in an accident. Passengers in
the rear seats who do not use seat belts en-
danger not only themselves but also the front
occupants ››› Fig. 8.
Us

ing seat belts Twisted seat belt
If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from
the guide, the seat belt may have become
twisted inside the side trim after being
wound too quickly on unfastening:
● Pull out the seat belt completely, carefully
pulling on the latch plate.
● Untwist the belt and guide it back, assist-
ing it by hand.
The seat belt must be fastened even if it is
impossible to untwist it. In this case, the
twisted area must not be in an area in direct
contact with your body. Have the seat belt »
13
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Yellow symbolsSym- bolMeaning ››› See 
Front brake pads worn.
›››
page
137 
it lights up: ESC malfunction or
off.
flashes: ESC working.

ASR manually deactivated.

ABS faulty or does not work.

Electronic parking brake faulty.›››
page
137 
Rear fog light switched on.›››
page
74 
it lights up: Driving light totally or
partially faulty.›››
page
266
flashes: Fault in the adaptive light
system.››› page
74 
Fault in catalytic converter.
›››
page
151 
it lights up: pre-ignition of diesel
engine.
flashes: Fault in engine manage-
ment.

Fault in engine management.

Diesel particulate filter blocked
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Fault in the steering system.›››
page
131 
Tyre pressure too low.›››
page
231
Fault in the tyre pressure gauge.››› page
177 
Level of windscreen washer fluid
too low.›››
page
81 
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
206 
flashes: engine oil sensor faulty.›››
page
218
it lights up: insufficient engine oil. 
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
20 


Front passenger front airbag is
disabled (    ).››› page
20 
Top up "AdBlue", or there is a fault
in the "AdBlue" system.›››
page
212 
Fuel tank not closed correctly.›››
page
206 
Lane Assist is switched on, but not
active.›››
page
172 Green symbols
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
74
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
242 
Use the foot brake!
Change
››› page
143
Brake
››› page
137 
Cruise control operating.›››
page
169 
Lane Assist is switched on and ac-
tive.›››
page
172 Blue symbols
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
74 Headlight adjustment (Light As-
sist) on.
46

Transport and practical equipment
WARNING
Incorrect use of the ashtray may cause a fire
or burns and other serious injuries.
● Never put paper or other flammable objects
in the ashtray. Cigarette lighter
Fig. 117
Front centre console: lighter Depending on the vehicle equipment, there
may be a lighter to the front of the centre
console
››› Fig. 117 or in the compartment to
the fr ont
of the centre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter in-
wards with the ignition on ››› Fig. 117.
● Wait

for the lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the
cigarette on the glowing coil ››› .
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause
a fire or burns and other serious injuries.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to
light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. The cigarette lighter can be used
when the ignition is switched on. Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with
the 12 Volt power socket ››› page 119. Power sockets
Introduction Electrical equipment can be connected to the
power sockets in the vehicle.
All connected appliances should be in per-
fect working order without any faults.
WARNING
Improper use of the power sockets or electri-
cal devices could lead to a fire and cause seri-
ous injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. The power sockets and equipment
connected to them can be used when the ig-
nition is switched on. ●
Should a connected electrical device over-
heat, switch it off and unplug it immediately. CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical
system, never connect equipment that gener-
ates electrical current, such as solar panels
or battery chargers, to the 12 Volt power
sockets in order to charge the vehicle's bat-
tery.
● Only use accessories with approved elec-
tromagnetic compatibility according to cur-
rent regulations.
● To avoid damage due to voltage variations,
switch off all devices connected to the 12 V
power sockets before switching the ignition
on or off and before starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt
power socket that consumes more than the
power indicated in watts. Exceeding the max-
imum power absorption could damage the ve-
hicle's electrical system. For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the ve-
hicle is at a standstill. Note
● Using devices with the engine stopped and
the ignition switched on will drain the bat-
tery. » 119
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
Driver assistance systems
Braking and stability systems Brake assist systems The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR
and EDL only operate when the ignition is
switched on. They contribute significantly to
increasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC reduces the risk of skidding and increa-
ses the vehicle stability by braking individual
wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC
detects critical handling situations, such as
understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the ve-
hicle by braking individual wheels or by re-
ducing the engine torque.
The ESC has limits. It is important to realise
that the ESC is also subject to the laws of
physics. ESC will not be able to deal with all
situations with which drivers may be faced.
For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC will not be useful in all cases.
If the vehicle suddenly enters a section cov-
ered by water, mud or snow then ESC will not
provide assistance in the same way as on dry
ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aqua-
planing”), the ESC will not be able to assist the driver to control the vehicle as the loss of
adherence with the road surface will prevent-
ing braking and steering. If the vehicle is
driven through series of bends at high
speed, the ESC will not always be as effec-
tive: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driv-
ing is not the same as at reduced speeds.
When driving with a trailer, ESC does not pro-
vide the same amount of vehicle control as
without a trailer.
Adjust your speed and driving style to road,
traffic and weather conditions. ESC cannot
push the limits of the laws of physics; im-
prove the transmission available or maintain
the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver at-
tention creates an inevitable situation. Other-
wise, ESC assists in maintaining vehicle con-
trol in extreme situations and uses the move-
ments of the steering made by the driver to
maintain the vehicle moving in the desired
direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a
speed that it will leave the road before ESC
can intervene then the system cannot pro-
vide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are in-
corporated into the ESC. The ESC is always
on. The ESC should only be turned off using
the ASR button
›››
Fig. 134 when traction is
in s
ufficient. Always remember to turn on the
ASR once more when the vehicle has traction
again. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking until just before the vehicle stops
thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle
and maintain control. This means that, even
during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not
remove your foot from the brake pedal or re-
duce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce
braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking
fully.
● When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of
the brake pedal and noise. You should never
expect

the ABS to reduce the braking dis-
tance under
any circumstances. This distance
will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain
configuration of the ABS is automatically
turned on. When ABS is activated, the front
wheels may lock briefly. This shortens the
braking distance in off-road situations as the
wheels are prevented from digging into loose
surfaces. All-terrain ABS only intervenes
when driving in a straight line. When the
154