2015 Seat Alhambra fuel type

Operation
( ››› page 45 ) and, in some cases, with audi-
b l
e warnings. The display may vary according
to the type of instrument panel fitted.
Type of messageSymbol colourDescription
Priority 1 warning.RedSymbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible warnings. Stop the vehicle! It is dangerous ››› in Control and warning lamps on page 47 !
Check the function that is faulty and repair it. If necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Priority 2 warning.Yellow
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with audible warnings.
A function fault, or fluids which are below the correct levels may cause damage to the vehicle ››› in Control and
warning lamps on page 47 !
Check the faulty operation as soon as possible. If necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Informative text.–Information relating to different vehicle processes. Mileage
The
odometer
registers the total distance
tr

avelled by the car.
The
odometer (trip) shows the distance trav-
elled since the last odometer reset. The last
digit of the trip recorder indicates distances
of 100 metres or one tenths of a mile.
Outside temperature display
When the outside temperature is below +4 °C
(+39 °F), the symbol “ice crystal” (warning of
risk of freezing) is also displayed next to the
temperature. At first this symbol flashes and
then it remains lit until the outside tempera-
ture rises above +6 °C (+43 °F) ››› .
When the vehicle is at a standstill, with the
auxiliary heating on ( ››› page 128), or when travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be higher than the true
outside temperature, as a result of the heat
produced by the engine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40 °C to +50 °C (-40 °F to +122 °F).
Compass
With the ignition on and the navigation sys-
tem on, the cardinal point corresponding to
the vehicle's direction of travel is displayed
on the instrument panel
››› page 43.
Selector lever positions
The range of engaged gears of the selector
lever is shown on the side of the lever, and
on the instrument panel display. In positions D
and
S
, and with the Tiptronic, the corre-
sponding gear is also displayed.
Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear in order to save fuel
is displayed on the instrument panel while
you are driving ››› page 143
.
Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition to the speedometer, the speed
can also be displayed in a different unit of
measurement (in miles or in km per hour). To
change the units, in the Settings menu, se-
lect the option Second speed ››› page 47.
Vehicles without menu display on the instru-
ment panel
● Switch on the engine.
42

Operation
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considera-
bly increase fuel consumption. If you think
ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance
from the vehicle in front, it is possible to slow
down by simply lifting your foot off the accel-
erator. This eliminates the need for constant
braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The
more you drive at a constant speed, the lower
the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing and braking. As a general rule, you will
reach your destination just as quickly when
you drive at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditioning system is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true outside temperature, it will require a large
amount of energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature
for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temperature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with all the windows
open. Only then should you close all the win-
dows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high
speeds. Driving with the windows open in-
creases fuel consumption.
●
Switch off the seat heating when the seats
have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the
windscreen heating when the windows have
demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched
on when the vehicle is moving ››› page 128.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after it has been
started. It takes a few kilometres of driving
for the engine to warm up and to normalise
consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their proper working temperature in or-
der t o minimi
se fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence. Fig. 133 shows the difference in consump-
tion for the same journey at +20 °C (+68 °F)
and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
summer, even when other conditions are the
same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden
in some countries, but in practice it is techni-
cally superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres
helps to reduce rolling resistance and, as a
result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing
the tyre pressure slightly (+0.2 bar
[2.9 psi/20 kPa]) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduc-
tion in comfort, the tyres may be filled to the
pressures recommended for a fully-loaded
vehicle. This is also valid when driving alone
without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are
optimised for minimum rolling resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils,
known as low friction engine oil, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance caused by friction in the engine,
150

Driver assistance systems
● when a sporty driving style is employed,
● in the event of a major distraction for the
driver,
The tiredness detection function switches off
when the ignition is switched off or when the
driver unbuckles their seat belt and opens
the door. If driving for a long time under 65
km/h (40 mph), the system ceases to assess
tiredness automatically. If driving speed is
then increased, the behaviour at the wheel
will again be evaluated.
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre
pressure of each wheel during driving using
the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor
the tyre tread perimeter and vibrations of
each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns
the driver if it detects a considerable drop in
tyre pressure of one or several tyres while
driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indica-
ted by the indicator
 as well as an audible
warning and sometimes a text message on
the dash panel display. When you open the
driver door, you will find a label indicating
the tyre pressure recommended by the manu-
facturer for the maximum vehicle load for
each tyre approved for the vehicle in ques-
tion. By pressing the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may
change the reference pressure for the tyres
so that the tyre pressure coincides with ac-
tual pressure
››› page 179 .
S uit
able use of the adjustment button
››› page 179. WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres
may lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to
tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres
could overheat, resulting in tread detachment
or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on
the label when the tyres are cold at all times
››› page 235.
● Re

gularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyres. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and
wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator
button could result in the indicator giving er- roneous messages or prevented from indicat-
ing the danger caused by a defective tyre
››› page 179. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap
is not in place. Check that the caps are identi-
cal to the standard caps and have been cor-
rectly tightened. Do not use metal caps
››› page 179.
● Do not damage the valves when changing
the tyres ››› page 179
. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
consumption and tyre wear. Note
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring sys-
tem. Regularly check your tyres to ensure
that the tyre pressure is correct and that the
tyres are not damaged due to puncture, cuts,
tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when the tyres have not
been pierced by these.
● The tyre monitoring system is set to the
tyre pressure recommended by the manufac-
turer and indicated on the label ››› Fig. 175. 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Care and maintenance
Notes for the user Labels and plates Some parts in the engine compartment come
from the factory with certificates of safety, la-
bels or plates containing important informa-
tion regarding the operation of the vehicle,
for example, on the petrol cap, on the pas-
senger's sun visor, on the driver door strut, or
on the floor of the boot.
● Never remove these certificates of safety,
labels or plates, and ensure they are kept in
good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of
safety, label or plate, is replaced, the special-
ised workshop should attach the information
back in the same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states
that all the safety standards and regulations
established by the national traffic authorities
responsible for road safety were met at the
time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together
with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock
which warns of high voltage in the vehicle's
electrical system. The vehicle ignition system complies with several standards, including
the Canadian standard, ICES-002.
Using your vehicle in other countries
and continents The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for
use in a particular country in accordance with
the national legislation in force at the time of
manufacture.
If the vehicle is sold in another country or
used in another country for an extended peri-
od of time, the applicable legislation of that
country should be observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain
pieces of equipment or to deactivate certain
functions. Service work may also be affected.
This is particularly true if the vehicle is used
in a different climate for an extended period
of time.
As there are different types of frequency
bands around the world, you may find that
the radio or navigation system supplied at
the factory does not work in another country.
CAUTION
● SEAT does not accept liability for any dam-
age to the vehicle due to the use of a lower
quality fuel, an inadequate service or the
non-availability of genuine spare parts. ●
SEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle
does not comply in part or in full with the le-
gal requirements of other countries or conti-
nents. Radio reception and the aerial
The aerial of radio and navigation systems
fitted at the factory may be mounted in differ-
ent parts of the vehicle:
● On the inside of the rear window, next to
the rear window heating,
● on the inside of the rear side windows,
● on the inside of the windscreen,
● on the roof of the vehicle.
Aerials mounted on the inside of a window
can be recognised by the fine wires. CAUTION
Aerials on the inside of windows may be dam-
aged if knocked or if cleaned with corrosive or
acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive
labels over the heating elements and never
clean the inside of the rear window with cor-
rosive or acid products or other similar chem-
ical cleaning products. » 205Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
●
Never enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it
is absolutely necessary to enter, close the
door and touch a metal surface before touch-
ing the filler nozzle again. This will prevent
the generation of static electricity. Sparks
could cause a fire when refuelling.
● Never handle fuel close to flames, sparks or
objects with slow combustion (e.g. ciga-
rettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnet-
ic radiation when refuelling.
● Observe the safety regulations of the serv-
ice station.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the lug-
gage compartment. WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend
carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all
in case of an accident and this applies to a
full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and inju-
ries.
● Observe the following if you exceptionally
have to carry fuel in a canister:
–Never place a fuel container to fill it in-
side the vehicle or on the vehicle, for ex-
ample, in the boot or on the hatch. Filling
in these circumstances could create an
electrostatic charge and spark that could
ignite fuel fumes. –
Always place the canister on the ground
to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the neck of the
canister as far as possible.
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the
nozzle must always touch the canister
while it is being filled to avoid static elec-
tricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use,
storage and transport of spare fuel canis-
ters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies
with manufacturing standards, for exam-
ple, ANSI or ASTM F852-86. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehi-
cle paintwork immediately to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle
paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a
diesel engine with petrol can cause serious
engine and fuel system damage; the resulting
malfunctions are not covered by the SEAT
warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to
even the smallest amount of the wrong fuel.
Seek specialist assistance. With the engine
running, the composition of the wrong fuel
could significantly damage the fuel system
and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no
circumstances should you refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other
type of different fuel. Other types of fuels
could cause serious damage to the engine
and to the fuel supply system and the result-
ing problems are not covered by the SEAT
warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Col-
lect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the
manual release of the tank flap. If necessary,
request assistance from specialised person-
nel. 207Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the tank cap anticlockwise and in-
sert it in the hole in the tank flap hinge
››› Fig. 159 .
R ef
uelling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is loca-
ted on a sticker inside the fuel tank flap
››› page 209.
● If the aut

omatic filler nozzle is operated
correctly, it will switch itself off as soon as
the tank is full ››› .
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off!
Otherwise, this will fill the expansion cham-
ber and fuel may leak out if the ambient con-
ditions are warm.
Closing the fuel tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you
hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click in-
to place. The tank flap must be flush with the
body contour. WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle
has switched itself off. The fuel tank may be
filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt
out and spill. This could lead to a fire, explo-
sion and severe injuries. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehi-
cle paintwork immediately to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle
paintwork. For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. Fuel
Introduction You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing
information on the type of fuel for your vehi-
cle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can
cause an explosion or fire resulting in serious
burns and injuries.
● Fuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable
substance.
● Observe current safety instructions and lo-
cal regulations concerning the handling of
fuel. Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will de-
pend on the vehicle's engine. You will find a
factory-fitted sticker containing information
on the type of fuel for your vehicle on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or
low sulphur fuel to reduce consumption and
prevent engine damage.
Possible
types of fuelAlternative namesFurther in-formation
91 a)
RONNormal petrol, normal
unleaded petrol
››› page 20995 a)
RONPremium unleaded
petrol (95 RON)
98 a)
RONPremium unleaded
petrol (98 RON)
Diesel ››› page 210
a)
RON = Regulation Octane Number
Petrol Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel us-
ing unleaded petrol according to European
norm EN 228
››› .
»
209
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
Petrol types are categorised according to
their octane number (e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99
RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”).
You may use petrol with a high octane num-
ber than the one recommended for your en-
gine. However, this has no advantage in
terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sul-
phur content or sulphur-free petrol to reduce
fuel consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behav-
iour, power and service life of the engine.
This is why the petrol you use should carry
suitable additives already included by the
petrol industry, free of metals. These addi-
tives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from
building up in the engine.
If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added
when refuelling ››› .
Not all petrol additives have been shown to
be effective. The use of unsuitable petrol ad-
ditives may cause significant damage to the
engine and the catalytic converter. Metal ad-
ditives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for
improving anti-detonation ratings or octane
ratings ››› . SEAT recommends “genuine Volkswagen
Group Fuel Additives for petrol engines”.
These additives can be bought at SEAT deal-
ers, where information on how to use them
can also be obtained.
CAUTION
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the
fuel contains metal. LRP (lead replacement
petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of
metal additives. Using them may damage the
engine!
● Only use fuel with an octane rating that is
in line with the norm EN 228, otherwise sig-
nificant damage could be caused to the en-
gine and fuel system. Furthermore, it could
lead to a loss of performance with the conse-
quent engine fault.
● The use of unsuitable petrol additives could
damage the engine.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with
a lower octane rating to that recommended is
used, only use moderate engine speeds and a
light throttle. Avoid using full throttle and
overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suit-
able octane rating as soon as possible.
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seri-
ously impair the efficiency of the catalytic
converter and could damage it. Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European
standard EN 590 (In Germany, EN 590 or
DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur
percentage requires shorter service intervals
››› Booklet Maintenance Programme ››› .
Your technical service centre will be able to
tell you which countries have diesel with a
high sulphur content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar
additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, dif-
ficulties may be experienced at temperatures
below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens
due to wax separation. For this reason, “win-
ter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can
be used at temperatures as low as -20 °C
(-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic condi-
tions, other types of diesel fuel are available
that are suitable to local temperatures. Tech-
nical service centres and filling stations in
the country concerned will inform you on the
types of diesel fuels available.
210

Checking and refilling levels
A cold diesel engine makes more noise dur-
ing winter temperatures than summer tem-
peratures. Furthermore, the exhaust gases
may turn slightly bluish while the engine is
heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will
depend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a
fuel filter pre-heating system. This ensures
that the fuel system remains operational to
approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F), provided you use
winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C
(+5.0 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an ex-
tent that the engine will not start at tempera-
tures of under -24 °C (-11.2 °F), simply place
the vehicle in a warm garage or workshop for
a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted
with an auxiliary heater. The heater runs off
the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so,
smells and steam may be noticed outside the
vehicle for a short period. This is normal and
it is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (re-
serve), the auxiliary heater automatically
switches off. WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start
booster could explode or cause a sudden rise
in engine speed leading to engine damage
and serious injury. CAUTION
● The vehicle is not prepared for the use of
biodiesel. Never, under any circumstances re-
fuel with biodiesel. It could damage the fuel
system and subsequently lead to engine
faults!
● The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the
diesel producer according to Standard EN 590
or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany,
for example) is authorised and causes no
type of damage to the engine or the fuel sys-
tem.
● The diesel engine has been designed for to
use diesel fuel exclusively. Therefore, never
use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels.
The composition of these fuels may signifi-
cantly damage the fuel system and the en-
gine.
● The use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur
percentage could considerably reduce the
service life of the diesel particulate filter.
Your technical service centre will be able to
tell you which countries have diesel with a
high sulphur content. Information on fuel consumption
The consumption and emission values indi-
cated do not refer to one specific vehicle.
They are only to be used to compare the val-
ues of the different vehicle versions. The fuel
consumption and CO
2 emissions of a vehicle
not only depend on the effective use of fuel.
They also depend on your driving style and
other non-technical factors.
Calculation of fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are
determined according to the current version
of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regula-
tion and are valid for the vehicle kerb weight.
The specifications do not
refer to an individu-
al
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried
out on a rolling road test bed to calculate fuel
consumption. The test criteria are as follows:
Urban cy-
cleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts
with an engine cold start. City driving is si-
mulated below at between 0 and 50 km/h
(31 mph).
Road cycle
In the road cycle simulation, the car under-
goes frequent acceleration and braking in
all gears, as in normal everyday driving.
The road speed ranges from 0 to
120 km/h (0 and 75 mph).
Combined
The average combined consumption is cal-
culated with a weighting of around 37 %
for the urban cycle and 63 % for the road
cycle.
» 211
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety