Advice
Windscreen washer reservoir Chec k
in
g and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir Fig. 248
In the engine compartment: wind-
s c
r
een washer reservoir top Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
Check the level in the windscreen washer
tank regularly and top up as required.
● Open the bonnet ›››
page 272.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the
symbol
on the lid ››› Fig. 248.
● Check there is enough water in the reser-
voir.
● T
o top up, mix water with a window cleaner
recommended b
y SEAT ››› . Please follow
the in struction
s for use found on the packag-
ing. ●
In col
d weather, a special antifreeze should
also be added to prevent the water from
freezing ››› .
Fi l
lin
g amounts
The capacity of the tank is approximately 3 li-
tres; in vehicles with a headlight washer sys-
tem, it is approximately 7 litres. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
simi l
ar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by
SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the water in the r
eservoir. CAUTION
● Do not mi x
cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely c
ertain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! Vehicle battery
Intr oduction The battery is a component of the vehicle's
electric
al
system.
Never work on the electrical system without
fully understanding the operations required,
the applicable safety standards and without
the correct tools ››› ! If required, have any
work c
arried out by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Negligent work can cause seri-
ous injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehi-
cle
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment.
Explanation of the warning indications on
the vehicle's battery
SymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Al-
ways wear protective gloves and eye pro-
tection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking
are prohibited.
284
Checking and refilling levelsSymbolMeaning
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batter-
ies!
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the elec-
trica l
system can cause corrosion, fire and
electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the following warnings and safety
standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off
the engine, the ignition and al
l electrical de-
vices then disconnect the negative connec-
tion on the battery.
● Keep children away from acid and the bat-
tery
itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It
can burn sk
in and cause blindness. When
handling the battery, protect yourself from
splashes of acids, above all your hands, arms
and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to pla-
ces
exposed to flames or sparks.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges
when workin
g with cables and electrical devi-
ces.
● Never short the battery terminals. ●
Never u se a d
amaged battery. It can ex-
plode. Replace a damaged battery immedi-
ately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as
soon as po
ssible. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0°C (+32°F).
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage
compar
tment: Check that the battery gas
ventilation hose is securely attached. CAUTION
● Nev er di s
connect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
over a lon
g period of time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
● If the car is left standing for long periods,
protect
the battery from extreme cold temper-
ature so that it does not “freeze up” and be-
come damaged. Warning lamp
It lights up
Faulty generator.
Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the electrical system checked.
Disconnect any unnecessary electri-
cal devices. The generator does not
charge the battery while the vehicle
is in motion.
Several warning and indication lamps light
up for a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignor-
ed, the v ehic
le may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text
mess
ages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s
ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. 285
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Checking the electrolyte level of the
v ehic
l
e battery Fig. 249
In the engine compartment: remove
the lid fr om the
v
ehicle's battery. Fig. 250
In the engine compartment: lift off
the c o
v
er from the vehicle's battery. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
The battery's electrolyte level should be
checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other
batterie
s do not require maintenance.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 209) are equip-
ped with a special battery labelled “AGM”.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to
check the electrolyte level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine
compar
tment ››› page 272
● Open the bonnet ›››
page 272.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on
the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a lid: pres
s the tab ››› Fig. 249
A in the direction of the arrow and pull the
c o
v
er upwards.
● In the case of a cover: fol
d the cover to one
side to remove ››› Fig. 250.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to
cle
arly recognise the colours. Never use
flames or flashing objects as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic
eye on the top of
the battery will change col-
our.
Colour in-
dicatorNecessary operations
Light yellow
or ColourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is too low. Have the battery checked
and, where applicable, replaced by a
specialised workshop.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's bat-
tery is correct. WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a
risk of
corrosion, explosions or electric
shock.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid
coul
d spill out of the openings for the release
of gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediate-
ly rinse
your eyes and skin abundantly with
water for several minutes. Then seek medical
care immediately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediat
ely. Charging, replacing and connecting or
di
s
c
onnecting the battery Charging the battery
The
vehic
le battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed
286
Checking and refilling levels
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
v ir
onment
››› . SEAT recommends taking
y our c
ar in f
or technical service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 209) are equip-
ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must
only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment. ●
The vehic le must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positiv
e ››› .
C onnectin
g the
vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all
electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negativ
e ››› .
Diff er
ent
control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short
trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 100. Respect the maximum service
intervals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Vehicles with Keyless Access (››› page 117):
if, after connecting the battery, the ignition
cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the
vehicle from outside. Then try to switch on
the ignition again. If the ignition does not
work, seek professional assistance. Automatically disconnecting devices
The intellig
ent vehicle electrical system auto-
matically implements a range of measures to
prevent the battery from discharging when
high demands are made on it:
● the idling speed is increased so that the al-
ternat
or provides more electricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most
power
ful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-v
olt power sockets and the ciga-
rette lighter may be interrupted for a short
time.
The on-board management program cannot
always prevent the battery from running flat.
For example, if the ignition is left on for a
long period with the engine off or if the side
lights or parking lights are left on while the
vehicle is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without
star
ting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switc
hed off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running
›››
page 180. »
287
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wron g b
attery can cause short-circuits, fire
and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries
that do not
run flat alone and whose proper-
ties, specifications and size correspond to
the standard battery. The specifications are
indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
le a
sed when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventil
ated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
batter
y. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0°C (+32°F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may
cause a shor
t circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never di s
connect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Never plug accessories that supply current,
such a
s solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage the vehicle's elec-
trica
l
system. For the sake of the environment
● Di spo
se of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. If it
has leaked use adequate care col-
lecting it (gloves and protective glasses), and
dispose of it correctly. Wheels and tyres
T y
r
es
Introduction The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard
with anti-p
u
ncture technology tyres (Conti-
Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of
up to 5 mm, the tyre seals the hole with a
protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of this technology means that
there is no type of spare wheel included in
the vehicle's equipment.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or
brak ed if
the tyres (new or used) are worn or
damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could
make driv
ing more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage. 288
Wheels and tyres
● On ly
u
se winter tyres of the size authorised
for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same
type, size (r
olling circumference) and tread
pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated
(code lett
er on tyre) ››› .
S peed limit
A c ode l
etter indicating the speed limit is
stamped on all winter tyres ››› page 296.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed
warning in the MFA (multifunction
display) menu on the instrument panel
››› page 26.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and
tyre pressure will be determined by engine
size. Please ask your technical service centre
for further information on the maximum per-
mitted speed and the required pressures for
the tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will
have plenty of traction in winter conditions,
even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless,
SEAT still recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres should be fitted on all four
wheels when winter road conditions are ex-
pected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response. Please observe all instructions and warnings
when usin
g snow chains ›››
page 49. WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving
saf er in the w
inter, you should not take un-
necessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of winter
tyre fitted on your vehicle. For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer
tyr e
s when you have the time. In tempera-
tures above +7°C (+45°F), performance will
be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving
will all be reduced. Note
● If the v
ehicle is fitted with a tyre control
system, this should be “reprogrammed”
whenever a tyre is changed ››› page 236.
● Please ask at a technical service centre for
information about
the permitted sizes for
winter tyres. 297
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Technical data
Technical data
T ec
hnic
al features
Important information Important The information in the vehicle documentation
alwa
y
s takes precedence over the informa-
tion in this Instruction Manual.
All technical specifications provided in this
documentation are valid for the standard
model in Spain. The vehicle data card inclu-
ded in the Maintenance Programme or the
vehicle registration documents shows which
engine is installed in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models, for special vehicles and for
other countries. Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifi-
cation
s
section
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly
used to denote engine power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
litres per100 kmFuel consumption in litres per 100 km
(70 miles).
g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per
km (mile) travelled.
CO 2Carbon dioxide
CNCetane number, indication of the diesel
combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of
the knock resistance of petrol. Vehicle identification data
Fig. 255
Vehicle identification number. Vehicle identification number
The
v
ehic
le identification number (chassis
number) can be read from outside the vehicle
through a viewer in the windscreen
››› Fig. 255. This viewer is located in the lower
part of the windscreen. The vehicle identifica-
tion number (chassis number) is also stam-
ped on the right water drain channel. The wa-
ter drain channel is located between the sus-
pension tower and the wing. Open the bon-
net to read the vehicle identification number
››› page 272.
Vehicle data plate
The vehicle data plate is attached to the lug-
gage compartment, and contains the follow-
ing information:
298
Technical features
● Vehic
l
e identification number (chassis
number).
● Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type.
● Engine and gearbox code, paint number,
interior equipment.
● Option
al extras, PR numbers.
These dat
a are also provided in the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Type plate
The type plate is visible when the driver door
is opened, on the lower part of the strut. Ve-
hicles for certain export countries do not
have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the
following data:
● Gross vehicle weight
● Maximum authorised weight of vehicle and
trail
er
● Maximum gross front axle weight
● Maximum rear axle weight
Information on fuel consumption The consumption and emission details
sho
wn on the
v
ehicle data sticker differ from
one vehicle to another. The fuel consumption, CO
2 emiss
ions and ac-
tual kerb weight of the vehicle are noted on
the vehicle data sticker.
The fuel consumption and emissions figures
given are based on the vehicle weight cate-
gory, which is determined according to the
engine/gearbox combination and the equip-
ment fitted.
The consumption and emission figures are
calculated in accordance with the EC test re-
quirements 1999/100/EC. These test re-
quirements specify a realistic test method
based on normal everyday driving.
The following test conditions are applied:
Urban cycleThe urban cycle starts with an engine
cold start. City driving is then simulated.
Extra urban
cycle
In the extra urban cycle simulation the
vehicle frequently accelerates and
brakes in all gears, as in normal every-
day driving. The road speed ranges from
0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph).
Total con-
sumptionThe average total consumption is calcu-
lated with a weighting of around 37% for
the urban cycle and 63% for the extra ur-
ban cycle.
CO 2 emis-
sions
The exhaust gases are collected during
both driving cycles to calculate carbon
dioxide emissions. The gas composition
is then analysed to evaluate the CO 2
content and other emissions. Note
● Act ua
l consumption may vary from quoted
test values, depending on personal driving
style, road and traffic conditions, the weather
and the vehicle condition.
● Fuel consumption and CO
2 value
s can vary
depending on the vehicle's tyres. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a
f
uel
t
ank filled to 90% capacity and without
optional extras. The figure quoted includes
75 kg to allow for the weight of the driver.
Special versions, optional equipment fittings
or retro-fitting accessories will increase the
weight of the vehicle ››› .
WARNING
● Ple a
se note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Always adjust your speed and driving
style to suit road conditions and require-
ments.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating
or the gros
s vehicle weight rating. If the per-
missible axle load or the permissible total
weight is exceeded, the driving characteris-
tics of the vehicle may change, leading to ac-
cidents, injuries and damage to the vehicle. 299
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety