2016 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Driver assistance systems
CAUTION
● If o l
d mapping data is used in the naviga-
tion system, this may cause the traffic signs
to be shown incorrectly.
● In the route points mode (navigation by
route point
s) of the navigation system, Sign
Assist is only partly available. Indication on display
1) Fig. 226
Instrument panel display: Examples
of s
peed limits

or overtaking prohibitions de-
tected together with the corresponding addi-
tional signs Display text of Sign Assist on the instrument
p
anel
Error: Sign As-
sistSystem fault.
Have the system checked by a
specialised workshop.
Sign Assist:
Clean the wind-
screen!The windscreen is dirty in the
area of the camera.
Clean the windscreen.
Sign Assist: only
partly available
at the moment.No data is being transmitted
from the navigator.
Connect the navigator and in-
sert the navigation data me-
dium.
ALTERNATIVELY: Sign Assist is
not supported in the country
in which you are driving at
this time. 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. »1)
Depending on the version, the display may be in
co lour or b

lack and white. 231
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s
ages when they appear may result in ve-
hicle faults. Operation mode
Sign Assist does not work in all countries.
This
mu

st be taken into account when travel-
ling abroad.
Display of traffic signs
Speed limits or overtaking prohibitions to-
gether with the corresponding additional
signs are shown on the instrument panel dis-
play ›››
Fig. 226. Depending on the naviga-
tion system installed in the vehicle, traffic
signs will be shown as above and also in the
navigation system's map display.
When Sign Assist is connected, the vehicle
records the traffic signs with a camera in the
base of the interior rear vision mirror. After
checking and evaluating the information
from the camera, the navigation system and
the current vehicle data, up to three valid
traffic signs are displayed in conjunction with
the corresponding additional signs. The traf-
fic sign that is currently valid for the driver is
shown first, in the left side of the screen. A
traffic sign of only limited validity,
e.g. 90 km/h (56 mph) is shown second, to-
gether with the additional sign “if the road is wet”. If the vehicle's rain sensor detects rain
during tr
av

el, the traffic sign valid at this mo-
ment will move to the first position along the
additional sign “if the road is wet”.
The permanent display on the instrument
panel screen is shown as you pass the real
traffic signs. The signs for entering and leav-
ing towns activate the display of the usual
speed limits for that country on roads in
populated areas and national highways, even
if the speed is not limited by an actual traffic
sign.
The end of a prohibition or limitation is not
displayed. If you exceed the speed limits
shown, a warning will not appear. The system
does not detect areas with little traffic. The
current legal provisions apply.
Connection and disconnection
● Connect or disconnect the assist system in
the Settings menu in the SEA

T information
system ›››
 page 26.
● OR: press the button for the driver assist
sys
tems on the main beam lever.
Trailer
Connect or disconnect the secondary display
for speed limits and overtaking bans that ap-
ply to trailers (trailer mode) in the Settings
menu in the SEAT information system
›››  page 26. Tiredness detection (recom-
mendation to t

ake a break)
Introduction WARNING
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by
the tiredne s

s detection function tempt you
into taking any risks when driving. When
making long trips, conveniently long breaks
must be taken.
● The driver is responsible for determining
their capac
ity to drive.
● Never drive when tired.
● The system does not always detect the
tirednes
s of the driver. Please read the infor-
mation provided in the section ››› page 233,
Limited operation.
● In some situations the system may incor-
rectly int
erpret an intended manoeuvre as a
sign of tiredness of the driver.
● In the event of the an episode called “mi-
cro
sleep” at the wheel, a strong warning is
not in place!
● Observe the indications on the display of
the instrument
panel and act in accordance
with them. 232

Driver assistance systems
Note
● The tiredne s
s detection function has only
been designed for driving on motorways and
wide roads.
● If there is a fault in the system, refer to a
Speci
alised workshop to have the system in-
spected. Function and operation
Fig. 227
On the instrument panel display:
tir edne
s

s detection symbol The tiredness detection function registers the
beh
av
iour of

the driver at the wheel at the
beginning of a journey and, using this, evalu-
ates the tiredness. This is continually com-
pared with the current behaviour at the
wheel. If the system detects that the driver is
tired, an audible warning using a “gong” is
given and a symbol and complementary mes-
sage on the instrument panel display are shown
››› Fig. 227.
The on-screen message
on the dash panel is displayed for 5 seconds
and, where required, repeated again. The
system stores the last message displayed.
The message that appears on the instrument
panel display can be switched off by pressing
the OK button on the multifunction steering
wheel or on the w
indo

w wiper lever
›››  page 28. Using the multifunction dis-
play ›››
 page 28 the message on the in-
strument panel display can be shown.
Conditions of operation
Behaviour at the wheel is only evaluated at
speeds of above 65 km/h (40 mph).
Switching on and off
The system can be switched on or off in the
Assistants menu. If an assistance system
is switched on, this is indicated with a
“mark”.
Limited operation
The tiredness detection function is subject to
certain limitations. Therefore it is possible
that in some driving situations behaviour at
the wheel cannot be correctly interpreted.
E.g. in the following situations:
● at speeds lower than 65 km/h (40 mph),
● in sections with corners,
● on roads in poor condition, ●
in the event of
adverse weather conditions,
● when a sporty driving style is employed,
● in the event of a major distraction for the
driver,
The tir

edness 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.
Dynamic Chassis control (DCC)*
Operation and contr
ol Fig. 228
In the centre console: button for set-
tin g the dy
n

amic chassis control. » 233
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
DCC continuously adapts the suspension to
the c ondition of
the r
oad and current driving
conditions, according to the pre-set pro-
gramme.
Steering is also adapted in the “Sport” pro-
gramme.
ProgrammeDriving recommendations
“COMFORT” C
Adjust it to the most comfortable set-
ting, for example, driving on surfaces
in poor condition, or making long
trips.
“NORMAL”Balanced setting, suitable, for exam-
ple, for day-to-day use.
“SPORT” SSport setting for sporty style driving Select a program
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press the C  S butt
on r
epeatedly until the
desired programme is displayed.
The “NORMAL” programme is active when
neither the C nor S buttons are lit up. WARNING
Switching the dynamic chassis control sys-
tem on whi l

e the vehicle is in motion could
divert your attention from the traffic and
cause accidents. WARNING
Adjusting the suspension can change driving
proper tie

s. Dynamic chassis control must
never lead to any kinds of risk.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. Note
If the dynamic chassis control does not oper-
ate a s

described in this chapter, go to an au-
thorised workshop and request it be checked. Note
In case of a fault in the dynamic chassis con-
tro l, the b

uttons C and S will so indicate. A
fault could the affect driving comfort. Have
the system checked by a specialised work-
shop. Tyre monitoring systems
Intr oduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre
pr
e
s

sure of each wheel during driving using
the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor
the tyre tread perimeter and vibrations of
each tyre. 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 236.
Suitable use of the adjustment button
››› page 236. WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres
ma y

lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to
tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are m
aintained 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 ty
res are cold at all times
››› page 292.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyr
es. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold. 234

Driver assistance systems
●
Re gu
larly check your tyres for damage and
wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator
b utt on c

ould result in the indicator giving er-
roneous messages or prevented from indicat-
ing the danger caused by a defective tyre
››› page 236. CAUTION
● The tyr e

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 236.
● Do not damage the valves when changing
the tyre
s ››› page 236. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
con s

umption and tyre wear. Note
● Do not on ly

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 ty
r

es only when the tyres have not
been pierced by these.
● The tyre monitoring system is set to the
tyre pr
essure recommended by the manufac-
turer and indicated on the label ››› Fig. 252. Elements of the tyre monitoring indi-
cat
or
Tyre monitoring indicator with button.
See ››› page 236. 
Control lamp  on the instrument panel.

 SET button on the centre console.

Monitoring the tread of all tyres using ABS sensors
(indirect measurement). 
Adjustable medium and full-load tyre pressures.

Button to update the system when the tyre pressure is
changed. Control lamp

Blinks or lights up
The tyre pres-
sure of a wheel
has dropped
considerably in
relation to the
pressure set by
the driver
››› page 236.  Stop the vehicle!
Reduce your
speed immediately! Stop the vehicle
safely as soon as possible. Avoid
sudden manoeuvres and braking!
Check all tyres and pressures. Re-
place any damaged tyres.
System malfunc-
tion.
Consult a specialised workshop if
the tyre pressure is correct and the
lamp remains lit after switching the
ignition off and back on again. Have
the system checked there. Several warning and indication lamps light
up f
or 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
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 105. WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sur e

s or at a pressure that is too low then a
tyre may be damaged resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle and a serious or fatal
accident. » 235
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
If the w arnin
g lamp  lights up, stop im-
mediately and check the tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sure
s or if a tyre pressure is too low, this will
increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehi-
cle stability and increasing braking distan-
ces.
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or
a tyre pr
essure is too low, a tyre may be dam-
aged and burst resulting in a loss of control
of the vehicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that
all
of the vehicle tyres are correctly inflated
to the right pressure. The recommended tyre
pressure is indicated on the label ››› Fig. 252.
● The tyre monitoring system can only oper-
ate corr
ectly if all of the tyres are inflated to
the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure
can dam
age them and result in an accident.
Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate
tyre
s to the correct pressure.
● If tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is
subj
ect to greater forces and it may be heated
to such an extent that the tread can rupture
and the tyre will burst.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed,
the tyre
s can overheat and burst resulting in
a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduc
e the useful life of the tyre, affect-
ing vehicle performance. ●
If a ty r

e has not been “punctured” and does
not have to be changed immediately, drive to
the nearest specialised workshop at a moder-
ate speed and have the tyre checked and in-
flated to the correct pressure. Tyre monitoring indicatortyre monitor-
ing indic
at

or Fig. 229
Detailed view of the centre console:
b utt
on f

or the tyre pressure monitoring indi-
cator The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel
r
ev
o

lutions 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 vehic
le is unbalanced because of a
load
● If the wheels on an axle are subject to a
heavier lo
ad (e.g. when towing a trailer).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains
● The wheel on one axle is changed
There ma
y be a delay in the reaction of the
tyre monitoring indicator  or it may not in-
dicate 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. 229 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. 251.
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 288. Press
the tyre monitoring indicator button to con-
firm the new pressure value. Note
An incorrect warning may be given when
sno w c

hains are in use because the chains in-
crease the tread of the wheel. 236

Towing bracket device
Towing bracket device
Driv in
g w
ith a trailer
Introduction Always be aware of the legal requirements for
eac
h c

ountry 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.
Drawbar 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 deactivated when a trailer is connected. For
to
w hit

ches not installed by SEAT, the Start-
Stop function must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dash panel be-
fore driving with a trailer and it must remain
off for the entire journey ››› .
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will
endan g

er in their life and is against the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause
acc ident

s and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in perfect condition
and correctly
installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a re-
vers
ing collision, injury to pedestrians and
cyclists when parking, always keep the ball
joint in when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distrib-
utes
the load” or “balances the load”. Your
vehicle has not been designed for this type of
tow hitch. The tow hitch may fail and the
trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or lar g

e objects can affect vehicle handling
and even cause an accident. ●
Alw a

ys secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
over
turn more easily than those with a low
centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
brakin
g.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously
.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you ob-
serve the tr
ailer rocking from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when tow
ing a trailer (or 100 km/h [62 mph]
in exceptional circumstances). This also ap-
plies in countries where higher speeds are
permitted. Always take the speed limits for
vehicles with and without trailers in each
country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow
hitc h th

at was not installed by SEAT, the
Start-Stop function must be manually deacti-
vated. Otherwise, this could cause a braking
anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop
function when a tr
ailer is being used on a tow
hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. » 237
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Note
● Alw a
ys turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 119. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may
erroneously activate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for
the first
1,000 km or 600 miles) ››› page 247.
● At SEAT, we recommend folding in the tow
hitch b
all when a trailer is not being used. In
case of a rear collision, the damage caused to
the vehicle with the extended tow hitch ball
could be more extensive.
● In some models, a tow hitch is necessary
for to
wing vehicles. For this reason, you
should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all
times. Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a
fact
or
y-fitted tow-
ing bracket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer.
Only use an approved tow hitch for the gross
trailer weight rating. The tow hitch must be
suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and
must be securely fitted to the vehicle chassis.
Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the
tow hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never
fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the
load” or “balances the load”. Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a t

ow hitch or its attachments to the
bumper. A tow hitch should never interfere
with the bumper performance. Do not modify
the exhaust system and brake system. Regu-
larly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should always have sufficient coolant
and to be able to cope with the vehicle and
trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system,
please note the relevant legal requirements.
The trailer braking system should never be
connected to the vehicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 240.
Trailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the cor-
responding standards ››› page 240.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle electric system. In case of any
doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a specialised workshop. SEAT rec-
ommends
visiting a technical service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer
cannot be seen using the standard wing mir-
rors of the towing vehicle, additional wing
mirrors are required according to the legal re-
quirements of each country. The wing mirrors
must be fitted before driving and must pro-
vide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
DevicesMaximum power
Side lights and rear lights50 Watts
Turn signal (each side)54 Watts
Brake lights (total)84 Watts
Reversing lights (total)42 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the trai l

er may separate from the vehicle
causing an accident with serious consequen-
ces. 238