2016 Seat Alhambra service

Checking and refilling levels
●
Never ent er 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
obj
ects with slow combustion (e.g. ciga-
rettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnet-
ic ra
diation when refuelling.
● Observe the safety regulations of the serv-
ice st
ation.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the lug-
gage c
ompartment. WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend
carr y

ing 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 t
o 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. –
Alw a

ys 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
● Alw a

ys 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 en
gine 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
circ
umstances should you refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other
type of
diff

erent 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-
l ect an

y spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the
manua l

release of the fuel tank flap. If neces-
sary, request assistance from specialised per-
sonnel. 265
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
● Do not c
ontinue t
o 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. WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle
ha s

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
● Alw a

ys 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
Intr oduction You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing
inf
orm
ation on the type of

fuel for your vehi-
cle on the inside of the fuel tank flap. WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can
cau se an e

xplosion or fire resulting in serious
burns and injuries.
● Fuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable
subs
tance.
● 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
v
ehic

le'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 fuel
91 a)
RONNormal petrol, normal unleaded
petrol ››› page 267
95 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (95 RON)
››› page 267
98 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol 98
››› page 267
Possible types of fuel
Diesel››› page 268
a)
RON = Regulation Octane Number
Petrol Petrol types
Vehic
l

es with petrol engines must refuel us-
ing unleaded petrol according to European
norm EN 228 ››› .
P etr
o

l 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. »
267
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tiv e
s
is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added
when refuelling ››› .
Not al
l

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 ››› .
S EA
T r

ecommends “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 r ef

uel 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, otherw
ise 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
damag
e the engine. ●
If, in e x

ceptional 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
Die
sel
f

uel 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 ››› .
Y our t
ec

hnical 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 ex

ample, 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.
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 ºF), 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.
268

Checking and refilling levels
Auxiliary heater
V ehic
l
es 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
boos t

er could explode or cause a sudden rise
in engine speed leading to engine damage
and serious injury. CAUTION
● The v ehic

le 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 pr
oducer 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
d

amage the fuel system and the en-
gine.
● The use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur
percent
age 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-
c
at
ed 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 cycle
Measurement of the urban cycle
starts with an engine cold start. City
driving is simulated below at be-
tween 0 and 50 km/h (31 mph).
Road cycle
In the road cycle simulation, the car
undergoes frequent acceleration and
braking in all gears, as in normal ev-
eryday driving. The road speed rang-
es from 0 to 120 km/h (0 to 75 mph).
Combined
The average combined consumption
is calculated with a weighting of
around 37 % for the urban cycle and
63 % for the road cycle.
CO 2 emissions
of the combina-
tion
The exhaust gases are collected dur-
ing both driving cycles to calculate
carbon dioxide emissions (urban and
road). The gas composition is then
analysed to evaluate the CO 2 content
and other emissions. Note
● The kerb w eight

may vary according to the
vehicle equipment. This could raise consump-
tion and the CO 2 emissions slightly.
● In practice, consumption values could be
different
to the values calculated based on
the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regula-
tions. 269
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Selective catalytic reduction*
(AdBlue) Intr oduction In vehicles with “Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion”, a spec
i
al urea solution (AdBlue) is in-
jected into the exhaust gas system in front of
the catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen ox-
ide emissions.
The consumption of AdBlue depends on indi-
vidual driving style, the temperature at which
the system operates and the outside temper-
ature where the vehicle is driven.
AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the
vehicle and should be refilled at an official
supplier. The AdBlue tank holds about 17 li-
tres.
The AdBlue fill level must be checked when
the vehicle is being serviced. WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle
ma y

not restart after switching the ignition
off. The emergency start or jump start will not
be possible either!
● Top up with AdBlue at the latest 1,000 km
or 600 mile
s before it runs out.
● Do not allow the AdBlue to run too low. WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can
cau se injurie

s if it touches the skin, eyes or
respiratory organs.
● If AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin,
rinse for at
least 15 minutes with plenty of
water and seek medical help.
● If the AdBlue is swallowed, wash your
mouth with pl
enty of water for at least 15 mi-
nutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless
recommended by a Doctor. Seek medical ad-
vice immediately. CAUTION
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted ve-
hicl e p

arts, plastic, items of clothing and car-
pets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as
quickly as possible using a damp cloth and
plenty of cold water.
● If the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with
warm wat
er and a sponge. Warning and indication lamps

It lights up red
The engine can-
not be restarted!
The level of
AdBlue is too
low.Stop the vehicle in a suitable, safe
and flat area then top up with the
minimum quantity of AdBlue re-
quired
››› page 271. 
It lights up red
together with

The engine can-
not be restarted!
AdBlue system
malfunction.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there.

It lights up yellow
The AdBlue re-
serve is low.Refill AdBlue over the next kilome-
tres or miles as indicated
››› page 271. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialised workshop. 
It lights up yellow
together with

There is a fault
in the AdBlue
system or un-
suitable AdBlue
fluid has been
used.
Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there.
Several warning and indication lamps should
light
up f
or a f

ew seconds when the ignition
is switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds.
270

Advice
Opening the tank filling neck
● Open the rear lid.
● Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise
› ›
›
Fig. 237 and open the cover forwards.
● Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ›››
Fig. 238
1 anticlockwise.
R efi
l
ling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT
and that complies with ISO 22241-1 Stand-
ard. Only use genuine bottles.
● Observe the instructions and information
prov
ided by the refill bottle manufacturer.
● Observe the expiry date.
● Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
● Place the refill bottle 2 upside down in-
s ide the t
ank

filler neck.
● Press the refill bottle against the filler neck
and keep in this
position.
● Add at least 5.0 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles).
A lower quantity
would be insufficient.
● Wait until the contents of the refill bottle
have been pour
ed into the AdBlue tank. Do
not crush or damage the bottle!
● Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and
remov
e it carefully ››› .
● You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full
bec au
se the bottl

e will be empty. Closing the tank filling neck
●
Screw on the tank filler neck cap ›››
Fig. 238
1 clockwise until it is fully inserted.
● Place the cover and turn the shut off anti-
c loc
k

wise to close it.
Operations before driving
● Only switch the ignition on after refilling.
● Keep the ignition sw

itch on for at least 30
seconds
so that the system detects tank re-
filling.
● Wait 30 seconds before starting the en-
gine! WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container,
tightly shut and in a s

afe place.
● Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bot-
tles
or other containers to avoid other people
mistaking it for something else.
● Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small
chil
dren. CAUTION
● Only r

efill using AdBlue expressly approved
by SEAT. The use of any other type of AdBlue
could cause engine damage!
● AdBlue should never be mixed with water
or any other a
dditives. Any type of damage
caused by a mixture will not be covered by
the warranty. ●
Do not a d

d AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank!
Otherwise you may damage the engine.
● Never leave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It
coul
d become permeable due to temperature
changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue
could damage the vehicle interior. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-
friendly manner

. Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be pur-
ch a

sed from a technical service centre. Working in the engine compart-
ment
Intr oduction Before working in the engine compartment,
m
ak
e s

ure that the vehicle is parked on hori-
zontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a
hazardous area. Never work on the engine or
in the engine compartment if you are not fa-
miliar with the operations to be carried out,
the applicable safety standards and especial-
ly if you do not have the necessary instru-
ments, liquids and tools ››› ! Have the work
272

Advice
risk from rotating parts, such as the drive
belts, a
lt
ernator, radiator fan, etc., as well as
from the high-voltage ignition system. Al-
ways work with the utmost caution.
– Always make sure that no parts of your
body, jewellery, ties, loose clothing and
long hair can be trapped by the rotating
parts of the engine. Before any work, re-
move ties and jewellery (necklaces, etc),
tie long hair back and tie all items of
loose clothing to your body to make sure
that they cannot be trapped by engine
components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the
accelerator and remain attentive. The ve-
hicle could move, even with the electron-
ic parking brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any ob-
jects, s
uch as cleaning cloths and tools, in
the engine compartment. If any object is left
in the engine compartment, this could cause
malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire. WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch
fire e a

sily in the engine compartment, caus-
ing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to
flames
or sparks.
● Never pour service fluids over the engine.
These fluid ma
y ignite hot engine parts and
cause injuries. ●
If it i

s necessary to work on the fuel system
or the electrical system, please follow the in-
structions below:
–Always disconnect the vehicle battery.
When disconnecting the battery, ensure
that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise
the anti-theft alarm will be triggered.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources
or places exposed to flames or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and per-
fectly w
orking fire extinguisher close by.
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire! CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids,
ens ur

e that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment . F

or this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil
or other fluids on the ground. Collect any
spilt service fluids and allow a professional to
dispose of them. Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 239
In the footwell on the driver side:
L ev
er f

or unlocking the bonnet Fig. 240
Release lever to open the bonnet in
the r a
di

ator grille Opening the bonnet
The l
ev
er t

o open the bonnet can only be
used if the driver door is open.
274

Advice
The checking and refilling of service fluids
ar e c
arried out
on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 272.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restric-
tions on the technical data are contained as
of ››› page 298
Engine oil Introduction WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause in-
jury and seriou

s burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling
engine oil
.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the
reac
h of children.
● Engine oil should only be kept in its origi-
nal
packaging; the same goes for used oil un-
til it is disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food con-
tainers
or bottles as other people may acci-
dentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad
for the skin. If
you come into contact with en-
gine oil, wash your skin with soap and water. ●
With the en gine ru

nning, the engine oil
gets extremely hot and can cause severe skin
burns. Always wait until the engine has fully
cooled. For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled
en gine oi l

can be bad for the environment.
Collect these liquids in suitable containers
and dispose of them while respecting the en-
vironment. Warning and indication lamps

It lights up
Insufficient en-
gine oil.Switch the ignition off. Check the en-
gine oil level
››› page 277. 
Flashes
Engine oil sen-
sor faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor checked.
Meanwhile, check the oil level man-
ually. 
Flashes
Engine oil pres-
sure too low.

Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the en-
gine oil level.
- If the warning lamp flashes al-
though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving or leave the engine
running. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. Seek specialist
assistance. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 105. Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply
w
ith the s
pec

ifications.
The correct oil must be used to ensure the
correct operation and long service life of the
engine. The engine comes with a high-quality
multigrade oil that can generally be used all
year round.
Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT
standards whenever possible ››› . If you
w i
sh t

o maintain the long-life service dura-
tion, only engine oils approved for this serv-
ice according to the corresponding VW stand-
ard ( ›››
 table on page 40) may be used.
All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade
oils.
276