2016 Seat Alhambra technical data

Air conditioning
heat-sensitive, they may be damaged or
ma
de u
nsuitable for use by the air coming
from the air vents. Note
The air from the vents flows through the vehi-
c le int

erior and out through the outlets below
the rear window. The slots must not be cov-
ered with items of clothing or other objects. Air recirculation
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient
air fr
om ent
erin

g the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high,
selecting manual air recirculation mode for a
short period refreshes the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is
switched off when the  button is press-
ed or the air distributor turned to  ››› .
Sw it
c

hing the recirculation mode on and off
manually on the air conditioning (Electronic
manual air conditioning) 
Switching on: press the button  until the
lamp on the button lights up.
Switching off: press the button  until the
lamp on the button switches off. Switching the recirculation mode on and off
manual

ly on the Climatronic 
Switching on: press the button  until the
lamp on the button lights up.
Switching off: press the button  until the
lamp on the button switches off.
Automatic air recirculation mode 
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in posi-
tion . If the system detects a high con-
centration of hazardous substances in the
ambient air, air recirculation mode is switch-
ed on automatically. When the level of impur-
ities drops to within a normal range, recircu-
lation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.
With the following outside temperatures and
conditions the air recirculation does not
switch on automatically:
● The cooling system is switched on (the AC button is lit up) and the outside temperature
i
s
belo

w +3°C (+38°F).
● The cooling system and the windscreen
wipers
are switched off and the outside tem-
perature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the
outside temper
ature is below +15°C (+59°F).
The windscreen wiper is switched on. Switching the automatic air recirculation
mode on and off
Switc

hing on: press the button  until the
right lamp on the button lights up.
Switching off: press the button  until all
the lamps on the button are switched off.
Switching the automatic air recirculation
mode off temporarily
● Press the  button onc
e to temporarily
switch to manual air recirculation mode in
the event of unpleasant smells from outside.
The left indicator lamp turns on.
● After more than two seconds, press the 
button ag
ain to restart automatic air recircu-
lation. The right indicator lamp turns on. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Intro-
duction on pag e 176
.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air
recir
culation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not requir
ed. » 179
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Air conditioning
burn any fuel remaining in the auxiliary heat-
er .
The e
xhaust gases are also extracted from
the system.
Remote control Fig. 198
Auxiliary heater: remote control
Fig. 198Meaning
ONSwitch the auxiliary heater on.
OFFSwitch the auxiliary heater off:
AAerial.
BLight. The auxiliary heater may accidentally switch
on if
a b
utt

on is pressed on the remote con-
trol by mistake. This may also occur outside
the range of the remote control or if the light
flashes. Remote control light
The remote c

ontrol light provides users with
different information at the push of a button:
Battery light
Fig. 198 BMeaning
Lights up green for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater has been
switched on using the ON but-
ton.
Lights up red for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater has been
switched off using the OFF but-
ton.
Slowly flashes green
for around two sec-
onds.No on a)
signal has been re-
ceived.
Quickly flashes green
for around two sec-
onds.The auxiliary heater is locked.
Possible causes: the fuel tank
is almost empty, the battery
charge is very low or there is a
fault.
Flashes red for
around two seconds.No off a)
signal has been re-
ceived.
Lights up orange for
around two seconds,
then green or red.The remote control battery is
almost flat. However, the on or
off signal has been received,
respectively.
Lights up orange for
around two seconds,
then flashes green or
red.The remote control battery is
almost flat. The on or off signal
has not been received, respec-
tively.
Battery light
Fig. 198 BMeaning
Flashes orange for
around five seconds.The remote control battery is
flat. The on or off signal has
not been received, respective-
ly.
a)
Within its range, the remote control might not receive the sig-
nal sent by the vehicle receiver. In this case, the remote control
will send an error message whether the auxiliary heater is on or
off. Come closer to the vehicle and press the corresponding but-
ton on the remote control once again.
Replacing the remote control battery
If the light ›››
Fig. 198 B on the remote con-
tr o
l

does not come on when the button is
pressed, the remote control battery should
soon be replaced.
The battery is located beneath a cover on the
back of the remote control. Turn the slot to
the left using a flat, blunt object (e.g. a coin).
When changing the battery, use another bat-
tery of the same model and observe the po-
larity when fitting it ››› .
R an
g

e
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle.
The remote control, when fitted with new bat-
teries, has a range of several hundred me-
tres. Obstacles between the remote control
and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and
discharged batteries can considerably reduce
the range of the remote control. »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Operating instructions The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
below the
v
ehicle must be kept clear of snow,
mud and other objects. The exhaust gases
must not be obstructed in any way. The ex-
haust gases generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted under-
neath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on
the outside temperature the warm air is first
directed at the windscreen and then to the
rest of the vehicle interior through the air
vents. If the air vents are turned towards the
windows, for example, the form of air distri-
bution may be affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the
temperature at which the auxiliary heater
warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat
higher if the heating or air conditioner tem-
perature control is set to maximum before
switching the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with aux-
iliary heater may be fitted with a second bat-
tery in the luggage compartment that is re-
sponsible for powering the auxiliary heater.
When will the auxiliary heater will not switch
on?
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
much po w

er as the dipped beam headlights.
If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heat- er will switch off automatically or will not
even swit

ch on. This avoids problems when
starting the engine.
● The heater will switch on just once each
time. The timer wi
ll also have to be switched
back on every time it is required. Note
● Noise w i

ll be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the out-
side temper
ature low, the heating system
may evaporate condensation from the auxili-
ary heater. In this case, steam may be re-
leased from underneath the vehicle. This is
completely normal and there is no need to
suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times
over a pr
olonged period, the vehicle battery
may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive
the vehicle for a long distance. As a general
rule, drive for as much time as the auxiliary
heating was working. Driving
Ad dr
e

ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h

anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing system is that it disposes of hydraulic
tubes, hydraulic oil, the pump, filter and oth-
er components. The electromechanical sys-
tem saves fuel. While a hydraulic system re-
quires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy
when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning. WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the
st eerin

g wheel is much more difficult to turn
and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may » 183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Counter steering assistance system
The c ou
nt
er steering assistance system helps
the driver in critical situations. Additional
steering power helps the driver when counter
steering. WARNING
The counter steering assistance system com-
bined w ith E

SC helps the driver to steer the
vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all
times, it is the driver who steers the vehicle.
The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle. Stopping and starting the en-
gine
Intr oduction Immobiliser display
When an in
v
alid k

ey is used or in the event of
a system fault,  or Immobiliser on is
displayed on the instrument panel. The en-
gine cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make
st op

ping the vehicle difficult; this could even
result in the loss of control causing an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems,
the airbag sys
tem, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehic
le is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
cou l

d help reduce the risk of serious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly v
entilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is
running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
coul
d explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y

high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. Ignition lock
Fig. 199
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 23 »
185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Opening the driver's door when ex
itin g the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled
››› page 183.
Switching the ignition on/off
● Briefly push the start-up button ›››
Fig. 200
without touching the brake or clutch ped-
al ››› .
Emer g
ency

starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the vehicle key battery is very low or
flat:
● Immediately after pushing the start-up but-
ton, keep the
vehicle key next to the steering
column ››› Fig. 201.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not stop after briefly press-
ing the start-up button, an emergency dis-
connect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 1 sec-
ond or pres
s it once for more than 2 seconds
››› .
● The engine turns off automatically. Engine restart feature
If
no
v

alid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s

ult in serious injury.
● When pressing the start-up button, do not
pre
ss the brake or clutch pedal, this way the
engine will start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar

e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
In diesel vehicles with the Keyless Access
sys t

em, there may be a delay in the engine
starting if it requires preheating. Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence
given:
Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
1.Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5 is per- formed.
1a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press and
hold the clutch down until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position P or N.
3.
Only in vehicles with
diesel engines: for pre-
heating, turn the key in the ignition lock to po-
sition ››› Fig. 199 2
. A
control lamp lights up
on the dash panel
.

4.
Turn the key in the igni- tion lock to position
››› Fig. 199 3
; do not
press the accelerator.
Press the starter button ››› Fig. 200; do not
press the accelerator. There needs to be a
valid key inside the ve- hicle for the engine to start.
5.Once the engine starts,release the key in the ignition lock.Once the engine starts,release the start-up button.
» 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
●
If the k ey
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
f or a pr o

longed 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 v ehic

les 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
s
t
ar

ted 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 autom

atically 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 117.
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 112.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is displayed
on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot
be started in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guarant eed when origin

al SEAT keys are
used. Braking and parking
Intr oduction The a
ssisted 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). WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty
brak e sy

stem may lead to serious accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a
warnin
g 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 v ehic

le 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 exhau
st 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 l
eave your vehicle and when you
park.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle. 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 le
ave the vehicle. The engine could acci-
dentally be started and electrical equipment
such as the windows could accidentally be
operated resulting in serious injury. » 189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Flashes 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 specialised workshop,
as it may not be possible to park
the vehicle in safety. 
It flashes yellow
ESC or ASR regulat-
ing.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
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
Driving with brakes in bad condition could re-
su lt

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 282,
Checking the brake fluid level.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up t
o-
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
warnin
g 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. Electronic parking brake
Fig. 202
Detailed view of the centre console:
el ectr
onic

parking brake switch Applying the electronic parking brake
The p
ark
in

g brake can be applied whenever
the vehicle is at a standstill, even when the
ignition is switched off. Always apply the
parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
● Pull button  until the control lamp
 on
the b utt
on lights

up.
● The parking brake is applied when the con-
trol
lamp  lights up on the instrument pan-
el ››› page 190.
Disengaging the electronic parking brake ● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button  . At the same time, press
the br ak
e ped

al hard or gently press the ac-
celerator pedal with the engine switched on. »
191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Spec i

al 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 entranc
es, 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. Information on the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200
mi
l
e

s), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to
be “run in” first ››› . The slightly reduced
br ak in

g effect can be compensated for by in-
creasing pressure on the brake pedal. While
running in, the full braking distance or emer- gency braking distance is larger
then when
the brake p
ads have been run in. While run-
ning in, avoid full power braking or situations
requiring braking performance. For example,
in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends
to a great extent on the conditions in which
the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is
driven. If the vehicle is used frequently in city
traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more
frequently than advised in the Maintenance
Programme, to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, in heavy rainfall
or even after washing the car, the effect of
the brakes is lessened as the brake discs are
wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possi-
ble by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind
you or any other road users ››› .
A l a
y

er of salt on the discs and brake pads
will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes
and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a prolonged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the
v

ehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt onthe brake pads. If the brakes are not used fre-
quently, or if ru

st has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
F au
lt

s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. The  warning lamp lights up and a
text message displayed. Take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop immediately and have
the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed
and be prepared to use more pressure on the
brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the ve-
hicle must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate ››› .
»
193Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety