2016 Seat Alhambra suspension

Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet
grou nd c
an result in loss of vehicle control
and serious injury to the driver and passen-
gers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Even though the brake assist systems, ABS,
BAS, EDL, ASR and ESC, provide more securi-
ty, do not take unnecessary risks while driv-
ing.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the
law
s of physics. Even with ESC and other sys-
tems, slippery and wet roads will always be
dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result
in the wheels lo
sing contact with the ground
in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without
adherence, it is impossible to brake, steer or
control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid acci-
dents if
, for example, the driver does not re-
spect safety distances or drives to quickly in
difficult conditions.
● Even though brake assist systems are ex-
tremely eff
ective and help control the vehicle
in difficult situations, remember that the ve-
hicle stability depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface,
for ex
ample on ice or snow, press the acceler-
ator carefully. The wheels can still slip even
with brake assist systems resulting in loss of
vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC can be consider-
ably r

educed if other components and sys-
tems affecting driving dynamics are not main-
tained or are not functioning correctly. This
includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other
components
to the vehicle can affect opera-
tion of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using
unap
proved wheel/tyre combinations can af-
fect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and
ESC, as well as their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC depends
on the use of s
uitable tyres ››› page 288. Note
● To en s

ure that the ESC and ASR work prop-
erly, all four wheels must be fitted with iden-
tical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radi-
us of the tyres can cause the system to re-
duce engine power when this is not desired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS,
the ESC, EDL and ASR w
ill also be out of ac-
tion.
● Noises may be heard while any of the
above sy
stems are operating. Switching ASR on and off
Fig. 206
Detailed view of the centre console:
b utt
on u

sed to switch ASR on and off (vehi-
cles with ESC) The electronic stability control ESC consists
of
ABS, EDL
and ASR and on

ly works when
the engine is running.
The ASR can be switched off while the engine
is running by pressing the  OFF
› ›
› Fig. 206
b

utton. The ASR (and similar) is only switch-
ed off when the required traction is not ob-
tained:
● When driving through deep snow or on
loose grou
nd (gravel, etc.).
● When “freeing” a trapped vehicle.
Turn the ASR bac
k on by pressing the but-
ton  OFF
›
› ›
Fig. 206
.
207
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

Care and maintenance
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
corr ectly

performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT ap
proved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a s
pecialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions a
s the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action. ●
Only u

se wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Serv
ic

e before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A technical
service centre will advise you as to the legal
requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts
and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories and genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition the techni-
cal service centre will guarantee that the as-
sembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suita-
ble for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot ac-
cept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspec-
tion office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv- en must be approved by SEAT for use in your
vehic
l

e and bear the e mark (the European
Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically con-
trolled suspension.
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the  mark (European
Union manufacturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the v ehic

le may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their ra
dius of action, could lead to se-
rious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Service fluids and components
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, s
uc h a

s
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
247
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
●
All
repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop. Repairs and malfunctions in the air-
bag sy
s

tem When performing repairs and technical mod-
ification
s,

SEAT's directives must be ob-
served! ››› Modifications and repairs to the front bump-
er
, door
s, fr

ont seats, and repairs to the roof
or chassis should only be carried out in a
specialised workshop. These components
may contain parts or sensors belonging to
the airbag system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or
parts have to be removed and fitted on the
system when performing other repair work,
parts of the airbag system may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of
an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or
does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not
reduced and that removed parts do not cause
any injuries or environmental pollution, regu-
lations must be observed. These require-
ments are known to specialised workshops.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may
affect the operation of the airbag system in
the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT
are used, or if

the vehicle height is lowered,
the suspension is stiffened or the suspension
springs, telescopic arms, dampers, etc., are
modified, the results received by the airbag
sensors and sent to the control unit may not
be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the
force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in colli-
sions. Under normal conditions, the meas-
ured values would be lower and the airbag
would not have been triggered. Other modifi-
cations may reduce the forces measured by
the sensors and prevent the airbags from be-
ing triggered when they should. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed c orr

ectly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the airbag systems. This could
result in serious or fatal accidents.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should on
ly be performed by a specialised
workshop.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if
damag
ed, they must be replaced.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag compo-
nents in
your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, in-
cludin g the u

se of unauthorised wheel and
tyre combinations, may affect the perform-
ance of the airbags and increase the risk of
serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
● Never fit suspension components which are
not identica
l to the original parts in the vehi-
cle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not
appro
ved by SEAT. Retrofitting of mobile phones
An exterior aerial is required for the use of
tw
o-w
a

y radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic ap-
pliances in the vehicle is subject to their ap-
proval for use in your vehicle. Under certain
circumstances, this could mean that your ve-
hicle registration documents are no longer
valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with
two-way radios providing the following condi-
tions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted pro-
fes
sionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10
watts. »
249
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
●
Ty r
es must be replaced before the wear in-
dicators are at the same level as the tread
pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip,
espec
ially on wet surfaces, increasing the
risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle
more difficu
lt in normal or difficult driving
conditions, increasing the braking distance
and the risk of skidding. Tyre damage
Damage to wheels and tyres is often invisible
t
o the n
ak

ed eye. If you notice unusual vibra-
tion or the car pulling to one side, this may
indicate that one of the tyres is damaged
››› .
● Slow down immediately if you think you
h av
e a d

amaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek
qualified ass
istance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive
slowly
and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have
penetrated thr
ough the tyre wall! ●
If the v
ehicle comes with a tyre mobility
system, where necessary seal the damaged
tyre as shown in section ››› page 85. Use a
specialised workshop for repair or replace-
ment. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership for this.
The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread
wraps around the foreign body and provision-
ally seals the tyre.
Tyre wear
The wear of tyres depends on a number of
factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings.
Driving
style: Driving round bends quickly or
sudden acceleration or braking speed accel-
erates tyre wear. When the driving style is
normal, if the tyres wear too quickly, have the
running gear settings checked at a special-
ised workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles
are balanced. However, certain circumstan-
ces may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is
detected as vibrations in the steering wheel.
Run-out leads to wear of the steering and
suspension. In the event of run out, the
wheels should be balanced again. When a
new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced
again. Running gear settings
: an incorrectly
posi-
tioned running gear increases the wear of
tyres and affects your safety while driving. If
tyres wear too quickly, have the wheel align-
ment checked at a specialised workshop. WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls
to one s ide whi

le driving, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while
obser
ving the highway code.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or
wheels. Reque
st qualified assistance immedi-
ately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive
slowly
and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked. 294