2017 Seat Alhambra ABS

Driver assistance systems
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 284. 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. 205
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. 205
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. 205
. Start assist systems
Introduction WARNING
The intelligent technology in the start assist
sys t

ems cannot change the laws of physics.
The improved comfort provided by start as-
sist systems should not prompt you to take
risks.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle
coul
d cause serious injury.
● The start assist systems are not a replace-
ment for driv
er awareness.
● Always try to adapt the speed of the vehi-
cle and
your style of driving to the condition
of the ground or the road and to weather and
traffic conditions.
● The start assist system cannot keep the ve-
hicle s
tationary in all conditions on a gradi-
ent or cause it to brake on steep downhill
gradients, e.g. if the road is slippery or icy. 205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
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 233.
Suitable use of the adjustment button
››› page 233. 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 288.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyr
es. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold. » 231
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
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 233. 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 233.
● Do not damage the valves when changing
the tyre
s ››› page 233. 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. 251. Elements of the tyre monitoring indi-
cat
or
Tyre monitoring indicator with button.
See ››› page 233. 
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 233.  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 control lamps light up
f
or a f
ew sec

onds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Control
and warnin g l
amps 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. 232

Driver assistance systems
●
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. 251.
● 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 indicator
Fig. 228
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. 228 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. 250.
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 284. 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. 233
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
CAUTION
● If the r e
ar lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle electronics may
be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the v
ehicle electronics may be dam-
aged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electric
al connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources. Only use suitable
connections for providing electric current to
the trailer. Note
● To w

ing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recommend addi-
tional services between the normal inspec-
tion intervals if the vehicle is used frequently
for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extin-
guisher is
required if the trailer weight is
more than 2500 kg Electric tow hitch ball*
Fig. 229
Right-hand side of the luggage com-
p ar
tment: b

utton to electrically release the
tow hitch ball The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball
shou
l
d be fr

ee of people, animals and ob-
jects ››› .
The t o
w

ing bracket is located in the bumper.
The electric tow ball is fixed and cannot be
removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric
parkin
g brake.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the rear lid.
● Press the knob briefly ›››
Fig. 229. The tow
ball is released electronically and folds out
automatically; the button indicator will blink. ●
Move the b
all joint until it inserts and the
button control lamp lights.
● Close the rear lid.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust
guard from the b
all.
● The indicator only lights when the boot
hatc
h is open and when a trailer is not hitch-
ed.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally posi-
tion
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric
parkin
g brake.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the ca-
ble betw
een the vehicle and trailer. If neces-
sary, remove the power socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the rear lid.
● Press the knob briefly ›››
Fig. 229. The tow
ball is electronically released; the indicator
blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it
locks
in position and the button indicator
lights.
● Close the rear lid.
236

Towing bracket device
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer
c omb
in
ation Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation i
s

an extension of the electronic sta-
bility control (ESC) and helps, with the assis-
tance of the trajectory control, to reduce trail-
er “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation is active when the ESC  indicator on
the dash panel remains lit for about two sec-
onds more than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehi-
cle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manu-
fact ur

er or a compatible model is retrofitted.
● The ESC is switched on. The warning lamp
on the dash p
anel  is not lit.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using
the power soc
ket.
● It travels faster than 60 km/h (37 mph).
● The maximum drawbar load is used.
● The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
● Trailers with brakes must be equipped with
a mechanic
al inertia brake. WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the
st ab

ilisation system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. ●
Adjus t

your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care
when accel
erating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot
off the acc
elerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisa-
tion sy st

em does not correctly recognised all
driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system
does not
detect snaking of a light trailer and
thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trail-
er coul
d jack-knife despite the stabilisation
system.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip ov
er before they start to rock side-
ways.
● If a trailer is not used and the trailer power
socket
is connected (e.g. installation of a bi-
cycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic
braking may occur in extreme driving condi-
tions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 231
Measurements and attachments to
r etr
ofit

a tow hitch SEAT recommends visiting a specialised
w
ork
shop t

o retrofit a tow hitch. For example, »
241
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
●
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. 262

Advice
●
When refi l
ling liquids, avoid spilling them
on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under
specific circumstances, the ethylene glycol
can catch fire. CAUTION
● On ly fi

ll with distilled water. Any other type
of water may lead to considerable rusting in
the engine due to its chemical components.
This could consequently damage the engine.
If you have not used distilled water but an-
other type of water to top up the coolant, a
specialised workshop must immediately re-
place all of the fluid in the engine cooling
system.
● Only top up coolant to the top level of the
marked ar
ea ››› Fig. 244. Otherwise the ex-
cess coolant will be forced out of the cooling
system when the engine is hot, causing dam-
age.
● If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait
for the engine t
o cool down completely before
adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an
indication of leaks in the engine cooling sys-
tem. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a specialised workshop.
Otherwise engine damage may occur.
● When refilling service liquids, ensure that
you put
the liquids into the right tank. Mak-
ing a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! Brake fluid
Chec k
in

g the brake fluid level Fig. 246
In the engine compartment: brake
fluid r e
ser

voir cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 41
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs
water from the ambient air. If there is too
much water in the brake fluid, the brake sys-
tem could be damaged. In addition, the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too
much water and the brakes are subject to
considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour
can form in the system. These bubbles can
significantly reduce braking power, notably
increasing braking distance, and could even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
Ensuring that the brake system is always
functioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road users
›››
.
Br ak
e fluid s
pecifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid
optimised for the brake systems of their vehi-
cles. To ensure the optimum working of the
brake system, SEAT recommends the use of
brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or
another brake fluid is used for different rea-
sons, use a brake fluid that complies with the
United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
››› .
Br ak
e fluid

s conforming to the standard
VW 501 14, fulfil the American requirements
of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the
German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
However, fluids that comply with the US
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do not nec-
essarily comply with the VW 501 14 stand-
ard. Always check the information on the
brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from
technical service centres.
278