2017 Seat Alhambra ignition

Operation
12 volt power socket
The 12 v
o
lt power socket will only work with
the ignition on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine
stopped and the ignition switched on will
drain the battery. Therefore, electrical devi-
ces connected to the power socket can only
be used when the engine is running.
To prevent voltage variations from causing
damage, switch off the electrical consumer
connected to the 12 volt power socket before
switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
12 volt power sockets can be found in the fol-
lowing locations in the vehicle:
● Compartment in the centre of the centre
conso
le.
● Compartment in the front centre console.
● Storage compartment in the front central
armres
t.
● Rear centre console ›››
Fig. 193.
● At the rear right of the luggage compart-
ment.
230 V

olt Euro power socket*
The power socket only works when the en-
gine is running ››› .
C onn e

cting an electrical appliance: plug the
device into the power socket as far as possi-
ble to unlock the built-in childproof lock. The current only flows when the childproof lock is
unloc

ked.
LED on the power socket ››› Fig. 194
Steady green light:The childproof lock is un-
locked. The power socket can
now be used.
Flashing red light:There is some kind of fault
(e.g. disconnection due to ex-
cess current or temperature). Heat protection
The 230
V
o

lt Euro power connector converter
switches off automatically when a certain
temperature is exceeded. This disconnect
prevents overheating in the event of an in-
crease in power consumption of the connec-
ted appliance and where the atmospheric
temperature is too high. The inverter will
switch on again automatically after it has
cooled down. Appliances that are switched
on and connected to the power socket will
start up again. Therefore, switch off all elec-
trical appliances connected to the power
socket when the current converter switches
off due to overheating. WARNING
High voltage in the electrical installation!
● Liquids must not be spilt over the power
sock et

. ●
Do not p lug a

dapters or extension cords in-
to the 230 Volt Euro power connector. Other-
wise, the built-in child safety device will
switch off and the connector will become live.
● Do not plug current conductors such as a
knitting needle int
o the 230 Volt Euro power
connector. CAUTION
● Alw a

ys follow the operating instructions for
the appliances to be connected!
● Never exceed the maximum power rating as
this c
ould damage the vehicle's general elec-
trical system.
● 12 volt power socket:
– Only u

se accessories with approved elec-
tromagnetic compatibility according to
current regulations.
– Never power the socket.
● 230 Volt Euro power socket:
– Do not plug in dev

ices or connectors that
are too heavy (e.g. a transformer) into the
power socket.
– Do not connect lamps which contain a ne-
on tube.
– Only plug appliances with a voltage that
matches the power socket voltage into
the power socket.
– Where devices have with a high start-up
current, surge protection prevents them
from switching on. In this case, unplug 172

Air conditioning
Switching off: pr e
s s the button  until the
lamp on the button switches off.
Switching the recirculation mode on and off
manually 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 ACbutton 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 coolin
g system is switched off and the
outside temperature is below +15°C (+59°F).
The windscreen wiper is switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation
mode on and off
Switching 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 173
.
● 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. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
swit c

hed on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
Climatronic: air recirculation mode switches
on to pr ev

ent exhaust gas from entering the
vehicle interior when it is in reverse and
while the automatic windscreen wipers are
working. Auxiliary heater* (additional
he
at
er)
Intr

oduction The auxiliary heater is powered by fuel from
the
v
ehic

le's fuel tank and can be used while
the vehicle is in motion and at a standstill.
Select the mode required ( heat or fan )
››› page 179 on the dash panel.
In winter, the auxiliary heater can be used in
heat mode before switching on the ignition
to remove any ice, mist or snow from the
windscreen (thin layers only). »
177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Before pr ogramming, check that the day is
c orr
ectly set in the Auxiliary heater -
day of the week menu ››› .
En ab
lin

g the Auxiliary heater menu on
the instrument panel
● From the main menu, select the Auxili-
ary heater submenu and pre

ss the OK button on the windscreen wiper lever.
● OR: pr ess the  or
 arrow buttons on the
mu ltif
u

nction steering wheel until the Aux-
iliary heater menu is displayed.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
Switching
on
Switching
off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come
on automatically if required. To do so,
select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a
timer has been selected, Prog. ON
will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the dash
panel display will show Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, se-
lect another timer or select the Off
option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3
Three different timers (hh.mm) can lat-
er be selected using the On option. If
the auxiliary heater is to be switched
on for just a certain day of the week,
select the day of the week and the
time for the auxiliary heater to come
on.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
DurationThe operating time may vary between
10 and 60 minutes and can be set to
5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle in-
terior when the auxiliary heater is
switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Factory
settingsThe predefined factory values for the
functions of this menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu. Checking programming
If
the
timer h
a

s been switched on after
switching the ignition off, the light on button  will remain lit for around 10 seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating sys-
tem t o be activ

ated and operated in closed,
unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater
fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless
and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. 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.
180

Driving
If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heat-
er w i
l
l switch off automatically or will not
even switch 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 lock and it will not be possible to turn the
st
eerin

g wheel. Control and warning lamps

It lights up red
Power steering faul-
ty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.

It lights up yellow
Power steering op-
eration reduced.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine and
driving for a short distance, the
yellow warning lamp no longer
comes on, it will
not be necessa-
ry to take the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop.
The vehicle battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Drive for a short distance at
15-20 km/h (9-12 mph). 
Flashes red
Fault in the steering
column electronic
lock.
 Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.» 181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
It flashes yellow
Steering column de-
viation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not
unlocked or locked.Remove the key from the ignition
and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if
the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. 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. Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
V
ehic
l

es with Keyless Access: the steering
column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off.
Therefore, the vehicle should be at a stand-
still and, where applicable, the selector lever
in position P. If the driver door is opened before the igni-
tion is sw

itched off, the steering column elec-
tronic lock is activated via the ignition key or
the sensor built into the door handle.
Steering column mechanical lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the
steering before leaving the vehicle.
Please engage steer-
ing lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
››› page 187.Turn the steering wheel
slightly to release the
steering lock.
Remove the key from the
ignition.Insert the key in the igni-
tion lock.
Turn the steering wheel
slightly until you hear the
steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in
this position and switch
on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
W
ith the po
w

er 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.
You should remember that you will need con-
siderably more power than normal to steer
the vehicle if the power steering is not work-
ing correctly or not at all. Counter steering assistance system
The count

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.
182

Driving
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. 198
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 24
Vehicle keys
››› Fig. 198
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may
be activated.
1Ignition off, all electrical devices disconnected.
Key can be removed from the vehicle.
2Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel en-
gine. The steering lock can be unlocked.
3Switch on the engine. Release the key when the
engine has started. When it is released, the key
returns to position 2
. Key not authorised for the vehicle
If
a k
ey

which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key c
annot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: remov
e the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
cou l

d result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally » 183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
be operated which may result in serious in-
jury
.
● Nev
er leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. Passengers could be trapped
in the car in an emergency and not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel. Note
● If the k ey

is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles, the key can
only be r
emoved from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position P. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button. Starter button
Fig. 199
In the centre console: start-up push
b utt
on f

or the Keyless Access lock and start-
up system. The layout in right-hand drive ve-
hicles is symmetrical. Fig. 200
Emergency ignition in vehicles with
K eyl
e

ss Access. The start-up button may only be used if there
i
s a

valid key in the vehicle. Opening the driver's door
when exitin
g the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled
››› page 181.
Switching the ignition on/off
● Briefly push the start-up button ›››
Fig. 199
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. 200.
● 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.
184

Driving
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. 198 2
. A
control lamp lights up
on the dash panel
.

4.
Turn the key in the igni- tion lock to position
››› Fig. 198 3
; do not
press the accelerator.
Press the starter button ››› Fig. 199; 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.
Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
6.
If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again.If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again. If necessary,
perform an emergency start ››› page 184.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you
are about to start driving ››› page 187. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the en-
gine is ru

nning. The vehicle could move off
suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting
in an accident and serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sud den inc

rease in the engine speed.
● Never use start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt t

o start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard. » 185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety