2017 Seat Alhambra maintenance

Foreword
This Instruction Manual and its correspond-
in
g s
up
plements should be read carefully to
familiarise yourself with your vehicle.
Besides the regular care and maintenance of
the vehicle, its correct handling will help pre-
serve its value.
For safety reasons, always note the informa-
tion concerning accessories, modifications
and part replacements.
If selling the vehicle, give all of the on-board
documentation to the new owner, as it
should be kept with the vehicle. You can access the information in this man-
ual us
ing:
● Thematic table of contents that follows the
manual’s g
eneral chapter structure.
● Visual table of contents that uses graphics
to indicat
e the pages containing “essential”
information, which is detailed in the corre-
sponding chapters.
● Alphabetical index with many terms and
synonyms
to help you find information. WARNING
Read and always observe safety informa-
tion conc ernin

g the passenger's front air-
bag ››› page 75, Important information
regarding the front passenger's airbag .»

Table of Contents
Park Assist system* (Park Assist) . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Rear assist* (Rear View Camera) . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Cruise control* (Cruise control system -
C C
S)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Lane Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Blind spot detector (BSD) with rear cross traffic
alert
(RTA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Traffic signal detection (Sign Assist)* . . . . . . . . 227
Tiredness detection (recommendation to take
a break)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Dynamic Chassis control (DCC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Towing bracket device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Accessories, replacement of parts and modifi-
cations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior . . . 250
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior . . . 256
Notes for the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Selective catalytic reduction* (AdBlue) . . . . . . 265
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . 268
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Windscreen washer reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Winter service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Technical data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Technical features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Engine data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
4

The essentials
Brake fluid Fig. 57
Engine compartment: brake fluid res-
er v
oir c
ap The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
gine c
omp
ar

tment ›››
 page 271.
The level should be between the  and 
marks. If it is below , please visit a Techni-
cal Service.

››› in Checking the brake fluid level on
page 279
››› page 278 Windscreen washer
Fig. 58
In the engine compartment: wind-
s c
r

een washer reservoir top. The windscreen washer reservoir is located in
the en
gine c
omp

artment ›››
 page 271.
To top up, mix water with a product recom-
mended by SEAT.
In cold temperatures, add anti-freeze.

››› in Checking and topping up the
windscreen washer reservoir on
page 280
››› page 280 Battery
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment
›
›

›  page 271. It does not require maintenance. It is checked as part of the In-
spection Ser

vice.

››› in Checking the electrolyte level of
the vehicle battery on page 282
››› page 280 41

Operation
other services (e.g. the next Inspection Serv-
ic e or c
h
ange of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or in the
Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time
or mileage, the service intervals are already
pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service , the inter-
vals are determined individually. Technical
progress has made it possible to considera-
bly reduce servicing requirements. The tech-
nology used by SEAT ensures that your vehi-
cle only has an Interval Service when it is
necessary. To establish when the Interval
Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's
conditions of use and individual driving
styles are considered. The service pre-warn-
ing first appears 20 days before the date es-
tablished for the corresponding service. The
kilometres (miles) remaining until the next
service are always rounded up to the nearest
100 km (miles) and the time is given in com-
plete days. The current service message can-
not be viewed until 500 km after the last
service. Prior to this only lines are visible on
the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when
the ignition is switched on a Service remind-
er is displayed. In vehicles without text messages
, a sp anner
is displayed on the instrument panel  with
a figure given in km . The number of kilome-
tres shown is the maximum number that may
be driven until the next service. After a few
seconds, the display mode changes. A clock
symbol appears and the number of days until
the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages , Service in
--- km (miles) or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is
given when the ignition is switched on and
the spanner displayed on the screen flashes
for a few seconds . In vehicles with text
messages, Service in --- km or --- days is displayed on the instrument panel.
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off
and the vehicle at a standstill, the current
service notification can be read: ● Press the button  on the instrument pan-
el sev
er

al times until the spanner symbol is
displayed .
● OR: select the Settings menu.
● From the

Service submenu, sel ect
the op-
tion Info . When the serv
ic
e date has past, a minus sign
is displayed in front of the number of kilome-
tres or days. In vehicles with text messages
the following is displayed: Service ---
km (miles) or --- days ago .
Resetting service interval display
If the service was not carried out by a techni-
cal service centre, the display can be reset as
follows:
In vehicles with text messages:
Select the Settings menu.
In the submenu Service , select the option Reset.
Confirm with OK when requested to do so by the sys-
tem.
In vehicles without text messages:
Switch the ignition off.
Press and hold the 0.0 / SET button.
Switch the ignition back on.
Release the 0.0 / SET button and, press  for the next
20 seconds. Do not r
eset the indicator to zero between
tw o int

ervals, otherwise the display will be
incorrect.
If you reset the display manually, the next
service interval will be indicated as in vehi-
cles with fixed service intervals. For this
104

General instrument panel
reason we recommend that the service inter-
v al
di
splay be reset by a SEAT authorised
service ››› Booklet Maintenance schedule. Note
● The serv ic

e message disappears after a few
seconds, when the engine is started or when OK is pressed.
● In vehicles with the LongLife system in
which the b att

ery has been disconnected for
a long period of time, it is not possible to cal-
culate the date of the next service. Therefore
the service interval display may not be cor-
rect. In this case, bear in mind the maximum
service intervals permitted in the ››› Book-
let Maintenance Programme. Control lamps
C ontr
o

l and warning lamps Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 32
The control and warning lamps are indicators
of warnings, ››› , faults
››
›
or certain func-
tion s.
Some c
ontrol and warning lamps come
on when the ignition is switched on, and
switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
Depending on the model, additional text
messages may be viewed on the instrument panel display. These may be purely informa-
tive or they m

ay be advising of the need for
action ››› page 100, Instruments.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the
vehicle, instead of a warning lamp, some-
times a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are
lit, an audible warning is also heard. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignor-
ed, the v ehic

le may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text
mess
ages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at there are no highly flammable ma-
terials under the vehicle that could come into
contact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry
grass, fuel).
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the
engine and al
low it to cool.
● In any vehicle, the engine compartment is a
hazar
dous area and could cause severe inju-
ries ››› page 268. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s

ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. 105
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
emergency braking distance is larger then
when the br ak
e p
ads have been run in. While
running in, avoid full power braking or situa-
tions requiring braking performance. For ex-
ample, 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 ››› . WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficien-
cy.
● For the fir

st 320 km (200 miles), new brake
pad
s have not yet reached their maximum
braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first. For this, to compensate for reduced
braking efficiency the brake pedal will have
to be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and
caus
ing serious accidents, always take great
care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always
res
pect the safety distances between you and
other vehicles and do not cause situations re-
quiring extreme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less effi-
cient and br

aking distances increase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be
overlo
aded and overheat quickly.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced w
ith steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. » 191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
it may be necessary to adjust the cooling sys-
t em or t
o inc
lude thermal plates. SEAT recom-
mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
In any case, the separation distances must
be observed when fitting a tow hitch. The dis-
tance between the centre of the tow hitch ball
and the road surface ››› Fig. 231 D must nev-
er be lo w
er th

an that indicated. This also ap-
plies when the vehicle is fully laden, includ-
ing maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances ››› Fig. 231:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inches)
1,097 mm (43 inches)
1,102 mm (43 inches) WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of elec-
tric c ab

les may cause anomalies in the vehi-
cle electronics that could result in an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electric
al connections of the rear lights
or any other unsuitable power sources. Only
use suitable connectors to connect a trailer. A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H ●
Vis

it a specialised workshop if you wish to
retrofit a tow hitch to the vehicle. WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the tr ail

er may separate from the vehicle
while driving. This could result in a serious
accident. Note
Use only tow hitches approved by SEAT for
the v ehic

le. Maximum permitted trailer weights
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments
t
ak

e precedence. All the technical data
provided in this documentation is applicable
to the basic model. The vehicle data label in
the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted c ou

ld cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted c ou

ld cause damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. Gross combined vehicle weight rating
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments t
ak

e precedence. All the technical data
provided in this documentation is applicable
to the basic model. The vehicle data label in
the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles.
The maximum combined weights listed are
only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m
above sea level. The weight of the car and
trailer must be reduced by about 10% for ev-
ery further 1000 m (or part thereof). WARNING
Exceeding the maximum weight indicated
cou l

d cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the gross combined weight
rating. 242

Care and maintenance
consumables should be changed at a speci-
ali sed w
ork
shop. Technical services are per-
manently informed of any modifications. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or con-
sum ab

les may result in accident, serious in-
jury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored
closed in their origin
al container.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers
or bottles
as other people may accidentally
drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of
reac
h of children.
● Read and observe the information and
warning
s given on the fluid containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventila-
ted z
ones, when using products which give
off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any
other volatile liquid in the main-
tenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and
highly flammable. They could lead to fire or
explosions! CAUTION
● Only u

se appropriate fluids. Do not confuse
fluids as this can cause serious malfunctions
or engine damage.
● Accessories and other components moun-
ted in front
of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running
under gr
e

at strain in high outside tempera-
tures, it could overheat. For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment.
C o l

lect any spilt fluids in suitable containers
and dispose of them in accordance with legis-
lation and with respect for the environment. Technical repairs and replacements
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ific
ation
s,

SEAT's directives must be ob-
served! ››› Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
c
omponents
or sof

tware in the vehicle may
cause malfunctions. Due to the way the elec-
tronic components are linked together in net-
works, other indirect systems may be affec-
ted by the faults. This may significantly affect
the vehicle's performance, increase compo-
nent wear and could mean that the vehicle
registration documents are no longer valid.
Your technical service centre cannot be held
liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-
ly.
The technical service centre does not accept
liability for damage resulting from technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect- ly; neither is the SEAT warranty valid in these
case

s.
SEAT recommends you have any technical
modifications or repairs performed at a tech-
nical service centre and that you use genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equip-
ment
The manufacturers of additional equipment
guarantee that the equipment complies with
applicable laws and regulations with respect
to the environment, in particular Directives
2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehi-
cles while the second refers to the restric-
tions on the marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documen-
tation for the additional equipment safely
and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end
of the vehicle's service life. This ensures that
any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with re-
spect for the environment. 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 driver assist systems. This
could result in serious accident. » 245
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety