2018 Seat Alhambra maintenance

Advice
CAUTION
● Do not r ef
uel if the filler indicates that the
fuel contains metal. LRP ( lead replacement
petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of
metal additives. Using them may damage the
engine!
● Never refuel with fuels containing a large
proportion of
ethanol (for example, E50, E85).
This could damage the fuel system.
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or
fuel c
ontaining other metal additives would
seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic
converter.
● Only use fuel additives that have been ap-
prov
ed by SEAT. Octane boosting or anti-
knock additives may contain metal additives
that could seriously damage the engine or
the catalytic converter. These additives must
not be used.
● High engine speed and full throttle can
damag
e the engine when using petrol with an
octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine. Note
● You m a

y use petrol with a high octane num-
ber than the one recommended for your en-
gine.
● In those countries where unleaded petrol is
not avai
lable, you may refuel with a fuel with
a low lead content. Diesel fuel
Please note the information on the inside of
the fuel
t

ank flap.
We recommend the use of diesel fuel which
complies to European standard EN 590. If
diesel fuel which meets European standard
EN 590 is not available, the Cetane number
(CZ) must, at minimum, be 51. If the engine
is equipped with a particulate filter, the sul-
phur content of the fuel must be below 50
parts per million.
Winter-grade diesel
Summer fuel becomes thicker in winter and it
is more difficult to start the engine. For this
reason, petrol stations in some countries al-
so offer winter diesel with improved fluidity
when cold (winter-grade diesel). CAUTION
● The v ehic

le is not designed for the use of
FAME fuel (biodiesel). The fuel system would
be damaged if you used biodiesel.
● Do not mix fuel additives, the so-called
“thinners”, petro
l or similar additives with
diesel fuel.
● If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be
neces
sary to drain the fuel filter more fre-
quently than is specified in the Maintenance
Programme. We recommend having this done
by a specialised workshop. If water is allowed to collect in the filter, this can cause engine
perf
orm

ance problems. Selective catalytic reduction*
(AdBlue)
Introduction In vehicles with “Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion”, a spec
i

al urea solution (AdBlue) is in-
jected into the exhaust gas system in front of
the catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen ox-
ide emissions.
The consumption of AdBlue depends on indi-
vidual driving style, the temperature at which
the system operates and the outside temper-
ature where the vehicle is driven.
AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the
vehicle and should be refilled at an official
supplier. The AdBlue tank holds approxi-
mately 17 litres.
The AdBlue fill level must be checked when
the vehicle is being serviced. WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle
ma y

not restart after switching the ignition
off. The emergency start or jump start will not
be possible either! 268

Checking and refilling levels
●
When refi l
ling or changing service liquids,
ensure that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area
› ››

Fig. 242 A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the c r
ankcase breather and escape
into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be differ-
ent
fr
om one en

gine to another and can vary
during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the condi-
tions of use, the consumption of engine oil
can reach 1 litre every 2,000 km (one quarter
of a gallon every 1,200 miles); for new vehi-
cles, this could be higher for the first
5,000 km (3,000 miles). For this reason the
engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and
before a journey.
Topping up engine oil Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 40 The engine oil must be changed regularly ac-
cordin

g to the specifications of the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of
used oil and the need for suitable tools and
special knowledge, always visit a specialised
workshop to have the engine oil and filter
changed. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.
Detailed information on the service intervals
is shown in the Maintenance Programme. WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must
ch an

ge the engine oil yourself, please note
the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has complete-
ly coo
led to avoid being burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when un-
scr
ewing the oil drainage bolt so that it does
not run down your arms.
● Use a suitable container large enough to
col
lect all of the used oil in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food con-
tainers, c
ans, bottles or other containers as
not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the
reac
h of children. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
This c

ould result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Bef or

e changing the engine oil, find a suita-
ble location or service for proper disposal.
● Always dispose of engine oil with the ut-
most
respect for the environment. Never dis-
pose of used engine oil in places such as a
garden, woods, drains, roads, paths, rivers
and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Intr oduction WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original
cont ainer

, tightly shut and in a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food
container
s or bottles as other people may ac-
cidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of
chil
dren. » 277
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Brake fluid level
The l ev
el
of the brake fluid reservoir should
always be between the  and  marks, or
above the  mark ››› .
It i
s

not always possible to check the level of
the brake fluid, as in some models the en-
gine components make it difficult to see the
brake fluid reservoir. If you cannot read the
exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicle is being used due to wear of the
brake pads and the automatic readjustment
of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accord-
ance with the instructions given in the Main-
tenance Programme. Have the brake fluid
changed by a specialised workshop. SEAT
recommends taking your car in for technical
service. This means that only brake fluid
complying with the required specifications
will be used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
bl e/o

ld brake fluid is used, the brake system
may fail or braking power may be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid
level
regularly! ●
The brak e fluid shou

ld be changed regular-
ly in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes
are sub
jected to extreme braking forces, bub-
bles of vapour form in the brake system.
These bubbles can significantly reduce brak-
ing power, notably increasing braking dis-
tance, and could result in the total failure of
the brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the
VW 501 14 stand
ard, FMVSS 116 DOT 4
standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard. Other types of brake fluid could af-
fect brake operation and reduce braking pow-
er. Do not use a brake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake
fluid. Do not use a br
ake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep
brak e fluid in drink

s bottles/containers or
similar. Other people could drink from these
recipients even if the contents are clearly
marked. ●
Alw a

ys keep brake fluid in the original con-
tainer; keep it correctly sealed and out of
reach of children. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork.
W ipe off an

y brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Co l

lect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them. 282

Checking and refilling levels
Checking the electrolyte level of the
v ehic
l
e battery Fig. 249
In the engine compartment: remove
the lid fr om the
v

ehicle's battery. Fig. 250
In the engine compartment: lift off
the c o
v

er from the vehicle's battery. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 42
The battery's electrolyte level should be
checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other
batterie

s do not require maintenance.
Vehicles with a Start-Stop system
( ››› page 209) are equipped with a special
battery marked with the letters “AGM”. For
technical reasons, it is not possible to check
the electrolyte level of these batteries
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine
compar
tment ››› page 271
● Open the bonnet  ›››
page 271.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on
the engine size of the vehicle:
● In the case of a lid: pres
s the tab ››› Fig. 249
A in the direction of the arrow and pull the
c o
v
er upwards.
● In the case of a cover: fol
d the cover to one
side to remove ››› Fig. 250.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to
cle
arly recognise the colours. Never use
flames or flashing objects as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic
eye on the top of
the battery will change col-
our.
Colour indi-
catorNecessary operations
Light yellow or
ColourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's
battery is too low. Have the battery
checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a specialised workshop.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's
battery is correct. WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a
risk of

corrosion, explosions or electric
shock.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid
coul
d spill out of the openings for the release
of gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediate-
ly rinse
your eyes and skin abundantly with
water for several minutes. Then seek medical
care immediately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediat
ely. Charging, replacing and connecting or
di
s
c

onnecting the battery Charging the battery
The
vehic

le battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed »
285
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
v ir
onment
››› . SEAT recommends taking
y our c
ar in f
or technical service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 209) are equip-
ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must
only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment. ●
The vehic le must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positiv
e ››› .
C onnectin
g the
vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all
electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negativ
e ››› .
Diff er
ent
control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short
trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 102. Respect the maximum service
intervals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Vehicles with Keyless Access (››› page 117):
if, after connecting the battery, the ignition
cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the
vehicle from outside. Then try to switch on
the ignition again. If the ignition does not
work, seek professional assistance. Automatically disconnecting devices
The intellig

ent vehicle electrical system auto-
matically implements a range of measures to
prevent the battery from discharging when
high demands are made on it:
● the idling speed is increased so that the al-
ternat
or provides more electricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most
power
ful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-v
olt power sockets and the ciga-
rette lighter may be interrupted for a short
time.
The on-board management program cannot
always prevent the battery from running flat.
For example, if the ignition is left on for a
long period with the engine off or if the side
lights or parking lights are left on while the
vehicle is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without
star
ting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switc
hed off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running
›››
page 180.
286

Wheels and tyres
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wron g b
attery can cause short-circuits, fire
and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries
that do not
run flat alone and whose proper-
ties, specifications and size correspond to
the standard battery. The specifications are
indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
le a

sed when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventil
ated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
batter
y. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0°C (+32°F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may
cause a shor
t circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never di s

connect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Never plug accessories that supply current,
such a
s solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage the vehicle's elec-
trica
l

system. For the sake of the environment
● Di spo

se of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. If it
has leaked use adequate care col-
lecting it (gloves and protective glasses), and
dispose of it correctly. Wheels and tyres
T y
r

es
Introduction The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard
with anti-p
u

ncture technology tyres (Conti-
Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of
up to 5 mm, the tyre seals the hole with a
protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of this technology means that
there is no type of spare wheel included in
the vehicle's equipment.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or
brak ed if

the tyres (new or used) are worn or
damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could
make driv
ing more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage. » 287
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Technical features
Technical data
T ec
hnic
al features
Important information Important The information in the vehicle documentation
alwa
y

s takes precedence over the informa-
tion in this Instruction Manual.
All technical specifications provided in this
documentation are valid for the standard
model in Spain. The vehicle data card inclu-
ded in the Maintenance Programme or the
vehicle registration documents shows which
engine is installed in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models, for special vehicles and for
other countries. Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifi-
cation
s

section
kWKilowatt, engine power measurement.
PSPferdestärke (horsepower), formerly
used to denote engine power.
rpmRevolutions per minute - engine speed.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
CZCetane number, indication of the diesel
combustion power.
RONResearch octane number, indication of
the knock resistance of petrol. Vehicle identification data
Fig. 255
Vehicle identification number. Vehicle identification number
The
v
ehic

le identification number (chassis
number) can be read from outside the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen
›››
Fig. 255. This viewer is located in the lower
part of the windscreen. The vehicle identifica-
tion number (chassis number) is also stam-
ped on the right water drain channel. The wa-
ter drain channel is located between the sus-
pension tower and the wing. Open the bon-
net to read the vehicle identification number
 ››› page 271.
Vehicle data plate
The vehicle data plate is attached to the lug-
gage compartment, and contains the follow-
ing information:
● Vehicle identification number (chassis
number).
● Vehicle type, engine power, gearbox type.
● Engine and gearbox code, paint number,
interior equipment.
● Option

al extras, PR numbers.
These dat
a are also provided in the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Type plate
The type plate is visible when the driver door
is opened, on the lower part of the strut. Ve-
hicles for certain export countries do not
have a type plate.
The manufacturer's type plate contains the
following data: »
297
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Index
Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
R ep
l
acing bulbs
see Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Reprogramming control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Revolution counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Rims changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Roll-back function windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rollback anti-trap function electric sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 fastening the supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Run-flat tyres codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Run-in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Running in brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
new engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
S SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119, 187
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Safety child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
disconnecting the passenger front airbag . . . . 20
safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Safety instructions using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 76 Sale of vehicle
in other countrie s / continents . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Salt water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Scrapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
vend-of-life vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Seat convenient entry function for the third row ofseats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
electric front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
folding down rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
folding the backrest of the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
incorrect position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
number of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
seat with position memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Seat belt position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 for pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 65
automatic belt retractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
belt height adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
belt tension limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
protective function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
seat belt position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
twisted belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
unfastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
with two buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Seat belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 68 Seat belt with two buckles
fas tening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
twisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
unfastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 convenient entry function for the third row ofseats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
folding the backrest of the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
lumbar massage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Seat upholstery cleaning and maintenance of natural leather . 261
synthetic leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Selective Catalytic Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Selector lever locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Service fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Service notification: read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Signal lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sign Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230, 231 connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
indication on display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
operation mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Sliding door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 childproof lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
manually opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
opening and closing electrically . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50, 299 all-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Spanner symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Spare fuel canister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
316