2018 Seat Alhambra check engine light

Checking and refilling levels
burns. Always wait until the engine has fully
coo
l
ed. For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled
en gine oi l

can be bad for the environment.
Collect these liquids in suitable containers
and dispose of them while respecting the en-
vironment. Warning and control lamps

It lights up
Insufficient en-
gine oil.Switch the ignition off. Check the en-
gine oil level
››› page 276. 
Flashes
Engine oil sen-
sor faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor checked.
Meanwhile, check the oil level man-
ually. 
Flashes
Engine oil pres-
sure too low.

Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the en-
gine oil level.
- If the warning lamp flashes al-
though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving or leave the engine
running. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. Seek specialist
assistance. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Control
and warnin g l
amps on page 107. Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply
w
ith the s
pec

ifications.
The correct oil must be used to ensure the
correct operation and long service life of the
engine. The engine comes with a high-quality
multigrade oil that can generally be used all
year round.
Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT
standards whenever possible ››› . If you
w i
sh t

o maintain the long-life service dura-
tion, only engine oils approved for this serv-
ice according to the corresponding VW stand-
ard ( ›››
 table on page 41) may be used.
All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade
oils. Engine oils are being continuously further
developed. T

echnical services are constantly
updated with any modifications. SEAT there-
fore recommends that you have the engine
oil changed by a technical service. CAUTION
● Only u

se engine oils whose specifications
are expressly approved by SEAT. The use of
any other type of oil could cause engine dam-
age! 275
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levelsIt lights upGauge positionPossible causeSolution

Warning area
CExcessive engine coolant temperature. 
Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Switch off the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle to return to the normal area. Check the engine coolant
level ››› page 280.
Normal area BInsufficient engine coolant level.Check the engine coolant when the engine has cooled and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant
››› page 280.
Although the coolant level is correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant system faulty.  Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assistance.
--Cold area A--Avoid revving the engine too much or making it work hard while it has not reached
normal service temperature.
FlashesGauge positionPossible causeSolution 
--Engine coolant system faulty.Seek specialist assistance.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Control
and warnin g l
amps on page 107. Coolant specifications
Read the additional information carefully
›› ›

 page 41 WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sy s

tem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage. ●
Ple a

se make sure that the percentage of
additive is correct with respect to the lowest
expected ambient temperature in the zone in
which the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low,
the cool
ant could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heat-
ing would not work either and inadequately
dressed passengers could die of cold. CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
w ith c oo

lants which are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine and the engine
coo
lin

g system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not pur-
ple b
ut is, for example, brown, this indicates
that the G13 additive has been mixed with an
inadequate coolant. The coolant must be
changed as soon as possible if this is the
case! This could result in serious faults and
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the
en vir

onment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. 279
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Checking the coolant level and top-
pin g up Fig. 245
In the engine compartment: Marking
on c oo
l
ant expansion tank Fig. 246
In the engine compartment: Coolant
e xp
an

sion tank cap If the coolant level is low, the coolant warn-
in
g indic
at

or will light. Preparations
● Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm
ground.
● A

llow the engine to cool ›››
.
● Open the bonnet  › ›
›
page 271.
● The coolant expansion tank is easily recog-
nisab
le because of the  symbol on the cap
››› Fig. 246.
Checking the engine coolant level
● When the engine is cold, check the coolant
level
using the side marking on the expan-
sion tank ››› Fig. 245.
● If the level is below the  minimum mark,
top up w
ith coolant. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
● Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot c
oolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap.
● Remove the cap very carefully ›››
.
● Only refill using new engine c
oo
lant ac-
cording to SEAT specifications ( ››› page 279)
››› .
● The engine coolant level should be be-
tw een the m
ark

s on the coolant expansion
tank ››› Fig. 245. Do not exceed the top level
of the marked area ››› .
● Screw on the cap tightly. ●
If, in the ev
ent

of an emergency, you have
no coolant that is compliant to the required
specifications ( ››› page 279), do not use an-
other type of additive. Instead, top up with
distilled water only ››› . Then re-establish
the c orr
ect

proportion of the mixture with the
correct additive as soon as possible
››› page 279. WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious
burn s.
● Nev

er open the coolant expansion tank if
ste
am or coolant is coming from the engine
compartment. Wait until you cannot see or
hear any steam or coolant escaping.
● Always wait until the engine has complete-
ly coo
led before very carefully opening the
expansion tank cap. Contact with hot ele-
ments of the engine can cause skin burns.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-
ing sys
tem is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.
– Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap an-
ti-clockwise, gently pressing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth. 280

Checking and refilling levels
Windscreen washer reservoir Chec k
in
g and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir Fig. 248
In the engine compartment: wind-
s c
r

een washer reservoir top Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 42
Check the level in the windscreen washer
tank regularly and top up as required.
● Open the bonnet  ›››
page 271.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the 
symbol on the c
ap ››› Fig. 248.
● Check there is enough water in the reser-
voir.
● T

o top up, mix water with a window cleaner
recommended b
y SEAT ››› . Please follow
the in struction
s for use found on the packag-
ing. ●
In col
d weather, a special antifreeze should
also be added to prevent the water from
freezing ››› .
Fi l
lin

g amounts
The capacity of the tank is approximately 3 li-
tres; in vehicles with a headlight washer sys-
tem, it is approximately 7 litres. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
simi l

ar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by
SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the water in the r
eservoir. CAUTION
● Do not mi x

cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely c
ertain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! Vehicle battery
Intr oduction The battery is a component of the vehicle's
electric
al

system.
Never work on the electrical system without
fully understanding the operations required,
the applicable safety standards and without
the correct tools ››› ! If required, have any
work c

arried out by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Negligent work can cause seri-
ous injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehi-
cle
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment.
Explanation of the warning indications on
the vehicle's battery 
Wear eye protection!

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Al-
ways wear protective gloves and eye pro-
tection!

Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking
are prohibited.

A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.»
283
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Keep children away from acid and batter-
ies!
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the elec-
trica l

system can cause corrosion, fire and
electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the following warnings and safety
standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off
the engine, the ignition and al
l electrical de-
vices then disconnect the negative connec-
tion on the battery.
● Keep children away from acid and the bat-
tery
itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It
can burn sk
in and cause blindness. When
handling the battery, protect yourself from
splashes of acids, above all your hands, arms
and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to pla-
ces
exposed to flames or sparks.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges
when workin
g with cables and electrical devi-
ces.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can ex-
plode. Rep
lace a damaged battery immedi-
ately. ●
Rep l

aced damaged or frozen batteries as
soon as possible. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0°C (+32°F).
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage
compar
tment: Check that the battery gas
ventilation hose is securely attached. CAUTION
● Nev er 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.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
over a lon
g period of time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
● If the car is left standing for long periods,
protect
the battery from extreme cold temper-
ature so that it does not “freeze up” and be-
come damaged. Warning lamp

It lights up
Faulty generator.
Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the electrical system checked.
Disconnect any unnecessary electri-
cal devices. The generator does not
charge the battery while the vehicle
is in motion. 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
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. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s

ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. 284

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

Index
CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166, 171
C entr
al
locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
keyless Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
opening doors individually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Central locking system after airbag deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cetane number (diesel fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Changing a bulb control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 85 subsequent work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
front bumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 96
xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Changing gear control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Changing the blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Changing windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Checking tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Child seat deactivating the passenger front airbag . . . . . . 20
integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 in the passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
ISOFIX sys
tem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
mounting systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
on rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 76
securing with seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Top Tether system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . . . . 76
weight categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 76 disabling the front passenger front airbag . . . . 74
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172, 173
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 adhesive sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
folding the rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
synthetic leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
textile covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
washing the vehicle with high pressure clean-ers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Cleaning the vehicle high pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 176
Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
electric
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 125
panoramic sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Clothes hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Code number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 84
Combined weight rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Compartment for (sun)glasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Compartments centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
front central armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Connectors faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Control and warning lamps ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
adBlue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
blind spot detector (BSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
emission control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
engine management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
engine oil sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
for the seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
indication of break pad wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
309