2018 Seat Alhambra engine

Driving
checked by a specialised workshop as soon
a s
po
ssible.
Protection against overloading the DSG ®
6-
gear automatic gearbox
When the clutch is overloaded, the vehicle
begins to jerk and the selector lever position
indicator begins to flash. To prevent damage
to the clutch, this interrupts the power trans-
mission between the engine and the gear-
box. There is no more traction and it is not
possible to accelerate. If the clutch is opened
automatically due to overloading, press the
brake pedal. Wait a few seconds before start-
ing to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum ac-
celeration when the gear selector lever is in
the positions D, S or in the Tiptronic position.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down, the automatic gearbox will shift down
to a lower gear, depending on road speed
and engine speed. This takes advantage of
the maximum acceleration of the vehicle
››› .
When the ac c
el

erator is pressed to the floor,
the automatic gearbox shifts to the next gear
only after the engine reaches the specified
maximum engine speed. Launch-Control Programme
The Launch-C

ontrol programme enables max-
imum acceleration while at a standstill.
● Switch off the ASR ›››
page 188.
● Press and hold the brake pedal with your
left
foot.
● Place the selector lever in position S or Tip-
tronic
.
● Press the accelerator with the right foot un-
til the
vehicle reaches an engine speed of ap-
proximately 3200 rpm.
● Lift the left foot off the brake ›››
. The ve-
hic l
e s
tarts with maximum acceleration.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skid din

g, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and considerable
damage.
● Only use kick-down and rapid acceleration
when weather c
onditions, surface conditions
and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and
drive in a manner that does not endanger
other road users.
● Please remember that the driven wheels
can slip and the
vehicle can skid if the ASR is
turned off, especially on slippery ground.
● Turn on the ASR after accelerating! CAUTION
● If y

ou stop on a hill with a gear range en-
gaged, do not try to prevent the vehicle from
rolling back by pressing on the accelerator.
This could cause overheating and damage the
automatic gearbox.
● Never allow the vehicle to move with the
gear sel
ector lever in N, especially with the
engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will
not be lubricated and could be damaged. Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for
r
educ
in

g fuel consumption is displayed on
the instrument panel:
DisplayMeaning 
Optimum gear.

Recommendation to change up a
gear.

Recommendation to change down a
gear.
Information for “cleaning” the diesel partic-
u
l
at

e filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises
when the diesel particulate filter is blocked,
and helps to clean it by recommending a spe-
cific gear for driving. It may therefore be »
197
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
necessary to drive with the engine at an ex-
c eption
al
ly high speed ››› page 202. WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as
a guideline only; it shou

ld never replace the
driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear
for eac
h situation continues to lie with the
driver, for example when overtaking, climb-
ing a hill or towing a trailer. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the
sit uation w

ill help you to save fuel. Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the c lut

ch pedal is pressed.Address
Intr oduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tr
omec
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 steerin

g 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
steering wheel. Control and warning lamps

It lights up red
Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible. 
It lights up yellow
Power steering opera-
tion 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 dis-
tance, the yellow warning lamp
no longer comes on, it will
not
be necessary to take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop.
The vehicle battery
was disconnected and
has been reconnec-
ted.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. 
It flashes yellow
Steering column devi-
ation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not
unlocked or locked.Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. Check the mes-
sages displayed on the instru-
ment 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. 198

Driving
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 107. 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 switched 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 188.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 counter 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. Run-in and economical driving
Ru nnin

g in Please observe the instructions for running-in
new c
omponents.
R u

nning-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first
1500 km (1000 miles). During its first few
hours of running, the internal friction in the
engine is greater than later on when all the
moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first
1500 km (1000 miles) influences the future
engine performance. Throughout the life of
the vehicle, it should be driven at a moderate
speed – especially when the engine is cold –
this will reduce engine wear and increase its
useful life. Never drive at extremely low en-
gine speeds. Always engage a lower gear
when the engine works “irregularly”. For the
first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note: »
199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
● Do not u
se f
ull throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of
its max
imum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 k
ilometres (600 to
1000 miles), gradually increase power until
reaching the maximum speed and high en-
gine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
›››
page 287
● Notes on the brakes ›››
page 191 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine w i

ll be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c

hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g. ●
Modular c
onstruction to facilitate disman-
tling.
● Increased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its c
omponents are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy
metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems. ●
Recyc
ling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (therm
al recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Economical and environmentally
friendly drivin
g Fuel consumption, environmental impact and
en
gine, br
ak

e and tyre wear depend largely
on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption
are possible with an appropriate driving style
and the adoption of certain simple tips.
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is al-
ways the most economical. As a guideline,
for the majority of vehicles: at a speed of
30 km/h (19 mph), drive in third gear, at
40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at
50 km/h (31 mph) in fifth gear.
200

Driving
In addition, “skipping” gears when shifting
up help s
t
o save fuel, weather and traffic
conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before
changing gear. Only use first gear when you
move off and change to second gear quickly.
Avoid the kick-down function in vehicles with
automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve
an economical driving style as the display in-
dicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the
fuel supply is stopped and consumption is
reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating,
for example when approaching a red traffic
light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too
slowly or the distance is too long, the clutch
pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for
a period of time, switch off the engine; for ex-
ample, while waiting at a level crossing. In
vehicles which have the Start-Stop function
on, the engine switches off automatically
when the vehicle is not moving. Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent ac
celeration and braking considera-
bly increase fuel consumption. If you think
ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance
from the vehicle in front, it is possible to slow
down by simply lifting your foot off the accel-
erator. This eliminates the need for constant
braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The
more you drive at a constant speed, the lower
the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing and braking. As a general rule, you will
reach your destination just as quickly when
you drive at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditionin g sy

stem is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true outside temperature, it will require a large
amount
of

energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature
for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temperature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with all the windows
open. Only then should you close all the win-
dows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high
speeds. Driving with the windows open in-
creases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats
have w
armed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the
winds
creen heating when the windows have
demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched
on when the vehic
le is moving ››› page 180.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after it has been
started. It takes a few kilometres of driving
for the engine to warm up and to normalise
consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their proper working temperature in or-
der to minimise fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence. »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
shou l
d be av
oided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
summer, even when other conditions are the
same.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres
helps to reduce rolling resistance and, as a
result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing
the tyre pressure slightly (+0.2 bar
[2.9 psi/20 kPa]) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduc-
tion in comfort, the tyres may be filled to the
pressures recommended for a fully-loaded
vehicle. This is also valid when driving alone
without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are
optimised for minimum rolling resistance.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical
and ecological the driving style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase
fuel c
onsumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads
from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessa-
ry accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower
the fuel consumption. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds.
Other factors which increase fuel consump-
tion (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the v ehic

les ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and ex-
h
au
s

t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y

high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● 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. Control lamps

It lights up
fault in the petrol
engine manage-
ment.Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.

It lights up
Diesel engine glow
plug system.The engine glow plug system has
been activated. The engine can
be started straight away when
the lamp switches off.
202

Driving
Flashes
Fault in the diesel
engine manage-
ment.If the lamp flashes while you are
driving, have the engine checked
by a specialised workshop as
soon as possible.

It lights up
Fault in the emis-
sion control system.Reduce speed and drive carefully
to the nearest specialised work-
shop to have the engine
checked.

Flashes
Combustion fault
which could dam-
age the catalytic
converter.Reduce speed and drive carefully
to the nearest specialised work-
shop to have the engine
checked.

It lights up
Diesel particulate
filter blocked›››
page 204 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 traffic regulations when cleaning the
diesel p

articulate filter while driving. ●
Only c

arry on driving if visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions so permit.
● Never endanger your safety or that of other
roa
d users. CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps
and t o the c orr

esponding descriptions and in-
structions to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
While the control lamps , ,  or  or
rem ain lit, ther

e may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may increase and the en-
gine may lose power. Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent
tr
e

atment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
›››
page 274.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cabl
es ›››
 page 52. If you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or los

s of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in

g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel be-
ing used. Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot par-
tic
u
l

ates from the exhaust gas, retains and
burns them. To assist the combustion proc-
ess, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent
short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur con-
tent ›

›› page 267.
● Never use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend pre-
pared b
y the diesel manufacturer containing
biodiesel within the limits established by the
EN 590 standard may be used ›››
page 267.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. »
203
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
● Do not t
op up w
ith too much engine oil
››› page 274.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cabl
es ›››
 page 52.
In order to reduce blocking of the diesel par-
ticulate filter, some vehicles with an automat-
ic gearbox may increase the engine speed
slightly to start cleaning the filter automati-
cally. The  control lamp will not light up in
this case.
Control lamp 
If the  control lamp lights up you should
help the filter clean itself by driving in the ap-
propriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth
or fifth gear (automatic gearbox: S gear
range) at a minimum speed of 60 km/h
(37 mph), with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2,000 rpm. In this way, the soot build
up in the filter is burned. When cleaning is
successful, the control lamp turns off.
If the lamp  does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system  and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
● Alw a
ys drive according to the road weather
conditions, the terrain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in

g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel be-
ing used. Driving tips
Driv ing abr

oad In some countries, certain safety regulations
and r
equir
ements

are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions f
or driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostic
s equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs? ●
Are there an
y SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion country?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at
the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available
with a low s
ulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ›››
page 274) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Will the navigation system fitted at the fac-
tory
operate correctly in the destination coun-
try with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
countr
y? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the v

ehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
in
g thr
ough w

ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded z
one. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
204