Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Driving159
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving
Steering
Adjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely
adjusted to suit the driver.
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column Ÿfig. 123 down
Ÿ.
– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is
set Ÿfig. 124.
– Then push the lever up again firmly Ÿ.
WARNING
•Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an incor-
rect seating position can result in serious injury.
•To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when
the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident.
Fig. 123 Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 124 Proper sitting
position for driver

Driving 160
•Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone Ÿpage 159,
fig. 124. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
Safety
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differ-
ential lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP works
together with the anti-locking brake system (ABS). Both warning lamps will
light up if the ESP or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button Ÿfig. 125 .
For example:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Section of the
dash panel: switch for ESP
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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. This means
that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains switched
off.
When does the inscription OFF light up on the button?
•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.
•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP.
Ignition lock
Position of the ignition key
Ignition switched off, steering lock
In position Ÿfig. 126 the ignition is switched off, and the steering wheel
lock can be engaged.
To engage the steering wheel lock, take out the key and turn the wheel
slightly until you hear the pin engage. You should always lock the steering
wheel when you leave your vehicle. This makes vehicle theft more difficult
Ÿ.
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system
Tu rn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key canno t b e
turned or is difficult to turn from position to position , move the
steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key
turns freely.
ESP
Fig. 126 Ignition key
positions
A1
A1
A2
A1A2

Driving 162
Starting
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.
Caution
The starter must not be used unless the vehicle is at a standstill (key position
). If the starter is used as soon as the engine is switched off, the starter or
the engine could be damaged.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The ignition key can only be taken out of the ignition lock if the
selector lever is in position P.
After switching off the ignition, you can remove the ignition key only if the
automatic gearbox gear selector lever Ÿpage 167 is in position P. The
selector lever is blocked after the ignition key has been removed.
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you take the key
out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.
A3
A1
A3

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Starting and stopping the engine
Starting a petrol engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.
– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in P or in N).
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 to start
the engine.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
You may need to press the accelerator briefly after starting a very hot engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about
10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the
chapter Help with Ignition.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting a diesel engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.
– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in P or in N).
A3
WARNING (continued)

Driving 164
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 . The
warning lamp
D lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the engine.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If you have problems starting the engine, please refer to Help with Ignition.
Glow plug system
To avoid unnecessary loads on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are preheating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because air
needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the
chapter Help with Ignition.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Switching off the engine
– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 .
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
A1

Driving165
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The radiator fan can start auto-
matically if the hot engine causes the coolant temperature to rise, or if the sun
heats the engine compartment.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake servo and the power assisted steering work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. As you cannot steer and brake in the
normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
•The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Manual gearbox
Manual gearbox
Selecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch right down.
– Put the gearlever Ÿfig. 127 in the middle (neutral).
– Press the gear stick down and then to the left and forwards into
the reverse position shown on the gear stick.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running, before engaging this gear wait about 6 seconds with
the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
Fig. 127 Manual gearbox
with shift diagram

Driving 166
•The reversing lights come on
•The heating or air conditioning automatically change to air recirculation
mode.
•The rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
WARNING
•When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released.
•Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure of your
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.
•When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid
unnecessary wear and damage.
•Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear
and damages the clutch. It can also prevent power being transferred from the
engine to the gearbox.
Automatic gearbox
Gearbox programs
The automatic gearbox has two gearbox programmes.
The gearbox management system is equipped with two driving programmes.
Depending on the driver or the driving situation, either a consumption
oriented programme or a more “sporty” programme will be selected.
The programme selection will be carried out automatically depending on how
the accelerator is used.
•The consumption-oriented programme will be selected if you use the
accelerator slowly or normally. This means that the gearbox will shift up
earlier and down later.
•A more “sporty” driving programme which shifts up gear later will be
selected if you use the accelerator more quickly.
Fig. 128 Section of
centre console: selector
lever with lock button

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
A programme will, depending on the driving resistance, be selected automat-
ically that guarantees more pulling power, thus avoiding having to shift gear
constantly.
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle
to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press and hold the brake pedal and press the selector lever lock
on the left of the selector lever at the same time Ÿpage 166,
fig. 128.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h (approx. 3 mph). At higher speeds the selector lever
lock is disengaged automatically in the N position .
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for
instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow
or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about 1 second.
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down auto-
matically.
Switching on
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position P or N. Further
information Ÿpage 163.
Driving
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the lock button (button on the left in the selector
lever) Ÿpage 166, fig. 128, select gear position (R, D or S).
– Release the lock button and wait for the gearbox to engage the
gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator Ÿ.
Stopping briefly
– Use the foot brake to prevent the car “creeping” forwards, e.g. at
traffic lights. The selector lever does not need to be put into the
positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a
standstill Ÿ.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.

Driving 168
– Press and hold the lock button, move the selector lever to P and
release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the
“Tiptronic” selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– You should always hold the vehicle in position with the footbrake
to stop it from “rolling backwards” Ÿ. Do not try to prevent
the vehicle from “rolling backwards” by increasing the engine
speed while a range of gears is selected
Moving away on an incline
– With a gear engaged, take your foot from the brake and depress
the accelerator.
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. This increases the
braking effect of the engine. For example, you should drive down a very steep
slope in 3rd gear. If the engine brake effect is not sufficient, the vehicle will
gain speed. The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox automatically
changes up to prevent the engine over revving. Use the foot brake to reduce
speed and change into 3rd gear using “Tiptronic” Ÿ.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever
being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from positions P or
N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position P.
WARNING
•As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is
running, you must apply the parking brake and engage parking lock P.
•If the engine is running and if D, S or R is engaged, you will need to hold
the car on the foot brake. The car will creep forward as the power transmis-
sion is not fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
•Never press the accelerator when you move the selector lever. Risk of
accident.
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
“Tiptronic” to select a low gear.
•If you have to stop the vehicle on a gradient, always hold the vehicle in
position using the foot brake to stop it from rolling back.
•Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
•Never allow the car to roll down a gradient with the gear in neutral N, or
in selector lever position D, even if the engine is not running.
Caution
•If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from rolling
by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. Otherwise, the
automatic gearbox /direct shift gearbox* may overheat causing damage. Pull
the handbrake on fully or depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.
•If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox* will be
damaged as it will not be lubricated.