check engine Seat Alhambra 2006 User Guide

Cockpit 74
Exhaust system fault* B
Exhaust gas indicatorB
If the indicator B flashes it signals possible damage to the catalytic
converter caused by defective combustion. Reduce speed immediately and
go to the nearest specialized workshop to check the engine. At the same
time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instru-
ment panel .
If the indicator
B lights up, a fault has developed during driving which has
affects the quality of the exhaust gas (e. g. lambda probe fault). Reduce
speed immediately and go to the nearest specialized workshop to check the
engine. At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may
appear on the instrument panel .
Diesel particle filter indicator lamp ¬
When the indicator ¬ lights on the instrument panel it signals that the filter
is blocked by soot because of frequent short journeys. To clean the filter of
these particles, drive at a constant speed of 60 km/h for 15 minutes. Always
respect the speed limit. The most efficient way to clean the diesel particle
filter is to drive in 4th or 5th gear, at approximately 2,000 rpm Ÿ. This
causes a temperature increase sufficient to burn the soot in the filter.
If the lamp
¬ remains lit afterwards, go to a specialized workshop to
examine the problem.
While the lamp
¬ is lit (filter blockage signal) fuel consumption increases
and the engine may lose power in some cases.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
•Try to always adapt the speed of the vehicle to weather, road and traffic
conditions. The indications suggested by the warning lights should not
lead you to disobey the highway code.
Traction control system (TCS)* 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while driving, the warning lamp flashes. If the
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information see Ÿpage 181
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program.
This program includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a
test of the function is carried out.
•It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.

Cockpit75
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully
functional.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) J
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp Jshould light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp J does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the Ÿpage 180.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp H, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system Ÿ
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
Ÿpage 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•If the brake warning lamp H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir Ÿpage 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp J. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL Ÿpage 182
Electronic immobiliser*

When the ignition is switched on, the vehicle key data is automatically
consulted. The warning light will flash to confirm that the data is being
checked

Cockpit77
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tailgate open display* 4
When the ignition is switched on, the warning light indicates that the tailgate
is open.
The warning light only goes off when the tailgate is completely closed
Washer fluid S
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.
This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
Ÿpage 218
Door open display* o
This light comes on when a door is open or incorrectly closed.
Brake pad wear indicator* I
As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the
warning display I lights up.
Engine oil pressure E
The warning light indicates that the engine oil pressure is too
low or that the oil gauge does not operate correctly.
It lights up or flashes in red (oil pressure too low)
If the warning light lights up or starts to flash in red while driving, an audible
signal will also be emitted three times when the engine speed exceeds 1500
rpm. Stop and switch off the engine: check the level of oil and top up if neces-
sary Ÿpage 214
If the warning light flashes even though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving The engine should not be turning even at idle speed. Obtain
technical assistance.
If, while driving, the engine speed falls to below idling speed, the oil pressure
warning light may come on. Increase the engine speed by accelerating or
dropping to a lower gear.
A yellow light comes on (oil level* too low)
If the warning light comes on in yellow, this indicates that the oil level is too
low. Switch off engine, check oil level, replacing where necessary.
When the bonnet is opened the oil level warning will fall to zero. But if it is not
topped with oil, the light will come back on after approximately 100 km.
Yellow flashing (defective oil level*)
If the oil gauge is faulty, a sound signal is emitted and the warning light
flashes several times.
At the same time, a warning appears briefly on the on board computer
display*. The engine should immediately be checked by a Technical Service
Centre.
From the moment the defect appears until the engine is checked, the level of
oil should be constantly monitored, preferably every time the vehicle is
refuelled.

Cockpit 78
Coolant Level* / temperature v
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
•The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while
three acoustic warning signals Ÿ are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary Ÿpage 241.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Contact an Authorised Service Centre
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following information text is displayed in the instrument panel display:
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity Ÿ.
WARNING
•If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and
place the warning triangle.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings.
Ÿpage 209
WARNING (continued)

Cockpit 80
Where one or more faults exist, the warning disappears some 15 seconds
after the engine is started, and the corresponding fault symbols with their
respective text messages appear on the display.
For all vehicles
A sound signal is emitted in the event of a fault:
•Priority 1 - three buzzes
•Priority 2 - one buzz
If priority 1 and 2 faults occur at the same time, three buzzes are emitted.
In the event of a fault, the symbol with the corresponding text message is
displayed.
Note
Priority 2 faults are displayed after repairing or eliminating priority 1 faults.
Priority 1 (red symbols)
Priority 1 symbols warn of a dangerous situation. Therefore
the engine should be stopped and switched off.
Where various priority 1 faults exist, the symbols appear one by one for
approx 2 seconds The symbols will keep flashing until the faults have been
rectified.
The following priority 1 warnings or faults may appear:
Engine oil pressure
E
The corresponding warning is:
STOP PRES. OIL
STOP ENGINE!If this symbol begins to flash while driving, stop and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and replace if necessary.
If the symbol continues flashing, even though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving. The engine should not turn over even at idling speed, tech-
nical assistance is necessary.
Brake system
H
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL.
This symbol lights up if the level of brake fluid is too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the brake fluid
2. ABS, EDL*, TCS* and ESP* systems
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKES FAULTY
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the brake warning light flashes while the ABS warning light is lit up, this
indicates that the ABS system is faulty and that the behaviour of the normal
brake system may be damaged.
The EDS system works in conjunction with the ABS. If the EDS stops working,
the ABS warning lamp comes on. When the ASR and the ESP fail this light also
comes on. Consult a Technical Service Centre as soon as possible.
3. Handbrake
The corresponding warning is:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with
the ignition on It should go out when the handbrake is released. If it does not
this indicates a fault in the brake system.

Cockpit81
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a An audible signal is also given if the car is driven faster than 6 km/h (approx.
4 mph) with the handbrake applied.
Coolant temperature/level gauge
v
The corresponding warning is:
STOP CHECK LEVEL COOLANT
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the symbol flashes while driving, this means that either the coolant temper-
ature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Stop immediately, switch off
the engine and check the level. Top up coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. In this case, check the radiator fan fuse, and replace if
necessary.
If the warning light does not go out, although the coolant level is correct and
the fan fuse is correct, do not continue driving. Obtain technical assistance.
If the fault is only in the radiator fan, it is possible to continue driving as far
as the nearest Technical Service Centre, as long as the coolant level is correct
and the display light is off.
Alternator
F
The corresponding warning is:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go out
when the engine is started.
The alternator is operated by a long-lasting drive belt.
If the warning light lights up while driving, stop, switch off the engine and
check the drive belt. If the belt is loose or broken, do not continue driving, as
the coolant pump will not be driven. The belt should be checked or replaced.If the warning light comes on even though the belt is neither loose nor
broken, it is usually possible to continue driving to the nearest Technical
Service Centre.
As the vehicle battery will discharge, it is advisable to switch off all non-vital
electrical consumers.
Seat belt warning lamp
h
The corresponding warning is:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
This warning light (only in some countries) lights up for approximately 6
seconds when the ignition is switched on to remind occupants to fasten seat-
belts. If the seat belts are not fastened, a sound signal is emitted when the
ignition is switched on which will stop when the seat belts are fastened or
after approximately 6 seconds.
WARNING
•If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, you should wait for
assistance from specialised personnel before continuing to drive.
•If the fluid level is correct, the fault may lie in the ABS. If the ABS control
system fails, the rear wheels may block rapidly on braking. This, in certain
circumstances, could cause the vehicle to skid.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Risk of burns. Wait until you can no longer see or
hear escaping steam or coolant.
•Do not touch the fan, as it could suddenly start to operate, even if the
ignition is switched off.
•To prevent burns from boiling coolant, the following should be
observed:
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion tank!. When the engine
is warm or hot, the system is pressurised! Therefore wait until the engine
cools before opening the cap.

Cockpit 82
•To protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or fluid, cover the
fan cap with a large cloth in order to open it.
•Take care to avoid coolant spilling on the exhaust pipe or any other hot
component as antifreeze is inflammable.
Priority 2 (yellow symbols)
If a yellow symbol appears, a sound signal is emitted. The symbols indicate
a dangerous situation. The function shown should be controlled as fast as
possible. If various faults occur at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one by one for approx. 2 seconds.
Oil level too low
E
The corresponding warning is:
CHECK LEVEL OIL
If this sign lights up: stop, switch off the engine and check the oil level; top
up where necessary.
Oil level too low
E
The corresponding warning is:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
If the symbol flashes this probably means that the oil level sensor is defec-
tive. The vehicle should immediately be taken to a Technical Service Centre.
It is possible to continue driving, but the oil level should be continually moni-
tored, e.g. every time the vehicle is refuelled.
Engine fault
- Petrol engine
%0#
- Diesel engineD
The corresponding warning is:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
If a fault in the running of the engine arises while driving, the corresponding
light will come on (petrol engine) or flash (diesel engine). In this case the
engine should be checked immediately by a Technical Service Centre.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
J
The corresponding warning is:
ABS FAULT
A fault in the ABS system is shown in the following manner:
If the ABS warning light comes on separately, it is possible to brake the
vehicle using the normal brake system (without ABS). Consult a Technical
Service Centre as soon as possible.
Electronic immobilizer


The corresponding warning is:
IMMOBILIZ.ACTIVE
When the ignition is switched on, the vehicle key data is automatically
consulted. The warning light will flash to confirm that the data is being
checked
If an unauthorised key is used, the warning light will flash constantly. It will
not be possible to start the vehicle.
Tailgate/bonnet open display*
4
The corresponding warning is:
TAILGATE OPEN
This warning light only indicates that the tailgate is open.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and stowage 150
Switching on the heating function
– Insert the cable plug in the cooling and heating box so that the
red marking on the plug is pointing to the notch.
– Insert the connector cable plug into one of the vehicle's 12 volt
sockets.
– Keep the lid of the cooling and heating box closed.
Switching the cooling and heating box off fully
– Disconnect the power supply to the 12 Volt socket.
The internal temperature of the cooling and heating box is dependent on the
temperature in the vehicle. In cooling mode, the internal temperature can be
max. 20 degrees below the temperature in the vehicle. In heating mode it can
be max. 35 degrees above the temperature in the vehicle Ÿ in “Safety
notes on using the cooling and heating box” on page 150.
If you switch directly from cooling to heating (or vice versa) it will take a rela-
tively long time for the interior to reach the desired temperature.
Faults
If the cooling and heating box does not work, proceed as follows:
•Check whether there is power and whether the plug is securely in the
socket.
•Make sure the power cable is not damaged.
•Check the fuse for the power supply to the 12 Volt socket.
•Run the engine to recharge the battery.
If these steps do not help, contact a qualified dealership.
Safety notes on using the cooling and heating box
WARNING
•For reasons of safety, the cooling and heating box lid must always be
closed and latched when the vehicle is in motion. The cooling and heating
box must always be firmly secured in the correct floor anchors.
•If the temperature in the vehicle is too low, the temperature in the box
may fall below +2 degrees and the contents may freeze. Bottles and other
containers could burst. Risk of injury.
•For reasons of safety, the cooling and heating box lid must not be used
as a table or shelf when the vehicle is in motion.
•Always close the lid of the cooling and heating box before the vehicle
moves off. If the flap is open, it could drop down when the vehicle moves
off. Risk of injury.

Driving163
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)

Intelligent technology179
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and Maintenance
Intelligent technology
Brakes
Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
If the brake servo does not operate, for example, when the vehicle is being
towed or due to a fault in the system, the brake pedal must be depressed
harder.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.
•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•If the brake servo is out of action, for example if the car is being towed,
you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than normal.
Brake pads wear display I
If this light comes on, check the brake pads immediately.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
If the warning lamp lights up I or the corresponding message appears on
the instrument panel, immediately have the brake pads checked and
replaced, if necessary, at a specialised workshop.
Brake warning lamp H
If the warning lamp comes on, this may be caused by the
following reasons:
•With the handbrake on the warning light comes on H on the instrument
panel. If you are travelling at over 6 km/h with the hand brake on, a text
message or the required operations may appear on the instrument panel. In
addition a warning signal is heard.
•In the event of insufficient brake fluid the warning lamp lights up H on
the instrument panel. At the same time, a text message or the necessary oper-
ations may appear on the instrument panel . Stop the vehicle immediately
and check the level of the brake fluid Ÿpage 221
•In the event of a fault in the brake system the warning lamp lights up H
on the instrument panel and three buzzes are emitted. At the same time, a
text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel . Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. You should obtain professional
assistance. This warning lamp
H can light up together with the anti-locking
brake system warning lamp JŸ.