tow Seat Alhambra 2006 Repair Manual

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications205
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the car, it must be done according to
the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket Ÿpage 204, fig. 137 are
underneath the vehicle.
Always observe the minimum distance from the middle of the ball coupling to
the ground (350 to 420 mm). This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden,
including maximum drawbar load.
Fitting a towing bracket
•Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•Observe the legal requirements in your country (e. g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate pilot lamp).
•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts have to be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a socket connected to the vehicle's electrical system .
This requires specialist knowledge and tools.
•The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
which must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, it should be done by a qualified dealer.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted, this could cause a safety risk.
•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
Caution
If the connector socket is not fitted correctly, this could cause damage to the
vehicle's electrical system.
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Checking and refilling levels 214
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
Ÿpage 209.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back
into the sump.
– Raise the bonnet Ÿpage 211.– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as
far as it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level .
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
If the oil level is in area Ÿfig. 142 , you must not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area (but not above).
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact SEAT Service Centre ®.
Fig. 142 Dipstick
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If and when231
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
If and when
Vehicle onboard tools*, spare wheel*,
puncture repair kit* and towing bracket
Location
The vehicle tools, the spare wheel and the removable towing
bracket ball coupling are stored in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle tool kit and removable ball coupling
The vehicle tool kit and removable towing bracket ball coupling are stored on
the right of the luggage compartment, behind a cover.
Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stored underneath the vehicle Ÿpage 232.
Caution
Make sure that the spare wheel / removed wheel and the tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle onboard tools*
The vehicle tools are stored in the luggage compartment, behind the side
cover on the right and are secured using a thumb screwŸfig. 152 . The
tool kit comprises the following items:
To ol b ox
44)
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver is in the wheel
bolt.
Towing eye, removable
Open jaw spanner 10 x 13 mm
Wire hook
44) for pulling off the centre cover and the wheel bolt caps
44)Optional equipment
Fig. 152 Storage of
vehicle tools
A1
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5

If and when 232
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Jack. Before you return the jack to the tool box, you must fully wind in the
claw. The crank must then be folded tight against the side of the jack.
The removable towing bracket
44), the key for unlocking the sunroof in an
emergency44) and the anti-theft wheel bolt adaptor44) are stored next to the
vehicle tools.
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
We recommend you carry the wheel bolt adapter
44) in the vehicle tool kit at
all times.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note
the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place - but
not in your vehicle.
WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is not suitable for tightening the bolts to the necessary
torque. This may cause an accident.
•The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. Never attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.
•Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the jack.
Risk of accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
Taking out the spare wheel
1. Lift the cover Ÿfig. 153 located on the floor of the luggage
compartment, next to the tailgate lock.
2. Pull the ring of the rubber seal upwards.
3. Remove the box spanner from the vehicle tools.
4. Fit the box spanner on the bolt, to the maximum, and hold in this
position. At the same time press the safety ring downwards
Ÿ.
5. Turn the box spanner several times to the left, until the spare
wheel can be fitted, hanging from a wire, vertically behind the
vehicle.
6. Separate the plastic pieces so that they may be inserted into the
central aperture of the rim and so free the wheel.
A6
A7
Fig. 153 Taking out the
spare wheel
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If and when 234
Breakdown set*
Components
Components
The anti-puncture kit contains the following components:
Tyre valve remover
Sticker indicating maximum speed “max. 80 km/h” or “max. 50mph”
Filler tube with cap
Compressor
Tube for inflating tyres
Pressure gauge
Air bleed screw
ON/OFF switch
12 volt connector
Bottle of sealant Ÿ
Spare tyre valve
Caution
•Note the expiry date on the bottle of tyre sealant Do not use sealant paste
that has expired. A bottle of tyre sealant can be obtained at any SEAT dealer.
•Dispose of used or expired sealant observing any legal requirements.
•Likewise, note any instructions from the anti-puncture kit's manufacturer
(if included).
Note
•In vehicles fitted with a towing bracket, it is first necessary to remove the
tools in order to reach the anti-puncture kit.
Preparation of anti-puncture kit
Small punctures (up to 4 mm in diameter), particularly ones
in the tread, can be sealed using the anti-puncture set.
If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle
in position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
– Take the compressor and the bottle of sealant from the luggage
compartment.
– Take the sticker Ÿfig. 155 out of the anti-puncture set and
apply it to the dash panel where it can be seen clearly.
– Leave the foreign body (e. g. screw, nail) in the tyre.
– Take the cap off the tyre valve.
Fig. 155 Contents of anti-
puncture kit
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A2

If and when 236
WARNING
•Do not allow the sealant to get onto your skin or into your eyes. Risk of
injury.
•Keep children away from the sealant.
Changing a wheel
Preparatory work
You must park the vehicle correctly before changing a tyre.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible on a flat surface.
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the selector
in the P position.
– Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with a stone
or similar object.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Remove the spare wheel and the vehicle tools from the luggage
compartment.
– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in a safe
place (for instance behind the safety barrier).
WARNING
•If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle in
position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•All passengers should leave the car.
•Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the gear selector
in the P position. Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with
a stone or similar object.
•If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
•Only use jacks which have been approved for your vehicle by SEAT.
•Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other
SEAT models. The jack could slip. Risk of injury.
•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. This may cause an
accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Reading light
– Remove the complete bracket (interior light and reading light),
place the flat end of a screwdriver between the light and the
ceiling trim and turn the screwdriver.– Turn the lampvholder of the back of the lamp in the direction of
the arrow Ÿfig. 171 and separate.
– Remove the defective lamp (with glass bulb).
– Fit a new lamp.
– Replace the mount in the casing and guide it towards the right as
far as possible.
– Replace the bracket, first on the left and then insert it in the
opening in the ceiling trim.
Jump-starting
Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross-section.
If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can be
connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with the standard DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's
documentation). The wire cross-section must be at least 25 mm
2 for petrol
engines and at least 35 mm2 for diesel engines.
Note
•The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicles elec-
trical system.
Fig. 171 Reading lights
Fig. 172 Reading lights

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
•Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment Ÿpage 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the flat
battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
•Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
•Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, danger
of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
•Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.
•Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the
negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery could
be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
•Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
•Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting*
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable Ÿpage 249.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear
lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

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Front towline anchorage
The towline anchorage is located on the right of the front bumper
Ÿfig. 174. To access the housing it is necessary to remove the
cover.
Removing the cover of the front towing eye
– Turn the grooved bolt Ÿfig. 174 one quarter turn to the left or
the right.
– Take off the plastic cover and store it in the vehicle.
Assembling the cover of the front towing eye
– Fit the cover over the towing eye.
– Turn the grooved bolt Ÿfig. 174 one quarter turn to the left or
the right, until the cover is secure.
– Check that it is correctly fitted.
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please observe the
notes for towing or tow-starting Ÿpage 253.
Rear towline anchorage
On the right hand side of the lower rear section of the body, there is a fixed
towline anchorage Ÿfig. 175 (arrow).
Towing bracket
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket, it should also be used for
towing other vehicles.
Fig. 174 Towing eye at
the front of the vehicle
Fig. 175 Rear towline
anchorage

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tow-starting
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable Ÿpage 250.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition and switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear
lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Note
•The legal requirements concerning towing should be observed.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
Notes for tow-starting or towing
If a cable is used for towing the vehicle, please observe the
following:
As the driver of the towing vehicle
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu-
lations to the contrary.
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-
matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not
working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
As the driver of the vehicle being towed
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu-
lations to the contrary.
– Place the gear stick in neutral or position N.
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times.