oil temperature Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Cockpit 62
correspond to the symbols used in the versions with the steering wheel on
the left
Instruments
Instrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.
Rev counter Ÿpage 63
Engine coolant temperature gauge Ÿpage 63
Display in the combi-instrument
4) and warning lamps Ÿpage 704)
Fuel gauge Ÿpage 64
SpeedometerEngine oil temperature gauge
4)Ÿpage 65
Clock Ÿ page 65
Setting knob for the clock
Adjust kilometre button
Odometer (total mileage / trip recorder) Ÿ page 65
Voltmeter
4)Ÿ page 65
Fig. 44 Detail of the dash panel: Instruments
4)Optional equipment
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Cockpit65
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil temperature display
Do not drive at full throttle if the temperature gauge indicates that the oil in
the engine is still cold. The engine revs should be reduced if the pointer goes
into the red area Ÿfig. 47 -arrow-. The needle must then return to the normal
zone.
If the pointer remains in the red zone, switch off the engine and check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is correct and the oil pressure warning lamp
does not start flashing when the engine is started, you can drive on to the
nearest qualified dealer, but do not run the engine at high speeds.
Setting the clock
The setting knob is located beneath the rev counter.
Setting the hour
– Turn the setting knob Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 briefly in an anti-
clockwise direction to move the hour forward by one hour or
– turn and hold the setting knob in an anti-clockwise direction to
move the hour forward more quickly.
Setting the minutes
– Turn the setting knob briefly in a clockwise direction to set the
clock forward by one minute or
– Turn and hold the setting knob in a clockwise direction to set the
minutes forward more quickly.
Mileage display
The top counter of the mileage displayŸpage 62, fig. 44 registers the
total mileage covered by the vehicle.
The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates steps
of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by the reset button
Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 .
Voltmeter
The voltmeter Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 indicates the voltage of the vehicle elec-
trical system. The voltage of the electrical system should normally be
Fig. 47 Engine oil
temperature gauge
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Cockpit 72
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
•The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and allow it to cool to reduce the risk
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings
Ÿpage 209.
Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information texts in the display.
•In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information text
will also appear in the display.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.
The warning lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Fault in lights*Ÿpage 76
4Tailgate open display*Ÿpage 77
YWindscreen washer fluid*Ÿpage 77
oDoor open display*Ÿpage 77
IBrake pad wear indicator*Ÿpage 77
EEngine oil level/pressure*Ÿpage 77
Coolant temperature/level gaugeŸpage 78 Item Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
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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.

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).
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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 .
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WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment 186
If you drive with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after
heavy rainfall or after washing the car, the braking effect will be reduced as
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be
“dried” through careful braking.
The brake fluid must be changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for
too long. This prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.
•New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. The slightly reduced braking effect can be compen-
sated for by increasing pressure on the brake pedal. This also applies when
new brake pads are fitted.
•If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•When driving downhill, the brakes work hard and get hot very quickly.
Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear if
your vehicle has automatic transmission). In this way you will make use of
the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Never let the brakes “rub” by only applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not work.
•Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the notes Ÿpage 202 before
buying accessories.
•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gasses purification system
Catalytic converter*
To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not run the fuel tank dry.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
Ÿpage 215, “Topping up engine oil E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
Ÿpage 249.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest qualified workshop. These symptoms are indicated by the exhaust
gas warning lampŸpage 70. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the
exhaust system and escape into the environment. The catalytic converter can
also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!
WARNING (continued)

Driving and the environment191
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment
General notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:
•Personal driving style
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when driving
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicing
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
General notes
Regular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.
Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they
do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight)
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours;
these should be used in well-ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the igni-
tion.
Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage the
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of
water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not
harmful to the environment.
•Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.
WARNING (continued)

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle199
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.
Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the car is
frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after the salting period.
Your Authorised Service Centre is able to provide the correct cleaning and
preserving products and has the necessary equipment. For this reason, we
recommend having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
If this job is carried out, you should ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment
afterwards.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
•Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake firmly and always
remove the key from the ignition before you open the bonnet.
•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.
•Do not clean the underside of vehicle, wheel arches without protecting
your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Failure to comply could result in injury.
•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing
the vehicle.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!
For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a suit-
able filling station.
Care of the vehicle interior
Cleaning plastic parts and the dash panel
– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash
panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special
solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and surface of the airbag module with cleansers
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic parts can cause substantial injuries.
WARNING (continued)