ECO mode Seat Alhambra 2010 User Guide

Unlocking and locking81
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a the indicator blinks several times, for example: for the convenience opening
function.
When the indicator light does not light upon pushing a button, the batteries
of the vehicle key must be changed Ÿpage 81.
Changing the battery
SEAT recommend having the batteries changed in a qualified workshop.
The battery is located to the rear of the vehicle key, under a cover Ÿfig. 44.
When changing the battery, use another battery of the same model and
observe the polarity when fitting it Ÿ.
To change the battery
xUnfold the key shaft Ÿpage 79.
xRemove the cover from the back of the vehicle key Ÿfig. 44 in the direc-
tion of the arrow Ÿ.
xExtract the battery from the compartment using a suitable thin object
Ÿfig. 45.
xPlace the new battery in the compartment, pressing in the direction of the
arrow as shown Ÿfig. 45 Ÿ.
xFit the battery compartment cover, pressing in the direction of the arrow
as shown Ÿfig. 44 until it clicks into place.
Fig. 44 Vehicle key:
battery compartment
cover.
Fig. 45 Vehicle key:
removing the battery.

Lights and visibility119
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
The headlights, rear lights and turn signals may mist up temporarily on the
inside in cool or damp weather. This is normal and in no way effects the useful
life of the vehicle lighting system.
Adhesive strips for headlights or adjusting headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on the other side of the road to the
home country, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers of oncoming
vehicles. Therefore, when driving abroad, adhesive strips should be attached
to the headlights or the headlights should be adjusted accordingly.
The direction of the headlights can be adjusted from the instrument panel, in
the menu Settings submenu Travel mode Ÿpage 70.
For those vehicles in which it is not possible to adjust the headlights from the
menu, adhesive strips are used to cover certain parts of the headlamp cover
or the headlights may be adjusted at a specialised workshop. For further
information, please refer to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends
visiting a qualified workshop.
Note
The use of Travel mode and adhesive strips on the headlights is only author-
ised for a short period of time. To modify the direction of the headlamps more
permanently, please take the vehicle to a specialised workshop. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Function “Coming home” and “Leaving home” (guidance
lights)
The “Coming home” function should be switched on manually. However the
“Leaving home” function is automatically controlled by a photo sensor.
Lighting around the exterior mirrors
The lighting around the exterior mirrors illuminates the door area on entering
and leaving the vehicles. It comes on when the vehicle is unlocked, when the
vehicle door is opened and when the “Coming home” or “Leaving home”
“Coming Home”Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on:
– Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly flash the headlights for approximately one sec-
ond Ÿpage 115.
The “Coming home” lighting comes on when the driver's
door is opened. The delay in switching off the headlights
is counted from when the last door or tailgate is closed.
The system
switches off:
– Automatically at the end of the delay period.
– Automatically, if 30 seconds after coming on, a vehicle
door or tailgate remains open.
– If the light switch is turned to position
/.
– If the ignition is switched on.
“Leaving home”Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on:– Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position
!54/ and the photo sensor detects darkness.
The system
switches off:
– Automatically, at the end of the delay period.
– When the vehicle is locked.
– When the light switch is turned to position
/.
– When the ignition is switched on.

Lights and visibility 126
Note
The intermittent wiper speed varies according to the vehicle speed. The faster
the vehicle is moving, the more often the windscreen is cleaned.
Note
The rear wiper is automatically switched on when the windscreen wiper is
connected and the car is in reverse gear.
Windscreen wiper functions
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.Headlight wash /wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the windscreen
washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore, the wind-
screen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel when the
dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as insects)
should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which has
got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The
wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the obstacle
and switch the wiper back on again.Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:
If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioning comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen
washer fluid entering the inside of the vehi-
cle.
For the intermittent wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.

Seats and storage compartments153
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xHook in the net partition on the rear right-hand side roof support by
pressing on the rod.
xSecure the hooks of the net partition to the attachment rings in the left
and right hand side foot rests on the second row of seats then tighten the
straps.
Removing the net partition
xLoosen the net partition straps.
xRelease the net partition hooks from the rings Ÿpage 152, fig. 100 .
xRelease the net partition from the right and left roof supports
Ÿpage 152, fig. 100 or by pressing on the rod.
xUnhook the net partition from the left-hand side roof support.
Folding in the net partition
xPress on the release button Ÿpage 152, fig. 99 and bend the rod
in the direction of the arrow with the release o button pressed.
xPress on the release button Ÿpage 152, fig. 99 and bend the rod
in the direction of the arrow with the release button pressed.
xStore the net partition securely in the vehicle.
WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently thrown in
case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and especially in accidents causing
serious injury.
xEnsure that the rods are correctly locked in place.
xEven when net partition is correctly fitted, objects must be secured.
xWhen driving with the net partition, no passengers should be behind
it.
Fastening rings
To the front and rear of the luggage compartment, there are fastening rings
for securing objects Ÿfig. 101 (arrows). On some models, the fastening
rings are all the way to the back on the lock carrier plate.
There are other fastening rings located to the left and right hand side of the
second row footrests.
Some models of fastening rings must be lifted to use them.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged ropes or straps may be released in case of sudden
braking or an accident. As a result, objects may be fired through the
passenger compartment causing serious injury or death.
xAlways use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
xSecure the ropes and straps to the fastening rings.
xLoose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and
change the way the vehicle handles.
AB
AAAC
A2AA
A3AB
Fig. 101 In the luggage
compartment: fastening
rings

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning179
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Climate Control
Introduction
Viewing Climatronic information
The factory-fitted radio or navigation system screen briefly displays informa-
tion relating to Climatronic.
The units of temperature measurement is displayed on the factory-installed
radio or navigation system and, depending on the vehicle equipment, can be
set using the Configuration menu on the instrument panel.
Additional information and warnings:
xSEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xWindscreen wash system Ÿpage 124
xAuxiliary heating Ÿpage 187
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows increases the risk of serious acci-
dents.
xEnsure that all windows are free of ice and snow and that they are not
fogged up preventing a clear view of everything outside.
xThe maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only
available when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
Only drive when you have good visibility.
xAlways ensure that you use the climate control and heated rear window
to maintain good visibility.
xNever leave the air recirculation on for a long period of time. If the
cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched on, the
windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
xSwitch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
xNever leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air inside the passenger compartment will not be
refreshed.
Caution
xSwitch the climate control system off if you think it may be broken. This
will avoid additional damage. Have the climate control system checked by a
qualified workshop.
xRepairs to the climate control system require specialist knowledge and
special tools. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
xDo not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a
climate control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system
vaporiser and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter,
leading to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
When the cooling system is turned off, air coming from the outside will not be
dried. To avoid fogging up the windows, SEAT recommends leaving the cooler
WARNING (continued)

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 182
Some Climatronic controls may also be on the climate control system control
panel located in the rear centre console. These controls are used to make the
appropriate settings for the rear seats.
Control
button Additional information. Climatic Ÿpage 181, fig. 129; Cli-
matronic Ÿpage 181, fig. 130.
Tem-
perature
ˆ ... ˆ
Climatic: rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly.
Climatronic: the settings for the left hand side, the right-hand
side and the rear seats are made separately. Rotate the control
to adjust the temperature accordingly. The temperature is indi-
cated on the outside ring.
Fan
 ... –
Climatic: setting 0, fan and Climatic switched off;
setting 4, fan set to maximum.
Climatronic: the Fan speed is automatically adjusted depend-
ing on the vehicle speed to avoid annoying noises. The fan can
also be adjusted manually.
Air dis-
tributionClimatic: rotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to
the desired area.
Climatronic: manually adjustable using the controls.
<
Climatic: defrost function. The airflow is directed at the wind-
screen. In this position, air recirculation is automatically
switched off or is not switched on.
<
Climatronic: defrost function. The air drawn in from outside the
vehicle is directed at the windscreen and air recirculation is
automatically switched off. To defrost the windscreen more
quickly, the air is dehumidified at temperatures over approxi-
mately +1.5 °C (+35 °F) and the fan runs at maximum output.
KThe air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by the
dashboard air vents.
L– Air distribution towards the footwell.
A1
A2
A3
qAir distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.
ACClimatic, Climatronic: Press the button to turn off/on cooling.
=
Heated rear window: this only works when the engine is run-
ning and switches off automatically after a maximum of 10
minutes.
Air recirculation mode Ÿpage 185.
oClimatronic: Automatic air recirculation Ÿpage 185.
pWindscreen heating: only works when the engine is running
and switches off automatically after a few minutes.
>Instant auxiliary heating on/off button Ÿpage 187.
Switching
off
OFFClimatic: turn the fan switch to setting 0.
Climatronic: press the button or set the fan manually to 0.
When the system switches off, the button will light up.
REAR
Climatronic: press the button to adjust the climate con-
trol for the rear seats from the front. The button will light
up when the function is switched on. The settings for the rear
seats will be displayed. Press the button again to switch the
function off or do not touch any other button for around 10
seconds.
Control
button Additional information. Climatic Ÿpage 181, fig. 129; Cli-
matronic Ÿpage 181, fig. 130.
OFF
OFF
REAR
REST

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 186
Switching air recirculation mode on and off manually 
Switching on: press the corresponding button until the light under the symbol  comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no indicator remains lit.
Automatic air recirculation mode
o
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position o. If the system detects a high
concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recirculation
mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to
within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is not automatically switched on in the following cases
of outside temperatures and conditions:
xThe cooling system is switched on (the button is lit up) and the
outside temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
xThe cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below +15
°C (+59 °F) and the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: press the button until the light under the symbol
o
comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no button remains lit.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
xPress the button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The control light
under the symbol
 comes on.
xAfter more than two seconds, press the button again to restart
automatic air recirculation. The control light under the symbol o comes on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
xNever use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh the
air inside the vehicle.
xIf the cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched
on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
xSwitch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
Caution
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a climate
control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from entering the
vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic windscreen
wash and wipe is working.
AC
 o
 o
 o
 o

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 190
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
User instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be
obstructed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the
passenger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned
towards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be
affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxil-
iary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching the
heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater.
Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
xThe auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off automat-
ically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
xThe heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automatically if
required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
y.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the instrument panel screen will
display Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another timer or
select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected using
the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be switched on
for just a certain day of the week, select the day of the
week and the time for the auxiliary heater to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 minutes
and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the auxil-
iary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Manufacturer's
settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu
>
WARNING (continued)

Driving 208
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. The lowest gears
increase the engine braking work. Never go down hills with the selector lever
in neutral N.
xYou should reduce speed accordingly.
xPress the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic
selector gate Ÿpage 207.
xGently pull the selector lever back to change down a gear.
xALTERNATIVELY: Reduce using the steering wheel paddles Ÿpage 207.
Emergency program
If all the selector lever positions on the instrument panel display are shown
with a light-coloured background, this means there is a fault in the system.
The automatic gearbox will operate in emergency programme mode. When
the emergency program is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle
however, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG
® dual clutch gearbox, in some cases, this may mean that reverse
gear does not engage. The gearbox should be checked by a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible.
Overload protection for the 6-speed DSG 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 transmission between the engine and the gearbox.
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 starting to move again.
Kick-down
The kick-down system provides maximum acceleration 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 Ÿ.
When the accelerator 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-Control programme enables maximum acceleration while at a
standstill.
xDeactivating the TCS Ÿpage 210.
xPress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
xPlace the selector lever in position S or Tiptronic.
xPress the accelerator with the right foot until the vehicle reaches an
engine speed of approximately 3,200 rpm.
xLift the left foot off the brake Ÿ. The vehicle starts with maximum
acceleration.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating!
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting in
an accident and considerable damage.
xOnly use kick-down and rapid acceleration when weather conditions,
surface conditions and traffic conditions permit; accelerate and drive in a
manner that does not endanger other road users.
xPlease remember that the driven wheels can slip and the vehicle can
skid if the TCS is turned off, especially on slippery ground.
xTurn on the TCS after accelerating.

Driving219
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Brake fluid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the
system. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking
power, notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total
failure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always func-
tioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users Ÿ.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems of
their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
Ÿ.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American
requirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German DIN ISO
4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the American
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do
not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always check the infor-
mation on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are using suitable
brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark Ÿ.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to wear
of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a qualified
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. This means that
only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the brake
system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
xCheck the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
xThe brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid