check engine Seat Alhambra 2010 User Guide

Lights and visibility 124
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xRecirculation of air conditioning air Ÿpage 179
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibility.
xIn winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
xIn cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
xAlways replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help to
leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position Ÿpage 127.
Warning lamp
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
lights upPossible causeSolution
YWindscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
bottle as soon as possible
Ÿpage 129.

Lights and visibility129
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the blades
for damage Ÿpage 128, fig. 76 (arrow).
Note
To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner containing
alcohol.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle with
water
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up as
required.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe washer bottle is marked with the symbol Y on the lid Ÿfig. 77.
xCheck there is enough water in the bottle.
xTo top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT Ÿ.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
xIn cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent the
water from freezing Ÿ.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the wind-
screen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the windscreen
which will impair visibility.
xUse clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
xIf necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
Caution
xDo not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other products.
This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer jets.
xWhen topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage!
Fig. 77 In the engine
compartment: windscreen
washer bottle top.

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 184
Switching the Climatronic temperature measuring unit
Press and hold the and buttons to switch the temperature display
between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Heat
The maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only avail-
able when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
The air conditioning system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on, this may be caused by
the following:
xThe engine is not running.
xThe fan is switched off.
xThe climate control fuse has blown.
xThe outside temperature is lower than approximately +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe climate control system compressor has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
xAnother fault in the vehicle. Have the climate control system checked by
a qualified workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath
the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak!
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated charcoal cartridge serves as a
barrier against impurities in the ambient air.
For the climate control system to work with maximum efficiency, the dust and
pollen filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Programme.If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the filter must be changed more frequently than stated
in the Service Schedule.
Note
The climate control system must left running for a few minutes to reach the
set temperature in the vehicle interior.
Note
After starting it, any residual humidity in the climate control system could
mist over the windscreen.
Note
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and out
through the outlets below the rear window. Do not cover these outlets with
items of clothing or other objects.
ACAUTO

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 192
Driving
Steering
Introduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage of
this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil, the
pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much more
difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
xThe power steering only works when the engine is running.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
D (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
D (yel-
low)
Power steering operation
reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine and
driving for a short distance, the
yellow warning light no longer
comes on, it will not be neces-
sary to take the vehicle to a spe-
cialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been
reconnected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.

Driving193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
Vehicles with KESSY: The steering column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off. Therefore, the vehicle should be at a
standstill and, where applicable, the selector lever in position P.
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built into
the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the
vehicle.
Electromechanical power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than
normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering.
flashesPossible causeSolution
D (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock.› Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
D (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the ignition
and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle Ÿpage 210.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.

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.

Driving 210
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the
brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential system (EDS), the trac-
tion control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).
Additional information and warnings:
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xStart assist systems Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to serious
accident.
xIf I lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the instru-
ment panel, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to check the
brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the
vehicle impossible to control.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
xAlways apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They could
release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or gear
stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious accident.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as the
windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could be
trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get themselves
to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temperatures
inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or extremely low
resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, particularly for
young children.
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and
running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
WARNING (continued)

Driving213
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xPress button . At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
xThe control lamps G on the button and H on the instrument panel go
out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle starts
moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her seat
belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recognises
that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal Ÿ!
xPull button hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be
accompanied by the corresponding warning chime.
xTo stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious acci-
dent.
xNever use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in an
emergency. The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
xNever accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine running
and a gear or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
parking brake is applied.
Note
In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released and the
accelerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake is auto-
matically released.
Note
If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the electronic
parking brake. Use the jump-start Ÿpage 371.
Note
When the electronic parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
Note
If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the system
sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehicle is at a
standstill.
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
xPark the vehicle on a suitable surface Ÿ.
xPress and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
xConnect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 212.
xFor an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
G
G