trailer Seat Alhambra 2010 User Guide

Lights and visibility 116
Turning on and off lights
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
In vehicles with tow bar fitted as standard: If the trailer is connected electri-
cally and is fitted with a rear fog light, this is automatically switched off on the
vehicle.
Turn the light switch to the required position Ÿfig. 67:
Fog lights
The warning lamps
or
on the light switch also indicate that the fog
lights are switched on.
Fig. 67 Next to the steering wheel: diagram of some of
the types of light switch.
when the ignition is turned offwhen the ignition is on
/Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights off.Lights off or daytime driving light
on.
!54/The guidance lights may be
switched on.Automatic dipped beam control
or daytime driving light on.
Side light on.Side light on.

Dipped beam off; if necessary,
the side light comes on for a
time.Dipped beam switched on.

Lights and visibility 120
function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor, the
lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark.
Note
The time taken for the headlights to go off can be changed in the menu Lights
& Visibility and the function can be switched on or off Ÿpage 70.
Note
When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened there
is no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
switch Ÿfig. 68 .
Headlight range control
The headlight range control Ÿfig. 68 is modified according to the value
of the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver
optimum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers Ÿ.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch Ÿfig. 68 :
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
control. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the
vehicle load status when the headlights are switched on.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in serious accident.
Fig. 68 Next to the
steering wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control and headlight
range control .
A1A2
ValueVehicle load statusa)
a)If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to
select intermediary positions.
–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty
1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full. With trailer
and minimum support load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full. With trailer and
maximum support load
A1
A1
A2
A2
A2
A2

Driving209
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
xIf you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
xNever allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubricated
and could be damaged.
Recommended gear indication
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driving.
It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exceptionally high
speed Ÿpage 255.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
xResponsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation
continues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a
hill or towing a trailer.
For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel.
Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pressed.
DisplayMeaning
ˆOptimum gear.
žRecommendation to change up a gear.
ŸRecommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 216
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears before
long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat
and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESP, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to increasing active
safety.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
ESP reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by braking
individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESP detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESP has limits. It is important to realise that the ESP is also subject to the
laws of physics. ESP will not be able to deal with all situations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes suddenly then
ESP will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters a section
covered by water, mud or snow then ESP will not provide assistance in the
same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the ground and
moves on a film of water (aquaplaning), the ESP will not be able to assist the
driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence with the road surface
preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driven through series of
bends at high speed, the ESP will not always be as effective: the vehicle reac-
tion to aggressive driving is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving
with a trailer, ESP does not provide the same amount of vehicle control as
without a trailer.
Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESP cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the transmission
available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver attention
creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESP assists in maintaining vehicle
control in extreme situations and uses the movements of the steering made
by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the desired direction. If the
vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the road before ESP can
intervene then the system cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESP. The ESP is
always on. The ESP should only be turned off using the TCS button
Ÿpage 218, fig. 144 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn
on the TCS once more when the vehicle has traction once again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before the
vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is
reduced:
xPress and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
xDo not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
xMaintain vehicle direction when braking fully.

Driving 224
Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
xThe driver seat belt must be buckled.
xThe driver door must be closed.
xThe bonnet must be closed.
xThe factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trailer.
xA minimum engine temperature has been reached.
xThe vehicle has moved since the last stop.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset temperature range.
xThe temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
xThe air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
xThe power level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
xThe vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
xThe vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
xThe front wheels are not overly turned.
xThe heated windscreen is not switched on.
xReverse gear is not engaged.
xThe park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
xIf the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
xIf the vehicle moves.
xIf the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions:
xIf the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
xIf the driver's door is opened.
xIf the bonnet is opened.
xIn vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
xPress the button on the centre console Ÿpage 223, fig. 147.
xThe button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually.
WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
Caution
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor tempera-
tures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe the
corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
›

Driving225
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Parking sensor system
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound will
be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close to
the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
xPark Assist system Ÿpage 229
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot replace
driver awareness.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
xThe surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the
ultrasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these types
of clothes.
xExternal sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be
detected.
Caution
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could result in
damage to your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xWhen cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 inches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 228
With towing bracket
A specific image is displayed on the screen of vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing bracket and an electrically connected trailer. In this case, the
distances behind the vehicle are not indicated.
Switching the parking sensor system sound on and off
If the button on the radio or navigation system screen may mute the
sound of OPS warnings. To switch the warnings back on, press the button
again briefly.
When the OPS is switched off and back on again, muting is cancelled. Error
messages cannot be switched off.
WARNING
Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
Distance from the vehicle to the
obstacleAcoustic sig-
nalDisplayed in colour on
the screen: colour of the
segment if an obstacle is
recognised
in front: approx. 31 – 120 cm
behind: approx. 31 – 160 cmbeeping
soundYellow
approx. 0 – 30 cm in front or
behind a)
a)The permanent sound starts at a somewhat greater distance on vehicles with a fac-
tory-fitted towing bracket.
permanent
soundRed


Driving229
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Park Assist system*
Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to leave
parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that the
driver is especially attentive Ÿ.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run any
risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xUnintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xThe surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external sound
sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on the
system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
Caution
xThe park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, without
taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop
manoeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to
your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle. This
is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park behind a truck or motor-
cycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the area in front of and behind
the vehicle while parking, and intervene promptly if necessary.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 236
Things to note
Cleaning the camera lens
Keep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice:xMoisten the lens using a commercially available, alcohol-based glass
cleaning agent and clean the lens with a dry cloth Ÿ.
xRemove snow using a small brush.
xUse de-icing spray to remove any ice Ÿ.
Caution
xNever use abrasive cleaners to clean the camera lens.
xNever remove snow or ice from the camera lens using warm or hot water.
This could damage the lens.
Note
SEAT recommends that you practise parking with the rear assist system in a
quiet location or in a car park to become familiar with the system, including
the orientation lines and their function.
Note
The orientation lines will not be displayed on the screen if the tailgate is open
or the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
1) Do not use the rear assist system in the following cases:
– If there is a fault in the dynamic chassis control (DCC).
– If the image displayed is not very clear or reliable (low visibility or dirty
lens).
– If the space behind the vehicle cannot be clearly or completely recog-
nised.
- If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– If the driver is not familiar with the system.
– If the tailgate is open.
- If the position and installation angle of the camera have been changed,
e.g. in a rear-end collision. Have a specialist workshop check the system.
2) Optical illusions of the camera (examples)
The rear assist camera produces two-dimensional images. Any cracks in or
objects protruding from the ground or from other vehicles are more difficult
to spot or cannot be seen due to a lack of depth in the image displayed.
Objects or other vehicles may seem to be closer or further away than what
they really are:
– On changing from a flat surface to a slope or gradient.
– On changing from a slope or gradient to a flat surface.
- If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– On approaching protruding objects. These objects may be outside the
angle of vision of the camera when reversing.

Driving 248
xIf tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
xThe driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is
indicated on the label Ÿpage 328, fig. 183.
xThe tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the tyres
are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
xDriving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
xBefore starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pressure.
xIf tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces and
it may be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the tyre
will burst.
xWith an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of the
tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xIf a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate speed
and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
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.
Tyre monitoring indicator
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this informa-
tion, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a wheel is
changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the instrument
panel. The wheel tread changes when:
xTyre pressure is insufficient.
xTyre structure is damaged.
xThe vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
xThe wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trailer).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.