check engine light Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Checking and refilling levels 300
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue)
Introduction
The AdBlue fill level must be checked when the vehicle is being serviced
ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”.
Additional information and warnings:
xLuggage compartment Ÿpage 146
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle may not restart after switching
the ignition off. The emergency start or jump start will not be possible
either!
xTop up with AdBlue at the latest 1000 km or 600 miles before it runs
out.
xDo not allow the AdBlue to run too low.
WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can cause injuries if it touches
the skin, eyes or respiratory organs.
xIf AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin, rinse for at least 15 minutes
with plenty of water and seek medical help.
xIf the AdBlue is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recommended by a
Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
Caution
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastic, items of
clothing and carpets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as quickly as possible
using a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
xIf the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with warm water and a sponge.
Control and warning lamps
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.
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution
b (red)The engine cannot be
restarted! The level of AdBlue
is too low.Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
safe and flat area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required Ÿpage 302.
b (red)
with
>
The engine cannot be
restarted! AdBlue system
malfunction.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the system checked there.
b (yel-
low)The AdBlue reserve is low.
Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metres or miles as indicated
Ÿpage 302. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialist work-
shop.
b (red)
with

>
There is a fault in the AdBlue
system or unsuitable AdBlue
fluid has been used.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the system checked there.

Checking and refilling levels301
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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 AdBlue
In vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction, a special urea solution
(AdBlue) is injected into the exhaust gas system in front of the catalytic
converter to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
The consumption of AdBlue depends on individual driving style, the temper-
ature at which the system operates and the outside temperature where the
vehicle is driven.
AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the vehicle and should be refilled at
an official supplier. The AdBlue tank holds about 17 litres.
A message will be displayed on the instrument panel around 2400 km before
the next service to indicate that AdBlue must be refilled Ÿpage 302. If you
ignore this message and do not refill, you will be unable to start the engine
afterwards Ÿpage 300.
SEAT recommends contacting a specialist workshop. If you are unable to visit
a qualified specialist workshop, you should temporarily refill with a minimum
of 10.0 litres of AdBlue. Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT.When the indicators
b and > light simultaneously, there is a fault. SEAT
recommends visiting the closest qualified workshop.
AdBlue
® is a registered trademark in the US, Germany, the European Union
and other countries belonging to the German automobile industry ("Verband
der Automobilindustrie e. V.", VDA).

Checking and refilling levels309
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
xAlways protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
xEngine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
xNever store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
xRegular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come into
contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
xWith the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the envi-
ronment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the
environment.
Warning and control lamps
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.
lights upPossible causeSolution
Insufficient engine oil.Switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level Ÿpage 310.
flashesPossible causeSolution
EEngine oil pressure too low.
› Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
- If the warning indicator flashes
although the oil level is correct,
do not continue driving or leave
the engine running. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Engine oil sensor faulty.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor
checked.

Checking and refilling levels313
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary Ÿ! Have
the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
xOnly keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in a
safe place.
xNever store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
xAlways keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
xEnsure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
xIf the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating to
stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment.
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The temper-
ature may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
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.
Fig. 177 Engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument panel: cold
area; normal area;
warning area.
AAABAC

Checking and refilling levels 314
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xAlways observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
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.
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at least
40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine coolant
additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25 °C (-13 °F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also
prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must always
be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries with a
warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, decrease
the cooling capacity.
When adding coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection Ÿ.
lights up
Gauge
position
Ÿpage 31
3, fig. 177
Possible causeSolution
v
Warning
area Excessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.
› Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant level
Ÿpage 315.
Normal
area Insufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with
engine coolant Ÿpage 315.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty.› Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assist-
ance.
--
Cold area

--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
vEngine coolant system faulty.You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
AC
AB
AA

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
system, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
xEnsure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
xIf the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating to
stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
Caution
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine and
the engine cooling system.
xThe engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and G 11.
xIf the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, this means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with
another coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and
engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment.
Checking the engine coolant level and refilling
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warning indicator will light.
Fig. 178 In the engine
compartment: Marking on
coolant expansion reser-
voir.
Fig. 179 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap.

Checking and refilling levels 316
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
xAllow the engine to cool Ÿ.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe coolant expansion reservoir is easily recognisable because of the
symbol « on the cap Ÿpage 315, fig. 179.
Checking the engine coolant level
xWhen the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion reservoir Ÿpage 315, fig. 178.
xIf the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the engine
is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
xAlways protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
xRemove the cap very carefully Ÿ.
xOnly refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(Ÿpage 314) Ÿ.
xThe engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank Ÿpage 315, fig. 178. Do not exceed the top level of the
marked area Ÿ.
xScrew on the cap tightly.
xIf, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to the
required specifications (Ÿpage 314), never use another type of additive.
Instead, first top up with distilled water Ÿ only. Then re-establish the
correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as possible
Ÿpage 314.
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
xNever open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any steam
or coolant escaping.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin burns.
xOnce the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector lever
in P or the gear stick in neutral.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
xWhen the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. Other-
wise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and serious
injury.
Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently pressing
down on it.
Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
xWhen refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under specific
circumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.
Caution
xTop up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to
considerable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This
could consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 318
Vehicle batter y
Introduction
The battery is a component of the vehicle's electrical system.
Never work on the electrical system without fully understanding the opera-
tions required, the applicable safety standards and without the correct tools
Ÿ! Have the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. Negligent work can cause
serious injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehicle
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warning indications on the vehicle's battery
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xStarter assist systems (Start-Stop function) Ÿpage 221
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause corro-
sion, fire and electric shocks. Always read and take into account the
following warnings and safety standards before carrying out any work:
xBefore working on the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
all electrical devices then disconnect the negative connection on the
battery.
xKeep children away from acid and the battery itself!
xWear eye protection.
xBattery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
xDo not smoke and never work close to places exposed to flames or
sparks.
xAvoid sparks and electrostatic discharges when working with cables
and electrical devices.
xNever short the battery terminals.
xNever use a damaged battery. It can explode. Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
xReplaced damaged or frozen batteries as soon as possible. A flat
battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).
xVehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Ensure that the
battery ventilation hose is correctly secured.
Caution
xNever disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
SymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!
ŽFires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited.
ŸA highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xDo not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
xIf the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery from extreme
cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and become damaged.
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.
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.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
The battery's electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other batteries do not
require maintenance.
lights upPossible causeSolution
FFaulty generator.
Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the electrical system
checked.
Disconnect any unnecessary
electrical consumers. The gener-
ator does not charge the battery
while the vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 180 In the engine
compartment: Remove
the cover from the
vehicle's battery.
Fig. 181 In the engine
compartment: Unfold the
vehicle's battery hose.

Checking and refilling levels 320
Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery labelled
“AGM”. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check the electrolyte level
of these batteries
Preparations
xPrepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on the engine size of the vehicle:
xIn the case of a cover: press the tab Ÿpage 319, fig. 180 in the direc-
tion of the arrow and pull the cover upwards.
xIn the case of a hose: fold the cover to one side to remove Ÿpage 319,
fig. 181.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
xMake sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open flames or sparklers as a light source.
xDepending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery will
change colour.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
xAlways wear protective gloves and eye protection.
xBattery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
xNever tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
xNever open the vehicle battery.
xIf battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
xIf acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialist workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment Ÿ. SEAT recommends visiting a qual-
ified workshop.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a qualified
SEAT workshop for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size
and maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the
battery replaced by a qualified SEAT workshop.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable,
replaced by a specialist workshop.
Black indicationThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
AA
WARNING (continued)