key Seat Alhambra 2010 Service Manual

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.

Driving195
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Stopping and starting the engine
Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault,
3!&% or
Immobiliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be
started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
xVehicle key set Ÿpage 78
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xSteering Ÿpage 192
xStart assist systems Ÿpage 221
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEmergency locking and unlocking Ÿpage 348
xJump starting Ÿpage 371
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult; this could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
xThe assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, safety
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
xThe engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a stand-
still.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of
serious injury.
xNever start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness.
It can also cause death.
xNever leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen resulting
in damage and serious injury.
xNever use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
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).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 196
Ignition lock
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition lock,
it can be removed as follows:
xAutomatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed from
the vehicle.
xManual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious injury.
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.
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.
Note
If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods, the
vehicle battery will run flat.
Fig. 134 Vehicle key positions
Car keys Ÿfig. 134
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.
Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be
removed from the vehicle.
Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has started.
When it is released, the key returns to position .
A0
A1
A2A1

Driving197
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ignition
lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and release
the selector lever locking button.
Starter button*
The starter button can only be used if there is a valid key inside the vehicle.
On leaving the vehicle with the ignition switched off, the electronic lock on
the steering column is activated when the driver's door is opened
Ÿpage 192.
Switching the ignition on/off
xBriefly press the starter button once without pressing the clutch or brake
pedal Ÿ.Emergency starting function
If the system has not recognised a valid key inside the vehicle, the emergency
starter function is activated. The corresponding information text is displayed
on instrument panel. This may occur, for example, if the key battery is flat or
very low:
xPlace the key close to the steering column immediately after passing the
start button.
xThe engine starts automatically.
Emergency disconnection
If it is not possible to switch off the engine by briefly pressing the starter
button, the emergency disconnection system should be used:
xPress the starter button twice within a second or press it once for more
than two seconds Ÿ in “Stopping the engine” on page 199.
xThe engine turns off automatically.
Re-starting the engine
If, after the engine is switched off, a valid key is not detected in the vehicle,
the engine can only be started after an interval of approximately 5 seconds.
The corresponding message is displayed on the instrument panel.
After this interval, it will not be possible to start the engine without a valid key
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xWhen the starter button is pressed do not press the brake or clutch
pedal as the engine will start immediately.
Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centre console: KESSY
starter and lock system:
Starter button.

Driving 198
WARNING
Careless or incorrect use of vehicle keys may result in severe injury and
accident.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. Chil-
dren and other unauthorised persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine or switch on the ignition and any electrical components such as the
electric windows.
Note
In vehicles with a diesel engine and KESSY, the starting of the engine may be
delayed due to pre-heating of the engine.
Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
WARNING (continued)
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles wi th KESSY
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position P or N.
3.
Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key in the igni-
tion lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 . A warning lamp lights
up in the control panel
D.
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 ;
do not press the accelerator.Press the starter button Ÿpage 197, fig. 135; do not press the acceler-
ator. To start the engine, the system should detect a valid key inside
the vehicle.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition lock.When the engine starts, release the starter button.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute. If necessary, perform an emergency start Ÿpage 197.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to start driving Ÿpage 210.
A1
A2

Driving199
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an accident
and serious injury.
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
xNever use start boosters.
Caution
xAn attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
xWhen the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
xDo not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the cata-
lytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
Note
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
Note
When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
Note
At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected.
Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
1.Stopping the vehicle completely Ÿ.
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been com-
pleted.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.

Driving 200
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
xThe airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
xThe brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To stop,
the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
xAs the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
xIf the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it will
not be possible to steer the vehicle.
Caution
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time, it
may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine to
run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off.
Note
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when the
selector lever is in position P.
Note
After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue running
for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or the key
removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off.
Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobi-
lizer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as
you remove the key from the ignition lock. In vehicles with the KESSY system,
the key should remain outside the vehicle Ÿpage 86.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used with a genuine SEAT key with the
correct code. Coded keys can be obtained from your Authorised Service
Centre Ÿpage 78.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is
displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be started in this case
Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only guaranteed when original SEAT
keys are used.
5.
Turn the key in the ignition lock
to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134
.Briefly press the starter button
Ÿpage 197, fig. 135. If it is not
possible to switch off the engine,
use the emergency disconnec-
tion Ÿpage 197.
6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
7.
Remove the starter button from
the lock to disconnect all electri-
cal components and activate the
electronic lock on the steering
column.
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles with KESSY
A0

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)

Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
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).
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.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

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.
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