checking oil Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Contents 4
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel trims* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes on the technical data . . . . . . .
Outstanding information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te ch n ica l D ata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS) . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 100 kW (135 PS) . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 100 kW (135 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 103 kW (140 PS) . . . . . . .
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 103 kW (140 PS)
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
313
318
323
323
336
339
345
345
348
353
356
360
371
375
379
379
379
381
382
382
383
383
384
385
387
388
390
392
393

Checking and refilling levels 294
Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
xRefuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of fuel,
never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the wrong
fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine running, the
composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel system and
the engine itself.
xIn vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you
refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Control lamps and fuel gauge
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.
The auxiliary heater and the auxiliary heater running off petrol will automati-
cally switch off when the indicator
z or  lights.
WARNING (continued)
lights upGauge position
Ÿfig. 169Possible cause ŸSolution
Red mark
(arrow)
The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is
being used
Ÿpage 392.
Refuel as soon as
possible Ÿ.
§Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
Fig. 169 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge for
petrol and diesel.

Checking and refilling levels 296
Closing the tank cap
xScrew on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
xPress the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must be
flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment.
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement Ÿpage 360.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment 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
Ÿpage 304, “Working in the engine compartment”! Have the work carried
out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following regu-
larly, preferably when you refuel:
xWindscreen washer fluid level Ÿpage 124
xEngine oil level Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant level Ÿpage 313
xBrake fluid level Ÿpage 210
xTyre pressure Ÿpage 323
xVehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
–Indicators
– Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
– Rear lights
–Brake lights
– Rear fog light Ÿpage 116
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to acci-
dents and severe injuries.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Checking and refilling levels299
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious injury.
Caution
xThe vehicle is not prepared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and subse-
quently lead to engine faults!
xThe addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standard EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example) is
authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel system.
xThe diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefore, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composition
of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the engine.
xThe use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considerably
reduce the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your qualified workshop
will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Information on fuel consumption
The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehicle. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different
vehicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of a vehicle not
only depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.Calculating fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the
current version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows:
Note
The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This could
raise consumption and the CO
2 emissions slightly.
Note
In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calculated
based on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations.
Urban cycleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
start. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50
km/h.
Road cycleIn the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent
acceleration and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
CombinedThe average combined consumption is calculated with a
weighting of around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle.
CO2 emis-
sions of the
combination The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to
calculate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO
2 con-
tent and other emissions.

Checking and refilling levels 304
Working in the engine compartment
Introduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the oper-
ations 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. Negligent work
can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
xWindscreen wash system Ÿpage 124
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xBrake fluid Ÿpage 210
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xChecks when filling up Ÿpage 293
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant Ÿpage 313
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
xNever work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
xIf you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. The
jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to severe
injuries.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
xFor all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work carefully
and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal risks.
xNever work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a qualified workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries.
xNever open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
xAlways allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
xContact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause 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.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 306
Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
xAlways keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extinguisher
close by.
Caution
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids into
the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious malfunc-
tions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take the
vehicle to a specialist workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or other
fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a professional
to dispose of them.
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment Ÿ:
xPark the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
xPress and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
xConnect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
xMove the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P Ÿpage 201.
xStop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
xWait for the engine to cool down.
xAlways keep children and other people far from the engine compartment.
xEnsure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in
serious injury.
xAlways complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
WARNING (continued)

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 levels 310
Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications.
The correct oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long service
life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil that
can generally be used all year round.
Only use an oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible Ÿ. If
you wish to maintain the long-life service duration, only engine oils approved
for this service according to the corresponding VW standard (Ÿtable on
page 310) may be used. All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade oils.
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Qualified workshops
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a SEAT Dealership.
Caution
xOnly use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
SEAT. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
xNo additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty.
Checking the engine oil level and topping up
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
EnginesEngine oil specifications
with LongLife servicewithout LongLife service
Petrol enginesVW 504 00, VW 503 00VW 504 00, VW 502 00
Diesel enginesVW 507 00VW 507 00
Fig. 175 Marked engine
oil dipstick.
Fig. 176 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap.

Checking and refilling levels311
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xStop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
sump. When the engine has cooled down, immediately check the oil level and
top up if necessary.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol E on the
cap Ÿpage 310, fig. 176 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Checking the engine oil level
xPull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
xReplace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick has a
mark, when you reintroduce it this mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
xRemove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level Ÿtable on
page 311.
xAfter reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in steps.
xUnscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
Ÿpage 310, fig. 176. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
xOnly refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small quan-
tities (not more than 0.5 L or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time) Ÿpage 310.
xTo avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until the
oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the dipstick.
xCheck the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil Ÿ.
xWhen the oil level is in at least the Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 zone, insert
the dipstick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine
is running.
xAfter topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xAlways ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is
correctly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
Caution
xIf the oil level is above the area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 do not start the
engine. You should obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.
xWhen refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 . Otherwise
oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and escape into the
atmosphere via the exhaust system.
page 310,
fig. 175Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up level:
Area Do not top up oil Ÿ.
Area Add approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon). The
oil level can be in the zone , but never above .
Area :
It is essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a gallon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone after adding oil.
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Checking and refilling levels 312
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2,000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1,200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5,000 km
(3,000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area Ÿpage 310,
fig. 175 .
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a qualified workshop to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified work-
shop.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme.
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
xWear eye protection.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
xAlways keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
xUse a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
xNever collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems.
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