dashboard Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Page 16 of 413

Safe driving15
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
Caution
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
xSecure all objects Ÿpage 14.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
xBrake early.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer Ÿpage 260.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
Ÿpage 159.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
xSecure loads correctly so they do not move.
xWhen transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
xLock the seat backs in vertical position.
Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles could
cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
xThe real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum
permitted.
xThe load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
Caution
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible.
WARNING (continued)

Page 147 of 413

Seats and storage compartments 146
Loading luggage compartment
Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Always use the fastening rings with suitable rope or straps.
Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well as the distribu-
tion of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving behaviour and
braking ability Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xLight Ÿpage 113
xTranspor ting Ÿpage 13
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors and
the tailgate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
xDo not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is open.
Children could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tailgate from
inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to serious
injury or death.
xNever allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
xNever transport people in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is espe-cially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired through
the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the following:
xSecure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
xAlways secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they cannot
enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden braking
or an accident.
xWhile driving, always keep object compartments closed.
xDo not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger
compartment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the
dashboard.
xRemove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets inside
the vehicle and store securely.
WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
braking distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured
correctly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
xThe vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due to
a change in the centre of gravity.
xDistribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
possible.
xStore heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle as possible.
Caution
xHard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and antenna of the rear window and cause damage.
xThe side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from objects.
WARNING (continued)

Page 183 of 413

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 182
Some Climatronic controls may also be on the climate control system control
panel located in the rear centre console. These controls are used to make the
appropriate settings for the rear seats.
Control
button Additional information. Climatic Ÿpage 181, fig. 129; Cli-
matronic Ÿpage 181, fig. 130.
Tem-
perature
ˆ ... ˆ
Climatic: rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly.
Climatronic: the settings for the left hand side, the right-hand
side and the rear seats are made separately. Rotate the control
to adjust the temperature accordingly. The temperature is indi-
cated on the outside ring.
Fan
 ... –
Climatic: setting 0, fan and Climatic switched off;
setting 4, fan set to maximum.
Climatronic: the Fan speed is automatically adjusted depend-
ing on the vehicle speed to avoid annoying noises. The fan can
also be adjusted manually.
Air dis-
tributionClimatic: rotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to
the desired area.
Climatronic: manually adjustable using the controls.
<
Climatic: defrost function. The airflow is directed at the wind-
screen. In this position, air recirculation is automatically
switched off or is not switched on.
<
Climatronic: defrost function. The air drawn in from outside the
vehicle is directed at the windscreen and air recirculation is
automatically switched off. To defrost the windscreen more
quickly, the air is dehumidified at temperatures over approxi-
mately +1.5 °C (+35 °F) and the fan runs at maximum output.
KThe air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by the
dashboard air vents.
L– Air distribution towards the footwell.
A1
A2
A3
qAir distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.
ACClimatic, Climatronic: Press the button to turn off/on cooling.
=
Heated rear window: this only works when the engine is run-
ning and switches off automatically after a maximum of 10
minutes.
Air recirculation mode Ÿpage 185.
oClimatronic: Automatic air recirculation Ÿpage 185.
pWindscreen heating: only works when the engine is running
and switches off automatically after a few minutes.
>Instant auxiliary heating on/off button Ÿpage 187.
Switching
off
OFFClimatic: turn the fan switch to setting 0.
Climatronic: press the button or set the fan manually to 0.
When the system switches off, the button will light up.
REAR
Climatronic: press the button to adjust the climate con-
trol for the rear seats from the front. The button will light
up when the function is switched on. The settings for the rear
seats will be displayed. Press the button again to switch the
function off or do not touch any other button for around 10
seconds.
Control
button Additional information. Climatic Ÿpage 181, fig. 129; Cli-
matronic Ÿpage 181, fig. 130.
OFF
OFF
REAR
REST

Page 259 of 413

Trailer towing 258
Trailer towing
Introduction
Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trailer and to use a trailer bracket.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers however, it can also
be used to tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the necessary equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and the vehicle performance and, in some cases, reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from the vehicle and, thus, more
concentration from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted trailer bracket, the Start-Stop function
is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For trailer brackets
not installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dashboard before driving with a trailer and it
must remain off for the entire journey Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xAnti-theft alarm system Ÿpage 83
xLight Ÿpage 113
xEcological driving Ÿpage 252
xStarter assist systems (Start-Stop function) Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
against the law.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
xOnly use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
xNever change or repair a tow hitch.
xTo reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in when
a trailer is not being used.
xNever fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances the
load”. Your vehicle has not been designed for this type of tow hitch. The
tow hitch may fail and the trailer will separate from the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can affect
vehicle handling and even cause an accident.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xTrailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
trailers with a low centre of gravity.

Page 266 of 413

Trailer towing265
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAs of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
greater.
xSelect a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system could
overheat and fail.
xThe vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
load and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trailer.
xIf the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
xPress and hold the brake pedal.
xPress the button once to turn off the electric parking brake
Ÿpage 210.
xPress and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
using the parking brake.
xWith a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
xEngage first gear or the gear range D Ÿpage 201, “Changing gear”.
xRelease the brake pedal.
xMove off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbox).
xRelease the button only when the engine provides sufficient power to
move the vehicle and trailer combination.
WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
control with the subsequent serious consequences.
xDriving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
change the vehicle handling and braking distances.
xAnticipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
xAccelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
xAlways take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
xNever try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
xAlways take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each country into account.
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electronic stability programme (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESP
«
indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more than the
ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
xAn original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is retrofitted.
xThe ESP is on. The warning indicator in the control panel « is not lit.
xThe trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
xThe vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
G
G
G
WARNING (continued)

Page 358 of 413

If and when357
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Vehicle fuses
Only replace fuses with a fuse of the same amperage (same colour and mark-
ings) and size.Identifying fuses by colours
To open the dashboard fuse box
xReach behind the cover with your hand Ÿfig. 209 and pull forwards.
To open the engine compartment fuse box
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xMove the attachment tabs forwards, in the direction indicated by the
arrow to release the fuse box cover Ÿfig. 210.
xThen lift the cover out.
xTo fit the cover, place it on the fuse box. Push the attachment tabs back,
in the opposite direction indicated by the arrow until they click audibly into
place.
In is possible that there are more fuses behind a cover in the lower left-hand
side of the luggage compartment.
Fig. 209 On the driver-
side dashboard: fuse box
cover.
Fig. 210 In the engine
compartment: fuse box
cover.
ColourAmp rating
purple3
light brown5
Brown7,5
Red10
Blue15
Yellow20
White or transparent25
Green30
orange40