refuelling Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Lights and visibility 126
Note
The intermittent wiper speed varies according to the vehicle speed. The faster
the vehicle is moving, the more often the windscreen is cleaned.
Note
The rear wiper is automatically switched on when the windscreen wiper is
connected and the car is in reverse gear.
Windscreen wiper functions
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.Headlight wash /wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the windscreen
washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore, the wind-
screen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel when the
dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as insects)
should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which has
got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The
wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the obstacle
and switch the wiper back on again.Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:
If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioning comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen
washer fluid entering the inside of the vehi-
cle.
For the intermittent wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning187
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater)
Introduction
The auxiliary heater is powered by fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank and can be
used while the vehicle is in motion and at a standstill. Select the mode
required (heat or fan) Ÿpage 189 on the instrument panel.
In winter, the auxiliary heater can be used in heat mode before switching on
the ignition to remove any ice, mist or snow from the windscreen (thin layers
only).
Additional information and warnings:
xSEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
WARNING
The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and
colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
xNever switch on the auxiliary heater or leave it running in places that
are enclosed or unventilated.
xNever program the independent heating system to be activated and
operated in closed, unventilated areas.
WARNING
The components of the auxiliary heater exhaust system heat up a great
deal. This could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
Caution
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. Food, medicines and other heat-sensitive objects may be damaged or
made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents.
Switching the auxiliary heater on and off
Switching the auxiliary heater on:
Manually using the instant on/off button.Ÿpage 1
81
Manually using the remote control.Ÿpage 1
88
Automatically at the programmed and enabled on
time.Ÿpage 1
89
Switching the auxiliary heater off:
Manually using the instant on/off button for the cli-
mate control system.Ÿpage 1
81
Manually using the remote control.Ÿpage 1
88
Automatically after the programmed time.Ÿpage 1
89
Automatically when the light comes on z (fuel
reserve).Ÿpage 2
93
Automatically when the battery power drops to a very
low level.Ÿpage 3
18
>
ON
>
OFF

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 and the environment255
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xInformation stored in the control units Ÿpage 285
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
%0#Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
DPre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.Ÿpage 195
BFault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
¬Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits Ÿ.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop Ÿpage 256.
flashesPossible causeSolution
DFault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
B
Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic con-
verter.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.

Checking and refilling levels293
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Checking and refilling levels
Filling the tank
Introduction
The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xSelective Catalytic Reduction (AdBlue) Ÿpage 300
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire
resulting in serious burns and injuries.
xAlways make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evapo-
ration and fuel spillage.
xFuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can cause
serious burns and injuries.
xFuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
filler fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xWhen refuelling, turn off the engine, the auxiliary heating
(Ÿpage 187) and turn off the ignition for safety reasons.
xAlways turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emitting equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire.
xNever enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary to
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before touching
the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static electricity.
Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
xNever handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combustion (e.g. cigarettes).
xAvoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuelling.
xObserve the safety regulations of the service station.
xNever spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of an
accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
xObserve the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a
canister:
Never place a fuel container to fill it inside the vehicle or on the
vehicle, for example, in the luggage compartment or on the tailgate.
Filling in these circumstances could create an electrostatic charge and
spark that could ignite fuel fumes.
Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as
possible.
If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
WARNING (continued)

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 levels295
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
xIf the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can become
irregular especially on slopes.
xIf the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance
systems including braking assistance will stop working.
xAlways refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
Caution
xAlways pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
xNever run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead to
ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This could
damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter!
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel Ÿpage 294,
fig. 169 indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile telephones,
auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Unscrewing the tank cap
xThe tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
xPress the rear of the tank flap to open it.
xUnscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hinge Ÿfig. 170.
Refilling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap Ÿpage 297.
xIf the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as
soon as the tank is full Ÿ.
xDo not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the
expansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm.
Fig. 170 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder.

Checking and refilling levels297
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Fuel
Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of fuel
for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xEngine and exhaust system management Ÿpage 255
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire
resulting in serious burns and injuries.
xFuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable substance.
xObserve current safety instructions and local regulations concerning
the handling of fuel.
Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will depend on the vehicle's engine. You
will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of fuel for
your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or low sulphur fuel to reduce
consumption and prevent engine damage.
Petrol
Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel using unleaded petrol according to
European norm EN 228 Ÿ.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number (e.g. 91, 95, 98
or 99 RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”). You may use petrol with a
high octane number than the one recommended for your engine. However,
this has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free petrol
to reduce petrol consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences running behaviour, performance and service
life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol
containing a mixture of additives. These additives will help to prevent corro-
sion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the
engine.
Possible types of
fuelAlternative namesFurther information
91a) RON
a)RON = Regulation Octane Number
Normal petrol, normal
unleaded petrol
Ÿpage 29795a) RONPremium unleaded petrol (95
RON)
98a) RONPremium unleaded petrol (98
RON)
DieselŸpage 298

Checking and refilling levels 298
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems arise,
the necessary additives must be added when refuelling.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuit-
able petrol additives could damage the engine. These additives are available
from qualified workshops, who will inform you of their application.
Caution
xOnly use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel system.
Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the consequent
engine fault.
xThe use of unsuitable petrol additives could damage the engine.
xIf, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throttle.
Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
xDo not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
xJust one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it.
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany, EN
590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter service
intervals ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme” Ÿ. Your qualified work-shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany, for
example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available.
A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will depend
on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This
ensures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C (+5.00 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11.2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a warm
garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam may
be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it is not
an indication of a fault in the vehicle.

Index 404
Rails and attachment system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Control of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Raising the vehicle
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Raising vehicle
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
With a lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Reading the
Fault memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Rear Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Rear assist
Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Mode 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Mode 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Rear assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130, 131
Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Recommended gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Refilling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Reflective vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Reflective vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Refuelling
Mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294Remote control
Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
See "Keys" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Removing ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Removing snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Removing wax deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285, 286
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Reprogramming control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Retro-fitting
Two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Vehicle telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Reversing camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Rocker switches
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Rollback anti-trap function
Electric sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Roof console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Run-flat tyres
Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Running in
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251Running-in
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
First trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Running-in brake pads
Please also see "Brakes" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
S
SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88, 200
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sale of vehicle
In other countries / continents . . . . . . . . . 283
Salt water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Scrapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Seat adjustment
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Seat belt position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Seat belt with two buckles
Fastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Twisting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Unfastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 22
Automatic belt retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Belt height adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Belt tension device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27