service interval Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Safe driving 8
xCheck that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
xCheck the tyre pressures (Ÿpage 323) and level of fuel (Ÿpage 293).
xEnsure there is good visibility through all the windows.
xMake sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely
fastened Ÿpage 13.
xEnsure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
xUse child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height Ÿpage 42.
xCorrectly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height Ÿpage 10.
xWear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
xThe driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
xBefore starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 10.
xCorrectly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it securely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 22.
xNever carry more passengers than the number of available seats and seat
belts in your vehicle.
xNever drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication,
alcohol or drugs).
xDo not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to reset
or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to the
condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic conditions.
xObserve the highway code and speed limits.
xOn long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
xIf carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accordance
with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having a
serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the
vehicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop.
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you consult
a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
xDoes the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for
example, adjustment of the headlamps?
xDoes the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs?
xAre there any SEAT dealers in the destination country?

Cockpit 62
Green symbols
Blue symbols
Colourless symbols
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
lights: Driving light totally or partially faulty.Ÿpage 360
flashes: Fault in the adaptive light system.Ÿpage 113
BFault in catalytic converter.
Ÿpage 255Dlights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.
flashes: Fault in engine management.
%0#Fault in engine management.
¬Diesel particulate filter blocked
DFault in the steering system.Ÿpage 192
~Tyre pressure too low.Ÿpage 323
Fault in the tyre pressure gauge.Ÿpage 245
YLevel of windscreen washer fluid too low.Ÿpage 124
Fuel tank almost empty.Ÿpage 293
Eflashes: Engine oil sensor faulty.Ÿpage 309lights: Insufficient engine oil.
TFault in airbag system and seat belt tensioners.Ÿpage 33
/&&

Passenger front airbag is off (PASSENGER
AIRBAG
/&& ).Ÿpage 33
bTop up "AdBlue", or there is a fault in the "AdB-
lue" system.Ÿpage 300
§Fuel tank not closed correctly.Ÿpage 293
SymbolMeaning ŸSee

Left or right turn signal.Ÿpage 113
Hazard warning lights on.Ÿpage 345
KUse the foot brake!
Change
Ÿpage 201
Brake
Ÿpage 210
%Cruise control operating.Ÿpage 239
SymbolMeaning ŸSee
Headlight on or flasher on.
Ÿpage 113
+Headlight adjustment (Light Assist) on.
SymbolMeaning ŸSee
3!&%Electronic immobiliser active.Ÿpage 195
>Service interval displayŸpage 68

Cockpit65
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The beginning of the red zone of the rev counter indicates the maximum
speed in any gear after running-in and with the engine hot. However, it is
advisable to change up a gear or move the selector lever to D (or lift your
foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red zone Ÿ.
Engine coolant temperature display
v Ÿpage 313.
Displays on the screen Ÿpage 65.
Fuel reserve display Ÿpage 293.
Speedometer.
Reset knob for trip recorder (trip).
Press button to reset to zero.
Caution
To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only remain
in the red zone for a short period of time.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise.
Displays on screen
A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
Ÿpage 64, fig. 36 , depending on the vehicle equipment:
xWarning and information texts
xMileage
xTime
xAmbient temperature
xCompass
xSelector lever positions Ÿpage 201
xRecommended gear (manual gearbox) Ÿpage 201
xMultifunction display (MFI) and menus for different setting options
Ÿpage 70
xService interval display. Ÿpage 68
xSecond speed display (menu Configuration) Ÿpage 70
xStart/Stop operation indicator Ÿpage 67
Warning and information texts
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Faults in the operation
are displayed on the screen using red and yellow symbols and messages on
the instrument panel display (Ÿpage 61) and, in some cases, with audible
warnings. The display may vary according to the type of instrument panel
fitted.
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
0.0 / SET
A4

Cockpit 68
The compass does not require calibration in vehicles for which the navigation
system was mounted at the factory. The option compass disappears.
The compass in vehicles in which the navigation system was not mounted at
the factory, is permanently and automatically calibrated. If electronic or metal
accessories (mobile phone, television) are subsequently mounted in the
vehicle, the compass should be recalibrated manually.
Adjusting the magnetic zone
xSwitch the ignition on.
xSelect the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Zone.
xSelect the magnetic zone corresponding to the position of the vehicle
Ÿpage 67, fig. 37.
xAdjust and confirm the magnetic zone (1-15).
Calibrating compass
To calibrate the compass you must be in one of the valid magnetic zones with
sufficient space to be able to trace a circumference with the vehicle.
xSwitch the ignition on.
xSelect the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Calibrate.
xConfirm the message Describe a complete circumference to calibrate the
compass with and then trace a complete circumference driving at approx-
imately 10 km/h (6 mph).
When the corresponding cardinal point is displayed, the calibration is
complete.
Service interval display
The inspection display appears on the instrument panel Ÿpage 64, fig. 36
.SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Mainte-
nance Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service).
The service interval display only gives information for service dates which
involve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for
example, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on
the label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time or mileage, the service intervals
are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service, the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing
requirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an maintenance service when it is necessary. To establish when the Main-
tenance Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use and
individual driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first appears
20 days before the date established for the corresponding service. The kilo-
metres remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest
100 km and the remaining time is given in complete days. The current service
message cannot be viewed until 500 km after the last service. Prior to this
only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages, a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel
> with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few
seconds,the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number
of days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages, Service in --- km or --- days is displayed on the
instrument panel .
OK
A4

Cockpit69
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the spanner displayed on the screen flashes for a few
seconds
>. In vehicles with text messages, Service in --- km or --- days is
displayed on the instrument panel.
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off and the vehicle at a standstill,
the current service notification can be read:
xPress the button on the instrument panel several times until the
spanner symbol is displayed >.
xALTERNATIVELY: select the Settings menu.
xFrom the Service submenu, select the option Info.
When the service date has past, a minus sign is displayed in front of the
number of kilometres or days. In vehicles with text messages the following is
displayed: Service --- km or --- days ago.
The service interval display is reset
If the service was not carried out by a qualified workshop, the display can be
reset as follows:Do not reset the indicator to zero between two intervals, otherwise the
display will be incorrect.
If, while the LongLife service is valid, the service interval display is reset to
zero, the “service will be activated by time or mileage”. The service interval is
no longer calculated individually ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”.
Note
The service message disappears after a few seconds, when the engine is
started or when is pressed.
Note
In vehicles with the LongLife system in which the battery has been discon-
nected for a long period of time, it is not possible to calculate the date of the
next service. Therefore the service interval display may not be correct. In this
case, please check the maximum permitted service intervals ŸBooklet
“Maintenance Programme”.In vehicles with text messages:
Select the Settings menu.
In the submenu Service, select the option Reset.
Confirm with when requested to do so by the system.
¡
OK
In vehicles without text messages:
Switch the ignition off.
Press and hold the button.
Switch the ignition back on.
Release the button and, press for the next 20 seconds.
0.0 / SET
0.0 / SET¡
OK

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 184
Switching the Climatronic temperature measuring unit
Press and hold the and buttons to switch the temperature display
between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Heat
The maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only avail-
able when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
The air conditioning system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on, this may be caused by
the following:
xThe engine is not running.
xThe fan is switched off.
xThe climate control fuse has blown.
xThe outside temperature is lower than approximately +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe climate control system compressor has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
xAnother fault in the vehicle. Have the climate control system checked by
a qualified workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath
the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak!
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated charcoal cartridge serves as a
barrier against impurities in the ambient air.
For the climate control system to work with maximum efficiency, the dust and
pollen filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Programme.If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the filter must be changed more frequently than stated
in the Service Schedule.
Note
The climate control system must left running for a few minutes to reach the
set temperature in the vehicle interior.
Note
After starting it, any residual humidity in the climate control system could
mist over the windscreen.
Note
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and out
through the outlets below the rear window. Do not cover these outlets with
items of clothing or other objects.
ACAUTO

Driving 226
Parking sensor system*
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
Switching the parking sensor system on and off
xPress the button Ÿfig. 148 when the ignition is switched on.
xAutomatic on: select reverse gear.
xAutomatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
xThe parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
xIf the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loudly
after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will remain
constant.
xWhen the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound auto-
matically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
xIf the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound will be emitted.
xYour Authorised Service Centre can adjust the volume of the warning
signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a
specialist workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible.
Fig. 148 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for switching the parking
sensor system on and off.
Fig. 149 Parking sensor
system sensors on the
front bumper.
'

Driving and the environment 254
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other condi-
tions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in practice
it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine oil,
help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the resist-
ance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving style.
For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel consumption
up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Optional
equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce the
aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.

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.

Trailer towing261
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIf the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may be damaged.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections of
the rear lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections for
providing electric current to the trailer.
Note
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
Note
In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight is more than 2500 kg
Electric tow hitch ball
The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals and
objects Ÿ.
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and
cannot be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
xMove the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
xBefore hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
xThe indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitched.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xRemove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trailer. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
xPlace the dust guard over the ball.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
xPush the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the button
indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
Fig. 163 Right-hand side
of the luggage compart-
ment: button to electri-
cally release the tow hitch
ball.