wipers Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Cockpit59
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Operating instructions
Cockpit
Overview
Overview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays.
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking button 0 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for adjusting the exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior mirror adjustment , 2 
Heated exterior mirrors ?
Folding exterior mirrors #
Instrument panel controls and lighting control  . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light off --
Automatic headlight control -!54/-
Side/dipped lights  
Fog lights

Controls on the multi-function steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volume control for radio, navigation system and phone
conversations & – '
Radio mute or voice control activation Activate telephone main menu or accept an incoming
call -
SEAT information system control buttons ƒ, „, OK, E
Lever for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main beam headlights 
Headlight flasher 
Turn signals 
Parking lights 
Instrument panel:
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/Front driver airbag
Windscreen wiper/ windscreen wash lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers ()'( – ,/7
Intermittent wipe
u
“Brief wipe” x
Windscreen wipers U
Automatic windscreen wash/wipe W
Rear window wiper Z
Automatic rear window wash/wipe \
Lever with buttons for controlling the SEAT information
system 42)0- , /+/2%3%4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left seat heating controls A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A192
A283
A3130
A4113
A5113
A6113
A770
A8113
A9
64
64
61
A1033
A11124
70
A12137

Lights and visibility117
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xSwitching on the fog lights : Turn the switch to position  or pull out  to the first stop.
xSwitching on the rear fog light
: turn the light switch to position  o
pull out  to the maximum.
xTo switch off the fog lights, press the light switch or turn it to position /.
Audible warnings to advise the driver that the lights have not been switched
off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver's door is open, an audible
warning signal is heard in the following cases: This is a reminder to turn off
the lights.
xWhen the parking light is on Ÿpage 115.
xWhen the light switch is in position .
WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illuminate
the road ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see you.
xAlways use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility is
poor.
Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light
When the parking light is switched on,(right or left turn signal), the front side
light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit. The
parking lights will only work with the ignition off.
Daytime driving light
The daytime driving light consists of individual lights in the front headlamps.When the daytime driving light is switched on, only the individual lights come
on Ÿ.
The daytime lights are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light switch is in position
!, 5,4 or /.
When the light switch is in position
!, 5, 4 or /, a photo sensor goes out and
the instrument and switch lighting comes on automatically.
Automatic dipped beam control
!54/
The automatic dipped beam control is merely intended as an aid and is not
able to recognise all driving situations.
When the light switch is in position
!, 5, 4 or /, the vehicle lights and the
instrument panel and switch lighting switch on and off automatically in the
following situations Ÿ:
Activating the daytime lightsDeactivating the daytime lights
Press and hold the turn signal and
main beam lever upwards and back-
wards (right turn signal and light
flasher).Press and hold the turn signal and
main beam lever downwards and
backwards (left turn signal and light
flasher).
Switch the ignition on and off for approximately 3 seconds.
Automatic switching on:Automatic switching off or switch to
daytime lighting:
The photo sensor detects darkness,
for example, when driving through a
tunnel.When adequate lighting is detected.
When driving at more than 140 km/h
for a few seconds.When driving at less than 65 km/h
for a few minutes.
The rain sensor detects rain and acti-
vates the windscreen wipers.When the windscreen wiper has
been inactive for a few minutes.

Lights and visibility 124
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xRecirculation of air conditioning air Ÿpage 179
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibility.
xIn winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
xIn cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
xAlways replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help to
leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position Ÿpage 127.
Warning lamp
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.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
lights upPossible causeSolution
YWindscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
bottle as soon as possible
Ÿpage 129.

Lights and visibility125
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Windscreen wiper lever
Caution
If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are on, the wind-
screen wipers carry on wiping at the same level when the ignition is switched
back on. Ice, snow and other obstacles may damage the windscreen wiper
and the wiper motor.
Note
The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on and
the bonnet or tailgate are closed.
Fig. 72 Using the wind-
screen wipers.
Fig. 73 Using the rear
window wipers.
Move the lever to the required position Ÿ:
OFFWindscreen wiper off.
u
Intermittent windscreen wipers wipe.
Using the control Ÿfig. 72 adjust the interval (vehicles
without the rain sensor), or the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
LOWSlow wipe.
HIGHContinuous wipe.
xBrief wipe - short wipe. Hold the lever down for more time to
increase the wipe frequency.
WAutomatic wipe for cleaning windscreens with the lever up.
ZIntermittent wipe for rear window. The rear wiper will wipe the
window approximately every 6 seconds.
\Automatic wipe for cleaning rear windows with the lever
pressed.
A0
A1AA
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7

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.

Lights and visibility127
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Windscreen wipers service position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
Ÿfig. 74. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed as
follows:
xThe bonnet must be closed Ÿpage 304.
xSwitching the ignition on and off.
xPress the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly Ÿpage 125, fig. 72
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position.
Lifting and returning windscreen wiper arms
xPlace the wiper arms in the service position Ÿ.
xOnly hold the wiper arms at the point where the blade is fixed.
Caution
xTo prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, only leave them in
the service position.
xBefore driving, always lower the wiper arms.
Fig. 74 Wipers in service
position.
A4

Lights and visibility 128
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain Ÿ. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe Ÿpage 125Move the lever to the required position Ÿfig. 75:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings on the sensitive surface
Ÿfig. 76 of the rain sensor include:
xDamaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and contin-
uous wipe.
xInsects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
xSalt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra long
wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
xDirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
xCracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cycle
with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
xIf necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Fig. 75 Windscreen wiper
lever: adjusting the rain
sensor .
AA
Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
A0
A1
AA
A1

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 186
Switching air recirculation mode on and off manually 
Switching on: press the corresponding button until the light under the symbol  comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no indicator remains lit.
Automatic air recirculation mode
o
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position o. If the system detects a high
concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recirculation
mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to
within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is not automatically switched on in the following cases
of outside temperatures and conditions:
xThe cooling system is switched on (the button is lit up) and the
outside temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
xThe cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
xThe cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below +15
°C (+59 °F) and the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: press the button until the light under the symbol
o
comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no button remains lit.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
xPress the button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The control light
under the symbol
 comes on.
xAfter more than two seconds, press the button again to restart
automatic air recirculation. The control light under the symbol o comes on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
xNever use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh the
air inside the vehicle.
xIf the cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched
on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
xSwitch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
Caution
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a climate
control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from entering the
vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic windscreen
wash and wipe is working.
AC
 o
 o
 o
 o

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning271
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWashing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
Caution
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before
entering an automatic car wash:
xCompare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance
between the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
xSwitch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a car
wash.
xCompare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
xFold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
xTo avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
xLock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside the
car wash.
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the
required pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
Ÿ.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where appli-
cable, in the front bumpers Ÿ.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt Ÿ.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials. This
could result in serious accident.
xEnsure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
xNever wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may
damage the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced (and
the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter) on the
brakes.
xDry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
Caution
xThe temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
xTo avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
xThe sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning273
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if cleaned
with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive labels over the
heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with corro-
sive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning products.
Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
The windscreen wiper blades are supplied as standard with a layer of
graphite. This layer is responsible for ensuring that the wipe is silent. If the
graphite layer is damaged, the noise of the water as it is wiped across the
windscreen will be louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades regularly. If the wipers scrape across
the glass they should be changed if they are damaged, or cleaned if they are
dirty Ÿ.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Blades are available
from qualified workshops.
Lifting and unfolding the wiper arms
The wiper arm may only be lifted at the point where it is fastened to the blade.
For windscreen wipers, please note: the wiper should be in service position
before unfolding it Ÿpage 124.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
xLifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
xUse a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
Fig. 165 Changing the
front wiper blades
Fig. 166 Changing the
rear wiper blade.