Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activ ation time, r
educe the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the w
indscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wa
sh) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cy-
cle w
ith 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.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
sc r

een obstructs visibility. Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
b l

ades for damage ⇒ fig. 70 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcoho
l. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle
with wat

er Fig. 71 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: wind-
screen washer bottle top.
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up
as r
equired.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ pag
e 275.
● The washer bottle is marked with the symbol  on the lid ⇒ fig. 71.
● Check there is enough water in the bottle.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT ⇒  .
Ple a

se follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water fr
om freezing ⇒  .
Bottle c ap
acity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

110
Lights and visibility WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the
wind s
creen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle. CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. Thi

s could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids int
o the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Intr oduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  pag
e 62
● Se

at memory ⇒ page 117
● Ch

anging gear ⇒ page 174
● Br

aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183 WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which m a

y leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to
the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respi-
rator
y organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area f
or at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical ad-
vice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing,
wash the ar
ea for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes
and clothing before wearing them again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water f
or at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless rec-
ommended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately. CAUTION
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
ma y

leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

111
Lights and visibility
Rear vision mirror Fig. 72 Manual anti-daz-
zl
e f
unction for rear vi-
sion mirror Fig. 73 Automatic anti-
dazz
l

e function for rear
vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate
vis
ibility through the rear window. Manual anti-dazzle function for rear vision mirror
●
Basic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function ⇒ fig. 72.
Automatic
anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 73:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch 2 . When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up
1 .
When the ignition is on, the sen

sor 3 automatically moves the rear vision
mirr or t

o the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is en-
gaged or the interior or reading lights are on. Note
If the incidence of the light on the sensor is obstructed or prevented, e.g. by
the su n b

linds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly. 
1 2
3
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

112
Lights and visibility
Exterior mirrors Fig. 74 In the driver
door: ext
erior mirr
or con-
trols Turn the knob to the required position:
 Electric folding exterior mirrors
⇒  .
 Switch on the exterior mirror heating This only heats up if the
ambient
t

emperature is less than +20°C (+68°F).  Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
war
d

s, backwards, to the left or to the right.  Adjust the right-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
war
d

s, backwards, to the left or to the right.  Zero position. Exterior mirror unfolded, exterior mirror heating
off, a
dju

stment of exterior mirror not possible. Synchronised mirror adjustment
●
In the menu Setting s
- Convenience select whether or not the mirrors
should move in synchronisation ⇒ page 62.
● Turn the knob to position L. ●
Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The right exterior mirror will be ad-
jus
ted at the same time (synchronised).
● If necessary the right exterior mirror adjustment may need correcting.
Turn the knob t
o position R.
Automatic anti-dazzle exterior mirror, driver's side
The automatic anti-dazzle exterior mirror is controlled in the same way as
the automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror ⇒ page 111.
Store the reverse settings for the passenger exterior mirror
● Select the vehicle key in which the setting is to be stored.
● Use this key to unlock the vehicle.
● Connect the automatic parking brake.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Move the gear lever to neutral.
● In the menu Settings
- Convenience activate the function Mirror adjust-
ment.
● Select reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror so that you can see, for exam-
ple, the k
erb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the v
ehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle. For vehicles with seat
memory, please see ⇒  page 117.
Activating the passenger exterior mirror settings
● Turn the exterior mirror knob to position R.
● With the ignition switched on, select reverse gear.
● The stored position of the passenger exterior mirror for reverse gear is
deleted when driv
ing forwards at 15 km/h, or if the knob is turned from po-
sition R to another position. 

113
Lights and visibility WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirr or
.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror br
acket. WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious
accident.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision, how-
ever ob
jects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when chan
ging lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cle

s behind you or in other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is adequate. CAUTION
● Before entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
c orr

ectly folded in.
● Electrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanic
ally as this may damage the electrical operation. For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer nee-
ded. Otherw i

se, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
● The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minut e

s the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
● In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted man-
ually b
y pressing the edge of the mirror surface. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

114
Seats and storage compartments
Seats and storage compartments
Seat adjustment
Mec h
anical controls on the front seat Fig. 75 Front left seat
contr
o

ls.
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mech
anically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat. fig. 75 Function Necessary operations
1 Moving the head re-
str
aint

backwards or for-
wards. Pull the lever and move the seat for-
war
d
s. The front seat must be engag-
ed when the lever is released! 2 Adjusting the lumbar
sup
por

t*. Turn the lever. fig. 75 Function Necessary operations
3 Adjusting the backrest
angl
e. Turn the wheel.
4 Adjusting the seat
height. Pull the lever up or push down (sev-
eral
time

s if necessary) from its
home position. 

115
Seats and storage compartments
Electrical controls on the front seat* Fig. 76 Adjusting the
front
l
eft seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest. Fig. 77 Adjusting the
lumbar s
up

port.
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mech
anically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat. fig. 76 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
A 1
Move the seat backwards or forwards.
2
and
3 Raise or lower the seat.
2
or
3 Adjust the seat angle.
B Forwards or
backwar ds. Adjust the backrest angle.
fig. 77 Press the corresponding area of the switch:
1
or
2 Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.
3
or
4 Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may
le a

d to severe injuries.
● The front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switc
hed off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any b
utton. CAUTION
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the se ats

or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or
backrest. Note
● It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery
i s

very low.
● Seat adjustment is stopped when the engine is started. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

116
Seats and storage compartments
Adjusting the rear seats Fig. 78 Adjusting rear
seat
s. ⇒ fig. 7
5 Function Necessary operations
1 Adjusting the backrest
angl
e. Pull the lever and adjust the backrest
to the r
equir
ed position ⇒  . The
bac k
rest must be engaged when the
lever is released! There is a handle in-
stead of the lever on the third row of
seats and on the central seat of the
second row. It is used in the same
manner as the lever. 2 On the second row of
seat
s

only: Moving the
seat backwards or for-
wards. Pull the lever and move the seat for-
war
d
s or backwards. The seat must be
engaged when the lever is released! CAUTION
● Tilting the backrest of the second row of seats fully back could damage
the lug g

age compartment tray. Remove the tray before adjusting the back-
rest.
● Objects in the luggage compartment could cause damage when moving
the rear se
ats forwards or backwards. 

117
Seats and storage compartments
Seat functions Introduction Additional information and warnings
●
Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Se
at belts ⇒ page 21
● Airb

ag system ⇒ page 31
● Chi

ld seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Int

egrated child seats ⇒ page 46
● Ext

erior mirrors ⇒ page 110
● L

uggage compartment ⇒ page 125 WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can cause severe injuries.
● Assume the proper sitting position before your trip and remain in it
throughout .

This also applies to the other occupants.
● Only adjust the seat position memory when the vehicle is stationary.
● Only switch the lumbar massage function on and off when the vehicle
is s

tationary.
● Keep hands, fingers, feet and other limbs away from the seat operat-
ing and adju
stment radius. Seat heating* Fig. 79 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: front
seat heating controls,
here with the second
temperature level set.
The seat cushions can be heated electrically when the ignition is switch on.
The back
rest is also heated in some versions.
Switch off seat heating if there is nobody in the seat. Function Action ⇒ fig. 79
To switch system on: Press button
. Seat
heating is switched on fully. Adjusting the heating
output: Keep pressing button  unti
l
the required intensi-
ty is set. The system switches
off: Keep pressing button  unti
l
all of the lights are
switched off ⇒ fig. 79. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

118
Seats and storage compartments WARNING
People whose pain and temperature threshold has been affected by some
kind of medic
ine, paraplegia or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) may sus-
tain burns to the back, buttocks and legs from use of the seat heating
that may lead to a long healing process or that may never completely
heal. Seek medical advice if you have doubts regarding your health.
● People with a limit pain and temperature threshold must never use
seat he
ating. CAUTION
● To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please do
not kneel

on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion and backrest.
● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials on the seat could dam-
age the seat
heating.
● In the event of smells, switch off the seat heating immediately and have
the unit in
spected by a Technical Service. For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when needed. Otherwise, it is an
unnec e

ssary fuel waste. Seat with position memory* Fig. 80 Memory buttons
on the outs
ide of

the
driver seat
Memory buttons
Individual settin
gs for the driver seat and the exterior mirror can be as-
signed to each memory button.
Storing exterior mirror settings for driving forwards
● Connect the automatic parking brake.
● Move the gear lever to neutral.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Adjust the front seat and the exterior mirrors.
● Keep the SET button held down for more than one second ⇒ fig. 80.
● Press the required memory button for the following 10 seconds. A sound
confirms the settin

gs have been stored.
Storing front passenger exterior mirror settings for driving in reverse gear
● Connect the automatic parking brake.
● Move the gear lever to neutral.
● Switch the ignition on. 