Seat Alhambra 2011 User Guide

9
Safe driving
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol available at the right octane rat-
in g?
● F
or diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available with a low sulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ⇒ page 279) and other en
gine fluids comply-
ing with SEAT specifications available in the destination country?
● Will the navigation system fitted at the factory operate correctly in the
destin
ation country with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination country? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lo w

er quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genu-
ine spare parts. 
Driving along flooded roadways To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded r
o

ad, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The wa-
ter shoul
d never come above the lower edge of the bodywork ⇒  .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
mak in

g it difficult to cross the water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due t

o damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not end
angering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres. CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents s

uch as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts
of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

10
Safe driving
Adjusting the seat position
Introduction Number of seats
Dependin
g on the equipment,
your vehicle has a total of five or seven seats.
Each seat is equipped with a seat belt. Equipment Seats in the
front Seats in the sec-
ond ro w Seats in the
third r o

w 5 seats 2 3 –
7 seats 2 3 2
Additional information and warnings:
●
Seat functions ⇒ page 117
● Se

at belts ⇒ page 21
● Airb

ag system ⇒ page 31
● Chi

ld seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39WARNING
An incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can lead to severe injuries or
death in the ev ent

of sudden braking or manoeuvres, collision or acci-
dents or if the airbag deploys.
● Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and
maintain it
throughout the trip. This also includes fastening the seat
belt.
● Never transport more people than there are seats with a seat belt
avail
able in the vehicle. WARNING (Continued)
● Children must always be protected with an approved child restraint
sy s

tem suited to their height and weight ⇒ page 39, ⇒ page 31.
● Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
Never, f
or example, put your feet on the surface of a seat or on the dash
panel and never put them out of a window. Otherwise the airbag and seat
belt offer insufficient protection and the risk of injury in the event of an
accident is increased. WARNING
Before every trip, adjust the seat, the seat belt and the head restraints
and ins truct

your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly.
● Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible.
● Adjust the driver's seat so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm
(10 inches) betw
een the centre of your chest and the hub of the steering
wheel. Adjust the driver's seat so that you are able to press the accelera-
tor, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees slightly angled
and that the distance between your knees and the dash panel is at least
10 cm (4 inches). If you physical constitution prevents you from meeting
these requirements, contact a Technical Service to make any modifica-
tions required.
● Never drive with the backrest tilted far back. The further the backrests
are tilt
ed to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect posi-
tioning of the belt web or to the incorrect sitting position.
● Never drive with the backrest tilted forwards. Should a front airbag
deploy
, it could throw the backrest backwards and injure the passengers
of the rear seats.
● Sit as far away as possible from the steering wheel and the dash pan-
el. 

11
Safe driving WARNING (Continued)
● Keep your back straight and resting completely against the backrest
and the fr ont
seats correctly adjusted. Never place any part of your body
in the area of the airbag or very close to it.
● If passengers on the rear seats are not sitting in an upright position,
the risk of
severe injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web in-
creases. WARNING
Incorrect seat adjustment may lead to accidents and severe injuries.
● Only adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary, as the seats
cou l

d move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion and you could
lose control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect position is adopted
when adjusting the seat.
● Only adjust the height, backrest and forwards or backwards position
of the seat
when there is nobody in the seat adjustment area.
● There must be no objects blocking the seat adjustment area.
● Only adjust the height, angle and longitudinal position of the rear
seats
when nobody is in the way.
● The seat adjustment and lock areas must be kept clean. 
Danger of injuries due to an incorrect sitting position If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe injuries
incr
e

ases. Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is
properly worn. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is
not positioned correctly. This could result in severe and even fatal injuries.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a deploying
airbag strikes an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position.
The driver is responsible for all passengers in the vehicle, particularly chil-
dren. The following list shows just some examples of incorrect sitting positions
which can be d

angerous to all occupants.
Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
● Never stand in the vehicle.
● Never stand on the seats.
● Never kneel on the seats.
● Never tilt your backrest too far to the rear.
● Never lean against the dash panel.
● Never lie on the rear bench.
● Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
● Never sit sideways.
● Never lean out of a window.
● Never put your feet out of a window.
● Never put your feet on the dash panel.
● Never put your feet on the surface of a seat or backrest.
● Never travel in a footwell.
● Never sit on the armrests.
● Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
● Never carry any person in the luggage compartment. WARNING
Every incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe or fatal inju-
ries in the ev

ent of accidents or sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● All passengers must assume the proper sitting position and be prop-
erly belted in whi
le travelling.
● Occupants in incorrect sitting positions, not wearing their seat belt or
too clo
se to the airbag run the risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries,
particularly if the airbag deploys and hits an occupant sitting in an incor-
rect position. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

12
Safe driving
Correct sitting position Fig. 1 The correct dis-
tanc
e betw
een the driver
and the steering wheel
must be at least 25 cm
(10 inches). Fig. 2 Correct belt web
and hea
d r

estraint posi-
tions.
The correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers are shown below.
If y
ou physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct sitting
position, contact a Technical Service for help with any special devices. The seat belt and airbag can only provide optimum protection if a correct sitting
position i

s adopted. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent or sudden braking or manoeuvre, SEAT recommend the following posi-
tions:
Valid for all vehicle occupants:
● Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as
the top of
your head, or as close as possible to the same level as the top of
your head and under no circumstances below eye level. Keep the back of
your neck as close as possible to the head restraint ⇒ fig. 1 and ⇒ fig. 2.
● Short people must lower the head restraint completely, even if your
head i
s below its upper edge.
● Tall people must raise the head restraint completely.
● Adjust the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests com-
plet
ely against it.
● Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
● Adjust and fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒ page 21.
A

lso valid for the driver:
● Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm
(10 inches) betw
een it and your chest ⇒ fig. 1 and so that you can hold the
steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock
and 3 o'clock positions with your arms slightly bent.
● The adjusted steering wheel must face your chest and not your face.
● Adjust the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you are able to
pres
s the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees
slightly angled and the distance between your knees and the dash panel is
at least 10 cm (4 inches) ⇒ fig. 1.
● Adjust the height of the driver's seat so that you can easily reach the top
of the st
eering wheel.
● Keep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under control
at all
times. 

13
Safe driving
Also valid for the front passenger:
● Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible for optimum pro-
tection shou l
d the airbag deploy. 
Transporting objects Introduction Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical
po

sition. Always use the anchors provided with suitable rope to secure
heavy objects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well
as the distribution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving be-
haviour and braking ability ⇒  .
Addition a

l information and warnings:
● Tailgate ⇒ page 84
● T

o lower the passenger seat back ⇒ page 117
● Light

⇒ page 95
● Lug

gage compartment ⇒ page 125
● R

oof carrier ⇒ page 138
● T

owing mode ⇒ page 233
● Wheel

s and tyres ⇒ page 293 WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a s ud

den manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
obj

ects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or slings so that they cannot
enter the are
as around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden brak-
ing or an accident.
● Always ensure that objects inside the vehicle cannot move into the
area of
the bags while driving.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
● Remove all objects from the passenger seat when this is followed
down. When the se
at back is folded down, it presses on small and light
objects and these are detected by the weight sensor on the seat; this
sends false information to the airbag control unit.
● While the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag mus
t remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light
on.
● Objects secured in the vehicle should never be placed in such a way
as t
o make passengers sit in an incorrect position.
● If secured objects occupy a seat then this should not be occupied or
used by
anybody. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

14
Safe driving WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability change when transporting
heavy and l
arge objects.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early. 
Transporting a load Secure all objects in the vehicle
●
Distribute the load throughout the vehicle, on the roof and in a trailer as
unif orm

ly as possible.
● Transport heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage com-
partment
and lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
● Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the
fas

tening rings ⇒ page 125.
● Check the headlight adjustment ⇒ page 95.
● U

se the suitable tyre pressure according to the load being transported.
Rea
d the tire inflation information label ⇒ page 293.
● For vehicles with a tire pressure indicator, change the vehicle load status
⇒ page 221. CAUTION
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating element in
the re ar w

indow and cause damage. Note
Please note the information about loading a trailer ⇒ pag
e 233 and the
roof carrier system ⇒ page 138. 
Driving with the tailgate open Driving with the tailgate open creates an additional risk. Secure all objects
and secur
e the t

ailgate correctly and take all measures possible to reduce
toxic gases from entering the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open could cause serious injuries.
● Always drive with the tailgate closed.
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Loose items could fall out of the ve-
hicl e and injur

e other road users or damage other vehicles.
● Drive particularly carefully and think ahead.
● Avoid sudden manoeuvres and braking given that this could cause an
uncontr
olled movement of the open tailgate.
● When transporting objects that protrude out of the luggage compart-
ment, indicate them s
uitably. Observe legal requirements.
● If objects must project out of the luggage compartment, the tailgate
must
never be used to “secure” or “attach” objects.
● If a baggage rack is fitted on the tailgate, it should be removed before
travel
ling with the tailgate open. 

15
Safe driving WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
cou l
d cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tail-
gate c
losed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate
open, obser
ve the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the
vehicle:
–Close all windows and the sliding roof.
– 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:
●
Secure all objects
⇒ pag
e 14.
● A

ccelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 233.
● If

necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 138. WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicl e r

esulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position. 
Specific vehicle weight information The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
tec
hnic

al 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
cou l

d cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The loa

d and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the br
aking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed. CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When tran s

porting 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

16
Seat belts
Seat belts
Brief introduction Introduction Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that
the belt
webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced immediately by a specialist
workshop ⇒  . The specialist workshop must use the appropriate spare
par ts

corresponding to the vehicle, the equipment and the model year. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Airb

ag system ⇒ page 31
● Chi

ld seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Int

egrated child seats ⇒ page 46
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fat a

l injuries. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if it is not fas-
tened and used correctly.
● Seats belts are the most effective ways of reducing the risk of sus-
taining sev
ere or fatal injuries In the event of an accident. Seat belts
must be correctly fastened when the vehicle is in motion to protect the
driver and all vehicle occupants. WARNING (Continued)
● Before each trip, every occupant in the vehicle occupants must sit
pr operly

, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and
keep it fastened throughout the trip. This also applies to other occupants
when driving in town.
● When travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a child
res

traint system suitable for their weight and height and with the seat
belts correctly fastened ⇒ page 39.
● Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before
driving off
.
● Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and en-
sure it
is engaged. Using the latch plate in the buckle of another seat will
not protect you properly and may cause severe injuries.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This c
ould damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never unbuckle your seat belt when the vehicle is moving.
● Never allow more than one passenger to share the same seat belt.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap sharing the same seat belt.
● Loose, bulky clothing (such as a jacket) impairs the proper fit and
function of
the seat belt. WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could re-
su lt

in serious injury or loss of life.
● Avoid damaging the seat belt by jamming it in the door or the seat
mechani
sm. 

17
Seat belts WARNING (Continued)
● If the fabric or other parts of the seat belt are damaged, the seat belts
c ou
ld break in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
● Always have damaged seatbelts replaced immediately by seat belts
appro
ved for the vehicle in question by SEAT. Seat belts which have been
worn in an accident and stretched must be replaced by a Technical Serv-
ice. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The
belt anchorage should also be checked.
● Never attempt to repair, modify or remove a seat belt yourself. All re-
pairs
to seat belts, retractors and buckles must be carried out by a spe-
cialist workshop. 
Warning lamp Fig. 3 Warning lamp on
the ins
trument

panel Fig. 4 Example of seat
belt s
t

atus display for the
rear seats (here, a 7-seat
vehicle) on the instru-
ment panel. above the
second row and below
the third row of seats. Lights up
or fla sh-
e

s Possible cause Solution
 Driver's seat belt not fas-
tened or fr
ont

passenger's
seat belt not fastened if the
front passenger's seat is oc-
cupied. Fasten seat belts!
 Objects on the front passeng-
er's se
at

. Remove any objects from the
front
p
assenger's seat and store
them safely. Some control and warning lamps on the instrument panel will come on to
chec
k

certain functions when the ignition is switched on. They will switch off
after a few seconds.
A signal will be heard for a maximum of 90 seconds if the seat belts are not
fastened as the car drives off and reaches a speed of more then 25 km/h or
if the seat belts are unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. The seat belt
warning lamp  will also flash. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

18
Seat belts
The warning lamp  does not switch off until the driver and front passenger
fasten their seat belts while the ignition is switched on.
Seat belt status display for rear seats
The seat belt status display on the instrument panel informs the driver,
when the ignition is switched on, whether any passengers in the rear seats
have fastened their seat belts. The symbol  indicates that the passenger
in this seat has fastened “his or her” seat belt ⇒ fig. 4.
The seat belt status is displayed for around 30 seconds when a seat belt in
the rear seats is fastened or unfastened. You can switch off this display by
pressing the 0.0 / SET button.
The seat belt

status flashes for a maximum of 30 seconds when a seat belt
in the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. A signal will
also be heard if the vehicle is travelling at over 25 km/h.
The rear seat display can be enabled or disabled by a Technical Service. WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fat a

l injuries. The optimal protection from seat belts can be achieved only
if you use them properly. 