engine Seat Alhambra 2011 Workshop Manual

192
Driving
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the br
ake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒  .
Brak e fluid s

pecifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒  .
Brak e fluid

s conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒  .
It i s

not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a Tech- nical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This means
that on

ly brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be
used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brak e sy

stem may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instruction
s given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
brakin
g forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVS
S 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the cont
ainer does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. 

194
Driving
Start assist systems
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
SEAT information system ⇒ pag e 62
● Br
aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● Wheel

s and tyres ⇒ page 293
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257
● Jump s

tarting ⇒ page 337 WARNING
The intelligent technology in the start assist systems cannot change the
la w

s of physics. The improved comfort provided by start assist systems
should not prompt you to take risks.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● The start assist systems are not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Always 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 con-
ditions.
● The start assist system cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all con-
ditions on a gr
adient or cause it to brake on steep downhill gradients,
e.g. if the road is slippery or icy. Auto Hold function*
Fig. 138 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: Au-
to Hold button.
The control lamp on the button switches on when the Auto Hold function is
on.
When the Auto Hol

d function is on, it helps the driver if they must regularly
stop the vehicle or if they must stop with the engine running for prolonged
periods, for example, on hills, before a traffic light or in traffic jams with
continuous stopping and starting.
The Auto Hold function automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling away
accidentally when at a standstill, without the driver having to keep his/her
foot on the brake pedal.
When the system that detects that the vehicle has stopped, the Auto Hold
keeps the vehicle at a standstill. The brake pedal can be released.
If the driver presses the brake pedal briefly or presses the accelerator to
start off, the Auto Hold function releases the brake once more. The vehicle
moves according to the gradient. 

195
Driving
If any of the conditions necessary for the Auto Hold function change while
the v ehic
le stopped, the system is turned off as is the indicator on the but-
ton ⇒ fig. 138. The electronic parking brake engages where necessary to
park the vehicle safely ⇒  .
Condition s

for keeping the vehicle at a standstill with Auto Hold:
● The driver's door must be closed.
● The driver's seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine must be running.
● The ASR (TCS) system must be switched on ⇒ page 183.
Sw

itching Auto Hold on and off manually
Press the AUTO HOLD button ⇒  . The control lamp on the button switches
off when the Aut o Ho

ld function is switched off.
Permanent Auto Hold connection
The Auto Hold function must be switched on every time the engine is star-
ted. However, to switch the Auto Hold function on permanently, the mark
must be switched on in the Settings menu, “Autohold” submenu
⇒ page 62.
Auto Hold works automatically under the following conditions: All points must be fulfilled simultaneously ⇒  :
manual gearbox Automatic gearbox
1. If the vehicle is
stop
ped using the brake pedal on a flat or slope.2. The engine must be running smoothly.
3. On a slope, the 1st gear is engag-
ed uphil
l

or the reverse gear is en-
gaged for a downhill. The clutch
must be held down. A gear for driving is selected from
R, D or S.
Upon accelerating and pressing in
the clut
c

h simultaneously, the
brake releases gradually. Upon accelerating, the brake re-
le
a
ses gradually. Auto Hold turns off automatically under the following conditions:
manual gearbox Automatic gearbox
1. If one of the conditions mentioned in table on page 195 changes.
2. If the engine is not running regularly or if there is a malfunction.
3. When changing to idle speed. If the selector lever is placed in
neutral
(N

). 4. If the engine is turned off or stalls. If the engine is switched off.
5. If the driver accelerates while
pre
s

sing the clutch in. If the vehicle is accelerated.
6. When one of the wheels has mini-
mal
c

ontact with the ground (for
example, on uneven ground). WARNING
The Auto Hold technology is limited by the laws of physics. The improved
comf or

t provided by Auto Hold should never prompt you to take risks.
● Never leave the vehicle running and with the Auto Hold function
switc
hed on.
● Auto Hold cannot always stop the vehicle uphill and downhill (for ex-
ample, if
the ground is slippery or frozen). CAUTION
Before entering an automatic car wash, alwa
ys switch the Auto Hold func-
tion off, as it could be damaged when the electronic parking brake automat-
ically engages. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

196
Driving
Start-Stop Function* Fig. 139 Detailed view of
the centr
e c
onsole: Start-
Stop function button.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine is automatically switched off when the vehi-
cle i
s at a standstill. The engine restarts automatically when required.
The function is enabled automatically whenever the ignition is switched on.
The instrument panel displays information on the current status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, leave it in neutral and take your foot
off the clut
ch. The engine switches off.
● Simply depress the clutch pedal to move off again.
Vehicl
es with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress the brake or keep it pressed
down. The en
gine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you release the brake pedal.
● With the gear lever set to P, the engine wi
ll not start until a range of
gears is selected or the accelerator pedal is depressed. Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
●
The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trail
er.
● A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
● The vehicle has moved since the last stop.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset
temperature range.
● The temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
● The air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
● The pow

er level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
● The vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
● The vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
● The front wheels are not overly turned.
● The heated windscreen is not switched on.
● Reverse gear is not engaged.
● The park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions
for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
● If the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
● If the vehicle moves.
● If the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions
requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions: 

197
Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driv
er's door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switc
hing Start-Stop mode on and off manually
● Press the  button on the centre console ⇒ 
fig. 139.
● The b

utton will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine wi
ll start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually. WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
swit c

hed off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off. CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor temper-
atur e

s could damage the vehicle's battery. Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe
the corr e

sponding message on the instrument panel display. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

205
Driving
● A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length
of the
vehicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing
the wheels, the sys
tem must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels.
This process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To
help this process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car
park. 
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system Driving off
●
Switch on the engine.
● Press button  . When the function is enabled, the button
⇒ fig. 144
wi l

l light up.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave
the parkin
g space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒  in
Park in

g using the park assist system on page 204: The system will move the
steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
● The park

assist system is only r
esponsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system
wil

l stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park a

ssist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
● Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and pres
s the button  again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR (TCS) system is switched off or the ASR (TCS) or ESC (ESP) is
work in

g. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
sp ac

e using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the steer-
ing wheel spokes could lead to injuries. 
Park Assist brake operation The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
brak
in

g does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒  .
Brak in

g to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed.
The parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during
each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In cer-
tain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

208
Driving
User instructions Fig. 146 On the boot lid:
location of
the r
ear assist
camera. Fig. 147 Rear assist dis-
pl
a

y: mode 2 connected.
Function buttons on the screen:  disp
lay the menu;  hide the menu.
 Turning off the reversing camera images
1 2 Display help. The help list explains the surfaces and lines on the cam-
era im
ag

e. Press  to exit help.
Mute the sound.
Adjust the display: brightness, contrast, colour.
Switching on the orientation points for rear parking perpendicular to
the road (mode 1).
Displaying the optical parking system. Function Operations in vehicles with
no optica
l

parking system
(OPS) Operations in vehicles with
the optica
l
parking system
(OPS) Switching the
dis
p

lay on auto-
matically: select reverse gear with the ignition switched on or the
engine ru nnin
g. Mode 1 will be displayed. Switching the
dis
p

lay off man-
ually: Press a button to select the area on the radio or the navi-
gation sy s

tem ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation
system. ALTERNATIVELY: Pre
s
s the button  on the screen.
ALTERNATIVELY: Aft
er sw
itching off the ignition, the rear
assist image remains on the screen for a short period. Press button
 .
Switching off
the dis
p

lay by
disengaging re-
verse gear: The image will switch off af-
ter ar
ou
nd 10 seconds. The OPS display will imme-
diat
ely
be shown. Switching off
the dis
p

lay by
driving for-
wards: Drive forwards at more than
appr
o
x. 15 km/h. Drive forwards at more than
appr
o
x. 10 km/h.  3
4
5
6
7

225
Driving and the environment
Practical tips Drivin g and the en
vironment
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Ru
nnin

g-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 1000 miles) , gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ pag
e 293
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ pag
e 187 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oi l

consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend lar
g

ely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with v

isibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

226
Driving and the environment
Economic driving style Changing gear early
General
in
structions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h, drive in
third gear, at 40 km/h in fourth gear and at 50 km/h in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing. In vehicles which
have the Start-Stop function on, the engine switches off automatically when
the vehicle is not moving.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration. Calm and steady driving
Cons

tancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to c
ool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
window
s have demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched on when the vehicle is mov-
ing ⇒  p

age 163. 

227
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving Fig. 155 Fuel consump-
tion in litre
s
per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead,
you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
workin
g tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 155 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20°C
(+68°F) and at -10°C (+14°F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice 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 re-
sistance 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data