heating Seat Alhambra 2012 User Guide

88Unlocking and locking
To be opened completely, the opening angle must be memorised once
more.
● Release the tailgate and open it to the memorised height.
● Push the tailgate all the way up. To do this, apply a little more force.
● Hold down the button ⇒  fig. 55 with the tailgate open for at least three
seconds.
● The opening angle is reset to the original factory setting.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless closing and locking of the tailgate could cause se-
rious injuries.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervision, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. A locked ve-
hicle can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depend-
ing on the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness and even
death.
WARNING
It is possible that the tailgate does not open completely or, if it is open,
closes alone if a large amount of snow has built up on it or if a luggage
rack is fitted. In this case, the tailgate must be supported.
CAUTION
● When using a trailer, ensure that there is sufficient space to open and
close the tailgate.
● Before opening the tailgate, any kind of equipment carrier should be re-
moved, for example a bicycle carrier.
CAUTION
In case of repeated short-term use, the system is turned off to avoid over-
heating.
● When it has cooled, it may be used once again. During this time, the
tailgate may be manually opened or closed applying a little more effort.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected or the fuse blows when the tailgate
is open, the tailgate system must be re-initialised. To do this, close the tail-
gate.
Note
Before closing the tailgate, make sure that the key has not been left inside
the boot. 
Electric windows Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system
⇒ page 62
● Central locking and locking system
⇒ page 74
WARNING
Careless use of the electric windows can cause serious injury.
● Only operate the electric windows when nobody is in the way.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors are to be locked. The windows cannot be opened in case of an
emergency. 

107
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
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 wash-
er fluid entering the inside of the vehicle.
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.
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 wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) 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 ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 67 Wipers in service
position.
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ fig. 67. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 279.
● Switching the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ fig. 65 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

112Lights and visibility
Exterior mirrors
Fig. 73 In the driver
door: exterior mirror 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 temperature is less than +20 °C (+68 °F).
Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
Adjust the right-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
Zero position. Exterior mirror unfolded, exterior mirror heating
off, adjustment of exterior mirror not possible.
Synchronised mirror adjustment
●In the Settings - Convenience menu, 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-
justed at the same time (synchronised).
● If necessary the right exterior mirror adjustment may need correcting.
Turn the knob to 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 kerb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the vehicle 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 driving 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 mirror.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
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 objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cles 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
correctly folded in.
● Electrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanically 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. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
● The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minutes the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
● In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted man-
ually by pressing the edge of the mirror surface. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

117
Seats and storage compartments
Seat functions Introduction
Additional information and warnings
● Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Seat belts ⇒ page 21
● Airbag system ⇒ page 31
● Child seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Integrated child seats ⇒ page 45
● Exterior mirrors ⇒ page 110
● Luggage compartment ⇒ page 126
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 stationary.
● Keep hands, fingers, feet and other limbs away from the seat operat-
ing and adjustment radius.
 Seat heating*
Fig. 78 Detailed view of
the centre console: front
seat heating controls,
here with the second
temperature level set.
Fig. 79 Detailed view of
the centre console: con-
trols for the front seat
heating in vehicles
equipped with Climatron-
ic.
The seat cushions can be heated electrically when the ignition is switch on.
The backrest is also heated in some versions.
Switch off seat heating if there is nobody in the seat. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

118Seats and storage compartments
FunctionAction ⇒ fig. 78To switch system on:Press button . Seat heating is switched on fully.Adjusting the heating
output:Keep pressing button  until the required intensi-
ty is set.
The system switches
off:Keep pressing button  until all of the lights are
switched off ⇒ fig. 78.
WARNING
People whose pain and temperature threshold has been affected by some
kind of medicine, 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 heating.
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 inspected by a Technical Service.
For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when needed. Otherwise, it is an
unnecessary fuel waste. Seat with position memory*
Fig. 80 Memory buttons
on the outside of the
driver seat
Memory buttons
Individual settings 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 settings 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. 

127
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors
and the tailgate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
● Do not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tail-
gate from inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to
serious injury or death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
● Never transport people in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden 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
objects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they can-
not enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden
braking or an accident.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger com-
partment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash-
board.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets in-
side the vehicle and store securely.
WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
braking distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured cor-
rectly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
● The vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due
to a change in the centre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
possible.
● Store heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle as possible.
CAUTION
● Hard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and antenna of the rear window and cause damage.
● The side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from ob-
jects.
Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be covered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

142Seats and storage compartments
Storage compartments
Introduction
Storage compartments must only be used to store light or small objects.
The front central armrest compartment houses the factory-fitted AUX-IN or
multimedia (MEDIA-IN) connection sockets.
The factory-fitted CD changer is located in the left-hand storage compart-
ment of the luggage compartment.
Additional information and warnings:
● Child seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Luggage compartment ⇒ page 126
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 253
● ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet navigation system
WARNING
In the event of sudden braking movements or turns, loose objects may be
thrown around the vehicle interior. This could cause serious injuries to
passengers and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
● Do not transport animals or place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside
the vehicle in: open storage compartments, instrument panel, storage
tray, items of clothing or bags.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
WARNING
Objects falling into the driver's footwell could prevent use of the pedals.
This could lead the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the
risk of a serious accident.
● Make sure the pedals can be used at all times, with no objects rolling
underneath them.
● The floor mat should always be secured to the floor.
● Never place other mats or rugs on top of the original mat supplied by
the factory.
● Make sure that no objects can fall into the driver's footwell while the
vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
● Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating ele-
ment in the rear window and cause damage.
● Do not keep heat-sensitive objects, food or medicines inside the vehi-
cle. Heat and cold could damage them or render them useless.
● Light-transparent objects placed inside the vehicle, such as lenses,
magnifying glasses or transparent suction caps on the windows, could con-
centrate the sun's rays and cause damage to the vehicle.
Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be covered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 

155
Seats and storage compartments
12 Volt sockets can be found in the following locations in the vehicle:
● Compartment in the centre of the centre console.
● Compartment in the front centre console.
● Storage compartment in the front central armrest.
● Rear centre console ⇒ fig. 120.
● At the rear right of the luggage compartment.
230 Volt Euro socket*
The socket only works when the engine is running ⇒ 
.
Connecting an electrical appliance: Plug the appliance into the socket as far
as possible to unlock the built-in child safety device. The current only flows
when the child safety device is unlocked.
LED on the socket ⇒ fig. 121Steady green light:The child safety device is unlocked. The
socket can now be used.
Flashing red light:There is some kind of fault (e.g. discon-
nection due to excess current or tempera-
ture).
Heat protection
The 230 Volt Euro power connector converter switches off automatically
when a certain temperature is exceeded. This disconnect prevents overheat-
ing in the event of an increase in power consumption of the connected ap-
pliance and where the atmospheric temperature is too high. The inverter
will switch on again automatically after it has cooled down. Appliances that
are switched on and connected to the socket will start up again. Therefore,
switch off all electrical appliances connected to the socket when the current
converter switches off due to overheating.
WARNING
High voltage in the electrical installation!
● Liquids must not be spilt over the socket.
● Do not plug adapters or extension cords into the 230 Volt Euro power
connector. Otherwise, the built-in child safety device will switch off and
the connector will become live.
● Do not plug current conductors such as a knitting needle into the 230
Volt Euro power connector.
CAUTION
● Always follow the operating instructions for the appliances to be con-
nected!
● Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the vehi-
cle's general electrical system.
● 12 volt socket:
– Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations.
– Never power the socket.
● 230 Volt Euro socket:
– Do not hang appliances or plugs that are too heavy (e.g. a transform-
er) from the socket.
– Do not connect lamps which contain a neon tube.
– Only plug appliances with a voltage that matches the socket voltage
into the socket.
– In the event of consumers with a high start-up current, surge protec-
tion prevents them from switching on. In this case, unplug the consumer
and try plugging it back in after around 10 seconds. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

157
Air conditioning
Air conditioning Climate Control
Introduction
Viewing Climatronic information
The factory-fitted radio or navigation system screen briefly displays informa-
tion relating to Climatronic.
The units of temperature measurement is displayed on the factory-installed
radio or navigation system and, depending on the vehicle equipment, can
be set using the Configuration menu on the instrument panel.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 105
● Auxiliary heating ⇒ page 165
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows increases the risk of serious acci-
dents.
● Ensure that all windows are free of ice and snow and that they are not
fogged up preventing a clear view of everything outside.
● The maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only
available when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
Only drive when you have good visibility.
WARNING (Continued)
● Always ensure that you use the climate control and heated rear win-
dow to maintain good visibility.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a long period of time. If the
cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched on, the
windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air inside the passenger compartment will not
be refreshed.
CAUTION
● Switch the climate control system off if you think it may be broken. This
will avoid additional damage. Have the air conditioner checked by a special-
ised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
● Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a cli-
mate control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system va-
poriser and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter,
leading to a permanently unpleasant smell. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications