service Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Guide

68Cockpit
Configuration
MenuFunction
Winter tyresChanging the visual and audible speed warnings. This
function should only be used when the vehicle is fitted
with winter tyres, which are not designed for travel at high
speeds.
Settings: Lan-
guageChanging the language of the display texts and the navi-
gation system.
UnitsChanging the units of measurement for the temperature,
consumption and distance.
Second speedSwitching second speed display on and off
Configuration
MenuFunction
AutoholdSelecting whether the Auto-Hold function should remain
on permanently.
ServiceCheck the service notifications or reset the service inter-
vals to zero
Factory set-
tingsSome functions of the Configuration menu will be reset to
the factory value.
BackThe main menu is displayed again.
Submenu Convenience
Convenience menuFunction
Open door
⇒  page 74
Manual
When the vehicle is unlocked with the key, the following doors (depending upon the configuration)
are unlocked:
 all doors : All of the doors will be unlocked.
 one door: see above Method 1.
 Side of vehicle : The driver side doors will unlock.

 Individually: Only the driver's door is unlocked.
automatic mode
Automatic locking function (Auto Lock) All doors are automatically locked at speeds above approxi-
mately 15 km/h. To unlock when the vehicle is stopped, push the central locking button or remove
the key from the ignition lock.
Automatic unlock : When the key is removed from the ignition lock, all doors and the tailgate are
unlocked.
Electronic childproof locksSwitching the childproof locks on or off ⇒ page 83.Confirm anti-theft alarmSwitching on or off the audible confirmation that the anti-theft alarm is activated ⇒ page 74.Handling windowsAdjusting the electric windows: This permits the windows to be opened or closed when the vehicle is unlocked or locked
respectively. The open function can only be activated from the driver's door ⇒ page 88.

72Unlocking and locking
Vehicle keys
With the vehicle key ⇒ fig. 39 or ⇒ fig. 40 the vehicle may be locked or un-
locked remotely.
The vehicle key includes an emitter and batteries. The receiver is in the inte-
rior of the vehicle. The range of the vehicle key with remote control and new
batteries is several metres around the vehicle.
If it is not possible to open or close the vehicle using the remote control key,
this should be re-synchronised ⇒ page 74 or the battery changed
⇒ page 73.
Different keys belonging to the vehicle may be used.
Folding the key shaft in and out
When the button is pressed, the key shaft is released and unfolds.
To fold it press the button and fold the key shaft in until it locks in place.
Duplicate keys
To obtain a spare key and other vehicle keys, the vehicle chassis number is
required.
Each new key must contain a microchip and be coded with the data from the
electronic vehicle immobiliser. In vehicle key will not work if it does not con-
tain microchip or the microchip has not been encoded. This is also true for
keys cut for the vehicle.
The vehicle keys or new spare keys can be obtained from an authorised
technical service, a specialised workshop or approved key service qualified
to create this kind of key.
New keys or spare keys must be synchronised before use ⇒ page 74.
CAUTION
All of the vehicle keys contain electronic components. Protect the vehicle
keys from damage, impacts and humidity.
Note
● Only use the key button when you require the corresponding function.
Pushing the button unnecessarily could accidentally unlock the vehicle or
trigger the alarm. It is also possible even when you are outside the radius of
action.
● Key operation can be greatly influenced by overlapping radio signals
around the vehicle working in the same range of frequencies (for example,
radio transmitters, mobile telephones).
● Obstacles between the remote control and the vehicle, bad weather con-
ditions and discharged batteries can considerably reduce the range of the
remote control. 

74Unlocking and locking
SEAT recommend having the batteries changed in a Technical Service.
The battery is located to the rear of the vehicle key, under a cover ⇒ fig. 43.
When changing the battery, use another battery of the same model and ob-
serve the polarity when fitting it ⇒ 
.
To change the battery
● Unfold the key shaft ⇒ page 71.
● Remove the cover from the back of the vehicle key ⇒ fig. 43 in the direc-
tion of the arrow ⇒ 
.
● Extract the battery from the compartment using a suitable thin object
⇒ fig. 44.
● Place the new battery in the compartment, pressing in the direction of
the arrow as shown ⇒ fig. 44 ⇒ 
.
● Fit the battery compartment cover, pressing in the direction of the arrow
as shown ⇒ fig. 43 until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
● If the battery is not changed correctly, the vehicle key may be damaged.
● Use of unsuitable batteries may damage the vehicle key. For this reason,
always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage, size and
specifications.
For the sake of the environment
● Please dispose of your used batteries correctly and with respect for the
environment.
● The vehicle key battery may contain perchlorate. Observe the legal re-
quirements for their disposal. To synchronise the vehicle key
If the button
 is pressed frequently outside of the vehicle range, it is pos-
sible that the vehicle can no longer be locked or unlocked using the key. In
this case, the vehicle key must be synchronised once more as follows:
● Unfold the key shaft ⇒ page 72.
● Remove the cover from the driver's door handle ⇒ page 318.
● Press the button 
on the vehicle key. For this, it must remain with the
vehicle.
● Open the vehicle within one minute using the key shift.
● Turn on the ignition using the vehicle key. The key has been synchron-
ised.
● Replace the driver's door handle cover. 
Central locking and locking system
Introduction
Central locking functions correctly when all the doors and the tailgate are
correctly shut. If the driver's door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with
the key.
The battery of a vehicle left unlocked during a long period (for instance, in a
private garage) may run down and fail to start the motor.
Additional information and warnings:
● Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒ page 62
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Sliding doors ⇒ page 80 

100Lights and visibility
Switching on and off
How it worksSwitching
on:– With the ignition on, turn the lights control to the position
 and put the turn signal and main beam lever in the
main beam position ⇒ page 96. When the headlight adjust-
ment (automatic also) is activated, the warning lamp lights
up in the instrument panel display .
Switching
off:– Disconnect the on button.
– OR: turn the lights control to a different position to 
⇒ page 97.
– OR: place the turn signal and main beam lever in the
headlight flasher or main beam position ⇒ page 96.
The following conditions can cause the headlight adjustment to fail to turn
off the main beam or fail to do so in time:
●On roads with insufficient lighting with very reflective signs
● If road users are insufficiently lit up, e.g. pedestrians or cyclists
● On closed curves, when the traffic in the opposite direction is partially
hidden, on pronounced slopes
● On roads with traffic in the opposite direction and with a central reserva-
tion barrier when the driver can see through gaps or over it e.g. lorry drivers
● If the camera is damaged or if the power supply has been cut off
● In the event of fog, snow or heavy rain
● In the event of dust or sand storms
● If the windscreen is damaged by the impact from a stone in the camera's
field of vision
● If the camera's field of vision is misted up, dirty or covered by a sticker,
snow or ice.
WARNING
The greater comfort that the headlight adjustment provides (automatic
also) must not cause you to take risks. The system is not a replacement
for driver awareness.
● Always monitor the lights yourself and adjust them depending on the
light, visibility and traffic conditions.
● The headlight adjustment (automatic also) may not correctly detect
all situations and in certain situations may only provide limited function.
● If the windscreen is damaged or modifications are made to the vehi-
cle lighting, this may harm the functioning of the headlight adjustment
(automatic also), for example, if additional headlight are fitted.
Note
Main beam and flashed headlights can be turned on and off manually at
any time with the turn signal and main beam lever ⇒ page 96.
Adhesive strips for headlights or adjusting headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on the other side of the road to the
home country, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers of oncom-
ing vehicles. Therefore, when driving abroad, adhesive strips should be at-
tached to the headlights or the headlights should be adjusted accordingly.
The direction of the headlights can be adjusted from the instrument panel,
in the Tourist light submenu of the Configuration menu
⇒ page 67.
For those vehicles in which it is not possible to adjust the headlights from
the menu, adhesive strips are used to cover certain parts of the headlamp
cover or the headlights may be adjusted at a specialised workshop. For fur-
ther information, please refer to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends
visiting a Technical Service. 

101
Lights and visibility
Note
Use of the Tourist light option and the adhesives on the headlights is only
allowed if they are to be used for a short period of time. To modify the direc-
tion of the headlights permanently, please take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
“Coming home” and “Leaving home” function (guidance
lights)
The “Coming home” function should be switched on manually. However the
“Leaving home” function is automatically controlled by a photo sensor.
“Coming Home”Necessary operations
To switch sys-
tem on:
– Switch off the ignition.
– Briefly flash the headlights for approximately one sec-
ond ⇒ page 96.
The “Coming home” lighting comes on when the driver's
door is opened. The delay in switching off the headlights
is counted from when the last door or tailgate is closed.
The system
switches off:
– Automatically at the end of the delay period.
– Automatically, if 30 seconds after coming on, a vehicle
door or tailgate remains open.
– If the light switch is turned to position .
– If the ignition is switched on.
“Leaving home”Necessary operationsTo switch sys-
tem on:– Unlock the vehicle when the light switch is in position
 and the photo sensor detects darkness.
The system
switches off:– Automatically, at the end of the delay period.
– When the vehicle is locked.
– When the light switch is turned to position .
– When the ignition is switched on.
Lighting around the exterior mirrors
The lighting around the exterior mirrors illuminates the door area on enter-
ing and leaving the vehicles. It comes on when the vehicle is unlocked,
when the vehicle door is opened and when the “Coming home” or “Leaving
home” function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor,
the lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark.
Note
● The time taken for the headlights to go off can be changed in the Lights
& Visibility menu and the function can be switched on or off ⇒ page 62.
● When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened
there is no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on. 
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Fig. 62 Next to the
steering wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control 1
and headlight
range control 2.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

105
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Recirculation of air conditioning air ⇒ page 157
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibili-
ty.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In 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.
● Always 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 ⇒ page 107. Control lamp
lights upPossible causeSolution
Windscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
bottle as soon as possible
⇒ page 109.
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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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

108Lights and visibility
Lifting and returning windscreen wiper arms
● Place the wiper arms in the service position ⇒ 
.
● Only hold the wiper arms at the point where the blade is fixed.
CAUTION
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, only leave them in
the service position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Rain sensor*
Fig. 68 Windscreen wip-
er lever: adjusting the
rain sensor A
.
Fig. 69 Rain sensor sen-
sitive surface.
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain ⇒ 
. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe ⇒ page 106
Move the lever to the required position ⇒ fig. 68: 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 1
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
⇒ fig. 69 of the rain sensor include: 
0
1A

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the
windscreen 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. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  page 62
● Seat memory
⇒ page 117
● Changing gear
⇒ page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking
⇒ page 185
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may 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-
ratory 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 for 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 area 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 for 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
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

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. 