start stop button Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Manual

54Cockpit
Radio or navigation system (fitted at factory) ⇒ Booklet Ra-
dio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation system
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Hazard warning lights switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Switches for:
– Electronic manual air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
– Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Right seat heating controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Button for:
– Anti-slip regulation (ASR)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
– Start/stop operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
– Parking distance warning system (Park Pilot)  . . . . . . . . . . 199
– Park Assist system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
– Tyre pressure monitor   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
– Opening the rear lid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
– Opening and closing of electric sliding doors  . . . . . . . . . 80
Locking lever to open glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Position of passenger front airbag on the dash panel . . . . . . .32
Key-operated switch in glove compartment for deactivating
front passenger front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Passenger front airbag off warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Lever for:
– Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
– Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
12 Volt power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Auto Hold Switch - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Electronic parking brake switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Steering column adjustment lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
13
141516
1718
192021
2223
242526272829
Fuse box cover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Lever for:
– Cruise control system (CCS)  –  –  –  / -
- / -- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Open bonnet lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Controls for:
– Electric windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
– Childproof locks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Note
● Some of the items of equipment listed here are fitted only on certain
model versions or are optional extras.
● In versions with the steering wheel on the right, the layout of the control
elements is somewhat different. But the symbols assigned to the controls
correspond to the symbols used in the versions with the steering wheel on
the left 
Instrument panel Control and warning lamps
The control and warning lamps are indicators of warnings, ⇒ , faults ⇒ or certain functions. Some control and warning lamps come on when the ig-
nition is switched on, and switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
Depending on the model, additional text messages may be viewed on the
instrument panel display. These may be purely informative or they may be
advising of the need for action ⇒ page 57, Instruments. 
30
31
3233

58Cockpit
Clock set button 1)
.
– Press button 
to select the hour or minute display.
– To continue setting the time, press button 0.0 / SET
7. Hold button
down to scroll through the numbers quickly.
– Press button 
again to end the clock setting.
Rev counter (with the engine running, in thousands of revolutions per
minute).
The beginning of the red zone of the rev counter indicates the maxi-
mum speed in any gear after running-in and with the engine hot. How-
ever, it is advisable to change up a gear or move the selector lever to D
(or lift your foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red
zone ⇒ 
.
Engine coolant temperature display  ⇒ page 286.
Displays on the screen ⇒ page 58.
Fuel reserve display ⇒ page 267.
Speedometer.
Reset knob for trip recorder (trip).
– Press button 0.0 / SET
to reset to zero.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only re-
main in the red zone for a short period of time.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise. 
1
2
34567
Displays on screen
A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
⇒ 
Fig. 35 4, depending on the vehicle equipment:
● Warning and information texts
● Mileage
● Time
● Outside temperature
● Compass
● Selector lever positions ⇒ page 175
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox) ⇒ page 175
● Multifunction display (MFI) and menus for different setting options
⇒ page 62
● Service interval display ⇒ page 61
● Second speed display (menu Configuration) ⇒ page 62
● Start/Stop operation indicator ⇒ page 59
Warning and information texts
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Faults in the opera-
tion are displayed on the screen using red and yellow symbols and messag-
es on the instrument panel display ( ⇒ page 54) and, in some cases, with
audible warnings. The display may vary according to the type of instrument
panel fitted. 
1)
Depending on the vehicle equipment, it is also possible to set the time using the settings
menu on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 67.

59
Cockpit
Type of mes-
sageSymbol
colourDescription
Priority 1
warning.Red
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with
audible warnings.
 Stop the vehicle! It is dangerous ⇒ 
!
Check the function that is faulty and repair it.
If necessary, request assistance from special-
ised personnel.
Priority 2
warning.Yellow
Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with
audible warnings.
A faulty function, or fluids which are below
the correct levels may cause damage to the
vehicle! ⇒ 
Check the faulty function as soon as possible.
If necessary, request assistance from special-
ised personnel.
Informative
text.–Information relating to different vehicle pro-
cesses.
Mileage
The odometer registers the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the last reset. The last digit of the trip recorder indicates distances of 100 metres or tenths of a
mile.
Outside temperature display
When the outside temperature is below +4 °C (+39 °F), the symbol “ice crys-
tal” (warning of risk of freezing) is also displayed next to the temperature.
At first this symbol flashes and then it remains lit until the outside tempera-
ture rises above +6 °C (+43 °F) ⇒ 
.
When the vehicle is at a standstill, with the auxiliary heating on
(⇒ page 164), or when travelling at very low speeds, the temperature dis-
played may be higher than the true outside temperature, as a result of the
heat produced by the engine. The temperatures measured range from -40 °C to +50 °C (-40 °F to +122 °F).
Compass
With the ignition on and the navigation system on, the cardinal point corre-
sponding to the vehicle's direction of travel is displayed on the instrument
panel
⇒ page 60.
Selector lever positions
The range of engaged gears of the selector lever is shown on the side of the
lever, and on the instrument panel display. In positions D and S, and with
the Tiptronic, the corresponding gear is also displayed.
Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear in order to save fuel is displayed on the instrument
panel while you are driving ⇒ page 175.
Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition to the speedometer, the speed can also be displayed in a differ-
ent unit of measurement (in miles or in km per hour). To change the units, in
the Settings menu, select the option Second speed ⇒ page 62.
Vehicles without menu display on the instrument panel
● Switch on the engine.
● Press button 
three times. The odometer display flashes on the instru-
ment panel display.
● Press button 0.0 / SET
once. “mph” or “km/h” is displayed briefly in-
stead of the odometer.
● This activates the second speed display. To switch it off, repeat the pro-
cedure.
This option cannot be deactivated in models destined for countries in which
the second speed must always be visible.
Start/Stop operating display
Updated information relating to the status is displayed on the instrument
panel ⇒ page 195. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

115
Seats and storage
Electrical controls on the front seat*
Fig. 75 Adjusting the
front left seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest
Fig. 76 Adjusting the
lumbar support
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat.
Fig. 75 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
A1Move the seat backwards or forwards.2 and 3Raise or lower the seat.2 or 3Adjust the seat angle.
BForwards or
backwards.Adjust the seat backrest angle.
Fig. 76 Press the corresponding area of the switch:1 or 2Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.3 or 4Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may
lead to severe injuries.
● The front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switched off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any button.
CAUTION
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the seats or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or seat
backrest.
Note
● It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery
is very low.
● Seat adjustment is stopped when the engine is started. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

161
Air conditioning
Air conditioner user instructions
The interior cooling system only works when the engine is running and fan
is switched on.
The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the elec-
tric sliding panoramic roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up af-
ter standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more
quickly by opening the windows and the sliding electric panoramic sunroof
briefly.
Setting for conditions of optimal visibility
When the air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air hu-
midity in the vehicle interior drop. Hence, when the outside air humidity is
high, the windows do not mist over and comfort for the vehicle occupants is
improved:
Electronic manual air conditioning
● Switch off the air recirculation ⇒ page 162.
● Set the fan to the required setting.
● Turn the temperature control to the centre position.
● Open and direct all the air outlets in the dash panel ⇒ page 162.
● Turn the air distribution control to the required position.
With Climatronic
● Press the AUTO
button.
● Set the temperature to +22 °C (+72 °F).
● Open and direct all the air outlets in the dash panel ⇒ page 162.
Climatronic: Switching the measuring units for temperature on the radio
display or the navigation system installed with the default settings
Switching the temperature indication from Celsius to Fahrenheit on the ra-
dio display or the navigation system is carried out in the menu on the in-
strument panel ⇒ page 67. The cooling system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on, this may be caused by
the following:
●
The engine is not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioning fuse is blown.
● The outside temperature is lower than approximately +3 °C (+38 °F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been temporarily switched off be-
cause the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the vaporiser in the cooling system and form a pool underneath
the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak!
Note
After starting the engine, any residual humidity in the air conditioner could
mist over the windscreen. Switch on the defrost function as soon as possi-
ble to clear the windscreen of condensation. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

163
Air conditioning
Switching off: Press the button  until the lamp on the button switches off.
Switching the recirculation mode on and off manually on the
Climatronic 
Switching on: Press the button  until the lamp on the button lights up.
Switching off: Press the button  until the lamp on the button switches
off.
Automatic air recirculation mode 
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position . If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recircu-
lation mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities
drops to within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
With the following outside temperatures and conditions the air recirculation
does not switch on automatically:
● The cooling system is switched on (the AC
button is lit up) and the out-
side temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
● The cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the outside temperature is below
+15 °C (+59 °F). The windscreen wiper is switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: Press the button  until the right lamp on the button lights
up.
Switching off: Press the button  until all the lamps on the button are
switched off. Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
●
Press the  button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The left indicator
lamp turns on.
● After more than two seconds, press the  button again to restart auto-
matic air recirculation. The right indicator lamp turns on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh
the air inside the vehicle.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with an air
conditioner. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Climatronic: Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from
entering the vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wash and wipe is working. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

167
Air conditioning
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button 
will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain
carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.

Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust gases must not be ob-
structed in any way. The exhaust gases generated by the auxiliary heater are
removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the vehi-
cle interior through the air vents. If the air vents are turned towards the win-
dows, for example, the form of air distribution may be affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxili-
ary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or air conditioner temperature control is set to maximum before switching
the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater. Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
●
The auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped beam
headlights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off
automatically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting
the engine.
● The heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the outside temperature low, the
heating system may evaporate condensation from the auxiliary heater. In
this case, steam may be released from underneath the vehicle. This is com-
pletely normal and there is no need to suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times over a prolonged period, the ve-
hicle battery may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive the vehicle for a
long distance. In general: drive for as much time as the auxiliary heating
was working. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

173
Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the vehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Press the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in posi-
tion P or N.
3.Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 128 1. A control lamp
lights up in the instrument panel  .
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 128 2; do
not press the accelerator.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minute.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
start driving ⇒ page 184.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

174Driving
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Never use start boosters.
CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
● At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step 1.Stopping the vehicle completely
⇒ .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.4.Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 184.5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 128 0.6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. To stop, the brake
pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
will not be possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off. 

186Driving
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 192, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel display, please go immediately to a specialised work-
shop to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake
Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centre console: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button 
until the control lamp
 on the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
instrument panel ⇒ page 185.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button 
. At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and  on the instrument panel go
out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her