battery Seat Alhambra 2006 User Guide

Lights and visibility111
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake firmly.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic move
the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users
to your vehicle.
7. Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:
•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•there is an emergency
•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. The turn signal lights

and the button warning light  will
also flash. The hazard warning lights also work when the ignition is switched
off.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!
Note
•The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a long
time - even if the ignition is switched off.
•If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation.
•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Fig. 74 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever

Lights and visibility 114
Note
•If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched
off after approx. 10 minutes, providing the key has been removed and the
courtesy light position selected. This prevents the battery discharging.
•Reading lights function independently of the interior lights and must be
switched off manually to prevent the battery being drained when the engine
is switched off.
Interior light
Interior light permanently switched off
– In switch position Ÿfig. 77, the interior and reading lights
are switched off.Switching on the reading light
– Turn the switch to position (left reading light) or to position
(right reading light).
Door light position
– Turn the control to position . The interior lights are automati-
cally switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key
removed from the ignition lock The light turns off about 20
seconds after the closure of the doors. The interior lights are
switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is
switched on.
Interior lights or both reading lights switched on
– Turn the control to position .
Visibility
Sun visors
The sun visors for the driver and front passenger can be folded down or pulled
out of their mountings and turned towards the doors.
The make-up mirrors in the sun visors have covers. When you open the cover
, a lamp* in the roof lights up.
The roof light goes off when the cover of the make-up mirror is closed.
Note
Before you leave the car, you should make sure that the make-up mirror cover
in the visor is closed. This prevents the battery discharging.
Fig. 77 Interior light
A1
A2
A4
A3
A5
A2

Seats and stowage141
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or negligence
when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns, risk of injury.
•The cigarette lighter also works when the ignition is off and when the
ignition key is removed. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children unsu-
pervised in the vehicle.
Sockets
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt
sockets.
Socket in the centre console
The 12 Volt socket in the stowage area or the 12 Volt socket of the cigarette
lighter
34) can be used for further electrical consumers with a power rating of
up to 120 Watt.
Socket, luggage compartment
34)
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12-volt socket in the luggage
compartment Ÿfig. 113 The appliances connected to each socket must not
exceed a power rating of 120 Watt.
The socket is supplied with electricity from the additional battery on vehicles
equipped with an additional battery
34)
WARNING
The electrical sockets and any appliances connected to them are also func-
tional with the ignition switched off and the key removed. Improper use of
the sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle.
Note
•Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain the
battery.
•Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions on
Ÿpage 202.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 113 Socket, luggage
compartment
34)Optional equipment

Seats and stowage 148
•Damage to the vehicle caused by incorrect installation of mounts or roof
carrier systems not approved by the factory are excluded from the vehicle
warranty.
Securing the load
Loads transported on the roof carrier must be securely
attached. The car's handling is affected when transporting
loads.
The maximum permissible roof load for your vehicle is 75 kg. The load limit
applies to the combined weight of the carrier system and the load itself.
Distribute the load evenly. However, if you are using a roof carrier with a lower
weight rating, you will not be able to carry the maximum roof load. Do not
exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof carrier which is listed in the
fitting instructions.
WARNING
•If damaged, fine or inadequate securing straps are used to fasten
objects carried on the roof, they could break in the event of sharp braking.
This could cause an accident and serious injury.
•Always use appropriate securing straps to secure objects on the roof
carrier against sliding or flying off. This could cause an accident. The load
must be correctly secured.
•Always respect the maximum authorised weight for the roof, the
maximum authorised weight on the axles and the total maximum author-
ised weight of the vehicle. Otherwise there is danger of causing an acci-
dent.
•The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky
loads on the roof, which affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity and increasing susceptibility to cross winds. Both circumstances increase the risk of accident. Therefore you must adapt your driving style
and speed to the prevailing conditions - avoid sudden braking or driving
manoeuvres when there is a load on the roof carrier.
Caution
Please take extra care not to let the tailgate or rear window strike the roof load
when open – there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
The roof carrier is often left on the roof for convenience even if it is not being
used. However, increased air resistance means that the vehicle uses more
fuel. For this reason you should always take off the roof carrier when it is not
in use.
Cooling and heating box*
Notes on usage
The cooling and heating box may only be installed in the posi-
tion of rear left seat in the third row.
Power can be supplied by any of the 12 Volt sockets in the vehicle. It
consumes approximately 33 watts and has a capacity of approximately
32 litres.
The battery will discharge if the cooling and heating box is used for a long
period while the engine is switched off.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and stowage 150
Switching on the heating function
– Insert the cable plug in the cooling and heating box so that the
red marking on the plug is pointing to the notch.
– Insert the connector cable plug into one of the vehicle's 12 volt
sockets.
– Keep the lid of the cooling and heating box closed.
Switching the cooling and heating box off fully
– Disconnect the power supply to the 12 Volt socket.
The internal temperature of the cooling and heating box is dependent on the
temperature in the vehicle. In cooling mode, the internal temperature can be
max. 20 degrees below the temperature in the vehicle. In heating mode it can
be max. 35 degrees above the temperature in the vehicle Ÿ in “Safety
notes on using the cooling and heating box” on page 150.
If you switch directly from cooling to heating (or vice versa) it will take a rela-
tively long time for the interior to reach the desired temperature.
Faults
If the cooling and heating box does not work, proceed as follows:
•Check whether there is power and whether the plug is securely in the
socket.
•Make sure the power cable is not damaged.
•Check the fuse for the power supply to the 12 Volt socket.
•Run the engine to recharge the battery.
If these steps do not help, contact a qualified dealership.
Safety notes on using the cooling and heating box
WARNING
•For reasons of safety, the cooling and heating box lid must always be
closed and latched when the vehicle is in motion. The cooling and heating
box must always be firmly secured in the correct floor anchors.
•If the temperature in the vehicle is too low, the temperature in the box
may fall below +2 degrees and the contents may freeze. Bottles and other
containers could burst. Risk of injury.
•For reasons of safety, the cooling and heating box lid must not be used
as a table or shelf when the vehicle is in motion.
•Always close the lid of the cooling and heating box before the vehicle
moves off. If the flap is open, it could drop down when the vehicle moves
off. Risk of injury.

Driving163
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Starting and stopping the engine
Starting a petrol engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.
– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in P or in N).
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 to start
the engine.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
You may need to press the accelerator briefly after starting a very hot engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about
10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the
chapter Help with Ignition.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting a diesel engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.
– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in P or in N).
A3
WARNING (continued)

Driving 164
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 . The
warning lamp
D lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the engine.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If you have problems starting the engine, please refer to Help with Ignition.
Glow plug system
To avoid unnecessary loads on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are preheating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because air
needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the
chapter Help with Ignition.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Switching off the engine
– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position Ÿpage 161, fig. 126 .
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
A1

Driving169
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
The two clutch system of the direct shift gearbox* has a system to protect
against excess strain, which may occur, for example, when the vehicle is held
on a hill with the clutch and the gearbox oil overheats. When the clutch is
overloaded, the vehicle begins to jerk and the position indicator of the
selector lever begins to flash. To avoid breakdowns, the clutch breaks the
power transmission between the engine and the gearbox, as a result of which
the vehicle loses impetus. If the clutch opens automatically due to over-
loading, depress the brake pedal and wait a few seconds before
continuing.
Selector lever positions
The selector lever positions and gears are shown on the
display in the combi-instrument.
Selector lever positions
The gear selected is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the
display Ÿfig. 129 in the combi-instrument.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked
mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary Ÿ.
To move the selector lever from position P, the locking button in the selector
lever handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same
time when the ignition is switched on.
Only the locking button has to be pressed to select the selector lever position
P.
If the battery has discharged, the selector lever cannot be removed from the
P position.
R - reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling Ÿ.
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the lock button and at the
same time press the brake pedal, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the ignition switched on the
following occurs:
•The reversing lights come on
•The heating or air conditioning automatically change to air recirculation
mode.
•The rear window heater switches on when the windscreen wiper is acti-
vated.
Fig. 129 Section of the
instrument panel : display
showing position of
selector lever

Intelligent technology183
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
•when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer
need wheel spin.
When the ESP is deactivated, the TCS is switched off at the same time. This
means that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains
switched off.
How ESP works
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually. The
system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the car. If the desired course is not being main-
tained accurately (for instance if the car is beginning to skid) the ESP compen-
sates automatically by applying the brake at the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. If the car is tending to oversteer (break away at the rear) the brake appli-
cation is concentrated on the outside front wheel; if the car is understeering
(tending to follow a wider radius in a bend), the brake is mainly applied to the
inside rear wheel.
How the Traction Control System (TCS) works
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the driven wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action. TCS helps the car to start moving,
accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible.
When does the warning lamp light up or flash
?
•The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on and
should go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp  will start flashing to indicate that the ESP and TCS
are counteracting an unstable driving condition.
•It  will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, this
may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the function.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully func-
tional
If the battery is disconnected, the warning lamp
~ lights after turning the
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
WARNING
Try to always adapt the speed of the vehicle to weather, road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the system tempt you
into taking any risks when driving. Risk of accident.
•The ESP and TCS cannot defy the laws of motion. This should be kept in
mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when towing a trailer.
•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation.
•The ESP cannot reduce the risk of accident if, for example, you are
driving with an unsuitable load or too close to the preceding vehicle.
WARNING
•Modifications to the vehicle or work carried out incorrectly (e. g. to the
engine, the brake system, running gear or any components affecting the
wheels and tyres) could affect the efficiency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS
and lessen their efficiency.

Checking and refilling levels 210
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk
of accident or fire.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector
lever to position P.
•Keep children away from the vehicle.
•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.
•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached Ÿpage 250. The battery could
explode.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!
•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
−Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
−Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)