check engine light Seat Alhambra 2006 User Guide

Cockpit 80
Where one or more faults exist, the warning disappears some 15 seconds
after the engine is started, and the corresponding fault symbols with their
respective text messages appear on the display.
For all vehicles
A sound signal is emitted in the event of a fault:
•Priority 1 - three buzzes
•Priority 2 - one buzz
If priority 1 and 2 faults occur at the same time, three buzzes are emitted.
In the event of a fault, the symbol with the corresponding text message is
displayed.
Note
Priority 2 faults are displayed after repairing or eliminating priority 1 faults.
Priority 1 (red symbols)
Priority 1 symbols warn of a dangerous situation. Therefore
the engine should be stopped and switched off.
Where various priority 1 faults exist, the symbols appear one by one for
approx 2 seconds The symbols will keep flashing until the faults have been
rectified.
The following priority 1 warnings or faults may appear:
Engine oil pressure
E
The corresponding warning is:
STOP PRES. OIL
STOP ENGINE!If this symbol begins to flash while driving, stop and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and replace if necessary.
If the symbol continues flashing, even though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving. The engine should not turn over even at idling speed, tech-
nical assistance is necessary.
Brake system
H
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL.
This symbol lights up if the level of brake fluid is too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the brake fluid
2. ABS, EDL*, TCS* and ESP* systems
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKES FAULTY
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the brake warning light flashes while the ABS warning light is lit up, this
indicates that the ABS system is faulty and that the behaviour of the normal
brake system may be damaged.
The EDS system works in conjunction with the ABS. If the EDS stops working,
the ABS warning lamp comes on. When the ASR and the ESP fail this light also
comes on. Consult a Technical Service Centre as soon as possible.
3. Handbrake
The corresponding warning is:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with
the ignition on It should go out when the handbrake is released. If it does not
this indicates a fault in the brake system.

Cockpit81
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a An audible signal is also given if the car is driven faster than 6 km/h (approx.
4 mph) with the handbrake applied.
Coolant temperature/level gauge
v
The corresponding warning is:
STOP CHECK LEVEL COOLANT
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the symbol flashes while driving, this means that either the coolant temper-
ature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Stop immediately, switch off
the engine and check the level. Top up coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. In this case, check the radiator fan fuse, and replace if
necessary.
If the warning light does not go out, although the coolant level is correct and
the fan fuse is correct, do not continue driving. Obtain technical assistance.
If the fault is only in the radiator fan, it is possible to continue driving as far
as the nearest Technical Service Centre, as long as the coolant level is correct
and the display light is off.
Alternator
F
The corresponding warning is:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go out
when the engine is started.
The alternator is operated by a long-lasting drive belt.
If the warning light lights up while driving, stop, switch off the engine and
check the drive belt. If the belt is loose or broken, do not continue driving, as
the coolant pump will not be driven. The belt should be checked or replaced.If the warning light comes on even though the belt is neither loose nor
broken, it is usually possible to continue driving to the nearest Technical
Service Centre.
As the vehicle battery will discharge, it is advisable to switch off all non-vital
electrical consumers.
Seat belt warning lamp
h
The corresponding warning is:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
This warning light (only in some countries) lights up for approximately 6
seconds when the ignition is switched on to remind occupants to fasten seat-
belts. If the seat belts are not fastened, a sound signal is emitted when the
ignition is switched on which will stop when the seat belts are fastened or
after approximately 6 seconds.
WARNING
•If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, you should wait for
assistance from specialised personnel before continuing to drive.
•If the fluid level is correct, the fault may lie in the ABS. If the ABS control
system fails, the rear wheels may block rapidly on braking. This, in certain
circumstances, could cause the vehicle to skid.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Risk of burns. Wait until you can no longer see or
hear escaping steam or coolant.
•Do not touch the fan, as it could suddenly start to operate, even if the
ignition is switched off.
•To prevent burns from boiling coolant, the following should be
observed:
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion tank!. When the engine
is warm or hot, the system is pressurised! Therefore wait until the engine
cools before opening the cap.

Cockpit 82
•To protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or fluid, cover the
fan cap with a large cloth in order to open it.
•Take care to avoid coolant spilling on the exhaust pipe or any other hot
component as antifreeze is inflammable.
Priority 2 (yellow symbols)
If a yellow symbol appears, a sound signal is emitted. The symbols indicate
a dangerous situation. The function shown should be controlled as fast as
possible. If various faults occur at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one by one for approx. 2 seconds.
Oil level too low
E
The corresponding warning is:
CHECK LEVEL OIL
If this sign lights up: stop, switch off the engine and check the oil level; top
up where necessary.
Oil level too low
E
The corresponding warning is:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
If the symbol flashes this probably means that the oil level sensor is defec-
tive. The vehicle should immediately be taken to a Technical Service Centre.
It is possible to continue driving, but the oil level should be continually moni-
tored, e.g. every time the vehicle is refuelled.
Engine fault
- Petrol engine
%0#
- Diesel engineD
The corresponding warning is:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
If a fault in the running of the engine arises while driving, the corresponding
light will come on (petrol engine) or flash (diesel engine). In this case the
engine should be checked immediately by a Technical Service Centre.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
J
The corresponding warning is:
ABS FAULT
A fault in the ABS system is shown in the following manner:
If the ABS warning light comes on separately, it is possible to brake the
vehicle using the normal brake system (without ABS). Consult a Technical
Service Centre as soon as possible.
Electronic immobilizer


The corresponding warning is:
IMMOBILIZ.ACTIVE
When the ignition is switched on, the vehicle key data is automatically
consulted. The warning light will flash to confirm that the data is being
checked
If an unauthorised key is used, the warning light will flash constantly. It will
not be possible to start the vehicle.
Tailgate/bonnet open display*
4
The corresponding warning is:
TAILGATE OPEN
This warning light only indicates that the tailgate is open.
WARNING (continued)

Intelligent technology179
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and Maintenance
Intelligent technology
Brakes
Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
If the brake servo does not operate, for example, when the vehicle is being
towed or due to a fault in the system, the brake pedal must be depressed
harder.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.
•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•If the brake servo is out of action, for example if the car is being towed,
you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than normal.
Brake pads wear display I
If this light comes on, check the brake pads immediately.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
If the warning lamp lights up I or the corresponding message appears on
the instrument panel, immediately have the brake pads checked and
replaced, if necessary, at a specialised workshop.
Brake warning lamp H
If the warning lamp comes on, this may be caused by the
following reasons:
•With the handbrake on the warning light comes on H on the instrument
panel. If you are travelling at over 6 km/h with the hand brake on, a text
message or the required operations may appear on the instrument panel. In
addition a warning signal is heard.
•In the event of insufficient brake fluid the warning lamp lights up H on
the instrument panel. At the same time, a text message or the necessary oper-
ations may appear on the instrument panel . Stop the vehicle immediately
and check the level of the brake fluid Ÿpage 221
•In the event of a fault in the brake system the warning lamp lights up H
on the instrument panel and three buzzes are emitted. At the same time, a
text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel . Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. You should obtain professional
assistance. This warning lamp
H can light up together with the anti-locking
brake system warning lamp JŸ.

Intelligent technology 182
•If the brake warning lamp H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir Ÿpage 221. If the fluid level has dropped below the
“MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. You should obtain
professional assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. This could cause the
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the tail of the
vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.
The electronic differential lock (EDL) only works when the engine is running.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
It uses the ABS sensors to monitor the speed of the driven wheels.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by
a slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car remains operational
and will behave in the same way as a car without EDL. For this reason, the
driver is not informed that the EDL has been switched off.The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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.
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may other-
wise start to spin. This could impair the car's stability.
•Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation.
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.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the
danger of skidding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS
and only works when the engine is running.
The ESP should generally be left switched on at all times. Only when the
necessary drive can not be obtained should the ESP be disconnected.
For example:
•when driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)

Driving and the environment185
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.
Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
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.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.
During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
•New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and need running in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.
•New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on the brake
pedal.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by SEAT
Service more frequently than recommended in the service schedule.

Driving and the environment 190
Remove the towing bracket from the luggage compartment
– Open the lock by turning the key Ÿpage 189, fig. 135 clock-
wise.
– Take out the wheel completely in the direction of the arrow
and turn clockwise to the maximum.
– Release the wheel. The towing bracket is pretensed.
– Remove the towing bracket.
Storing towing bracket in the luggage compartment
– First tension the towing bracket.
– Place the towing bracket in its casing on the right-hand side of
the luggage compartment. The bracket engages and the tension
is released Ÿ.
– Check that it is correctly fitted.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
If the ball coupling is fitted it s possible to store the cover of the tow-bar in a
plastic bag next to the tools.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely to prevent it
being flung through the vehicle and causing injury.
•When the pretensed towing bracket is being fitted, there is a risk of
injury in the event that the wheel goes back on itself.
Note
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed and
it obscures the number plate.
•When placing the towing bracket in the casing check that it is no longer
tensed and securely fastened .
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For this
reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible top speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear (in both manual and
automatic gearboxes) in good time before going down a steep hill. This
enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
A1
A2

Driving and the environment191
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment
General notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:
•Personal driving style
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when driving
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicing
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.

Checking and refilling levels 208
•FAME is the English abbreviation “ Fatty Acid Methyl Ester”
If the date sticker of the vehicle includes the number PR 2G0 optional equip-
ment) this means that that vehicle has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Your Authorised Service Centre or automobile association will be able to
advise on where you can obtain RME biodiesel fuel.
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•RME fuel can be used in winter at temperatures down to approx. -10°C.
•At outside temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel
fuel.
For technical reasons, vehicle fitted with diesel particulate filters cannot use
biodiesel under any circumstances.
Your authorized SEAT dealer will confirm whether your vehicle is prepared to
use biodiesel.
Caution
•RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles that are not suitably
adjusted.
•If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•If you use biodiesel that does not meet the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.
•Your authorized SEAT dealer will be able to tell you if your vehicle is suit-
able for use with biodiesel, or whether it requires modifications in order to
use it.
•Vehicles fitted with a diesel particle filter should not use biodiesel under
any circumstance, or even start the engine, at the risk of damaging the fuel
system.
Note
•In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of
the independent heating.
•The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For
this reason, we recommend that, about every 300 or 400 km, following a fuel
change, also change the fuel filter. Also. note the instructions in the inspec-
tion and maintenance plan.
•If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to paraffin separation.
For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries
during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.

Checking and refilling levels 218
The coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red)
and also with G 11.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
•When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.
Caution
•When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown.
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do
so will result in engine damage!
•If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise,
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades
Topping up washer fluid Y
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.
The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with
fluid from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid.
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.