handbrake Seat Alhambra 2006 User Guide

Driving 172
•Be particularly careful, therefore, when using the kick-down function on
slippery road surfaces.
•You should use the kick-down function only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.
Handbrake
Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Using the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
– Push in the lock button on the handbrake lever.
– Keep the locking knob pressed and push the lever all the way
down Ÿ.
The handbrake is located at the side of the driver seat. Always apply the
handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the handbrake applied
Ÿ.The handbrake warning lamp
H lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
WARNING
•Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
•Never drive with the handbrake slightly applied. This could cause the
rear brakes to overheat and lose their braking efficiency. Risk of accident.
This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads/linings.
Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. On cars with a
manual gearbox engage 1st gear, or for an automatic gearbox move the
selector lever to P.
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic move
the selector lever to P .
WARNING (continued)

Driving173
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle
Ÿ.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did
start to roll.
•If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point
towards the kerb.
•If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away
from the kerb.
WARNING
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear
lever / selector lever.
•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Parking distance warning system
Description
The parking distance warning system is a parking aid which
draws your attention to obstacles in front or behind the
vehicle.
The parking distance warning system assists the driver when parking. If the
rear of the vehicle is approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is
emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If
the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
The distance to an obstacle at the front is indicated via a high tone and via a
low tone at the rear. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals
between tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal
becomes constant.
The obstacle may no longer be detected if the vehicle gets even closer to it!
The warning signal will stop when
•the vehicle moves away from the obstacle
•the outer sensors measure a constant distance for approximately 3
seconds.
The signal will not be switched off once the vehicle has reached the perma-
nent tone area.
Registering the obstacle
•Outer sensors front and rear: as of approx. 80 cm
•Centre sensors at the front: as of approx. 120 cm
•Centre sensors at the rear: as of approx. 160 cm

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.

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
General notes
Regular washing and care help maintain the value of your
vehicle.
Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they
do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight)
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours;
these should be used in well-ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly and remove the key from the igni-
tion.
Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry.
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could damage the
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of
water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not
harmful to the environment.
•Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels209
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C .
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Supplementary heating system
The supplementary heating system raises the calorific capacity of the heating
while the engine is running and outside temperatures are very low. The
supplementary heating system connects and disconnects automatically.
The exhaust fumes produced are eliminated through an exhaust pipe below
the vehicle.
Note
•For short journeys, very low outside temperatures and a percentage of
biodiesel fuel of over 50 % too much smoke may be produced.
•Every time the engine is switched off, the fan continues to operate for a
short time in order to more quickly cool the heater. When refuelling it is not
necessary to wait until the fan stops operating.
Working in the engine compartment
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the
engine must be carried out cautiously.
Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet Ÿpage 97.
You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions Ÿpage 202. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area. Ÿ.

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)

If and when 236
WARNING
•Do not allow the sealant to get onto your skin or into your eyes. Risk of
injury.
•Keep children away from the sealant.
Changing a wheel
Preparatory work
You must park the vehicle correctly before changing a tyre.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible on a flat surface.
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the selector
in the P position.
– Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with a stone
or similar object.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Remove the spare wheel and the vehicle tools from the luggage
compartment.
– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in a safe
place (for instance behind the safety barrier).
WARNING
•If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle in
position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•All passengers should leave the car.
•Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the gear selector
in the P position. Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with
a stone or similar object.
•If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
•Only use jacks which have been approved for your vehicle by SEAT.
•Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other
SEAT models. The jack could slip. Risk of injury.
•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. This may cause an
accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.

Index291
Guide lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
H
Hand brake
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 172
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
head restraints
Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122, 123
fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Headlamp washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Headlight flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Headlights
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Heated rear window
Heating elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hubcaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Ignition key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Illumination of instruments and switches . . . . 109
Indicator lights
indication lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Individual opening of doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Information messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Instrument lighting control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Adjusting belt routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cleaning the child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Fastening harness belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Releasing harness belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Interior light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Interior monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Intermittent wipe
rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
windscreen wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
J
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
K
Key tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Key with remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Kick-down function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
L
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Lifting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Lighting of controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Load compartment
SeeLuggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Loading area
SeeLuggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 142
See alsoLuggage compartment . . . . . . 14, 142
Luggage compartment cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
M
Main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Main beam headlights
Indicator lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Manual mode
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Mileage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65, 66
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Make-up mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114