wheel Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Guide

Lights and visibility 118
Headlamp washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.
The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel Ÿpage 116, fig. 80 for at least 5 seconds – provided the dipped
headlights or main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects,
etc.) from the headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel
tank.
Note
To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzles in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
Mirrors
Interior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
When the rear-view mirror is in standard position, the lever on the lower edge
of the mirror should face forwards. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
22)
When the ignition is on, the interior mirror will darken automatically
according to the amount of light it receives. The mirror will return to the
normal position if the reverse gear is selected.
A5
22)Optional equipment
Fig. 82 Automatic anti-
dazzle function for inte-
rior mirror

Seats and stowage121
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Seats and stowage
The importance of correct seat adjustment
Proper seat adjustment optimises the level of protection
offered by seat belts and airbags.
The driver seat, front passenger seat, and seats in the passenger compart-
ment, can be adjusted in many ways to suit the physical requirements of the
vehicle occupants. The correct seat position is very important for:
•fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
•relaxed posture that does not cause drowsiness,
•safe driving,
•optimum protection from the seat belts and airbag system Ÿpage 7.
Vehicle seats
Your vehicle has a total of five or seven
24) seats.
•First row of seats: two seats
•Second row of seats: three seats
•Third row of seats24): two seats
Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
WARNING
If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they may
sustain critical injuries.
•Never transport more people than there are seats available in the
vehicle.
•Every occupant in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system. Section “Child Safety”
•The seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to body size
and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide you and your
passengers with optimum protection.
•Always keep your feet in the foot well when the vehicle is moving; never
rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This also
applies to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an
increased risk of injury in the event of a braking manoeuvre or an accident.
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain fatal injuries due to an improper
sitting position.
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as great
as possible.
•Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is
stationary. Otherwise your seat could move unexpectedly while the vehicle
is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore injury.
In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents.
•Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front
passenger seat. When installing a child seat, observe the warning note in
“Child safety”.
•The seats in the third row of seats may, for safety reasons, only be used
if the luggage compartment cover has been removed.
24)Optional equipment
WARNING (continued)

Seats and stowage 124
Front seats
Adjusting front seats
The control elements Ÿfig. 87 are mirrored for the front right-hand
seat.
Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the lever and move the seat forwards or backwards
Ÿ.
– Then release the grip and move the seat further until the
catch engages.
Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.Adjusting the lumbar support
25)
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
Turning the seat
25)
– Adjust the seat surface to its lowest position and push the seat
back as far as it will go.
–On the driver's seat, adjust the backrest fully forward so that it
will not hit the steering wheel when turning the seat round.
– Lift the lever and turn the seat round Ÿ.
Adjusting the seat height
– Pull the lever up or push down (several times if necessary) from
its home position. This adjusts the seat height in stages Ÿ
Adjusting the armrest
25)
– Turn the thumb wheel underneath the arm rest to adjust it to the
size of the occupant.
The curvature of the cushioned area is determined by the settings made in
the lumbar region. This supports the natural curvature of the spine very effec-
tively.
WARNING
•Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of injury. Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when
the vehicle is stationary.
Fig. 87 Front left seat
controls
A1
A1
A2
25)Optional equipment
A3
A4
A4
A5
A6

Seats and stowage131
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Adjusting the armrest
– Turn the thumb wheel underneath the armrests to adjust the
angle of the armrests to your requirement.
Removable armrest
29)
– Take hold of the armrest at the rear and press the button
Ÿpage 130, fig. 95 in the direction of the arrow.
– With the button pressed, pull the armrest off to the side out of the
holder.
– When installing, please ensure that the armrest engages
securely in the holder.
The removable armrests for the second row of seats can be found in a trans-
port bag Ÿpage 130, fig. 96.
The bag hangs from a head restraint of a seat in the last row of seats or, in
vehicles with 4 integrated child seats
29), on the centre seat of the second row
of seats.
WARNING
•The transport bag should always be secured properly when travelling in
the vehicle as it could otherwise be a safety risk in an accident or braking
manoeuvre. We recommend that you keep the bag at home.
•The bag, if you do decide to keep it in the vehicle, may not be secured
to the head restraint of an integrated child seat. The backrest could be
forced forward in an accident or braking manoeuvre due to the weight of the
bag.
Safety instructions for seats
WARNING
•Occupants may travel on the seats in the passenger compartment only
if the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time:
−The seats must always be fitted in the appropriate floor anchors and
must be securely engaged.
−The backrest of all seats must be in the upright position and securely
engaged in this position.
−The seat occupants must have access to the seat belts. The seat
belts must be fitted correctly.
−All the occupants of the vehicle must be correctly seated while
driving.
•A seat which has been removed can cause injury if it is transported in
the vehicle. Each seat must always be fitted in the floor anchors and must
be securely engaged. The backrest must be in an upright position. If a
bench seat is not properly secured, it could become a life-threatening
hazard for all vehicle occupants.
•Make sure that the bases of seats are not soiled or damaged when
removed from the vehicle.
•All adjustment to the seats, including fitting and removal, may be
carried out only when the vehicle is stationary.
29)Optional equipment

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning157
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Air vents in the roof
In vehicles with a second cooling system
39) for ventilating the passenger
compartment, an air outlet is fitted in the roof above each rear seat
Ÿfig. 122.
The air outlets in the roof can be opened and closed individually and
adjusted by moving the grid.
Each air outlet has two thumb wheels. The left thumb wheel can be used to
open and close the air outlet. The right thumb wheel can be used to direct the
air towards the head and chest.
WARNING
Never leave objects, food or medicines in front of the air outlets in the rear
seats. The hot air could damage or destroy heat-sensitive objects, food or
medicines.
Caution
Do not use the area in front of the outlets to store objects. This could cause
the blower to overheat and switch off. The blower could also be damaged.
Note
In the cooling mode, at least one air outlet in the roof must be open. The
cooling system could otherwise ice over.
General notes
The pollen filter
The pollution filter serves as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air
(e.g. dust and pollen).
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
Instructions for use
If the air conditioning or Climatronic
40) is not switched on for a long period,
deposits on the evaporator can cause unpleasant smells. To prevent these
odours, the cooling system should be run at the highest blower setting at
least once a month when temperatures are over +5°C. Briefly open a window
at the same time.
Faults in the operation of the air conditioning
There is a fault if the all the symbols in the Climatronic flash for approx. 15
seconds when the ignition is switched on. Contact a specialist workshop.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
•the engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The outside temperature is lower than +5°C.
•the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
39)Optional equipment40)Optional equipment

Driving159
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving
Steering
Adjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely
adjusted to suit the driver.
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column Ÿfig. 123 down
Ÿ.
– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is
set Ÿfig. 124.
– Then push the lever up again firmly Ÿ.
WARNING
•Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an incor-
rect seating position can result in serious injury.
•To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when
the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident.
Fig. 123 Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 124 Proper sitting
position for driver

Driving 160
•Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone Ÿpage 159,
fig. 124. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
Safety
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differ-
ential lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP works
together with the anti-locking brake system (ABS). Both warning lamps will
light up if the ESP or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button Ÿfig. 125 .
For example:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Section of the
dash panel: switch for ESP
%30

Driving161
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•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.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. This means
that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains switched
off.
When does the inscription OFF light up on the button?
•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. 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. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP.
Ignition lock
Position of the ignition key
Ignition switched off, steering lock
In position Ÿfig. 126 the ignition is switched off, and the steering wheel
lock can be engaged.
To engage the steering wheel lock, take out the key and turn the wheel
slightly until you hear the pin engage. You should always lock the steering
wheel when you leave your vehicle. This makes vehicle theft more difficult
Ÿ.
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system
Tu rn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key canno t b e
turned or is difficult to turn from position to position , move the
steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key
turns freely.
ESP
Fig. 126 Ignition key
positions
A1
A1
A2
A1A2

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

Driving 170
N - neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmitted
to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function as
a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the
selector lever in position N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes automatically to a longer
or shorter gear, according to the driving style and speed. The braking effect
of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the selector is in this
position. The display also shows which gear has been selected in addition to
position D.
If position N has been selected and you wish to select D, you must press the
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h (approx.
3mph) Ÿ.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•Never drive the vehicle with the engine and the ignition switched off.
You could loose control of the vehicle. The brake servo only functions when
the engine is running as does the elector-mechanical steering system. You
need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle when the engine and the
ignition are switched off. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
Caution
If you allow the vehicle to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be
lubricated.
Note
If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, take your foot off the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D
again.