key Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Guide

Seats and stowage 130
– Place the seat frame Ÿpage 129, fig. 94 between the
retaining bolts in the floor anchors and release both bars.
– Pull the seat up to ensure that it is properly engaged in the front
floor anchors
– Fold the seat back until it engages in the rear floor anchors.
– Fold the backrest back and adjust the head restraint to suit body
size.
Covers for the floor anchors
After removing the seats in the passenger compartment, it is possible to fix
covers to the floor anchors to stop dirt getting into them, for example. You will
receive 12 covers delivered with the vehicle.
Guide the cover into the floor anchoring and press it in.
The covers will have to be removed by levering them off with the vehicle key
before you can install the seats.
WARNING
Please observe safety recommendations concerning seats Ÿpage 131.
ArmrestsAA
AB
Fig. 95 Removable
armrest: button
Fig. 96 Protective bag for
the removable armrests

Seats and stowage133
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Stowage compartments
Stowage compartment on the front passenger side
The compartment can be opened by pulling the lever Ÿfig. 99. It is locked
when the key slot* is horizontal.
Vehicle wallet compartment
The vehicle wallet should always be kept in the glove compartment.
Cooling the stowage compartment on the front passenger side
There is an air outlet on the right of the rear panel Ÿfig. 99. If the air condi-
tioning is switched on, cooled air can be fed into the compartment. Turn the
air vent to open and close it.
WARNING
Always keep the stowage compartment cover closed while the vehicle is in
motion to reduce the risk of injury during a sudden braking manoeuvre or
in the event of an accident.
Central stowage on instrument panel
dame una pistaTo o p e n stowage compartment, press on the part closest to
the air vents (dotted area) in the direction of the arrow, this opens by spring
action Ÿfig. 100
To c l o s e, lower the cover by hand until it is completely closed.
Fig. 99 Passenger side:
Stowage compartment
Fig. 100 Central stowage
on instrument panel

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

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

Driving 162
Starting
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.
Caution
The starter must not be used unless the vehicle is at a standstill (key position
). If the starter is used as soon as the engine is switched off, the starter or
the engine could be damaged.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The ignition key can only be taken out of the ignition lock if the
selector lever is in position P.
After switching off the ignition, you can remove the ignition key only if the
automatic gearbox gear selector lever Ÿpage 167 is in position P. The
selector lever is blocked after the ignition key has been removed.
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you take the key
out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.
A3
A1
A3

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

Driving165
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. The radiator fan can start auto-
matically if the hot engine causes the coolant temperature to rise, or if the sun
heats the engine compartment.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake servo and the power assisted steering work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. As you cannot steer and brake in the
normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
•The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Manual gearbox
Manual gearbox
Selecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch right down.
– Put the gearlever Ÿfig. 127 in the middle (neutral).
– Press the gear stick down and then to the left and forwards into
the reverse position shown on the gear stick.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running, before engaging this gear wait about 6 seconds with
the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
Fig. 127 Manual gearbox
with shift diagram

Driving 168
– Press and hold the lock button, move the selector lever to P and
release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the
“Tiptronic” selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– You should always hold the vehicle in position with the footbrake
to stop it from “rolling backwards” Ÿ. Do not try to prevent
the vehicle from “rolling backwards” by increasing the engine
speed while a range of gears is selected
Moving away on an incline
– With a gear engaged, take your foot from the brake and depress
the accelerator.
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need. This increases the
braking effect of the engine. For example, you should drive down a very steep
slope in 3rd gear. If the engine brake effect is not sufficient, the vehicle will
gain speed. The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox automatically
changes up to prevent the engine over revving. Use the foot brake to reduce
speed and change into 3rd gear using “Tiptronic” Ÿ.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever
being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from positions P or
N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position P.
WARNING
•As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is
running, you must apply the parking brake and engage parking lock P.
•If the engine is running and if D, S or R is engaged, you will need to hold
the car on the foot brake. The car will creep forward as the power transmis-
sion is not fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
•Never press the accelerator when you move the selector lever. Risk of
accident.
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
“Tiptronic” to select a low gear.
•If you have to stop the vehicle on a gradient, always hold the vehicle in
position using the foot brake to stop it from rolling back.
•Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
•Never allow the car to roll down a gradient with the gear in neutral N, or
in selector lever position D, even if the engine is not running.
Caution
•If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from rolling
by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. Otherwise, the
automatic gearbox /direct shift gearbox* may overheat causing damage. Pull
the handbrake on fully or depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away.
•If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox* will be
damaged as it will not be lubricated.

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