Page 209 Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Cockpit 72
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
•The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and allow it to cool to reduce the risk
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings
Ÿpage 209.
Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information texts in the display.
•In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information text
will also appear in the display.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.
The warning lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Fault in lights*Ÿpage 76
4Tailgate open display*Ÿpage 77
YWindscreen washer fluid*Ÿpage 77
oDoor open display*Ÿpage 77
IBrake pad wear indicator*Ÿpage 77
EEngine oil level/pressure*Ÿpage 77
Coolant temperature/level gaugeŸpage 78 Item Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A19
A20
A21
A22
A23
A24
A25

Cockpit75
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•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 ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
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
functional.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) J
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp Jshould light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp J does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the Ÿpage 180.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp H, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system Ÿ
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
Ÿpage 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•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, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp J. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL Ÿpage 182
Electronic immobiliser*

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

Cockpit 78
Coolant Level* / temperature v
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
•The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while
three acoustic warning signals Ÿ are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary Ÿpage 241.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Contact an Authorised Service Centre
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following information text is displayed in the instrument panel display:
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity Ÿ.
WARNING
•If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and
place the warning triangle.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings.
Ÿpage 209
WARNING (continued)

Intelligent technology 180
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•It is important that you read and observe the corresponding warnings
before working in the engine compartment Ÿpage 209.
•If the brake warning symbol does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in
the brake system. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on.
You should obtain professional assistance.
•If the brake warning lamp H lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp J, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified
workshop and have the fault corrected.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake servo (BAS) works only when the engine is running.
In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.
The brake assist system intervenes here: if you press the brake pedal very
quickly, the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It then very
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
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 risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance from the car in front, and when the road surface is slippery or
wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist
system.
•The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system!
•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.
Anti-locking brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's active safety
system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the pressure for this wheel. The driver
is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and
audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or more of
the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has intervened. In
this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the
ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump” the brake pedal.

Intelligent technology181
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a On braking sharply on slippery ground, this system helps to keep the vehicle
under control, as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
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 anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS has
been activated, you should reduce speed immediately to suit the road and
traffic conditions.
•The ABS 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.
•The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
Ÿpage 225.
ABS warning lamp J
The warning lamp monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp Jshould light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The ABS warning lamp J does not light up when the ignition is switched
on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up
42).
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp H, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system Ÿ.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel .
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•It is important that you read and observe the corresponding warnings
before working in the engine compartment Ÿpage 209.
42)Optional equipment

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle199
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.
Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the car is
frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after the salting period.
Your Authorised Service Centre is able to provide the correct cleaning and
preserving products and has the necessary equipment. For this reason, we
recommend having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
If this job is carried out, you should ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment
afterwards.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
•Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake firmly and always
remove the key from the ignition before you open the bonnet.
•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.
•Do not clean the underside of vehicle, wheel arches without protecting
your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Failure to comply could result in injury.
•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing
the vehicle.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!
For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a suit-
able filling station.
Care of the vehicle interior
Cleaning plastic parts and the dash panel
– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash
panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special
solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and surface of the airbag module with cleansers
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag inflates, disintegrating plastic parts can cause substantial injuries.
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 212
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
•Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.
•Make sure that the support rod is inserted securely and properly in the
holder in the open bonnet.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
Closing the bonnet
Closing the bonnet
1. To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pres-
sure.
2. Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its clasp. Do not press
down Ÿ
If the bonnet does not close properly, open it again and close it properly.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.
•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.
Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at
atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example,
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 214
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
Ÿpage 209.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back
into the sump.
– Raise the bonnet Ÿpage 211.– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as
far as it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level .
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
If the oil level is in area Ÿfig. 142 , you must not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area (but not above).
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact SEAT Service Centre ®.
Fig. 142 Dipstick
AA
AB
AC
AA
AA

Checking and refilling levels215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Topping up engine oil E
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings Ÿ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 209 .
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening Ÿfig. 143.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram Ÿpage 262.Engine oil specification Ÿpage 212.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The two different oil change intervals are shown in the Inspection and Main-
tenance Plan.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!
Fig. 143 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
AB
AA
AA