change wheel Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Lights and visibility 112
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up Ÿpage 111, fig. 74 to indicate
right, and all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur
resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal will flash
three times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position
 Ÿpage 108, fig. 71.
– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head-
lights off again.
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-hand
parking lights respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
•The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp  or
flashes in the combi-instrument. The warning
lamp
20) flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defec-
tive, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs
are damaged, warning lamp  does not light up. You should have the bulbs
replaced.
•Both warning lamps will flash at the same time when the hazard warning
lights are switched on.
•If one turn signal fails, whether that of the vehicle or of the trailer, the
warning lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
•The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the combi-
instrument.
•The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the
combi-instrument.
•When the parking light is switched on, the front side light and the rear
light of the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit. The parking lights will
only work if the key is removed from the ignition.
•If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, a buzzer sounds when the driver door is opened. This is a
reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave the
parking light on.
A1
A2
A1A2
A3
A4
20)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

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.

Intelligent technology183
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
•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.
When the ESP is deactivated, the TCS is switched off at the same time. This
means that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains
switched off.
How ESP works
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually. The
system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the car. If the desired course is not being main-
tained accurately (for instance if the car is beginning to skid) the ESP compen-
sates automatically by applying the brake at the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. If the car is tending to oversteer (break away at the rear) the brake appli-
cation is concentrated on the outside front wheel; if the car is understeering
(tending to follow a wider radius in a bend), the brake is mainly applied to the
inside rear wheel.
How the Traction Control System (TCS) works
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the driven wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action. TCS helps the car to start moving,
accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible.
When does the warning lamp light up or flash
?
•The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on and
should go out again after a few seconds.
•The warning lamp  will start flashing to indicate that the ESP and TCS
are counteracting an unstable driving condition.
•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 warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, this
may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the function.
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 func-
tional
If the battery is disconnected, the warning lamp
~ lights after turning the
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
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 ESP and TCS cannot defy the laws of motion. 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.
•The ESP 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.

Checking and refilling levels227
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
Ÿpage 226, fig. 150 running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries Ÿ.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
Ÿpage 226.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown Ÿpage 226, fig. 151. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!
•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning”.
•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
•If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling Ÿ.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it

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!.

If and when239
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Raising the vehicle
Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.Do not raise the vehicle until you have slackened the wheel bolts on
the wheel you wish to remove Ÿpage 238.
Jacking up the vehicle
1. Look for the jacking point Ÿfig. 161 (arrow) Ÿ closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
2. Raise the jack under the jacking point until it just fits under the
car.
3. Check that the foot of the jack has full contact with the ground.
4. Adjust the jack and continue to crank the claw up until it is in
position around the vertical rib Ÿfig. 162 (arrow) underneath
the vehicle Ÿ
5. Crank the jack further until the wheel is just clear of the ground.
The jack may be applied only at the jacking points shown Ÿfig. 161. The
front jacking point is approx. 11 cm from the wheel arch. The rear jacking
point is approx. 14 cm from the wheel arch. Notches on both sides in the sills
show where the jacking points are under the vehicle.
WARNING
•You could injure yourself or damage the vehicle if you do not observe
the correct jacking points.
•Soft ground under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Always provide a firm base for the jack on the ground. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support. On a hard, slippery surface (such as
tiles) use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack from slipping.
•The jack claw must grasp the vertical rib under the sill properly so that
the jack does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle Ÿfig. 162.
Fig. 161 The jacking
points
Fig. 162 Jack at rear on
right

If and when 254
Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving tips
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate that you are going to
change direction. Move the turn signal lever accordingly. Meanwhile, the
hazard warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the
rest position, the hazard warning lights will automatically reconnect.
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. In this case the pedal
has to be pressed harder.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•Move the selector lever to N.
•Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•Do not tow further than 50 km.
•If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
WARNING
The braking behaviour and capacity of a vehicle changes when being towed
or when you are trying to start the vehicle by pulling. Please observe the
following notes in order to prevent injury and accident:
•Inexperienced drivers should refrain from trying in order to avoid acci-
dent.
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
−The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Take care not to bump into the towing vehicle.
−More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power
steering does not operate when the engine is switched off.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
−Accelerate smoothly and avoid any sudden movement.
−Brake more in advance than usual and brake gently.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it
Ÿpage 251
Note
•Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.

General notes on the technical data 260
Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase Ÿ.
WARNING
•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
•Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Towing a trailer
Trailer weights
Trailer weights
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain circum-
stances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other countries. All
data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data Ÿ.Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 85 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•For safety reasons, you should not drive at speeds above 80 km/h when
towing a trailer. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
•Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced Ÿ.