coolant temperature Seat Alhambra 2006 Owner's Manual

Cockpit 62
correspond to the symbols used in the versions with the steering wheel on
the left
Instruments
Instrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.
Rev counter Ÿpage 63
Engine coolant temperature gauge Ÿpage 63
Display in the combi-instrument
4) and warning lamps Ÿpage 704)
Fuel gauge Ÿpage 64
SpeedometerEngine oil temperature gauge
4)Ÿpage 65
Clock Ÿ page 65
Setting knob for the clock
Adjust kilometre button
Odometer (total mileage / trip recorder) Ÿ page 65
Voltmeter
4)Ÿ page 65
Fig. 44 Detail of the dash panel: Instruments
4)Optional equipment
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11

Cockpit63
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
If, for example, the needle is directly over the 2, this corresponds to an engine
speed of 2000 rpm (revolutions per minute) Ÿpage 62, fig. 44 .
The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the maximum engine speed
which may be used briefly when the engine is warm and after it has been run
in properly. However, it is advisable to change up a gear or move the selector
lever to D (or lift your foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the
red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine
noise.
Engine coolant temperature display v
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works when the ignition is switched on. The symbol
v will also light up in the display for some seconds as a function
check.
Needle in cold zone
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads Ÿfig. 45 .
Needle in normal zone
In normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle section of
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard,
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern, as long
as the warning lamp does not light up Ÿpage 70.
Needle in warning zone
The warning lamp v will light up if the needle is in the warning zone. The
warning text
5) STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL may also appear in
A1
Fig. 45 Details of the
instrument panel: Engine
coolant temperature
gauge
AA
A2
AB
AC
AC
A9

Cockpit 64
the combi-instrument display. Stop the car and switch off the engine.Allow
the engine to cool and check the coolant level Ÿ .
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should obtain
technical assistance.
WARNING
Read and observe the warnings “Working in the engine compartment”
before opening the bonnet to carry out work in the engine compartment.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
Fuel gauge z
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 70 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone Ÿfig. 46 -arrow-, the warning
lamp z lights up in the display. The text
6) PLEASE REFUEL may appear in the
combi-instrument display. At the same time, an audible warning is given as a
reminder to fill up. At this point there are still about 8 litres of fuel in the
tank.
5)Depending on model version6)Depending on model version
Fig. 46 Details of the
instrument panel: Fuel
gauge

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

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)

Cockpit81
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a An audible signal is also given if the car is driven faster than 6 km/h (approx.
4 mph) with the handbrake applied.
Coolant temperature/level gauge
v
The corresponding warning is:
STOP CHECK LEVEL COOLANT
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the symbol flashes while driving, this means that either the coolant temper-
ature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Stop immediately, switch off
the engine and check the level. Top up coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. In this case, check the radiator fan fuse, and replace if
necessary.
If the warning light does not go out, although the coolant level is correct and
the fan fuse is correct, do not continue driving. Obtain technical assistance.
If the fault is only in the radiator fan, it is possible to continue driving as far
as the nearest Technical Service Centre, as long as the coolant level is correct
and the display light is off.
Alternator
F
The corresponding warning is:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
The warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go out
when the engine is started.
The alternator is operated by a long-lasting drive belt.
If the warning light lights up while driving, stop, switch off the engine and
check the drive belt. If the belt is loose or broken, do not continue driving, as
the coolant pump will not be driven. The belt should be checked or replaced.If the warning light comes on even though the belt is neither loose nor
broken, it is usually possible to continue driving to the nearest Technical
Service Centre.
As the vehicle battery will discharge, it is advisable to switch off all non-vital
electrical consumers.
Seat belt warning lamp
h
The corresponding warning is:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
This warning light (only in some countries) lights up for approximately 6
seconds when the ignition is switched on to remind occupants to fasten seat-
belts. If the seat belts are not fastened, a sound signal is emitted when the
ignition is switched on which will stop when the seat belts are fastened or
after approximately 6 seconds.
WARNING
•If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, you should wait for
assistance from specialised personnel before continuing to drive.
•If the fluid level is correct, the fault may lie in the ABS. If the ABS control
system fails, the rear wheels may block rapidly on braking. This, in certain
circumstances, could cause the vehicle to skid.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Risk of burns. Wait until you can no longer see or
hear escaping steam or coolant.
•Do not touch the fan, as it could suddenly start to operate, even if the
ignition is switched off.
•To prevent burns from boiling coolant, the following should be
observed:
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion tank!. When the engine
is warm or hot, the system is pressurised! Therefore wait until the engine
cools before opening the cap.

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

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 and the environment191
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment
General notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:
•Personal driving style
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when driving
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicing
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.

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.