check engine light Seat Alhambra 2007 User Guide

Cockpit
78Coolant Level* / temperature

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 ⇒ 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 ⇒page 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 displ ayed 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 ⇒ .
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 th e engine compartment, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Alwa ys note the corresponding warnings
⇒ page 209.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
80Where one or more faults exist, th e warning disappears some 15 seconds
after the engine is started, and the corresponding fault symbols with their
respective text messages appear on the display.
For all vehicles
A sound signal is emitted in the event of a fault:•
Priority 1 - three buzzes
•
Priority 2 - one buzz
If priority 1 and 2 faults occur at the same time, three buzzes are emitted.
In the event of a fault, the symbol with the corresponding text message is
displayed.Note
Priority 2 faults are displayed after repair ing or eliminating priority 1 faults.Priority 1 (red symbols)
Priority 1 symbols warn of a dangerous situation. Therefore
the engine should be stopped and switched off.Where various priority 1 faults exist, the symbols appear one by one for
approx 2 seconds The symbols will keep flashing until the faults have been
rectified.
The following priority 1 warnings or faults may appear:
Engine oil pressure

The corresponding warning is:
STOP PRES. OIL
STOP ENGINE! If this symbol begins to flash while dr
iving, stop and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and replace if necessary.
If the symbol continues flashing, even th ough the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving. The engine should not tu rn over even at idling speed, tech-
nical assistance is necessary.
Brake system

The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKE FLUID
SERVICE MANUAL.
This symbol lights up if the level of brake fluid is too low. Stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the brake fluid
2. ABS, EDL*, TCS* and ESP* systems
The corresponding warning is:
STOP BRAKES FAULTY
SERVICE MANUAL.
If the brake warning light flashes while the ABS warning light is lit up, this
indicates that the ABS system is faulty and that the behaviour of the normal
brake system may be damaged.
The EDS system works in conjunction with the ABS. If the EDS stops working,
the ABS warning lamp comes on. When the ASR and the ESP fail this light also
comes on. Consult a Technical Service Centre as soon as possible.
3. Handbrake
The corresponding warning is:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with
the ignition on It should go out when th e handbrake is released. If it does not
this indicates a fault in the brake system.
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
An audible signal is also given if the ca
r is driven faster than 6 km/h (approx.
4 km/h) with the handbrake applied.
Coolant temperature/level gauge

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

The corresponding warning is:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
The warning lamp lights up when the igni tion 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. Th e 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 cont inue 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

The corresponding warning is:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
This warning light (only in some coun tries) 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 th e “MIN” mark, you should wait for
assistance from specialised personnel before contiuning 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
cirumstances, 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 sudde nly 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.
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Cockpit
82•
To protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or fluid, cover the
fan cap with a large cloth in order to open it.
•
Take care to avoid coolant spilling on the exhaust pipe or any other hot
component as antifreeze is inflammable.
Priority 2 (yellow symbols)If a yellow symbol appears, a sound signal is emitted. The symbols indicate
a dangerous situation. The function sh own should be controlled as fast as
possible. If various faults occur at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one by one for approx. 2 seconds.
Oil level too low

The corresponding warning is:
CHECK LEVEL OIL
If this sign lights up: stop, switch off the engine and check the oil level,
topping up where necessary.
Oil level too low

The corresponding warning is:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
If the symbol flashes this probably means that the oil level sensor is defec-
tive. The vehicle should immediately be taken to a Technical Service Centre.
It is possible to continue driving, but the oil level should be continually moni-
tored, e.g. every time th e vehicle is refuelled.
Engine fault
- Petrol engine

- Diesel engine

The corresponding warning is:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
If a fault in the running of the engine arises whil e driving, the corresponding
light will come on (petrol engine) or flash (diesel engine). In this case the
engine should be checked immediately by a Technical Service Centre.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The corresponding warning is:
ABS FAULT
A fault in the ABS system is shown in the following manner:
If the ABS warning light comes on separately, it is possible to brake the
vehicle using the normal brake system (without ABS). Consult a Technical
Service Centre as soon as possible.
Electronic immobilizer

The corresponding warning is:
IMMOBILIZ.ACTIVE
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.
If an unauthorised key is used, the warning light will flash constantly. It will
not be possible to start the vehicle.
Tailgate/bonnet open display *

The corresponding warning is:
TAILGATE OPEN
This warning light only indicates that the tailgate is open.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and MaintenanceIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo does not operate, for example, when the vehicle is being
towed or due to a fault in the system, the brake pedal must be depressed
harder.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•
If the brake servo is out of action, for example if the car is being towed,
you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than normal.
Brake pads wear display

If this light comes on, check the brake pads immediately.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel.
WARNING
If the warning lamp lights up
 or the corresponding message appears on
the instrument panel, immediately have the brake pads checked and
replaced, if necessary, at a specialised workshop.
Brake warning lamp

If the warning lamp comes on, this may be caused by the
following reasons:•
With the handbrake on the warning light comes on
 on the instrument
panel. If you are travelling at over 6 km/h with the hand brake on, a text
message or the required operations ma y appear on the instrument panel. In
addition a warning signal is heard.
•
In the event of insufficient brake fluid the warning lamp lights up
 on
the instrument panel. At the same time, a text message or the necessary oper-
ations may appear on the instrument panel. Stop the vehicle immediately
and check the level of the brake fluid ⇒page 221.
•
In the event of a fault in the brake system the warning lamp lights up

on the instrument panel and three buzz es are emitted. At the same time, a
text message or the necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel. Stop the vehicle and do not dr ive on. You should obtain professional
assistance. This warning lamp
can light up together with the anti-locking
brake system warning lamp
⇒ .
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Intelligent technology181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te 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 guar
antee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could ev en 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 de fy 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.
•
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 effi ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS
and lessen their efficiency.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 225.
ABS warning lamp

The warning lamp monitors the ABS.The warning lamp
should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after th e system has run through an automatic
test sequence. There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The ABS warning lamp
 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
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system ⇒.
At the same time, a text message or the necessary operations may appear on
the instrument panel.
WARNING
Special care must be taken when work ing 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 ⇒page 209.
•
If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 221. If the fluid level has dropped below the
“MIN” mark you must not drive on. Ri sk of accident. You should obtain
professional assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. This could cause the
42)Optional equipment
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Driving and the environment185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads that have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and need running in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.
•
New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on the brake
pedal.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by SEAT
Service more frequently than reco mmended in the service schedule.
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Driving and the environment
190
Storing towing bracket in the luggage compartment
– First tension the towing bracket.
– Place the towing bracket in its casing on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The bracket engages and the tension
is released ⇒ .
– Check that it is correctly fitted.The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
If the ball coupling is fitted it s possible to store the cover of the tow-bar in a
plastic bag next to the tools.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely to prevent it
being flung through the vehicle and causing injury.•
When the pretensed towing bracket is being fitted, there is a risk of
injury in the event that the wheel goes back on itself.Note
By law, the ball coupling must be remo ved if a trailer is not being towed and
it obscures the number plate.•
When placing the towing bracket in the casing check that it is no longer
tensed and securely fastened.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For this
reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible top speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear (in both manual and
automatic gearboxes) in good time before going down a steep hill. This
enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always moni tor 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.
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Driving and the environment191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving economically and with respect for the
environmentGeneral 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 styl e 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 drivingA vehicle uses most fuel when accelera ting. 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 servicingBy taking your car to an Authorised Se rvice 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.Avoid short journeysThe engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
Fig. 136 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at
two different ambient
temperatures
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Checking and refilling levels
208Your Authorised Service Centre or automobile association will be able to
advise on where you can obtain RME biodiesel fuel.
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)•
The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•
Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel can be used in winter at temperatures down to approx. -10°C.
•
At outside temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel
fuel.
For technical reasons, vehicle fitted with diesel particle filters cannot use
biodiesel under any circumstances.
Your authorized SEAT dealer will confirm whether your vehicle is prepared to
use biodiesel.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles that are not suitably
adjusted.
•
If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•
If you use biodiesel that does not m eet the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.
•
Your authorized SEAT dealer will be able to tell you if your vehicle is suit-
able for use with biodiesel, or whether it requires modifications in order to
use it.
•
Vehicles fitted with a diesel particle filter should not use biodiesel under
any circumstance, or even start the engine, at the risk of damaging the fuel
system.
Note
•
In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of
the independent heating.
•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For
this reason, we recommend that, about every 300 or 400 km, following a fuel
change, also change the fuel filter. Also. note the instructions in the inspec-
tion and maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. For
this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22
°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally
has different temperature characteristic s. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the countr y concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
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.
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