brake Seat Alhambra 2008 Owner's Guide

Seats and stowage
136Coat hooks are located in the roof. They are integrated in the grab handles in
the passenger compartment.
Location of CD changer
31)
The CD changer, which can be factory fitted, is located either in the dash
panel or in the right-hand stowage compartment in the luggage compart-
ment.
WARNING
•
Ensure that no objects can fall from the dash panel or other stowage
areas into the driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. In the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to use the brake, clutch or
accelerator. Risk of accident.
•
Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view.
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any hard, sharp or heavy objects in hanging
articles of clothing. During sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, espe-
cially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure the
vehicle occupants.
Cup holders
In the centre console: there are two cup holdersOpening cup holder
– Press the symbol on the cup holder briefly. The spring mecha- nism will release the holder.
Closing the cup holder
– Push the cup holder up in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 105
until it engages.
WARNING
Improper use of the cup holders can cause injury.•
For reasons of safety, the cup holders should be used only for standard
drinks cans and bottles with a maximum capacity of 0.5 litres.
31)Optional equipment
Fig. 105 Cupholder in the
centre console
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Seats and stowage137
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Never place hot drinks in the drink holders. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot drink could be
spilled. Danger of scalding.
•
Ensure, when driving, that no can or other object is dropped in the
driver footwell, as it could get under the pedals and obstruct their working.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able
to operate the brake, clutch or accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
•
Never leave closed drinks cans in direct sunlight for any length of time.
If the inside temperature is high they could explode.Caution
When driving, do not leave open cans in the cup holders. The drink might be
spilt on braking, for example, and could damage the vehicle.
Note
There is no left-hand cup holder on vehicles fitted with a hands-free tele-
phone system
32).
Folding table
Folding tables are fitted to the rear of the front seat backrests.Folding out the folding table
– Fold the table up in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 106 until it
engages.
Folding the table back
– Push the table down in the opposite direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 106 until it engages.
32)Optional equipmentWARNING (continued)
Fig. 106 Folding table on
right-hand front seat
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Seats and stowage139
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The seats in the second row are fitted with a net bag
⇒page 138, fig. 108 for
the stowage of small objects.
The bag will hold a newspaper, can or standard bottle of up to a maximum of
0.5 litres ⇒.
WARNING
•
Ensure, when driving, that no can or other object is dropped in the
driver footwell, as it could get under the pedals and obstruct their working.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able
to operate the brake, clutch or accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and electrical
socketsFront ashtray
Opening and closing the ashtray
– To open move the ashtray cover ⇒fig. 109 forwards (arrow),
until it engages.
– To close, push the cover down as far as it will go.
Emptying the ashtray
– To remove the ashtray insert, pull it to the front until it engages.
– Take out the ashtray.No-smoking versions of the vehicle have a stowage compartment in place of
the ashtray.
WARNING
•
Never put paper in the ashtray. Hot ash could ignite the paper in the
ashtray.
Fig. 109 Front ashtray
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Driving161
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone ⇒page 160,
fig. 124 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differ-
ential lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP works
together with the anti-locking brake system (ABS). Both warning lamps will
light up if the ESP or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button ⇒fig. 125 .
For example:•
when driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Detailed view of
dash panel ESP button

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Driving
166After 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 gearboxManual gearboxSelecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the clutch right down.
–Put the gearlever ⇒fig. 127 in the middle (neutral).
– Press the gearstick down and then to the left and forwards into the reverse position shown on the gearstick.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
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Driving
168
NoteA programme will, depending on the driving resistance, be selected automat-
ically that guarantees more pulling power, thus avoiding having to shift gear
constantly.Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle
to move.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press and hold the brake pedal and press the selector lever lock on the left of the selector lever at the same time ⇒page 167,
fig. 128 .The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h (approx. 3 mph). At higher speeds the selector lever
lock is disengaged automatically in the N position.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D ). This makes it possible, for
instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow
or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about 1 second.
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes the forward gears up and down auto-
matically.Switching on
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position P or N. Further
information ⇒page 164.
Driving
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the lock button (button on the knob of the selector lever) ⇒page 167, fig. 128, select gear position ( R, D or
S ).
– Release the lock button and wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping briefly
– Use the foot brake to prevent the car “creeping” forwards, e.g. at traffic lights. The selector lever does not need to be put into the
positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill ⇒.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
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Driving169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– 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” ⇒. 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” ⇒.
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.
•
I f th e e n gin e is r un n ing a n d if D, S or R is e n ga ged , yo u will n ee d 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.
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Driving
170
NoteThe 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 ⇒fig. 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 ⇒ .
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 ⇒.
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 Instrument
panel: display showing
position of selector lever
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Driving171
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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) ⇒.
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 car 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 lubri-
cated.
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.
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Driving173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Be particularly careful, therefore, when using the kick-down function on
slippery road surfaces.
•
You should use the kick-down function only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Using the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Firmly pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
– Push in the lock button on the handbrake lever.
– Keep the locking knob pressed and push the lever all the way down ⇒ .The handbrake is located at the side of the driver seat. Always apply the
handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the handbrake applied
⇒ . The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
•
Never drive with the handbrake slightly applied. This could cause the
rear brakes to overheat and lose their braking efficiency. Risk of accident.
This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. On cars with a
manual gearbox engage 1st gear, or on an automatic move the selector lever
to P.Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic move
the selector lever to P .
WARNING (continued)
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