check engine Seat Alhambra 2008 Owner's Guide

Intelligent technology
182•
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. Risk 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
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the tail of the
vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop
and have the fault corrected.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.The electronic differential lock (EDL) only works when the engine is running.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
It uses the ABS sensors to monitor the speed of the driven wheels.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by
a slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car remains operational
and will behave in the same way as a car without EDL. For this reason, the
driver is not informed that the EDL has been switched off. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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.•
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may other-
wise start to spin. This could impair the car's stability.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation.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.Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the
danger of skidding.The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS
and only works when the engine is running.
The ESP should generally be left switched on at all times. Only when the
necessary drive can not be obtained should the ESP be disconnected.
For example:•
when driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
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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 at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum 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 friction 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 which 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” an d 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 recommended in the service schedule.
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Driving and the environment
188Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2,000 rpms.
Automatic gearbox: Accelerate in moderation and avoid the “kick-down” (full
throttle) position.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at idling
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. 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.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture . With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some
four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at the correct pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by
as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10 %.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12%
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is not in use.
Save electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipment when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
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Driving and the environment
190Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?The vehicle can, if suitably equipped, be used to tow a trailer or caravan.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket ⇒page 204.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug, you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from SEAT Service.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights. If you do not load the
trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb corre-
spondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). Where possible, operate the trailer
with the maximum permitted draw bar weight on the ball joint of the towing
bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate
of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures
for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and “Technical data”. Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. If the maximum permissible trailer
weight is to be utilized, the weight of the vehicle may have to be reduced.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressu re
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permitted pressure shown on the sticker on
the inside of the tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in accord-
ance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Headlight adjustment
If towing a trailer the dipped light may dazzle other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range
control, have the headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership.
WARNING
•
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
•
To avoid dazzling other drivers, adjust the dipped beam according to
the load. If not, an accident may occur.
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Driving and the environment
192
NoteBy law, the ball coupling must be removed 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 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.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
198
Every three months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.Alloy wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is
important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective
coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be
repaired immediately.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the
tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing
the vehicle. “Dry” the brakes by braking several times.
Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corro-
sion and damage.The protective coating could be damaged when driving. We recommend that
the protective coating under the body and on the running gear should be
checked, and reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend that repair work and additional anti-corrosion work is carried
out by your Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! This is a fire
hazard.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.
Yo u r A u t h o r is e d S e r v i ce Ce n t r e 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 ⇒page 209.
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Checking and refilling levels207
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Petrol typesThe correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap.Only unleaded petrol, corresponding to the standard DIN EN 228 , may be
used for vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Norm”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Regulation Octane Number, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol”). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one recom-
mended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power. If, in exceptional circumstances, the correct
octane rating is not available:•
For engines which require Premium unleaded petrol (95 RON) the
following is valid: Regular unleaded fuel with 91 RON can also be used. This
can, however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving conditions.
•
For engines which require Premium unleaded petrol (98 RON) the
following is valid: Premium unleaded fuel with 95 RON can also be used. This
can, however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving conditions.
– If premium unleaded petrol is not available, the engine can be run on
regular unleaded petrol with 91 RON as an “emergency measure”. In this
case only use moderate engine speeds and a light throttle. Avoid using full
throttle. Fill up with premium petrol as soon as possible.Caution
•
Petrol that follows EN 228 may be mixed with small quantities of ethanol.
However, the so-called “bioethanol fuels” available at commercial establish-
ments with reference E50 or E85, which contain a high percentage of ethanol,
may not be used, as they will damage the fuel system.
•
Even one tankfull of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on filling with fuel ⇒page 206.RME fuel*The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•
Biodiesel is a methylester obtained from rapeseed oil.
•
DIN is a German abbreviation for “ Deutsches Institut für N ormung e.V.”,
the German standards institute.
•
EN means European Norm.
•
FAME is the English abbreviation “ Fatty Acid Methyl Ester”
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
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Checking and refilling levels
208Things 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.
•
Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7%
blended biodiesel.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which 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 meet the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.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 characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country 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.
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 systemThe 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.
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Checking and refilling levels209
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 compartmentSafety 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 ⇒page 98.
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 ⇒page 202. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area ⇒ .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached ⇒page 250. The battery could
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!
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Checking and refilling levels
210•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames. −
Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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