roof Seat Alhambra 2008 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2008, Model line: Alhambra, Model: Seat Alhambra 2008Pages: 295, PDF Size: 7.83 MB
Page 151 of 295

Seats and stowage149
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Damage to the vehicle caused by incorrect installation of mounts or roof
carrier systems not approved by the factory are excluded from the vehicle
warranty.
Securing the load
Loads transported on the roof carrier must be securely
attached. The car's handling is affected when transporting
loads.The maximum permissible roof load for your vehicle is 75 kg. The load limit
applies to the combined weight of the carrier system and the load itself.
Distribute the load evenly. However, if you are using a roof carrier with a lower
weight rating, you will not be able to carry the maximum roof load. Do not
exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof carrier which is listed in the
fitting instructions.
WARNING
•
If damaged, fine or inadequate securing straps are used to fasten
objects carried on the roof, they could break in the event of sharp braking.
This could cause an accident and serious injury.
•
Always use appropriate securing straps to secure objects on the roof
carrier against sliding or flying off.,This could cause an accident. The load
must be correctly secured.
•
Always respect the maximum authorised weight for the roof, the
maximum authorised weight on the axles and the total maximum author-
ised weight of the vehicle. Otherwise there is danger of causing an acci-
dent.
•
The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky
loads on the roof, which affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity and increasing susceptibility to cross winds. Both circumstances increase the risk of accident. Therefore you must adapt your driving style
and speed to the prevailing conditions - avoid sudden braking or driving
manoeuvres when there is a load on the roof carrier.
Caution
Please take extra care not to let the tailgate or rear window strike the roof load
when open – there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
The roof carrier is often left on the roof for convenience even if it is not being
used. However, increased air resistance means that the vehicle uses more
fuel. For this reason you should always take off the roof carrier when it is not
in use.Cooling and heating box*Notes on usage
The cooling and heating box may only be installed in the posi-
tion of rear left seat in the third row.Power can be supplied by any of the 12 Volt sockets in the vehicle. It
consumes approximately 33 watts and has a capacity of approximately 32
litres.
The battery will discharge if the cooling and heating box is used for a long
period while the engine is switched off.
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 149 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 159 of 295

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning157
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The Climatronic can be fitted either with or without an additional cooling
system
38) for the passenger compartment.
Climatronic for the passenger compartment without additional cooling
system
The temperature setting for the rear can be max. 3°C higher than the temper-
ature in the passenger compartment. A lower temperature can not be set.
If the Climatronic detects that the passenger compartment has to be heated,
it activates the additional heat exchanger. The air outlets on the floor guide
warm air into the vehicle ⇒ page 157.
If the Climatronic detects that the passenger compartment has to be cooled,
cooled air is fed into the vehicle via the air outlets in the front of the vehicle
only ⇒page 157.
Climatronic for the passenger compartment with additional cooling system
The temperature setting for the rear can be max. 3 °C lower than the temper-
ature in the passenger compartment.
If the Climatronic detects that the passenger compartment has to be heated,
it activates the additional heat exchanger. The air outlets on the floor guide
warm air into the vehicle ⇒ page 157.
If the Climatronic detects that the passenger compartment has to be cooled,
cooled air is fed into the rear of the vehicle via the open air outlets in the roof
⇒ page 157.
Air outlets in the passenger compartmentAir outlets for heating the passenger compartment
The air outlets ⇒ fig. 121 for the passenger compartment heating system are
located at the bottom of the left side panel at the rear.
38)Optional equipment
Fig. 121 Air outlets for
heating the passenger
compartmentFig. 122 Cold air vents in
the roof
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 157 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 160 of 295

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
158Air 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
⇒ fig. 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 notesThe pollution 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 conditioning fuse is faulty.
39)Optional equipment
40)Optional equipment
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 158 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 161 of 295

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-
ified workshop.
WARNING
Please note that when the Climatronic is switched off, no fresh air will enter
the vehicle interior. For this reason you should ensure that sufficient fresh
air is able to enter the vehicle by opening a window or the sliding/tilting
sunroof
40) when the Climatronic is switched off.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch off the air
conditioning with button to prevent further damage and have it
checked by a qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and
special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the
windows misting over.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows
and the sliding /tilting roof
40) closed. However, if the sun has heated up the
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the
cooling system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a permanent
unpleasant odour.
ECON
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 159 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 190 of 295

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*.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 188 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 196 of 295

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
194Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washesThe paint is so durable that the car can normally be washed without problems
in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large
extent on the design of the car wash, the brushes used, the filtering of the
wash water and the type of detergents and wax solutions used, etc.
After the car has been washed, the brakes could respond later than normal as
the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry” the
brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Washing by handWashing the vehicle
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off.
– Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush. Start on the roof and work your way down. Use only light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove as much as possible.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last using a different sponge or glove. – Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the surface of the vehicle gently using a chamois leather.
– If it is
cold, dry the rubber seals and the surfaces they touch with
a cloth to prevent them freezing. Apply silicone spray to the
rubber seals.
After cleaning the vehicle
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. “Dry” the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•
The ignition must always be switched off before the vehicle is washed.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of
injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is
dry. Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch
the paintwork or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: if the vehicle is rinsed with a
hose, do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, luggage compartment, or bonnet. Otherwise there is a risk of malfunc-
tion.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 194 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 197 of 295

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,
particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance .
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 196.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called “dirt blasters” ⇒ .
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. “Dry” the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating
nozzle”). 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.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60°C. This could damage the car.
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle, maintain a sufficient distance from sensi-
tive materials for example: flexible hoses, plastic, sound proofing, etc. This is
especially important for bumpers painted in the same colour as the vehicle.
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Waxing the car
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
Good quality hard wax is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
A good coat of wax helps to protects the paintwork from environmental
contaminants ⇒page 193. It is also effective in protecting against minor
scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advisable to
protect the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 195 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 205 of 295

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle can lead
to malfunctions and cause accidents.Roof aerial*The vehicle may be fitted with a collapsible roof aerial* with antitheft
system*, which can be folded backwards, when, for example, going through
an automatic carwash.
To f o l d
Unscrew the aerial rod, tilting it backwards into a horizontal position and then
screw in again.
To return to working position
Continue in the reverse order to that given in the previous instruction.Mobile telephones and two-way radiosYou will require an external aerial for mobile phones and two-
way radios. SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with mobile telephones and two-way
radios providing the following conditions are observed:•
The correct installation of an external aerial,
•
transmitting power of maximum 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range. First consult your Authorised Service Centre if you wish to use a mobile tele-
phone or a two-way radio with a transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.
Here you will receive information concerning the technical possibilities for
retrofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios should be fitted only by a qualified
workshop, for example an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•
Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while
driving you could have an accident.
•
Never attach the telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the
airbag units or within the range of the airbags, danger of injury if the airbag
is triggered.
•
If you use mobile telephones or two-way radios in the vehicle without
an external aerial, electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle could exceed
authorised limits. This also applies to external aerials that have not been
correctly installed.Caution
Failure to observe the above conditions could cause the electronics to
malfunction. The most common causes of faults are:•
no external aerial,
•
external aerial incorrectly installed,
•
transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way
radio.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 203 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 226 of 295

Checking and refilling levels
224•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 209 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 223.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 262.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic
purposes.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 223.
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 224 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10
Page 234 of 295

If and when
232
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Jack. Before you return the jack to the tool box, you must fully wind in the
claw. The crank must then be folded tight against the side of the jack.
The removable towing bracket
44), the key for unlocking the sunroof in an
emergency
44) and the anti-theft wheel bolt adaptor
44) are stored next to the
vehicle tools.
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
We recommend you carry the wheel bolt adapter
44) in the vehicle tool kit at
all times.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note
the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place - but
not in your vehicle.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is not suitable for tightening the bolts to the necessary
torque. This may cause an accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. Never attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.
•
Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the jack.
Risk of 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!.
Taking out the spare wheel1. Lift the cover ⇒fig. 152 located on the floor of the luggage
compartment, next to the tailgate lock.
2. Pull the ring of the rubber seal upwards.
3. Remove the box spanner from the vehicle tools.
4. Fit the box spanner on the bolt, to the maximum, and hold in this position. At the same time press the safety ring downwards
⇒ .
5. Turn the box spanner several times to the left, until the spare wheel can be fitted, hanging from a wire, vertically behind the
vehicle.
6. Separate the plastic pieces so that they may be inserted into the central aperture of the rim and so free the wheel.
A6A7
Fig. 152 Taking out the
spare wheel
AA
AB
AC
AD
AC
alhambra_ingles_0708 Seite 232 Mittwoch, 10. September 2008 10:55 10