key Seat Alhambra 2008 Owner's Guide
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Page 143 of 295

Seats and stowage141
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Take care when using the cigarette lighter. Carelessness or negligence 
when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns, risk of injury.
•
The cigarette lighter also works when the ignition is off and when the 
ignition key is removed. To avoid the risk of fire, never leave children unsu-
pervised in the vehicle.
Sockets 
Electrical equipment can be connected to any of the 12 volt 
sockets.
Socket in the centre console
The 12 Volt socket in the stowage area or the 12 Volt socket of the cigarette 
lighter
34) can be used for further electrical consumers with a power rating of 
up to 120 Watt.
Socket, luggage compartment
34)
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12-volt socket in the luggage 
compartment  ⇒fig. 112  The appliances connected to each socket must not 
exceed a power rating of 120 Watt.
The socket is supplied with electricity from the additional battery on vehicles 
equipped with an additional battery
34)
WARNING
The electrical sockets and any appliances connected to them are also func-
tional with the ignition switched off and the key removed. Improper use of 
the sockets or electrical accessories can lead to serious injuries or cause a 
fire. To avoid the risk of injury, never leave children unsupervised in the 
vehicle.
Note
•
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off will drain the 
battery.
•
Before using any electrical accessories, see the instructions on 
⇒ page 202.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 112  Socket, luggage 
compartment
34)Optional equipment
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Driving
162•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for 
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer 
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. This means 
that this technology is not available for as long as the ESP remains switched 
off.
When does the   inscription OFF light up on the button?
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of 
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet 
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In position ⇒ fig. 126   the ignition is switched off, and the steering wheel 
lock can be engaged.
To   engage the steering wheel lock , take out the key and turn the wheel 
slightly until you hear the pin engage. You should always lock the steering 
wheel when you leave your vehicle. This makes vehicle theft more difficult 
⇒ .
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system 
Turn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key cannot be 
turned or is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the 
steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key 
turns freely.
ESP
Fig. 126  Ignition key 
positions
A1
A1
A2
A1
A2
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Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to 
the position  . The repetitive start prevention lock
 of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition 
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk 
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially 
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they 
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as 
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started 
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can 
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter must not be used unless the vehicle is at a standstill (key position   ). If the starter is used as soon as the engine is switched off, the starter or 
the engine could be damaged.
Safety interlock for ignition key
The ignition key can only be taken  out of the ignition lock if the 
selector lever is in position P.After switching off the ignition, you can remove the ignition key only if the 
automatic gearbox gear selector lever ⇒ page 168 is in position P. The 
selector lever is blocked after the ignition key has been removed.Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving 
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you take the key 
out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct 
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT 
key.
A3A1
A3
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Driving
164Starting and stopping the engineStarting a petrol engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the 
gear lever in P  or in N).
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully  and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn 
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 162, fig. 126    to start 
the engine.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.You may need to press the accelerator briefly after starting a very hot engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is 
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 
10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not 
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless  poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people 
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the 
chapter Help with Ignition.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should 
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting a diesel engine
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Place the gear in neutral (if it is an automatic gearbox, place the  gear lever in P  or in N).
A3
WARNING (continued)
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Driving165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– In vehicles with a manual gearbox, depress the clutch pedal fully 
and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn 
the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 162, fig. 126   . The 
warning lamp 
 lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating the engine.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is 
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If you have problems starting the engine, please refer to Help with Ignition.
Glow plug system
To avoid unnecessary loads on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are preheating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because air 
needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless  poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause people 
to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Observe the warnings in the 
chapter Help with Ignition.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should 
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 162, fig. 126  .
A2A3
WARNING (continued)
A1
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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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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
174
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock. Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle  ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did 
start to roll.•
If the vehicle is facing downhill , turn the front wheels so that they point 
towards the kerb .
•
If the vehicle is facing uphill , turn the front wheels so that they point  away 
from the kerb .
WARNING
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle 
unattended.•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable 
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is 
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and 
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an 
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the 
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear 
lever / selector lever.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Parking distance warning system*Description
The parking distance warning system is a parking aid which 
draws your attention to obstacles in front or behind the 
vehicle.The parking distance warning system assists the driver when parking. If the 
rear of the vehicle is approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is 
emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If 
the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
The distance to an obstacle at the front is indicated via a high tone and via a 
low tone at the rear. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals 
between tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the sound signal 
becomes constant.
The obstacle may no longer be detected if the vehicle gets even closer to it!
The warning signal will stop when•
the vehicle moves away from the obstacle
•
the outer sensors measure a constant distance for approximately 3 
seconds.
The signal will not be switched off once the vehicle has reached the perma-
nent tone area.
Registering the obstacle
•
Exterior front and rear sensors: from approx 80 cm
•
Front central sensors: from approx 120 cm
•
Rear central sensors: from approx 160 cm
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Lever for cruise control
The CCS can be operated using the controls on the turn signal 
lever or on the multi-function steering wheel.
Switching on the system
– Move the control  ⇒fig. 133    to the left to  ON. The 
 symbol 
lights up in the combi-instrument when the cruise control system 
is switched on.
Switching off system
– Move the control  ⇒fig. 133    to the right to  OFF or press the 
key  ⇒fig. 134    once.
Setting speed
– Press the lower part  SET of the rocker switch  ⇒fig. 133    once 
briefly when you have reached the speed you wish to set 
⇒ fig. 134   . This speed is then stored and maintained.
Increasing the stored speed
– To reach the desired speed hold down the upper part of the  rocker button    ⇒fig. 133    or button ⇒fig. 134 .
Reducing the set speed
– To reach the desired speed hold down the lower part of the rocker  button   ⇒fig. 133  
 or button 
⇒fig. 134  
. The 
speed falls as the vehicle is no longer accelerating, not due to 
sharp braking.
If you increase speed by using the accelerator, the previously programmed 
speed will be resumed when the accelerator pedal is released. This will not be 
the case, however, if the vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the 
stored speed for longer than 5 minutes. The speed will have to be stored 
again.
Fig. 133  Turn signal and 
main beam headlight 
lever control   and 
rocker switch   for 
cruise control
AAAB
Fig. 134  Multifunction 
steering wheel: CCS 
controls
ABAA
AB
  - +
AB
 +
 -
AB
  -
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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
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket
The removable ball coupling of the towing bracket is stored 
with the tools on board behind the right-hand side trim of the 
luggage compartment.It is necessary to first tense the towing bracket removing the ball 
coupling. Remove the towing bracket from the luggage compartment
– Open the lock by turning the key 
⇒fig. 135   clockwise.
– Take out the wheel completely   in the direction of the arrow  and turn clockwise to the maximum.
– Release the wheel. The towing bracket is pretensed.
– Remove the towing bracket.
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 instructions 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.
Fig. 135  Location of 
towing bracket
A1
A2
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