service interval Seat Alhambra 2009 Owner's Manual

Overview67
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Setting the clock
The setting knob is located beneath the rev counter.Setting the hour
– Turn the setting knob ⇒page 64, fig. 44 briefly in an anti-
clockwise direction to move the hour forward by one hour or
– turn and hold the setting knob in an anti-clockwise direction to move the hour forward more quickly.
Setting the minutes
– Turn the setting knob briefly in a clockwise direction to set the clock forward by one minute or
– Turn and hold the setting knob in a clockwise direction to set the minutes forward more quickly.Mileage displayThe top counter of the mileage display ⇒page 64, fig. 44 registers the
total mileage covered by the vehicle.
The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates steps
of 100 metres. The trip recorder counter may be reset by the reset button
⇒ page 64, fig. 44 .Voltmeter The voltmeter ⇒page 64, fig. 44 indicates the voltage of the vehicle elec-
trical system. The voltage of the electrical system should normally be between 12 and 15 volts. If the voltage drops below 12 volts when the engine
is running, you should have the power supply (battery and alternator)
checked by a qualified dealership.
Note
The voltage may drop below 8 volts while the engine is being started.Service Interval Display The service display is shown either on the mileage display
⇒page 64, fig. 44
or in the display
7) in the combi-instrument ⇒page 64, fig. 44 .
Service warning
A service pre-warning will appear in the odometer if a service is due soon. A
spanner symbol

appears in the display along with the miles and the
number of kilometres until the next service. The service message will disap-
pear approximately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or if the
engine is running.
The distance quoted to the next scheduled service is reduced in increments
of 100 miles.
The following information text displayed in the instrument panel display:
SERVICE IN... KM OR SERVICE IN... DAYS . The service message will disappear
approximately 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on or the engine is
running. The normal display can be resumed by pressing the reset button on
the trip counter or by pressing the rocker switch of the windscreen wiper lever .
If a service is due , a gong signal will sound and the flashing “spanner”
symbol will appear for approximately 20 seconds. The following information
text displayed in the instrument panel display: SERVICE NOW.
A8
A10
A9
A11
7)Optional equipmentA10
A3
AB
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 67 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Overview
68With the ignition switched on, you can call up the current service message by
pressing the trip counter reset knob for 2 seconds.
An overdue service is indicated by a minus sign in front of the mileage or day
information.
Resetting the service display
The display is reset by the SEAT dealer after the service has been carried out.
You will receive a print-out from the SEAT dealership as confirmation that this
work has been carried out.
If the service is not carried out by a SEAT Service centre, the service interval
display will have to be reset manually as follows:•
Switch off ignition.
•
Press and hold the reset knob for the trip meter.
•
Turn the ignition on and turn the reset button to the right. The display will
return to the normal mode.Note
•
The next service will be displayed after 15,000 km (10,000 miles) if you
reset the service display yourself. The service interval will not be determined
individually.
•
Do not reset the display between service intervals as the display will
otherwise be incorrect.
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 68 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Seats and stowage149
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Always fit the net partition carefully, observing the instructions. Risk of
injury.•
Heavy, pointed or sharp items which are not stowed securely can cause
injury in the event of sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents, even if the
net bag is correctly assembled.
•
For reasons of safety, vehicle occupants must not travel behind a fitted
safety net.
Roof carrierSafety notes on using the roof carrier
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly
according to the instructions provided.•
Your vehicle has special roof rails on the right and left for fitting the
mounts. Therefore, standard roof carriers cannot be used.
•
The mounts are the basis of a complete roof carrier system. Special
fixtures must then be added in order to safely transport luggage, bicycles,
skis, surf boards or boats on the roof. All these system components are avail-
able from SEAT Service. We recommend you use genuine SEAT roof carrier
systems. If you wish to use a different roof carrier, make sure that it can be
fitted securely to your vehicle and that it cannot damage your vehicle.
•
We recommend that you keep the assembly instructions provided by the
roof carrier manufacturer in your vehicle wallet.
•
Only the fitted retainers may be used to secure the carrier feet on vehicles
without a roof railing . These retainers are located underneath the plastic rain
channel between the markings.
•
In vehicles with roof edging
36), the basic supports can be fitted on the
edge making sure to adapt the distance between the supports to the objects
to be carried. On vehicles with a sliding/tilting roof
36), however, the front
carrier may not be fitted near the rear edge of the sliding/tilting roof when the
roof is open.
When should the roof carrier be removed?
•
When it is not needed (to save fuel, reduce wind noise and avoid theft).
•
Before cleaning in an automatic car wash.
WARNING
•
If you do not use mounts approved by SEAT or fail to fit them according
to instructions, the load or the roof carrier itself may fall off the vehicle roof
and onto the street. Risk of accident or injury.
•
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.
•
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly according to
the instructions provided.Caution
•
Check all bolted connections and fastenings for the roof carrier system
before every trip. If necessary, tighten bolted connections and check the
system at regular, appropriate intervals, e.g. at each stop during a long trip.
•
The height of your vehicle is changed by the installation of the roof carrier
and the load secured on it. Bear this in mind when driving through garage
doors or low underpasses – there is danger of damage to the vehicle.
36)Optional equipment
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 149 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Air 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_aleman.book Seite 159 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Driving and the environment193
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
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 193 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
200
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 211.
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 200 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Checking and refilling levels
216
NoteBefore a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒page 211.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump.
–Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 213. – Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as
far as it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
If the oil level is in area ⇒fig. 141 , you must not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area (but not above).
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 211.Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact SEAT Service
Centre
®.
Fig. 141 Dipstick
AA
ABAC
AA
AA
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 216 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Checking and refilling levels217
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Topping up engine oil


Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 211.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 142 .
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒ page 262. Engine oil specification
⇒page 214.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the
exhaust system.Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The two different oil change intervals are shown in the Inspection and Main-
tenance Plan.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!
Fig. 142 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
AB
AA
AA
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 217 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Checking and refilling levels223
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Insert a new wiper blade of the same length and design in the
direction of arrow and hook the blade back onto the wiper
arm.
– Now pull the wiper blade against the direction of arrow until it engages.
– Push the wiper arm back against the glass.These are available from SEAT Service
®.
If the wiper scrapes , it should be replaced if damaged, or cleaned if soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually - this
could cause damage!Note
•
The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 262. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
A2
A2
Fig. 148 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 223 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13

Checking and refilling levels
224However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 72.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒ page 211.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 211 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 211.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
•
Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Program. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency
of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
WARNING (continued)
alhambra_aleman.book Seite 224 Montag, 23. M‰ rz 2009 1:12 13