ECU Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Safe driving 8
xCheck that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
xCheck the tyre pressures (Ÿpage 323) and level of fuel (Ÿpage 293).
xEnsure there is good visibility through all the windows.
xMake sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely
fastened Ÿpage 13.
xEnsure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
xUse child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height Ÿpage 42.
xCorrectly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height Ÿpage 10.
xWear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
xThe driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
xBefore starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 10.
xCorrectly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it securely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 22.
xNever carry more passengers than the number of available seats and seat
belts in your vehicle.
xNever drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication,
alcohol or drugs).
xDo not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to reset
or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to the
condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic conditions.
xObserve the highway code and speed limits.
xOn long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
xIf carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accordance
with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having a
serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the
vehicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop.
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you consult
a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
xDoes the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for
example, adjustment of the headlamps?
xDoes the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs?
xAre there any SEAT dealers in the destination country?

Safe driving13
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xKeep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under control
at all times.
Also valid for the front passenger:
xMove the front passenger seat back as far as possible for optimum protec-
tion should the airbag deploy.
Transporting objects
Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Always use the anchors provided with suitable rope to
secure heavy objects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity
as well as the distribution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving
behaviour and braking ability Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xTa ilga te Ÿpage 97
xTo lower the passenger seat back Ÿpage 137
xLight Ÿpage 113
xLuggage compartment Ÿpage 146
xRoof carrier Ÿpage 159
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is espe-cially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired through
the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the following:
xSecure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
xAlways secure objects with suitable rope or slings so that they cannot
enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden braking
or an accident.
xAlways ensure that objects inside the vehicle cannot move into the area
of the bags while driving.
xWhile driving, always keep object compartments closed.
xRemove all objects from the passenger seat when this is followed down.
When the seat back is folded down, it presses on small and light objects
and these are detected by the weight sensor on the seat; this sends false
information to the airbag control unit.
xWhile the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag must remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light
on.
xObjects secured in the vehicle should never be placed in such a way as
to make passengers sit in an incorrect position.
xIf secured objects occupy a seat then this should not be occupied or
used by anybody.
WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability change when transporting heavy
and large objects.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving 14
xBrake early.
Transporting a load
Secure all objects in the vehicle
xDistribute the load throughout the vehicle, on the roof and in a trailer as
uniformly as possible.
xTransport heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage
compartment and lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
xSecure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the
fastening rings Ÿpage 146.
xCheck the headlight adjustment Ÿpage 113.
xUse the suitable tyre pressure according to the load being transported.
Read the tire inflation information label Ÿpage 323.
xFor vehicles with a tire pressure indicator, change the vehicle load status
Ÿpage 245.
Caution
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating element in
the rear window and cause damage.
Note
Please note the information about loading a trailer Ÿpage 260 and the roof
carrier system Ÿpage 159.
Driving with the tailgate open
Driving with the tailgate open creates an additional risk. Secure all objects
and secure the tailgate correctly and take all measures possible to reduce
toxic gases from entering the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open could cause serious injuries.
xAlways drive with the tailgate closed.
xSecure all objects in the vehicle. Loose items could fall out of the
vehicle and injure other road users or damage other vehicles.
xDrive particularly carefully and think ahead.
xAvoid sudden manoeuvres and braking given that this could cause an
uncontrolled movement of the open tailgate.
xWhen transporting objects that protrude out of the luggage compart-
ment, indicate them suitably. Observe legal requirements.
xIf objects must project out of the luggage compartment, the tailgate
must never be used to “secure” or “attach” objects.
xIf a baggage rack is fitted on the tailgate, it should be removed before
travelling with the tailgate open.
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
xTo avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tailgate
closed.
xIn exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate open,
observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the vehicle:
Close all windows and the sliding roof.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving15
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
Caution
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
xSecure all objects Ÿpage 14.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
xBrake early.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer Ÿpage 260.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
Ÿpage 159.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
xSecure loads correctly so they do not move.
xWhen transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
xLock the seat backs in vertical position.
Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles could
cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
xThe real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum
permitted.
xThe load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
Caution
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible.
WARNING (continued)

Seat belts 16
Seat belts
Brief introduction
Introduction
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice that
the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the belts
is damaged, the belt must be replaced immediately by a specialist workshop
Ÿ. The specialist workshop must use the appropriate spare parts corre-
sponding to the vehicle, the equipment and the model year. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Additional information and warnings:
xAdjust the seat position Ÿpage 10
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
xIntegrated child seats Ÿpage 52
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fatal injuries. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if it is not
fastened and used correctly.
xSeats belts are the most effective ways of reducing the risk of
sustaining severe or fatal injuries In the event of an accident. Seat belts
must be correctly fastened when the vehicle is in motion to protect the
driver and all vehicle occupants.
xBefore each trip, every occupant in the vehicle occupants must sit prop-
erly, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and keep it fastened throughout the trip. This also applies to other occupants when
driving in town.
xWhen travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a child
restraint system suitable for their weight and height and with the seat
belts correctly fastened Ÿpage 42.
xInstruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before
driving off.
xInsert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and
ensure it is engaged. Using the latch plate in the buckle of another seat will
not protect you properly and may cause severe injuries.
xDo not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
xNever unbuckle your seat belt when the vehicle is moving.
xNever allow more than one passenger to share the same seat belt.
xNever hold children or babies on your lap sharing the same seat belt.
xLoose, bulky clothing (such as a jacket) impairs the proper fit and func-
tion of the seat belt.
WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could
result in serious injury or loss of life.
xAvoid damaging the seat belt by jamming it in the door or the seat
mechanism.
xIf the fabric or other parts of the seat belt are damaged, the seat belts
could break in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
WARNING (continued)

Seat belts23
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Fastening or unfastening a seat belt with one buckle
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the position that most
protects them in the event of an accident or sudden braking Ÿ.Fastening the seat belt
Fasten your seat belt before each trip.
xAdjust the front seat and head restraint correctly Ÿpage 10.
xEngage the backrest of the rear seat in an upright position Ÿ.
xPull the latch plate and place the belt webbing evenly across your chest
and lap. Do not twist the seat belt when doing so Ÿ.
xEngage the latch plate in the buckle of the corresponding seat Ÿfig. 10.
xPull the belt to ensure that the latch plate is securely engaged in the
buckle.
Unfastening the seat belt
The seat belt must not be unfastened until the vehicle has come to a standstill
Ÿ.
xPress the red button on the buckle Ÿfig. 11. The latch plate is released
from the buckle.
xGuide the belt back by hand so that it rolls up easily and the trim will not
be damaged.
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe or fatal injuries in the
event of an accident.
xThe seat belt cannot offer its full protection unless the backrests are in
an upright position and the seat belt is worn correctly, according to your
size.
xUnbuckling your seat belt while the vehicle is in motion can cause
severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
Fig. 10 Insert the latch
plate into the buckle.
Fig. 11 Release the latch
plate from the buckle.

Seat belts 24
Fastening or unfastening the seat belt with two buckles
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the position that most
protects them in the event of an accident or sudden braking Ÿ.
The seat belts for the centre seat in the second row of seats and for the seats
in the third row of seats are fastened using two buckles.
Fastening the seat belt
Fasten your seat belt before each trip.
xAdjust the rear seat and head restraint correctly Ÿpage 10.
xEngage the backrest of the rear seat in an upright position Ÿ.
xUse latch plate of the belt Ÿfig. 12 to pull the seat belt down. Do not
twist the seat belt when doing so Ÿ.
xEngage the latch plate in the buckle of the corresponding seat .
xUse the latch plate Ÿfig. 12 to pull the seat belt across your lap.
xEngage the latch plate in the buckle of the corresponding seat .
xPull the belt to ensure that both latch plates are securely engaged in the
buckles.
Unfastening the seat belt
The seat belt must not be unfastened until the vehicle has come to a standstill
Ÿ.
xPress the red button on the buckle Ÿfig. 12 . The latch plate is
released from the buckle.
xPress the red button on the buckle Ÿfig. 12 . The latch plate is
released from the buckle.
xGuide the belt back by hand so that it rolls up easily and the trim will not
be damaged.
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe or fatal injuries in the
event of an accident.
xThe seat belt cannot offer its full protection unless the backrests are in
an upright position and the seat belt is worn correctly, according to your
size.
xUnbuckling your seat belt while the vehicle is in motion can cause
severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
Note
Seat belts with two buckles include a diagram to show how to fasten the seat
belt.
Fig. 12 Fasten the seat
belt on the centre seat in
the second row of seats.
A1
A1AA
A2
A2AB
AA
AB

Seat belts 26
Adapting the position of the belt webbing to your size
The seat belt can be adapted using the following equipment:
xBelt height adjustment for the front seats.
xSeat height adjustment (front seats).
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe injuries in the event of
an accident or sudden braking or manoeuvre.
xThe seat belt cannot provide optimum protection if it is not correctly
worn and the backrest is not tilted slightly backwards.
xThe seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause severe injuries if the
belt moves from hard areas of the body to soft areas (e.g. the stomach).
xThe shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder,
never across the neck or the arm.
xThe seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the torso
xThe lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across the
stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the pelvis Pull
the belt tight if necessary to take up any slack.
xFor pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must lie as low as
possible over the pelvis and always lie flat, “surrounding” the stomach.
xDo not twist the seat belt while it is fastened.
xNever pull the seat belt away from your body using your hand.
xDo not lie the seat belt across rigid or fragile objects, e.g. glasses, pens
or keys.
xNever use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to alter
the position of the belt webbing.
Note
If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct posi-
tion of the belt webbing, contact a qualified workshop for help with any special devices to ensure the optimum protection of the seat belt and airbag.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Belt height adjustment
Using the height adjusters for the front seats and the outer seats of the
second row, the position of the seat belts can be adjusted in the shoulder
area according to the height of the occupant:
xKeep the guide device pressed down in the direction of the arrow
Ÿfig. 15.
xMove the guide device up or down until the seat belt lies over the centre
of your shoulder Ÿpage 25, “Seat belt position”.
xRelease the guide device.
xPull the belt sharply to check that the device is engaged securely.
Fig. 15 Next to the front
seats: belt height
adjuster.

Airbag system35
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a
severe frontal collision. Always remains as far away as possible from the front
airbag. This way, the front airbags can completely deploy when triggered,
providing their maximum protection.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel Ÿpage 34,
fig. 17 and the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel
Ÿfig. 18. Airbags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
When the front airbags are triggered they fill the zones marked in red (deploy-
ment area) Ÿpage 34, fig. 17. Therefore, objects should never be placed or
mounted in these areas Ÿ, Factory-fitted accessories are outside the
range of the front airbag for the driver and the front passenger, e.g. the base-
plate for the mobile phone support.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or dash panel when the driver
and front passenger airbags are triggered Ÿfig. 18. The airbag covers
remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel.
WARNING
The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second.
xAlways keep the deployment areas of the front airbags free.
xNever secure objects to the covers or in the deployment area of the
airbag modules, e.g. cup holders or phone supports.
xThe deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.
xNever fix any object to the windscreen above the front airbag on the
front passenger side.
xDo not alter, cover or stick anything to the steering wheel hub or the
surface of the airbag module on the passenger side of the dash panel.
WARNING
Front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel Ÿpage 34, fig. 17
and the dash panel Ÿfig. 18.
Fig. 18 Location and deployment area of the front airbag
for the front passenger.

Airbag system41
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xOccupants of the front and outer rear seats must never carry any other
people, pets or objects in the deployment space between them and the
airbags.
xThe built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
xDo not mount accessories on the doors.
xDo not fit curtains to the windows other than those expressly approved
for use in the vehicle.
xOnly turn the sun blinds towards the windows if there is no object, e.g.
pens or garage remote controls, secured to the sun blind.
Kneed airbagsThe knee airbag is located on the driver side below the instrument panel
Ÿfig. 24. Airbags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
The area framed red Ÿfig. 25 is covered by the knee airbag when it is
deployed (deployment area). Therefore, objects should never be placed or
mounted in these areas.
WARNING
The airbag is deployed at high speed in fractions of a second.
xThe knee airbag is deployed in front of the driver's knees. Always keep
the deployment areas of the knee airbags free.
xNever not fix objects to the cover or in the deployment area of the knee
airbag.
xAdjust the driver's seat so that there is a distance of at least 10 cm (4
inches) between your knees and the location of the knee airbag. If you
physical constitution prevents you from meeting these requirements, make
sure you contact a specialist workshop.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 24 On the driver
side: location of the knee
airbag.
Fig. 25 On the driver
side: Radius of action of
the knee airbag.
AA