Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 280
Caution
xAlcantara® upholsteries should never be soaked.
xDo not use leather cleaning products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream,
spot removers or similar products on Alcantara®.
xNever use brushes for cleaning damp material as they could damage the
surface.
xDo not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more
incrusted in the material when steam is applied.
Cleaning and care of real leather upholstery
In the event of query regarding the care or cleaning of the leather in your
vehicle, please ask a Technical Service or specialised workshop.
Cleaning and care
Untreated Nappa is delicate as it is not covered with a layer of colour.
xUse a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at regular
intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and moisturise the
leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. It will also form a protective film.
xClean the leather every two to three months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
xLeather should be treated every six months with a suitable leather care
product Ÿ.
xWhen using care and cleaning products, only apply the minimum
required quantities.
xRemove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe cream
and similar stains as soon as possible.
xCaring for coloured leather. A special coloured cream will renew the colour
of the leather when required and will eliminate differences in colour.
xThen wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Cleaning the vehicle
SEAT recommends the use of a damp cotton or wool cloth for general
cleaning.
Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams.
Caution
xOn no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or
similar materials.
Type of stainCleaning the vehicle
More stubborn dirt„ Apply a mild soap and water solution a) using a
cloth. (Squeeze out the cloth well before applica-
tion).
„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
a)Mild soap and water solution: two table spoons of neutral soap per litre of water.
Water-based stains,
e.g. coffee, tea, fruit
juice, blood, etc.„ Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
„ Use a suitable cleaning product to treat dried-in
stains Ÿ.
Grease-based
stains, e.g. oil or lip-
stick, etc.„ Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
„ Use a suitable cleaning product if the stain has not
yet penetrated the surface Ÿ.
„ Treat dry stains with a grease-removal spray Ÿ.
Dry difficult stains,
e.g. ink, felt-tip pen,
nail varnish, pig-
ment dispersions or
shoe polish.„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
„ Clean using a special stain remover suitable for
use on leather.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIn the event of spilt liquids, dry immediately with an absorbent cloth to
prevent the liquid penetrating through the leather.
Caution
If the car is left standing in the sun for long periods, the leather should be
protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Note
However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
Cleaning leather upholstery
Only use water and neutral cleaning products to clean imitation leather
upholstery.
Caution
On no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar
materials on imitation leather. These will stiffen the material, making it more
likely to crack sooner.
Cleaning storage compartments, drinks holders and ashtray
Cleaning storage compartments and drinks holders
Some storage compartments and drinks holders have a removable rubber
mat.
xUse a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
xIf this does not provide satisfactory results, we recommend using a
special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
xExtract the ashtray and empty it.
xClean the ashtray with a dishcloth.
Use a toothpick or similar to remove ash from the area where cigarettes are
stubbed out.
Care and cleaning of plastic parts, wooden trim and the
instrument panel
xUse a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean parts.
xClean plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the instrument
panel with a special solvent-free product for the care and cleaning of plastic,
approved by SEAT Ÿ.
xWash wooden trims with a mild soap and water solution.
WARNING
Solvents cause the surfaces of the airbag modules to become porous. If an
airbag is accidentally triggered, the detachment of plastic parts could
cause serious injury.
xNever clean the instrument panel and the surfaces of the airbag
modules with cleaners containing solvents.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 282
Cleaning seat belts
If the seat belt is very dirty, the belt retractor may not work correctly thus
preventing the seat belt from operating correctly.
The seat belts should never be removed from the vehicle for cleaning.
xUse a soft brush to remove the worst dirt Ÿ.
xPull the seat belt right out and leave it out.
xClean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap and water solution.
xWait until they are completely dry.
xOnly allow the seat belt to retract when it is completely dry.
WARNING
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If the webbing
or other parts of the belt are damaged, the vehicle should be taken to a
qualified workshop immediately and the belts should be replaced. It is
extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could result in
serious injury or loss of life.
xSeat belts and their components must never be cleaned with chemical
products, nor should they be allowed to come into contact with corrosive
liquids, solvents or sharp objects. This could affect the strength of the seat
belt webbing.
xSeat belts should be completely dry before retracting. Damp could
damage the belt retractor so that it is does not operate correctly.
xDo not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
xNever attempt to repair, modify or remove a seat belt yourself.
xAlways have damaged seatbelts replaced immediately by seat belts
approved for the vehicle in question by SEAT. Seat belts which have been
worn in an accident and stretched must be replaced by a qualified work-shop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The
belt anchorage should also be checked.
WARNING (continued)

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Notes for the user
Labels and plates
Some parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cates of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the
passenger's sun visor, on the driver's door strut, or on the floor of the luggage
compartment.
xNever remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are kept in good condition and are legible.
xIf a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is replaced,
the qualified workshop should attach the information back in the same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards and
regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible for
road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the month
and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation. The vehicle ignition system complies with
several standards, including the Canadian standard, ICES-002.
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents
The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
accordance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture.If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an
extended period of time, the applicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deacti-
vate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particularly
true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio or navigation system supplied at the factory does not work
in another country.
Caution
xSEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
xSEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
full with the legal requirements of other countries or continents.
Radio reception and the aerial
The aerial of radio and navigation systems fitted at the factory may be
mounted in different parts of the vehicle:
xOn the inside of the rear window, next to the rear window heating,
xon the inside of the rear side windows,
xon the inside of the windscreen,
xon the roof of the car.
Aerials mounted on the inside of a window can be recognised by the fine
wires.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 284
Caution
Aerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if cleaned
with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive labels over the
heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with corro-
sive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning products.
Note
If electrical equipment is used near an aerial built-into the window, you may
observe interference in the reception of AM stations.
Notes on SEAT repairs
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist and airbag systems. This could result in serious accident.
xHave any repairs or modifications carried out at a qualified workshop.
Collection and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles
Collection of end-of-life vehicles
An extensive network of used car reception centres already exists in much of
Europe. After the vehicle has been delivered, you will receive a certificate of
destruction describing the environmentally friendly scrapping of the vehicle
in accordance with applicable legislation.
We will collect the used vehicle free of charge, provided it complies with all
national legislation.Please see your Technical Service for further information about the collection
and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles.
Scrapping
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag or belt tensioner systems are scrapped. These
requirements are known to qualified dealerships.

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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications
Introduction
WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or incorrectly performed modifica-
tions or repairs may result in damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious
injury.
xSEAT strongly recommends you to only use SEAT approved accessories
and SEAT® original spare parts. These parts and accessories have been
specially tested by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety.
xHave any repairs or modifications carried out at a qualified workshop.
Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostics equipment,
repair information and qualified personnel.
xOnly mount parts with the same specifications as the parts fitted at
factory.
xNever mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of
action.
xOnly use wheels and tyre combinations which have been approved by
SEAT for your vehicle type.
Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing accesso-
ries and spare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accessories
at a later date, or when replacing a component. A Technical Service will advise
you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommendations
regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved SEAT accessories and genuine SEAT
spare parts
®. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by
SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the Technical Service will
guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehicle.
Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised by an
officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or the
way it is driven must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the
e mark (the European Union's authorisation symbol). This includes cruise
control systems or electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to
control the vehicle itself, these must bear the
& mark (European Union
manufacturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes,
laptops or ventilator fans.
WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the
performance of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 286
xNever mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their radius of
action.
xObjects placed over the airbag covers, or within their radius of action,
could lead to serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are triggered.
Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables, such as notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops are permanently informed of any modifica-
tions.
WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injury, burns or intoxication.
xTherefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original
container.
xNever store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may accidentally drink the fluid.
xKeep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
xRead and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
containers.
xOnly work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using prod-
ucts which give off harmful vapours.
xNever use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maintenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions!
Caution
xOnly use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Failure to observe this
point will result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
xAccessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet
reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
able containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with
respect for the environment.
Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! Ÿ
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by the
faults. This may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents are
no longer valid.
Your Technical Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by tech-
nical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications287
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs performed
at a SEAT authorised service and that you use genuine SEAT spare parts
®.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to the
restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and
preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment safely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ŸModifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and repairs
to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a qualified workshop.
These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the airbag
system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or remove and fit parts of the
system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag system may be
damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the
airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed parts
do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must be
observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealerships.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the
airbag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the
suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms, dampers,
etc., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and sent to the
control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifications to the
suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal conditions,
the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not have been trig-
gered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured by the sensors
and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations when they should
have triggered.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
xAll repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a qualified workshop.
xAirbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be
replaced.

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xNever fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle.
WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthorised
wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the performance of the airbags
and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of accident.
xNever fit suspension components which are not identical to the original
parts mounted in the vehicle.
xNever use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT.
Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is subject
to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances, this
could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
xThe exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
xThe maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
An only external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal reach.
Check first with a qualified dealer if you wish to use a two-way radio with a
transmitting power of over 10 watts. The qualified workshops are familiar
with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visiting a quali-
fied workshop.All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed.
WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeuvres
or accident, causing injury.
xWhile driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the radius of action of the airbags, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial, the
maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be exceeded.
This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
xYou should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly connected to an exterior aerial.
Information stored by the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the control
units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the airbag
systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units are
continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or deviations
from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the warning
lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
WARNING (continued)

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
xData relating to the engine or the gearbox
xSpeed
xDirection of travel
xBraking force
xDetection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone or
other appliances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehicle
position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the
system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network
operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. Therefore,
in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information about
how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag systems,
data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag
activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the manufac-
turer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehicle
owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stored
in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions, such
as the convenience indicators, individual door opening and instructions on
the display can be modified using special equipment at the workshop. If this is the case, the information and descriptions given in the instructions manual
will not match the original functions. Therefore, SEAT recommends that any
modifications are recorded in the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The Technical Service must have a record of any modification to the program-
ming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehicle
fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from the
theoretical values of the electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver's side footwell area, next to the
lever for opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection to
an exterior aerial
Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, both when in use and
when on stand-by. Scientific studies state that radio waves exceeding certain
values may be harmful to the human body. International committees and
authorities have established limits and directives in order to ensure electro-
magnetic radiation from mobile phones remains within certain limits that do
not endanger human health. However, there is no available conclusive scien-
tific evidence that cordless phones are completely safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use of mobile phone be kept to a
minimum until the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.