maintenance Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas allocated for this purpose, to
prevent dirty water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from
entering the drains. In some districts, the engine compartment may not be
washed outside the wash bays provided for this purpose.

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Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior
Introduction
The dye from many items of modern clothing (e.g. dark jeans) is not always
solid enough. Seat upholstery (material and leather), especially when light-
coloured, may visibly discolour if the dye comes out of clothing (even when
used correctly). This is not an upholstery defect but indicates that the dye in
the item of clothing is not solid enough.
Additional information and warnings:
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are not
suitable or are used inappropriately, this could result in accident, serious
injury, burns or intoxication.
xCar care products must always be stored in the original container which
should be kept closed.
xObserve information provided by the manufacturer.
xTo prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food cans,
bottles or other containers.
xKeep all care products out of reach of children.
xHarmful vapours may be produced when using car care products. There-
fore, care products should only be used in well-ventilated spaces or in the
open air.
xNever use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid to wash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable.
WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the
vehicle safety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
xVehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
xOnly use approved or recommended care products.
Caution
xCleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
xTo avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist
cleaning company.
Note
Suitable car care products are available from your Technical Service.
Treating your upholstery
Check list
For information on how to treat and care for the vehicle upholstery, please
bear the following in mind Ÿ:
xBefore entering the vehicle, fasten all Velcro fastenings which could come
into contact with upholstery and coverings. If the Velcro fastenings on uphol-
stery and material covers are not securely fastened, this could damage them.
xTo prevent damage, do not allow the upholstery or covers to come into
contact with sharp or decorative objects. Decorative objects such as zips,
rivets and rhinestones on clothing and belts.
xDust and grit in the pores and seams should be removed regularly to
prevent them scratching and damaging the surface.

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xAlways check that the dyes used in clothing are fast to prevent them from
staining the upholstery. This is particularly true for clear-coloured upholstery.
Caution
Failure to observe the instructions in the check list for caring for your uphol-
stery could result in damage or discolouration of the upholstery and covers.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.
Note
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to treat any
stains on the upholstery caused by the discolouration of clothing.
Cleaning upholstery, textile covers and Alcantara® material
Normal cleaning
xBefore applying cleaning products, please read the instructions for
handling and the warnings shown on the container.
xThe upholstery, textile covers, Alcantara® material and mats should be
regularly vacuumed (with vacuum brush).
xWe recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre cloth
for normal cleaning Ÿ.
xClean Alcantara® surfaces with a damp lint-free cotton, wool or micro-
fibre cloth used for normal cleaning Ÿ.
General superficial dirt on upholstery and textile covers can be cleaned with
a normal foam cleaning product.
If the upholstery and the material trims are very dirty, we recommend you
have them cleaned by a specialist cleaning form.Cleaning stains
It may be necessary to clean the whole surface and not only the stain itself.
Especially if the surface has been dirtied through normal use. Otherwise, the
stained area may become lighter than the rest of the surface after treatment.Caution
Brushes should only be used to clean the mats and floor mat! Other surfaces
may be damaged if a brush is used.
Caution
Do not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more incrusted in
the material when steam is applied.
Type of stainCleaning the vehicle
Water-based stains,
e.g. coffee or fruit
juice.„ Use a sponge and wipe with a solution of water
and wool wash.
„ Dry the area gently with a soft dry cloth.
Persistent stains,
e.g. chocolate or
make-up.„ Apply cleaning paste a) directly to the stain and
treat.
„ Next, rinse with clean water using a sponge or
damp cloth to remove the cleaning product deposits.
„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
a)Bile soap can be used as a cleaning paste.
Grease-based
stains, e.g. oil or lip-
stick.„ Apply a neutral soap or cleaning pastea) and treat
the stain.
„ Apply absorbent material to loose colorants or par-
ticles of grease.
„ Then rinse the area with clean water. Take care not
to soak the upholstery.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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)

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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.