tow Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Driving207
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing gears with Tiptronic*
The Tiptronic system allows you to manually change gears in vehicles with an
automatic gearbox. When you change to the Tiptronic programme, the vehicle remains in the currently selected gear. This is possible as long as the
system is not changing gear automatically due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic with the selector lever
xPress the selector lever from position D to the right into the Tiptronic
selector gate Ÿ in “Automatic gearbox*: Selecting gears” on page 205.
xPress the lever forwards or backwards to move up or down a gear
Ÿfig. 141.
Using the Tiptronic with the steering wheel paddle shifts
xIn D or S, move the steering wheel paddle shifts Ÿfig. 142.
xPull the right-hand side paddle Ÿfig. 142 towards the steering
wheel to step up a gear.
xPull the left-hand side paddle Ÿfig. 142 towards the steering wheel
step down a gear.
If the paddles are not used for a period of time, the vehicle leaves Tiptronic
mode.
Caution
xWhen accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
xWhen reducing speed manually, the gear box only shifts gear when the
engine can no longer exceed the maximum engine speed.
Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves.
Fig. 141 Selector lever in
Tiptronic position (left-
hand drive vehicles). The
lay-out in right-hand drive
vehicles is symmetrically
opposed.
Fig. 142 Steering wheel
with two paddle shifts for
Tiptronic.
A+A

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
xIf you stop on a hill with a gear ratio engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. This could cause
overheating and damage the automatic gearbox.
xNever allow the vehicle to move with the gear selector lever in N, espe-
cially with the engine turned off. The automatic gearbox will not be lubricated
and could be damaged.
Recommended gear indication
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exhaust gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driving.
It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exceptionally high
speed Ÿpage 255.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
xResponsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation
continues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a
hill or towing a trailer.
For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel.
Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pressed.
DisplayMeaning
ˆOptimum gear.
žRecommendation to change up a gear.
ŸRecommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

Driving215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that the
braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there is a
fault in the braking system. The
H warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate Ÿ.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
xFor the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to be
pressed with more force.
xTo avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
xWhen running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring
extreme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances
increase.
xWhen driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect
and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
xNon-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
xTest the brakes carefully.
xDry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
xNever allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
xIf the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the
braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate.

Driving 224
Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
xThe driver seat belt must be buckled.
xThe driver door must be closed.
xThe bonnet must be closed.
xThe factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trailer.
xA minimum engine temperature has been reached.
xThe vehicle has moved since the last stop.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset temperature range.
xThe temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
xThe air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
xIn vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
xThe power level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
xThe vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
xThe vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
xThe front wheels are not overly turned.
xThe heated windscreen is not switched on.
xReverse gear is not engaged.
xThe park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
xIf the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
xIf the vehicle moves.
xIf the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions:
xIf the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
xIf the driver's door is opened.
xIf the bonnet is opened.
xIn vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
xPress the button on the centre console Ÿpage 223, fig. 147.
xThe button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually.
WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
Caution
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor tempera-
tures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Observe the
corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
›

Driving 228
With towing bracket
A specific image is displayed on the screen of vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing bracket and an electrically connected trailer. In this case, the
distances behind the vehicle are not indicated.
Switching the parking sensor system sound on and off
If the button on the radio or navigation system screen may mute the
sound of OPS warnings. To switch the warnings back on, press the button
again briefly.
When the OPS is switched off and back on again, muting is cancelled. Error
messages cannot be switched off.
WARNING
Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
Distance from the vehicle to the
obstacleAcoustic sig-
nalDisplayed in colour on
the screen: colour of the
segment if an obstacle is
recognised
in front: approx. 31 – 120 cm
behind: approx. 31 – 160 cmbeeping
soundYellow
approx. 0 – 30 cm in front or
behind a)
a)The permanent sound starts at a somewhat greater distance on vehicles with a fac-
tory-fitted towing bracket.
permanent
soundRed


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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Park Assist system*
Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to leave
parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that the
driver is especially attentive Ÿ.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run any
risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xUnintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xThe surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external sound
sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on the
system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
Caution
xThe park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, without
taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop
manoeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to
your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle. This
is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park behind a truck or motor-
cycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the area in front of and behind
the vehicle while parking, and intervene promptly if necessary.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 234
Rear Assist system*
Introduction
The camera fitted to the tailgate helps drivers during parking or reversing
manoeuvres. The camera image and certain orientation points generated by
the system are indicated on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen.
Two types of location point (modes) can be selected:
xMode 1: reverse parking perpendicular to the road (e.g. in a car park).
xMode 2: reverse parking parallel to the curb.
The mode can be changed by pressing the button on the radio or navigation
system screen. Only the mode to which the points can be changed will be
displayed.
Additional information and warnings:
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Use of the camera to calculate the distance from obstacles (people, vehi-
cles, etc.) is inaccurate and may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xThe camera lens expands and distorts the field of vision and displays
the objects on the screen in a different, vague manner.
xSome objects may not be displayed or may not be very clear (e.g. very
thin posts or fences), due to the resolution of the monitor or if the light is
dim.
xThe camera has blind spots in which obstacles and people are not regis-
tered.
xKeep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice. Do not cover it.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the rear assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless or
uncontrolled use of the rear assist system may result in severe injuries and
accidents. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xAlways keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and always look
towards where you are parking. The display shows the path of the rear end
of the vehicle using the current steering angle. The front of the vehicle
turns more in comparison with the rear.
xDo not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the cameras do not
always detect children, animals or objects.
xThe system might not show all areas clearly.
xOnly use the rear assist system when the tailgate is completely closed.
Caution
xThe camera only displays 2D images on the screen. Due to the lack of
depth, it might be difficult or impossible to recognise protruding objects or
cracks in the road.
xThe cameras may not always be able to detect objects such as thin rails,
fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to your car.

Driving 236
Things to note
Cleaning the camera lens
Keep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice:xMoisten the lens using a commercially available, alcohol-based glass
cleaning agent and clean the lens with a dry cloth Ÿ.
xRemove snow using a small brush.
xUse de-icing spray to remove any ice Ÿ.
Caution
xNever use abrasive cleaners to clean the camera lens.
xNever remove snow or ice from the camera lens using warm or hot water.
This could damage the lens.
Note
SEAT recommends that you practise parking with the rear assist system in a
quiet location or in a car park to become familiar with the system, including
the orientation lines and their function.
Note
The orientation lines will not be displayed on the screen if the tailgate is open
or the factory-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
1) Do not use the rear assist system in the following cases:
– If there is a fault in the dynamic chassis control (DCC).
– If the image displayed is not very clear or reliable (low visibility or dirty
lens).
– If the space behind the vehicle cannot be clearly or completely recog-
nised.
- If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– If the driver is not familiar with the system.
– If the tailgate is open.
- If the position and installation angle of the camera have been changed,
e.g. in a rear-end collision. Have a specialist workshop check the system.
2) Optical illusions of the camera (examples)
The rear assist camera produces two-dimensional images. Any cracks in or
objects protruding from the ground or from other vehicles are more difficult
to spot or cannot be seen due to a lack of depth in the image displayed.
Objects or other vehicles may seem to be closer or further away than what
they really are:
– On changing from a flat surface to a slope or gradient.
– On changing from a slope or gradient to a flat surface.
- If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– On approaching protruding objects. These objects may be outside the
angle of vision of the camera when reversing.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Parking perpendicular to the road (mode 1)
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines displayed on the screen Ÿfig. 156. All of the
lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located on a horizontal surface
as reference.
Red Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the
vehicle.
Green: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle (somewhat enlarged). The
area displayed green ends around two metres behind the vehicle, on the
road.
Yellow: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle as the steering wheel
turns. The area displayed yellow ends around three metres behind the
vehicle, on the road.
Parking the vehicle
xStop the vehicle in front of a space and select reverse gear.
xReverse slowly and turn the steering wheel so that the yellow orientation
lines guide you towards the space Ÿfig. 156 .
xAlign the vehicle straight in the parking place using the help of the green
orientation lines.
Parking parallel to the road (mode 2)
After applying the turn signal indicator, the lines and surfaces not required
are deleted.
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines and surfaces displayed on the screen
Ÿfig. 157. All of the lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located on
a horizontal surface as reference.
Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the
vehicle.
Vehicle side limit.
Fig. 156 Display: orienta-
tion lines for the parking
space behind the vehicle.
A1
A2
A3
A3
Fig. 157 Display: orienta-
tion lines and surfaces for
the space behind the
vehicle.
A1
A2