warning lights Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Lights and visibility 128
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain Ÿ. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe Ÿpage 125Move the lever to the required position Ÿfig. 75:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings on the sensitive surface
Ÿfig. 76 of the rain sensor include:
xDamaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and contin-
uous wipe.
xInsects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
xSalt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra long
wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
xDirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
xCracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cycle
with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
xIf necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Fig. 75 Windscreen wiper
lever: adjusting the rain
sensor .
AA
Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
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Lights and visibility129
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the blades
for damage Ÿpage 128, fig. 76 (arrow).
Note
To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner containing
alcohol.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle with
water
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up as
required.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe washer bottle is marked with the symbol Y on the lid Ÿfig. 77.
xCheck there is enough water in the bottle.
xTo top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT Ÿ.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
xIn cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent the
water from freezing Ÿ.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the wind-
screen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the windscreen
which will impair visibility.
xUse clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
xIf necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
Caution
xDo not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other products.
This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer jets.
xWhen topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage!
Fig. 77 In the engine
compartment: windscreen
washer bottle top.

Lights and visibility 130
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xPersonal convenience settings in the SEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xSeat memory Ÿpage 137
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
xThe electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respira-
tory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical advice.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing, wash
the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes and
clothing before wearing them again.
xIf the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recom-
mended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
Caution
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar.

Lights and visibility131
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Rear vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate visi-
bility through the rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for rear vision mirror
xBasic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
xPull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function Ÿfig. 78.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 79:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch Ÿfig. 79 . When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up
.
When the ignition is on, the sensor automatically moves the rear vision
mirror to the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is
engaged or the interior or reading lights are on.
Note
If the incidence of the light on the sensor is obstructed or prevented, e.g. by
the sun blinds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly.
Fig. 78 Manual anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
Fig. 79 Automatic anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
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Lights and visibility133
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
xOnly fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirror.
xWhen moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious accident.
xRear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision,
however objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
xThe use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
xIf possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you or in other circumstances.
xMake sure that the rear visibility is adequate.
Caution
xBefore entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
correctly folded in.
xElectrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanically as this may damage the electrical operation.
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minutes the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
Note
In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted manually
by pressing the edge of the mirror surface.

Seats and storage compartments137
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Seat functions
Introduction
Additional information and warnings
xAdjust the seat position Ÿpage 10
xSeat belts Ÿpage 22
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
xIntegrated child seats Ÿpage 52
xExterior mirrors Ÿpage 130
xLuggage compartment Ÿpage 146
WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can cause severe injuries.
xAssume the proper sitting position before your trip and remain in it
throughout. This also applies to the other occupants.
xOnly adjust the seat position memory when the vehicle is stationary.
xOnly switch the lumbar massage function on and off when the vehicle
is stationary.
xKeep hands, fingers, feet and other limbs away from the seat operating
and adjustment radius.
Seat heating
The seat cushions can be heated electrically when the ignition is switch on.
The backrest is also heated in some versions.
Switch off seat heating if there is nobody in the seat.
WARNING
People whose pain and temperature threshold has been affected by some
kind of medicine, paraplegia or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) may sustain
FunctionAction Ÿfig. 85
To switch system on:Press button A. Seat heating is switched on fully.
Adjusting the heating
output:Keep pressing button A until the required inten-
sity is set.
The system switches
off:Keep pressing button A until all of the lights are
switched off Ÿfig. 85.
Fig. 85 Detailed view of
the centre console: front
seat heating controls,
here with the second
temperature level set.

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning183
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never turn off the air fan for a long time or the air in the passenger compart-
ment will not be refreshed.
xStuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver and passenger
concentration possibly resulting in a serious accident.
Note
Not all Climatronic buttons are operational in REAR mode.
Note
The button is locked in defrost mode.
Climate control user instructions
The cooling system only works when the engine is running and fan is
switched on.
The climate control system operates most effectively with the windows and
the sliding panoramic roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after
standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly
by opening the windows briefly.
Keep the air vents in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to
ensure heating and cooling are not impaired and to prevent the windows
from misting over.
Adjustment for safer driving
When the air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air
humidity in the vehicle interior drop. Hence, when the outside air humidity is
high, the windows do not mist over and comfort for the vehicle occupants is
improved:
With Climatic
xDisable air recirculation mode Ÿpage 185.
xSet the fan to setting 1 or 2.
xTurn the temperature control to the centre position.
xOpen the air outlets in the dash panel Ÿpage 185.
xTurn the air distribution control to the required position.
xPress the button to turn on cooling. The button will light up.
With Climatronic
xPress the button.
xSet the temperature to +22 °C (+72 °F).
xOpen the air outlets in the dash panel Ÿpage 185.
REST
Climatronic: press the button to use residual heat. When
the engine is still warm but the ignition switched off, the heat
given off by the engine can be used to keep the passenger
compartment warm. The button will light up when the
function is switched on. The function will switch off after
around 30 minutes and if the battery level is low.
p
Climatronic: transferring the driver's seat temperature settings
to the other seats. If the button is not lit up, the set tem-
perature in the driver's seat will also apply to the other seats.
Press the button or the temperature control for the front pas-
senger's seat or the rear seats to set them to a different tem-
perature. The button lights with an indicator.
Vehicles with auxiliary heating: observe the description of the
button.
AUTOAutomatic temperature, fan, and air distribution control.
Control
button Additional information. Climatic Ÿpage 181, fig. 129; Cli-
matronic Ÿpage 181, fig. 130.
REST
REST
p
AUTO
REAR
AC
AUTO

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 190
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
User instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be
obstructed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the
passenger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned
towards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be
affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxil-
iary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching the
heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater.
Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
xThe auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off automat-
ically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
xThe heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automatically if
required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
y.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the instrument panel screen will
display Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another timer or
select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected using
the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be switched on
for just a certain day of the week, select the day of the
week and the time for the auxiliary heater to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 minutes
and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the auxil-
iary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Manufacturer's
settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu
>
WARNING (continued)

Driving 192
Driving
Steering
Introduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage of
this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil, the
pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much more
difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
xThe power steering only works when the engine is running.
xNever allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
xNever remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
D (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
D (yel-
low)
Power steering operation
reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified workshop
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine and
driving for a short distance, the
yellow warning light no longer
comes on, it will not be neces-
sary to take the vehicle to a spe-
cialised workshop.
The vehicle battery was dis-
connected and has been
reconnected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.

Driving 198
WARNING
Careless or incorrect use of vehicle keys may result in severe injury and
accident.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. Chil-
dren and other unauthorised persons could lock the vehicle, start the engine or switch on the ignition and any electrical components such as the
electric windows.
Note
In vehicles with a diesel engine and KESSY, the starting of the engine may be
delayed due to pre-heating of the engine.
Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
WARNING (continued)
StepVehicles without KESSYVehicles wi th KESSY
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position P or N.
3.
Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key in the igni-
tion lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 . A warning lamp lights
up in the control panel
D.
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position Ÿpage 196, fig. 134 ;
do not press the accelerator.Press the starter button Ÿpage 197, fig. 135; do not press the acceler-
ator. To start the engine, the system should detect a valid key inside
the vehicle.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition lock.When the engine starts, release the starter button.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again after one
minute. If necessary, perform an emergency start Ÿpage 197.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to start driving Ÿpage 210.
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