wheel Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Seats and storage compartments159
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Roof carrier system
Introduction
The vehicle roof has been designed to optimise aerodynamics. For this
reason, conventional roof carrier systems cannot be secured to the roof rails.
Given that the water drains have been incorporated into the roof for aerody-
namic reasons, only the SEAT approved basic supports and roof carrier
systems can be used.
When should the roof carrier system be removed?
xWhen it is not being used.
xWhen the vehicle is being washed in a car wash.
xWhen the vehicle height exceeds the maximum height (for example, in a
garage).
Additional information and warnings:
xLight Ÿpage 113
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xEcological driving Ÿpage 252
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky loads on
the roof, which affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of gravity
and increasing susceptibility to cross winds.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
xLarge, heavy, wide and flat loads negatively affect the vehicle aerody-
namics, centre of gravity and handling.
xAvoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
Caution
xAlways remove the roof carrier system from the roof before entering a car
wash.
xThe height of your vehicle is changed by the installation of the roof carrier
and the load secured on it. Compare the vehicle height with the passage
height, for example in underground car parks or entering garage doors.
xThe roof antenna, the range of the panoramic sliding roof and the tailgate
should not be affected by the roof carrier system and the load being trans-
ported.
xTake extra care not to let the tailgate strike the roof load when opening.
For the sake of the environment
The vehicle uses more fuel when the roof carrier system is fitted.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and storage compartments 160
Securing the base supports and roof carrier system
The mounts are the basis of a complete roof carrier system. Special fixtures
must then be added in order to safely transport luggage, bicycles, skis, surf
boards or boats on the roof. All these system components are available from
an Authorised Service Centre.
It will only be possible to install a basic support or roof carrier system if the
vehicle has a roof rail.
Securing the base supports and roof carrier system
Always secure the base supports and roof carrier system correctly.
The roof carrier system must always be installed exactly according to the
instructions provided.
The position holes are located on the inner side of the rail Ÿfig. 107.
WARNING
If the base supports and the roof carrier system are incorrectly fitted or
used in an unsuitable manner, the entire system could break free causing
accident and injury.
xAlways take the manufacturer assembly instructions into account.
xOnly use base supports and roof carrier systems that are not damaged
and are correctly fitted.
xThe base support should only be fitted to the points indicated in the
diagram Ÿfig. 107.
xSecure the base supports and roof carrier system correctly.
xCheck the screw fittings and attachments before driving and after a
short distance. During each long journey, check the attachments during
every break.
xAlways fit the roof carrier system correctly for wheels, skis and surf-
boards.
xNever change or repair the basic supports or roof carrier system.
Note
Read and take into account the instructions included with the roof carrier
system fitted and keep them in the vehicle.
Loading the roof carrier system
Loads can only be correctly secured when the roof carrier system is correctly
fitted Ÿ.
Maximum authorised roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 100 kg (about 220 lbs). The roof load
includes the roof carrier system and the load being transported Ÿ.
Fig. 107 Attachment
points for the basic
support and the roof
carrier system.

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning185
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Air vents
Air vents
Never close the air vents Ÿfig. 131 completely to ensure heating,
cooling and ventilation inside the vehicle.
xTurn the thumbwheel in the required direction to open and close the air
vents.
xChange the air direction using the ventilation grille lever.
There are additional vents in the footwell areas and in the rear of the
passenger compartment.
Caution
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. Food, medicines and other heat-sensitive objects may be damaged or
made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents.
Air recirculation mode
Important
Air recirculation works in two ways:
Air recirculation mode
 prevents the ambient air from entering the vehicle
interior.
When the outside temperature is very high or very low, selecting manual air
recirculation mode for a short period refreshes or heats the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is switched off when the button
is pressed or the air distributor turned to
< Ÿ.
Fig. 131 Air vents in the instrument panel.
AA
Manual air recirculation mode.
oAutomatic air recirculation mode.
<

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning189
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Replacing the remote control battery
When the light Ÿpage 188, fig. 132 on the remote control does not
come on when the button is pressed, the remote control battery should soon
be replaced.
The battery is located beneath a cover on the back of the remote control. Turn
the slot to the left using a flat, blunt object (e.g. a coin). When changing the
battery, use another battery of the same model and observe the polarity when
fitting it Ÿ.
Range
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle. The remote control, when fitted
with new batteries, has a range of several hundred metres. Obstacles
between the remote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and
discharged batteries can considerably reduce the range of the remote control.
An optimum range is obtained by keeping the remote control vertical, with
the aerial Ÿpage 188, fig. 132 pointing upwards. When doing so, do not
cover the aerial with your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of two metres between the remote control
and the vehicle.
Caution
xThe radiofrequency remote control contains electronic components.
Therefore, avoid getting the remote control wet and from being knocked and
protect it from direct sunlight.
xUse of inappropriate batteries may damage the remote control. For this
reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage,
size and specifications.
For the sake of the environment
Please dispose of old batteries so that they do not harm the environment.
For the sake of the environment
The remote control battery may contain perchlorate. Observe the legal
requirements for their disposal.
Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle can be programmed for a certain
period.
Before programming, check that the day is correctly set in the Auxiliary
heater - day of the week menu Ÿ.
Enabling the Auxiliary heater menu on the instrument panel
xFrom the main menu, select the Auxiliary heater submenu and press the
button on the windscreen wiper lever.
xALTERNATIVELY: press the or arrow buttons on the multi-function
steering wheel until the Auxiliary heater menu is displayed.
a)Within its range, the remote control might not receive the signal sent by the vehicle
receiver. In this case, the remote control will send an error message despite the aux-
iliary heater being on or off. Come closer to the vehicle and press the corresponding
button on the remote control once again.
AB
AAOK
ƒ„

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.

Driving193
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
Vehicles with KESSY: The steering column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off. Therefore, the vehicle should be at a
standstill and, where applicable, the selector lever in position P.
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built into
the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the
vehicle.
Electromechanical power steering
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.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than
normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situations.
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering.
flashesPossible causeSolution
D (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock.› Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
D (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the ignition
and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle Ÿpage 210.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.

Driving 194
WARNING
The counter steering assistance system combined with ESP helps the
driver to steer the vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all times, it is the
driver who steers the vehicle. The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Adjust the steering wheel before your trip and only when the vehicle is
stationary.
xPush the lever Ÿfig. 133 downwards.
xAdjust the steering wheel so that you can hold onto the steering wheel
with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tions and your arms slightly bent.
xPush the lever firmly upwards until it is flush to the steering column
Ÿ.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the steering wheel adjustment function and an incorrect
adjustment of the steering wheel can result in severe or fatal injury.
xAfter adjusting the steering column, push the lever Ÿfig. 133
firmly upwards to ensure the steering wheel does not accidentally change
position while driving.
xNever adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. If you
need to adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion, stop safely
and make the proper adjustment.
xThe adjusted steering wheel should be facing your chest and not your
face so as not to hinder the driver's frontal airbag protection in the event of
an accident.
xWhen driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to reduce injuries
when the driver's frontal airbag deploys.
xNever hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or in any other
manner (e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the
driver's airbag deploys, you may sustain injuries to your arms, hands and
head.
Fig. 133 Mechanical
steering wheel adjust-
ment.
A1
A1

Driving 196
Ignition lock
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition lock,
it can be removed as follows:
xAutomatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed from
the vehicle.
xManual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious injury.
xAlways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as the
windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
xNever leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could be
trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get themselves
to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temperatures
inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or extremely low
resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, particularly for
young children.
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.
Note
If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods, the
vehicle battery will run flat.
Fig. 134 Vehicle key positions
Car keys Ÿfig. 134
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.
Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be
removed from the vehicle.
Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has started.
When it is released, the key returns to position .
A0
A1
A2A1

Driving205
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Automatic gearbox*: Selecting gears
The gear selection lever has a lock. When changing the gear selector lever
from the position P to a range of gears, press on the brake pedal and press
the lock on the selector lever in the direction of the arrow Ÿfig. 139 or Ÿfig. 140. To move the gear selector lever from the position N to D or to R,
first press and hold the brake pedal.
When the ignition is on, the current position of the selector lever is shown on
the instrument panel.
Fig. 139 Left-hand drive
vehicles: Automatic
gearbox selector lever
with locking button
(arrow).
Fig. 140 Right-hand
drive vehicles: Automatic
gearbox selector lever
with locking button
(arrow).
Selector
lever
positionsDenominationMeaning Ÿ
0Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically.
They only engage when the vehicle is at a
standstill. To change the position of the selec-
tor lever, press the brake pedal and switch on
the ignition.
2Reverse gearReverse gear is engaged.
Only select reverse gear when the vehicle is at
a standstill.
.NeutralThe gear box is in neutral. No movement is
transmitted to the wheels and the engine does
not act as a brake.
$
Standard for-
wards driving
position (nor-
mal pro-
gramme)The gears are changed (up and down) auto-
matically. The gear shifts are determined by
the engine load, your individual driving style
and the speed of the vehicle.
3
Standard for-
wards driving
position
(sports pro-
gramme)The shift up to a higher gear is automatically
delayed and the shift down is faster with
respect to the D range of gears, to take full
advantage of the engine power. The gear
shifts are determined by the engine load, your
individual driving style and the speed of the
vehicle.

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