service Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning283
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications285
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications289
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.

Checking and refilling levels293
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Checking and refilling levels
Filling the tank
Introduction
The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xSelective Catalytic Reduction (AdBlue) Ÿpage 300
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire
resulting in serious burns and injuries.
xAlways make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evapo-
ration and fuel spillage.
xFuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can cause
serious burns and injuries.
xFuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
filler fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xWhen refuelling, turn off the engine, the auxiliary heating
(Ÿpage 187) and turn off the ignition for safety reasons.
xAlways turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emitting equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire.
xNever enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary to
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before touching
the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static electricity.
Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
xNever handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combustion (e.g. cigarettes).
xAvoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuelling.
xObserve the safety regulations of the service station.
xNever spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of an
accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
xObserve the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a
canister:
Never place a fuel container to fill it inside the vehicle or on the
vehicle, for example, in the luggage compartment or on the tailgate.
Filling in these circumstances could create an electrostatic charge and
spark that could ignite fuel fumes.
Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as
possible.
If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 294
Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
xRefuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of fuel,
never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the wrong
fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine running, the
composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel system and
the engine itself.
xIn vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you
refuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
Control lamps and fuel gauge
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.
The auxiliary heater and the auxiliary heater running off petrol will automati-
cally switch off when the indicator
z or  lights.
WARNING (continued)
lights upGauge position
Ÿfig. 169Possible cause ŸSolution
Red mark
(arrow)
The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is
being used
Ÿpage 392.
Refuel as soon as
possible Ÿ.
§Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
Fig. 169 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge for
petrol and diesel.

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Fuel
Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of fuel
for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xEngine and exhaust system management Ÿpage 255
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire
resulting in serious burns and injuries.
xFuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable substance.
xObserve current safety instructions and local regulations concerning
the handling of fuel.
Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will depend on the vehicle's engine. You
will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of fuel for
your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or low sulphur fuel to reduce
consumption and prevent engine damage.
Petrol
Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel using unleaded petrol according to
European norm EN 228 Ÿ.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number (e.g. 91, 95, 98
or 99 RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”). You may use petrol with a
high octane number than the one recommended for your engine. However,
this has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free petrol
to reduce petrol consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences running behaviour, performance and service
life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol
containing a mixture of additives. These additives will help to prevent corro-
sion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the
engine.
Possible types of
fuelAlternative namesFurther information
91a) RON
a)RON = Regulation Octane Number
Normal petrol, normal
unleaded petrol
Ÿpage 29795a) RONPremium unleaded petrol (95
RON)
98a) RONPremium unleaded petrol (98
RON)
DieselŸpage 298

Checking and refilling levels 298
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems arise,
the necessary additives must be added when refuelling.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuit-
able petrol additives could damage the engine. These additives are available
from qualified workshops, who will inform you of their application.
Caution
xOnly use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel system.
Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the consequent
engine fault.
xThe use of unsuitable petrol additives could damage the engine.
xIf, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throttle.
Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
xDo not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
xJust one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it.
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany, EN
590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter service
intervals ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme” Ÿ. Your qualified work-shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany, for
example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available.
A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will depend
on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This
ensures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C (+5.00 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11.2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a warm
garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam may
be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it is not
an indication of a fault in the vehicle.