steering Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

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

Driving 216
Caution
xNever make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
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. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat
and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brake pads. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked visually and
regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or from under-
neath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESP, ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS only operate when
the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to increasing active
safety.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
ESP reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by braking
individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESP detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on the
driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESP has limits. It is important to realise that the ESP is also subject to the
laws of physics. ESP will not be able to deal with all situations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes suddenly then
ESP will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters a section
covered by water, mud or snow then ESP will not provide assistance in the
same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the ground and
moves on a film of water (aquaplaning), the ESP will not be able to assist the
driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence with the road surface
preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driven through series of
bends at high speed, the ESP will not always be as effective: the vehicle reac-
tion to aggressive driving is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving
with a trailer, ESP does not provide the same amount of vehicle control as
without a trailer.
Adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic and weather conditions.
ESP cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the transmission
available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver attention
creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESP assists in maintaining vehicle
control in extreme situations and uses the movements of the steering made
by the driver to maintain the vehicle moving in the desired direction. If the
vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the road before ESP can
intervene then the system cannot provide assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESP. The ESP is
always on. The ESP should only be turned off using the TCS button
Ÿpage 218, fig. 144 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn
on the TCS once more when the vehicle has traction once again.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before the
vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is
reduced:
xPress and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
xDo not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
xMaintain vehicle direction when braking fully.

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.
›

Driving231
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xParking perpendicular to the road: Drive next to the gap at a speed of no
more than 20 km/h and at a distance of between 0.5 m and 2 m.
xThe best parking results will be achieved if you position the vehicle as
parallel as possible to the line of parked cars or the kerb.
xWhen a suitable parking place is displayed on the instrument panel, stop
and select reverse gear.
xFollow the instructions given on the instrument panel display
xThen, release the steering wheel when the warning signal sounds Ÿ:
The system will move the steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
xObserve the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
xThe park assist system is only responsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
xFollow the instructions given by the park assist system until the
manoeuvre is completed.
xThe park assist system steers the vehicle forwards and backwards until it
is in a straight position in the parking space.
xThe manoeuvre is complete when the corresponding indication is given
on the instrument panel display.
Stopping the parking manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the
following:
xPress button .
xDriving faster than 7 km/h.
xThe driver moves the steering wheel.
xThe parking manoeuvre has not been completed after six minutes since
the park assist system was activated.
xA sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding door
and press the button again.
xThere is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
xThe TCS system is switched off or the TCS or ESP is working.
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly by itself when parking using the park
assist system. Placing your hand between the steering wheel spokes could
lead to injuries.
Note
The park assist system has its limitations. For example, it is not possible to
park on tight bends using the park assist system.
Note
Even if the park assist system recognises that there is not enough space for
parking the vehicle, the display screen on the instrument panel will still
display this place. In this case, the parking manoeuvre should not be
requested.
Note
Changing gears between forward and reverse gears before indicated (that is,
before the signal from the parking sensor system) the parking results may not
be ideal.
Note
For parallel parking (parallel to the road), a sound will tell the driver when
they must change from forward gears to reverse; the signal from the parking
sensor system does not indicate changes of direction.
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Driving 232
Note
The park assist can also be activated afterwards, if you pass close to a parallel
parking space at a maximum of 40 km an hour or close to be perpendicular
parking space at about 20 km an hour then press the button .
Note
The progress bar on the screen of the instrument panel shows a display of the
relative distance to be covered.
Note
When the Park Assist system is turning the steering wheel of the stopped
vehicle the symbol K is also displayed. Press on the brake pedal so that the
steering can turn with the vehicle at a standstill and thus reduce the number
of manoeuvres.
Note
A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length of the
vehicle.
Note
If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing the
wheels, the system must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels. This
process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To help this
process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car park.
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system
Driving off
xSwitch on the engine.
xPress button . When the function is enabled, the button Ÿpage 230,
fig. 152 will light up.
xApply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave the
parking space.
xSelect reverse gear.
xFollow the instructions given by the park assist system.
xWhen the next indication appears, release the steering wheel Ÿ in
“Parking using the park assist system” on page 230: The system will move
the steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
xObserve the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
xThe park assist system is only responsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
xWhen it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system will
stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit, leave
the parking space.
Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the
following:
xDriving faster than 7 km/h.
xThe driver moves the steering wheel.
xA sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding door
and press the button again.
xThere is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
xThe TCS system is switched off or the TCS or ESP is working.
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Driving233
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
space using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the
steering wheel spokes could lead to injuries.
Park Assist brake operation
The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
braking does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch Ÿ.
Braking to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed. The
parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during each
parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In
certain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle
status, load, inclination), the Park Assist system may stop the vehicle
completely before an object.
xPress the foot brake Ÿ!
Following the intervention of the brakes, the Park Assist will stop.
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.
xAlways be ready to brake.
xAutomatic brake intervention will end after 1.5 seconds approximately.
Following automatic intervention of the brakes, stop the vehicle yourself.
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.

Driving237
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

Driving 238
Turning point when parking. When the yellow line touches the curb or
another limit of the parking space, the point for changing direction
(magnifying glass) will have been reached.
Free space required to park the vehicle parallel. The surface displayed
must completely fit in the space.
Possible vehicle parked next to the curb.
Parking the vehicle
xStop the vehicle 1 m away parallel to the parking space and select reverse
gear.
xSwitch on mode 2 on the navigation system screen for parallel parking.
xSlowly reverse and turn the steering wheel so that the surface displayed
yellow on the screen stops in front of any obstacles (e.g. another vehicle).
xTurn the steering wheel fully towards the space and reverse slowly.
xWhen the yellow line touches the side limit of the space, e.g. the
border or curb (magnifying glass), turn the steering wheel fully in the oppo-
site direction.
xContinue reversing until the vehicle is inside the space, parallel to the
road. Correct the position if necessary.
A3
A4
A5
A5
A3

Driving241
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cruise control operation
Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot maintain a constant speed. Slow
the vehicle down using the brake pedal and reduce gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system is switched off automatically or temporarily:
FunctionControl position,
control operations
Ÿfig. 159Action
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.
Click ON
The system is switched on. The
system does not maintain the
speed because there is still no
speed set.
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.
SET button The current speed is stored and
maintained.
Tempo rarily
switching off the
cruise control sys-
tem.Press CANCEL
or
engage the clutch
or the brakeThe cruise control system is
switched off temporarily. The
speed setting will remain stored.
Fig. 159 On the left of the
steering column: control
lever for cruise control
system.
A1
AA
A2
Switching the
speed setting
back on.
Press RESUME
The stored speed is reached again
and maintained. If no speed has
been set then the vehicle will
record and maintain the actual
speed of the vehicle.
Increasing the
stored speed (dur-
ing CCS setting).Hold down
SPEED +
Short press: Increases the speed
at intervals of 10 km/h and
records it.
Long press: the vehicle acceler-
ates while the button remains
pressed. Release the button to
store the current speed.
Reducing the
stored speed (dur-
ing CCS setting).
Press SPEED –
Short press: Reduces the speed at
intervals of 10 km/h and records
it.
Long press: while this remains
pressed, speed is reduced inter-
rupting the accelerator without
using the brakes. Release the but-
ton to store the current speed.
Switching off the
cruise control sys-
tem.
Click OFF The system is switched off. The
stored speed is deleted.
FunctionControl position,
control operations
Ÿfig. 159Action
A1
A+
A