tow Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

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

Driving 248
xIf tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
xThe driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is
indicated on the label Ÿpage 328, fig. 183.
xThe tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the tyres
are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
xDriving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
xBefore starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pressure.
xIf tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces and
it may be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the tyre
will burst.
xWith an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of the
tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xIf a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate speed
and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
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.
Tyre monitoring indicator
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this informa-
tion, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a wheel is
changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the instrument
panel. The wheel tread changes when:
xTyre pressure is insufficient.
xTyre structure is damaged.
xThe vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
xThe wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trailer).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.

Driving249
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xThe vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
xThe wheel on one axle is changed.
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator
~ or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sports driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, the Ÿpage 248,
fig. 161 button on the tyre monitoring indicator must be kept pressed down,
with the ignition on, until a signal is heard. Do the same, for example, when
the front and rear wheels are swapped Ÿpage 325, fig. 182.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive load (towing a trailer, heavy load),
the tyre pressure must be increased to the maximum recommended pressure
Ÿpage 323. Press the tyre monitoring indicator button to confirm the new
pressure value.
Note
An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use because
the chains increase the tread of the wheel.

Driving and the environment251
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Practical tips
Driving and the environment
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During its
first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
xDo not use full throttle.
xDo not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
xDo not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually increase
power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
xReplacement of new tyres and wheel rims Ÿpage 323
xNotes on the brakes Ÿpage 214
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced.

Driving and the environment253
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considerably,
for example:
xAir conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is required
to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside temperature,
it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. Therefore, we recom-
mend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too different to the
outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the windows of the car
before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance with all the
windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only then should
you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning. Keep windows
closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the windows open
increases fuel consumption.
xSwitch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
xSwitch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
windows have demisted and are free of ice.
xDo not leave the independent heating switched on when the vehicle is
moving Ÿpage 187.
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
xFault in engine management.
xDriving on hills.
xTrailer towing.
Saving fuel while driving
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately after
it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to warm
up and to normalise consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The
ambient temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 162 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Fig. 162 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at
different outside tempera-
tures.

Driving and the environment255
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xRefuelling Ÿpage 293
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xInformation stored in the control units Ÿpage 285
xTow-starting and towing away Ÿpage 375
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
%0#Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
DPre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.Ÿpage 195
BFault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
¬Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits Ÿ.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop Ÿpage 256.
flashesPossible causeSolution
DFault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
B
Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic con-
verter.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next qualified work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.

Driving and the environment 256
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
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter while
driving.
xOnly carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions so
permit.
xNever endanger your safety or that of other road users.
Caution
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators ¬, B or %0# remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer
working life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
xAlways use unleaded petrol.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a qualified
workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and
escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used.
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combustion
process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
xAlways use diesel with a low sulphur content Ÿpage 297.
xNever use petrol or fuel oil.
xNever use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used Ÿpage 297.
xNever run the tank completely dry.
xDo not top up with too much engine oil Ÿpage 309.
xDo not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables Ÿpage 371.
In order to reduce blocking of the diesel particulate filter, some vehicles with
an automatic gearbox may increase the engine speed slightly to automati-
cally start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. The warning lamp will not light
up in this case
¬.

Trailer towing 258
Trailer towing
Introduction
Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trailer and to use a trailer bracket.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers however, it can also
be used to tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the necessary equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and the vehicle performance and, in some cases, reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from the vehicle and, thus, more
concentration from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted trailer bracket, the Start-Stop function
is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For trailer brackets
not installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dashboard before driving with a trailer and it
must remain off for the entire journey Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xAnti-theft alarm system Ÿpage 83
xLight Ÿpage 113
xEcological driving Ÿpage 252
xStarter assist systems (Start-Stop function) Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
against the law.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
xOnly use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
xNever change or repair a tow hitch.
xTo reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in when
a trailer is not being used.
xNever fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances the
load”. Your vehicle has not been designed for this type of tow hitch. The
tow hitch may fail and the trailer will separate from the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can affect
vehicle handling and even cause an accident.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xTrailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
trailers with a low centre of gravity.

Trailer towing259
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAvoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
xAlways take the following precautions seriously.
xReduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from
side to side.
xNever drive at more than 80 km an hour when towing a trailer (or 100
km an hour in exceptional circumstances). This also applies in countries
where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the speed limits for vehi-
cles with and without trailers in each country into account.
xNever try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a trailer hitch that was not installed
by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Otherwise,
this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
xAlways manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a trailer hitch that has not been installed by SEAT.
Note
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer Ÿpage 88. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
Note
Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
Ÿpage 285.
Note
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the trailer hitch ball when a trailer is not
being used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle with
the extended trailer hitch ball could be more extensive.
Note
In some models, a trailer hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
reason, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times.
WARNING (continued)

Trailer towing 260
Driving with a trailer
Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow hitch it will already have the
necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for
towing a trailer.
Only use an approved trailer hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball joint.
Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances the
load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal
requirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the
vehicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer Ÿpage 262.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
Ÿpage 262.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system. In
case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a
specialist workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the standard
wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the vehicle causing an accident with serious consequences.
Caution
xIf the rear lights of the trailer are not correctly connected, the vehicle elec-
tronics may be damaged.
Electrical consumerMaximum power
Position lights and rear lights50 Watts
Indicator (each side)54 Watts
Brake lights (total)84 Watts
Reversing lights (total)42 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts