service Seat Alhambra 2010 Service Manual

Checking and refilling levels299
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious injury.
Caution
xThe vehicle is not prepared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and subse-
quently lead to engine faults!
xThe addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standard EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example) is
authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel system.
xThe diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefore, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composition
of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the engine.
xThe use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considerably
reduce the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your qualified workshop
will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Information on fuel consumption
The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehicle. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different
vehicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions of a vehicle not
only depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.Calculating fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the
current version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows:
Note
The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This could
raise consumption and the CO
2 emissions slightly.
Note
In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calculated
based on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations.
Urban cycleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
start. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50
km/h.
Road cycleIn the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent
acceleration and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
CombinedThe average combined consumption is calculated with a
weighting of around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle.
CO2 emis-
sions of the
combination The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles to
calculate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO
2 con-
tent and other emissions.

Checking and refilling levels 300
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue)
Introduction
The AdBlue fill level must be checked when the vehicle is being serviced
ŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”.
Additional information and warnings:
xLuggage compartment Ÿpage 146
xFuel Ÿpage 297
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle may not restart after switching
the ignition off. The emergency start or jump start will not be possible
either!
xTop up with AdBlue at the latest 1000 km or 600 miles before it runs
out.
xDo not allow the AdBlue to run too low.
WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can cause injuries if it touches
the skin, eyes or respiratory organs.
xIf AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin, rinse for at least 15 minutes
with plenty of water and seek medical help.
xIf the AdBlue is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recommended by a
Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
Caution
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastic, items of
clothing and carpets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as quickly as possible
using a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
xIf the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with warm water and a sponge.
Control and warning lamps
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.
lights upPossible cause ŸSolution
b (red)The engine cannot be
restarted! The level of AdBlue
is too low.Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
safe and flat area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required Ÿpage 302.
b (red)
with
>
The engine cannot be
restarted! AdBlue system
malfunction.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the system checked there.
b (yel-
low)The AdBlue reserve is low.
Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metres or miles as indicated
Ÿpage 302. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialist work-
shop.
b (red)
with

>
There is a fault in the AdBlue
system or unsuitable AdBlue
fluid has been used.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the system checked there.

Checking and refilling levels301
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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 AdBlue
In vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction, a special urea solution
(AdBlue) is injected into the exhaust gas system in front of the catalytic
converter to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
The consumption of AdBlue depends on individual driving style, the temper-
ature at which the system operates and the outside temperature where the
vehicle is driven.
AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the vehicle and should be refilled at
an official supplier. The AdBlue tank holds about 17 litres.
A message will be displayed on the instrument panel around 2400 km before
the next service to indicate that AdBlue must be refilled Ÿpage 302. If you
ignore this message and do not refill, you will be unable to start the engine
afterwards Ÿpage 300.
SEAT recommends contacting a specialist workshop. If you are unable to visit
a qualified specialist workshop, you should temporarily refill with a minimum
of 10.0 litres of AdBlue. Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT.When the indicators
b and > light simultaneously, there is a fault. SEAT
recommends visiting the closest qualified workshop.
AdBlue
® is a registered trademark in the US, Germany, the European Union
and other countries belonging to the German automobile industry ("Verband
der Automobilindustrie e. V.", VDA).

Checking and refilling levels305
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWhen the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. Other-
wise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and serious
injury.
Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently pressing
down on it.
Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
xWhen refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire.
WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as causing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
xNever cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
xTo minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences while
the engine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps.
WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause
serious injury.
xNever place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
blades could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
xIf any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan etc as well as
from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with the utmost
caution.
Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and long hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the
engine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive. The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
xAlways make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or tools,
in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine compartment,
this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire.
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
xNever smoke.
xNever work close to places exposed to flames or sparks.
xNever pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
engine parts and cause injuries.
xIf it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
please follow the instructions below:
Always disconnect the vehicle battery. When disconnecting the
battery, ensure that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise the antitheft
alarm will be triggered.
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels 306
Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
xAlways keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extinguisher
close by.
Caution
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids into
the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious malfunc-
tions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take the
vehicle to a specialist workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or other
fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a professional
to dispose of them.
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment Ÿ:
xPark the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
xPress and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
xConnect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
xMove the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P Ÿpage 201.
xStop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
xWait for the engine to cool down.
xAlways keep children and other people far from the engine compartment.
xEnsure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in
serious injury.
xAlways complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels309
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine oil
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
xAlways protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
xEngine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
xNever store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
xRegular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come into
contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
xWith the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the envi-
ronment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the
environment.
Warning and control lamps
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.
lights upPossible causeSolution
Insufficient engine oil.Switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level Ÿpage 310.
flashesPossible causeSolution
EEngine oil pressure too low.
› Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level.
- If the warning indicator flashes
although the oil level is correct,
do not continue driving or leave
the engine running. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
Engine oil sensor faulty.Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor
checked.

Checking and refilling levels 310
Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications.
The correct oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long service
life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil that
can generally be used all year round.
Only use an oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible Ÿ. If
you wish to maintain the long-life service duration, only engine oils approved
for this service according to the corresponding VW standard (Ÿtable on
page 310) may be used. All oils indicated are synthetic multigrade oils.
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Qualified workshops
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a SEAT Dealership.
Caution
xOnly use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
SEAT. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
xNo additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty.
Checking the engine oil level and topping up
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
EnginesEngine oil specifications
with LongLife servicewithout LongLife service
Petrol enginesVW 504 00, VW 503 00VW 504 00, VW 502 00
Diesel enginesVW 507 00VW 507 00
Fig. 175 Marked engine
oil dipstick.
Fig. 176 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap.

Checking and refilling levels311
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xStop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the
sump. When the engine has cooled down, immediately check the oil level and
top up if necessary.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe engine oil filler opening can be recognised by the symbol E on the
cap Ÿpage 310, fig. 176 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Checking the engine oil level
xPull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
xReplace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick has a
mark, when you reintroduce it this mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
xRemove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level Ÿtable on
page 311.
xAfter reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in steps.
xUnscrew the cap from engine oil filler opening on the cylinder head
Ÿpage 310, fig. 176. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
xOnly refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small quan-
tities (not more than 0.5 L or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time) Ÿpage 310.
xTo avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until the
oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the dipstick.
xCheck the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil Ÿ.
xWhen the oil level is in at least the Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 zone, insert
the dipstick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine
is running.
xAfter topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
xAlways ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is
correctly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
Caution
xIf the oil level is above the area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 do not start the
engine. You should obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.
xWhen refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area Ÿpage 310, fig. 175 . Otherwise
oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and escape into the
atmosphere via the exhaust system.
page 310,
fig. 175Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up level:
Area Do not top up oil Ÿ.
Area Add approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon). The
oil level can be in the zone , but never above .
Area :
It is essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a gallon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone after adding oil.
AA
ABAAAA
ACAB
AB
AA
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Checking and refilling levels 312
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2,000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1,200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5,000 km
(3,000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area Ÿpage 310,
fig. 175 .
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a qualified workshop to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified work-
shop.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme.
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
xWear eye protection.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
xAlways keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
xUse a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
xNever collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems.
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Checking and refilling levels 314
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xAlways observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
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.
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at least
40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine coolant
additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25 °C (-13 °F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also
prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must always
be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries with a
warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, decrease
the cooling capacity.
When adding coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection Ÿ.
lights up
Gauge
position
Ÿpage 31
3, fig. 177
Possible causeSolution
v
Warning
area Excessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.
› Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant level
Ÿpage 315.
Normal
area Insufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with
engine coolant Ÿpage 315.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty.› Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assist-
ance.
--
Cold area

--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
vEngine coolant system faulty.You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
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