stop start Seat Alhambra 2010 Service Manual

Trailer towing265
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAs of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
greater.
xSelect a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system could
overheat and fail.
xThe vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
load and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trailer.
xIf the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
xPress and hold the brake pedal.
xPress the button once to turn off the electric parking brake
Ÿpage 210.
xPress and hold the button to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
using the parking brake.
xWith a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
xEngage first gear or the gear range D Ÿpage 201, “Changing gear”.
xRelease the brake pedal.
xMove off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbox).
xRelease the button only when the engine provides sufficient power to
move the vehicle and trailer combination.
WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
control with the subsequent serious consequences.
xDriving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
change the vehicle handling and braking distances.
xAnticipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
xAccelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
xAlways take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
xNever try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
xAlways take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each country into account.
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electronic stability programme (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESP
«
indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more than the
ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
xAn original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is retrofitted.
xThe ESP is on. The warning indicator in the control panel « is not lit.
xThe trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
xThe vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
G
G
G
WARNING (continued)

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning275
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Cleaning chrome parts
Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth. SEAT recommends the use of a chrome
care product to clean stains and dirt from chrome surfaces. Use a soft dry
cloth to polish chrome parts.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
xDo not use abrasive products.
xDo not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
xDo not polish dirty surfaces.
Caring for and cleaning anodized surfaces
It is not easy to detect the difference between aluminium and an anodized
surface, for example, a radiator grille. However, anodized surfaces must not
be treated in the same way as aluminium surfaces. Never use rough sponges
or cloths to wipe away insect remains.
xUse a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean anodized surfaces.
xIf there is a lot of dirt, use a special cleaning product which does not
contain solvents.
Caution
To prevent damage to the anodized surfaces:
xDo not use products containing solvents.
xDo not use polish or hard wax.
xDo not use abrasive products.
xDo not polish anodized surfaces in sandy or dusty environments.
xDo not polish dirty surfaces.
Cleaning wheels
Cleaning steel wheels
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Therefore, clean wheels regu-
larly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the
metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels approximately once
a fortnight. Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims. SEAT recom-
mends treating the wheels thoroughly with a wax compound about once
every three months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims. Car polish or other
abrasive agents should not be used.
If the protective coating on the paint has been damaged (for example, hit by
a stone), it should be repaired immediately.
Caring for rubber seals
The rubber seals on doors, windows, etc., remain flexible, provide a better
seal and last longer if they are regularly treated with a product specifically
designed for use on rubber.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications291
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Jacking points for raising vehicle
Always use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at these points,
it could be seriously damaged Ÿ or lead to serious injury Ÿ.The vehicle should not be lifted using lifting platforms with lift pads
containing fluid.
When raising a vehicle using a platform or jack, a series of precautionary
measures are required. Never raise the vehicle with a lifting platform or jack
unless you have received training in how to do so and know how to lift the
vehicle safely.
Notes on raising the vehicle with a jack Ÿpage 342.
WARNING
The improper use of the lifting platform or the jack when raising the vehicle
may result in accidents or serious injury.
xBefore raising the vehicle, please observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for the platform or jack, and the legal requirements, where appli-
cable.
xThere should not be anyone inside the vehicle when it is being raised or
once it is in the air.
xOnly use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at the indi-
cated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or gearbox is
being dismounted, for example.
xThe jacking points should be centrally aligned and firmly positioned on
the platform support plates.
xNever start the engine when the vehicle is raised! The vehicle may fall
from the platform due to the engine vibrations.
xIf it is necessary to work underneath the vehicle while it is raised, you
should check that the supporting stands have an adequate load capacity.
xNever climb onto the lifting platform.
xAlways make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the
lifting platform load capacity.
Fig. 167 Front jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.
Fig. 168 Rear jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.

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.

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 levels303
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xRotate the shut off on the cover clockwise Ÿpage 302, fig. 171 and open
the cover forwards.
xUnscrew the tank filler neck cap Ÿpage 302, fig. 172 anticlockwise.
Refilling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT and that complies with the ISO
22241-1 Standard. Only use genuine bottles.
xObserve the instructions and information provided by the refill bottle
manufacturer.
xObserve the expiry date.
xUnscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
xPlace the refill bottle upside down inside the tank filler neck.
xPress the refill bottle against the filler neck and keep in this position.
xAdd at least 10 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles). A lower quantity would be
insufficient.
xWait until the contents of the refill bottle have been poured into the
AdBlue tank. Do not crush or damage the bottle!
xUnscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and remove it carefully Ÿ.
xYou can tell when the AdBlue tank is full because the bottle will be empty.
Closing the tank filling neck
xScrew on the tank filler neck cap Ÿpage 302, fig. 172 clockwise until
it is fully inserted.
xPlace the cover and turn the shut off anticlockwise to close it.
Operations before driving
xOnly switch the ignition on after refilling.
xKeep the ignition switch on for at least 30 seconds so that the system
detects tank refilling.
xWait 30 seconds before starting the engine!
WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container, tightly shut and in a safe place.
xNever keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bottles or other containers to
avoid other people mistaking it for something else.
xKeep the AdBlue out of the reach of small children.
Caution
xOnly refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT. The use of any other
type of AdBlue could cause engine damage!
xAdBlue should never be mixed with water or any other additives. Any type
of damage caused by a mixture will not be covered by the warranty.
xDo not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise you may damage the
engine.
xNever leave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It could become permeable due
to temperature changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue could damage
the vehicle interior.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-friendly manner.
Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be purchased from a qualified workshop.
A1
A2
A1

Checking and refilling levels 304
Working in the engine compartment
Introduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the oper-
ations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if you
do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary Ÿ! Have the
work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Negligent work
can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
xWindscreen wash system Ÿpage 124
xStart and stop the engine Ÿpage 195
xBrake fluid Ÿpage 210
xVehicle battery Ÿpage 318
xChecks when filling up Ÿpage 293
xEngine oil Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant Ÿpage 313
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
xNever work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
xIf you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. The
jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to severe
injuries.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
xFor all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work carefully
and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal risks.
xNever work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a qualified workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries.
xNever open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
xAlways allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
xContact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause burns.
xOnce the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector lever
in P or the gear stick in neutral.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
WARNING (continued)

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)