check engine Seat Alhambra 2010 Workshop Manual

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.
AC
AB
AA

Checking and refilling levels315
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
system, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
xEnsure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
xIf the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating to
stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
Caution
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine and
the engine cooling system.
xThe engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and G 11.
xIf the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, this means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with
another coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and
engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment.
Checking the engine coolant level and refilling
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warning indicator will light.
Fig. 178 In the engine
compartment: Marking on
coolant expansion reser-
voir.
Fig. 179 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap.

Checking and refilling levels 316
Preparations
xPark the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
xAllow the engine to cool Ÿ.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe coolant expansion reservoir is easily recognisable because of the
symbol « on the cap Ÿpage 315, fig. 179.
Checking the engine coolant level
xWhen the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion reservoir Ÿpage 315, fig. 178.
xIf the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the engine
is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
xAlways protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
xRemove the cap very carefully Ÿ.
xOnly refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(Ÿpage 314) Ÿ.
xThe engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank Ÿpage 315, fig. 178. Do not exceed the top level of the
marked area Ÿ.
xScrew on the cap tightly.
xIf, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to the
required specifications (Ÿpage 314), never use another type of additive.
Instead, first top up with distilled water Ÿ only. Then re-establish the
correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as possible
Ÿpage 314.
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
xNever open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any steam
or coolant escaping.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin 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.
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. Under specific
circumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.
Caution
xTop up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to
considerable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This
could consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels317
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a but another type of water to top up the coolant, a specialist workshop must
immediately replace all of the fluid in the engine cooling system.
xOnly top up coolant to the top level of the marked area Ÿpage 315,
fig. 178. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced out of the cooling system
when the engine is hot, causing damage.
xIf a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
completely before adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an indication of
leaks in the engine cooling system. Have the engine cooling system
inspected immediately by a qualified workshop. Otherwise you may damage
the engine.
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!

Checking and refilling levels 318
Vehicle batter y
Introduction
The battery is a component of the vehicle's electrical system.
Never work on the electrical system without fully understanding the opera-
tions required, the applicable safety standards and without the correct tools
Ÿ! Have the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. Negligent work can cause
serious injury.
Location and number of batteries in the vehicle
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warning indications on the vehicle's battery
Additional information and warnings:
xŸBooklet “Maintenance Programme”
xStarter assist systems (Start-Stop function) Ÿpage 221
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause corro-
sion, fire and electric shocks. Always read and take into account the
following warnings and safety standards before carrying out any work:
xBefore working on the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
all electrical devices then disconnect the negative connection on the
battery.
xKeep children away from acid and the battery itself!
xWear eye protection.
xBattery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
xDo not smoke and never work close to places exposed to flames or
sparks.
xAvoid sparks and electrostatic discharges when working with cables
and electrical devices.
xNever short the battery terminals.
xNever use a damaged battery. It can explode. Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
xReplaced damaged or frozen batteries as soon as possible. A flat
battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).
xVehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Ensure that the
battery ventilation hose is correctly secured.
Caution
xNever disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
SymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!
ŽFires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited.
ŸA highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!

Checking and refilling levels319
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xDo not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
xIf the car is left standing for long periods, protect the battery from extreme
cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and become damaged.
Warning lamp
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
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.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
The battery's electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other batteries do not
require maintenance.
lights upPossible causeSolution
FFaulty generator.
Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the electrical system
checked.
Disconnect any unnecessary
electrical consumers. The gener-
ator does not charge the battery
while the vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 180 In the engine
compartment: Remove
the cover from the
vehicle's battery.
Fig. 181 In the engine
compartment: Unfold the
vehicle's battery hose.

Checking and refilling levels 320
Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery labelled
“AGM”. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check the electrolyte level
of these batteries
Preparations
xPrepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
Opening the battery cover
The battery covers are different depending on the engine size of the vehicle:
xIn the case of a cover: press the tab Ÿpage 319, fig. 180 in the direc-
tion of the arrow and pull the cover upwards.
xIn the case of a hose: fold the cover to one side to remove Ÿpage 319,
fig. 181.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
xMake sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open flames or sparklers as a light source.
xDepending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery will
change colour.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
xAlways wear protective gloves and eye protection.
xBattery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
xNever tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
xNever open the vehicle battery.
xIf battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
xIf acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialist workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment Ÿ. SEAT recommends visiting a qual-
ified workshop.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a qualified
SEAT workshop for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size
and maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the
battery replaced by a qualified SEAT workshop.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable,
replaced by a specialist workshop.
Black indicationThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
AA
WARNING (continued)

Checking and refilling levels321
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note the
following:
xSwitch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
xThe vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
xFirst disconnect the negative cable and then the positive Ÿ.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
xBefore reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
xFirst reconnect the positive cable and then the negative Ÿ.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and
switching the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed
of between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly Ÿpage 64. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ŸBooklet “Maintenance
Programme”.
Vehicles with the KESSY system (Ÿpage 86): If, after connecting the battery,
the ignition cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the vehicle from outside.
Then try to switch the ignition back on. If the ignition can still not be switched
on, request the assistance of a specialist workshop.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands are
made on it:
xthe idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
xwhere necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
xOn starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and the
cigarette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle is
stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
xWhen stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly if
the ignition is switched on.
xUse of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
xIf the auxiliary heater is running Ÿpage 187.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
xAlways use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the standard
battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
charge.
xThe batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
xNever charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).

Checking and refilling levels 322
xAlways replace a battery which has frozen.
xBattery cables not correctly connected may cause a short circuit.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable.
Caution
xNever disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
xNever plug accessories supply current, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the battery in an environment-friendly manner. Batteries contain
toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
For the sake of the environment
Battery acid can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids
and allow a dispose of them correctly.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres331
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xNever carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified
assistance immediately.
xIf there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Winter tyres
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. SEAT strongly recommends using
winter tyres or all year round tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle, especially
if you expect to drive in wintery weather. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle
braking performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT
recommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn
below 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting
performance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
xObserve legal requirements in each country.
xWinter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
xOnly use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
xOnly use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
xOnly use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
xAdjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) Ÿ.Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
Ÿpage 334.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA
(multifunction indicator) menu on the instrument panel Ÿpage 70.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be determined
by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the
tyres.
All-wheel drive
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recommend
that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels when
winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
Ÿpage 332.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you should
not take unnecessary risks.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
WARNING (continued)