engine Seat Alhambra 2010 Workshop Manual

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.

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWhen the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced, ABS
is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any
circumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain configuration of the ABS is auto-
matically turned on. When ABS is activated, the front wheels may lock briefly.
This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the wheels are
prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only intervenes
when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned, the normal
ABS is activated.
Braking assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The brake
assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal quickly in
an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly, the braking
force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This enables the ABS
to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released or
when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off the
brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (TCS)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. The TCS makes some situations
easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in unfa-
vourable road conditions.
The TCS can be switched on or off manually Ÿpage 218.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDS is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions. When
the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs the power to the other driven wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to exces-
sive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of
vehicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the braking assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDS, TCS and ESP, provide more security, do not take unnecessary risks
while driving.
xBraking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even with
ESP and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dangerous.
xDriving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing contact
with the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adherence, it
is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
xBraking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions.
xEven though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle
stability depends on tyre grip.
xWhen accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,
press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with braking
assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESP can be considerably reduced if other compo-
nents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or are not

Driving 218
functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres and other
systems already mentioned.
xRemember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESP.
xChanges to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
combinations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESP and
their effectiveness.
xLikewise, the effectiveness of ESP depends on the use of suitable tyres
Ÿpage 323.
Note
To ensure that the ESP and TCS work properly, all four wheels must be fitted
with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause
the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP, TCS and EDS will also be
affected.
Note
Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating.
Turning on and off the TCS
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) includes the ABS, EDL and TCS
systems and only works when the engine is running.
The TCS can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing the
Ÿfig. 144 button. The TCS (and similar) is only switched off when the
required traction is not obtained:
xWhen driving through deep snow or on loose ground (gravel...).
xWhen freeing a trapped vehicle.
Turn the TCS back on by pressing the button Ÿfig. 144.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 144 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
used to switch TCS on and
off (vehicles with ESP).
« OFF
« OFF

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Brake fluid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the
system. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking
power, notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total
failure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always func-
tioning correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users Ÿ.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems of
their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
Ÿ.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American
requirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German DIN ISO
4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the American
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do
not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always check the infor-
mation on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are using suitable
brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark Ÿ.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to wear
of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a qualified
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop. This means that
only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the brake
system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
xCheck the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
xThe brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid

Driving 222
Auto Hold function*
The control lamp on the button switches on when the Auto Hold function is
on.
When the Auto Hold function is on, it helps the driver if they must regularly
stop the vehicle or if they must stop with the engine running for prolonged
periods, for example, on hills, before a traffic light or in traffic jams with
continuous stopping and starting.
The Auto Hold function automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling away
accidentally when at a standstill, without the driver having to keep his/her
foot on the brake pedal.
When the system that detects that the vehicle has stopped, the Auto Hold
keeps the vehicle at a standstill. The brake pedal can be released.
If the driver presses the brake pedal briefly or presses the accelerator to start
off, the Auto Hold function releases the brake once more. The vehicle moves
according to the gradient.If any of the conditions necessary for the Auto Hold function change while the
vehicle stopped, the system is turned off as is the indicator on the button
Ÿfig. 146. The electronic parking brake engages where necessary to park
the vehicle safely Ÿ.
Conditions for keeping the vehicle at a standstill with Auto Hold:
xThe driver's door must be closed.
xThe driver's seat belt must be buckled.
xThe engine must be running.
xThe TCS system must be switched on Ÿpage 210.
Switching Auto Hold on and off manually
Press the button Ÿ. The control lamp on the button switches
off when the Auto Hold function is switched off.
Permanent Auto Hold connection
The Auto Hold function must be switched on every time the engine is started.
However, to switch the Auto Hold function on permanently, the mark must be
switched on in the Settings menu, Autohold submenu Ÿpage 70.
Auto Hold works automatically under the following conditions:
Fig. 146 Detailed view of
the centre console: Auto
Hold button.
All points must be fulfilled simultaneously Ÿ:
manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox
1.If the vehicle is stopped using the brake pedal on a flat or slope.
2.The engine must be running smoothly.
3.On a slope, the 1st gear is
engaged uphill or the reverse gear
is engaged for a downhill. The
clutch must be held down.A gear for driving is selected from
R, D or S.
Upon accelerating and pressing in
the clutch simultaneously, the
brake releases gradually.Upon accelerating, the brake
releases gradually.
AUTO HOLD

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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Auto Hold turns off automatically under the following conditions:
WARNING
The Auto Hold technology is limited by the laws of physics. The improved
comfort provided by Auto Hold should never prompt you to take risks.
xNever leave the vehicle running and with the Auto Hold function
switched on.
xAuto Hold cannot always stop the vehicle uphill and downhill (for
example, if the ground is slippery or frozen).
Caution
Before entering an automatic car wash, always switch the Auto Hold function
off, as it could be damaged when the electronic parking brake automatically
engages.
Start-Stop Function*
In Start-Stop mode, the engine is automatically switched off when the vehicle
is at a standstill. The engine restarts automatically when required.
The function is enabled automatically whenever the ignition is switched on.
The instrument panel displays information on the current status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
xWhen the vehicle is at a standstill, leave it in neutral and take your foot off
the clutch. The engine switches off.
xSimply depress the clutch pedal to move off again.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
xWhen the vehicle is at a standstill, depress the brake or keep it pressed
down. The engine switches off.
xThe engine will start again as soon as you release the brake pedal.
xWith the gear lever set to P, the engine will not start until a range of gears
is selected or the accelerator pedal is depressed.
manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox
1.If one of the conditions mentioned in table on page 222 changes.
2.If the engine is not running regularly or if there is a malfunction.
3.When changing to idle speed.If the selector lever is placed in
neutral (N).
4.If the engine is turned off or stalls.If the engine is switched off.
5.If the driver accelerates while
pressing the clutch in.If the vehicle is accelerated.
6.When one of the wheels has mini-
mal contact with the ground (for
example, on uneven ground).
Fig. 147 Detailed view of
the centre console: Start-
Stop function button.

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.
›

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.
ii
i

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User instructions
Function buttons on the screen:
y display the menu; … hide the menu.
O Turning off the reversing camera imagesDisplay help. The help list explains the surfaces and lines on the camera
image. Press
E to exit help.
Mute the sound.
Adjust the display: brightness, contrast, colour.
Switching on the orientation points for rear parking perpendicular to the
road (mode 1).
Displaying the optical parking system.
Fig. 154 On the boot lid:
location of the rear assist
camera.
Fig. 155 Rear assist
display: mode 2
connected.
A1
A2
FunctionOperations in vehicles with
no optical parking system
(OPS)Operations in vehicles with
the optical parking system
(OPS)
Switching the
display on auto-
matically:select reverse gear with the ignition switched on or the
engine running. Mode 1 will be displayed.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:
Press a button to select the area on the radio or the navi-
gation system ŸBooklet “Radio” or ŸBooklet “Naviga-
tion system”.
ALTERNATIVELY: Press the button on the screen.
ALTERNATIVELY: After switching off the ignition, the rear
assist image remains on the screen for a short period.
Press button .
Switching off
the display by
disengaging
reverse gear:The image will switch off
after around 10 seconds.The OPS display will imme-
diately be shown.
Switching off
the display by
driving for-
wards:Drive forwards at more than
approx. 15 km/h.Drive forwards at more than
approx. 10 km/h.
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
O
'

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.