lights Seat Alhambra 2010 Workshop Manual

Driving 240
Warning and control lamp
Fig. 158 Dash panel display: CCS status indications.
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.
Display
There are different versions of the cruise control system. In vehicles with the
multifunction display (MFI), the set speed is displayed on the instrument
panel screen.Status fig. 158:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set speed is displayed in small figures.
System error. Contact a specialist workshop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is displayed in large figures.
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
%
This cruise control system
maintains the set speed of
the vehicle.–
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Driving247
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Elements of the tyre monitoring indicatorControl 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
When the tyres are inflated at different pressures or at a pressure that is
too low then a tyre may the damaged resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle and a serious or mortal accident.
xIf the indicator ~ lights, stop immediately and check the tyres.
xIf the tyres are inflated at different pressures or if a tyre pressure is too
low, this will increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehicle stability and
increasing braking distances.
Tyre monitoring indicator with button.
See Ÿpage 248.
b Warning lamp ~ on the instrument panel.
b button on the centre console.
b Monitoring the tread of all tyres using ABS sensors (indirect measure-
ment).
b Adjustable medium and full-load tyre pressures.
b Button to update the system when the tyre pressure is changed.
~ SET
Lights
up or
flashes
Possible cause ŸSolution
~
The tyre pressure of a wheel
has dropped considerably in
relation to the pressure set by
the driver Ÿpage 248.
› Stop the vehicle! Reduce your
speed immediately! Stop the
vehicle safely as soon as possi-
ble. Avoid sudden manoeuvres
and braking!
Check all tyres and pressures.
Replace any damaged tyres.
~System malfunction.
Consult a specialist workshop if
the tyre pressure is correct and
the lamp remains lit after switch-
ing the ignition off and back on
again. Have the system checked
there.

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

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

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

Trailer towing261
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIf the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may be damaged.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections of
the rear lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections for
providing electric current to the trailer.
Note
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
Note
In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight is more than 2500 kg
Electric tow hitch ball
The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals and
objects Ÿ.
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and
cannot be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
xMove the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
xBefore hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
xThe indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitched.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xRemove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trailer. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
xPlace the dust guard over the ball.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
xPush the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the button
indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
Fig. 163 Right-hand side
of the luggage compart-
ment: button to electri-
cally release the tow hitch
ball.

Trailer towing263
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Trailer electric socket
The electric connection between vehicle and trailer is a 13-pin socket. If the
trailer plug has seven pins, an adapter cable must be used.
Trailer rear lights
Check the trailer rear lights to ensure they work correctly and remain legal.
Ensure that the trailer does not use more than the maximum power
Ÿpage 260.
Trailer connected to the antitheft alarm:
xWhen a vehicle comes from the factory fitted with an antitheft alarm and
tow hitch.
xWhen the trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
xWhen the vehicle and trailer electrical systems work correctly and are not
damaged.
xWhen the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key and the antitheft alarm
is turned on.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered when the electrical connec-
tion between the vehicle and the trailer is removed.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously activate the
alarm.
WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may supply energy to
the trailer causing an anomaly in the vehicle electronics that could result
in an accident with serious consequences.
xAll work on the electrical system must be carried out only by a
specialist workshop.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the rear lights or any other power sources.
Caution
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehicle when parked; places on its
support wheel or its supports. For example, when changing the load or a
puncture, the vehicle will be pushed up or down. The force acting on the tow
hitch and the trailer could damage the vehicle or the trailer.
Note
In case of a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical system or in case of prob-
lems with the antitheft alarm system, have the system checked by a specialist
workshop.
Note
If the trailer accessories use energy from the socket when the engine is
stopped, the battery will be discharged.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear LED lights cannot be connected
to the antitheft alarm system.
Note
If the vehicle battery is running low, the electrical connection with the trailer
is automatically cut.
Note
With the engine running, the electrical equipment on the trailer will consume
power.

Trailer towing 264
Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can pull Ÿ. The drawbar load
is the vertical weight of the trailer hitch on the tow hitch ball Ÿpage 267.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate of
the towing bracket are for values of this model only. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which may be lower than these figures for the tow hitch,
are given in the registration documents. The instructions in the official
vehicle documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
drawbar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor if
the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
xDistribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle
as possible or even above it.
xCorrectly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum Ÿpage 323.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
combination weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a serious
accident with severe consequences.
xNever exceed the specifications.
xWith the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle load
should never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should never
exceed the gross vehicle weight.
WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation will be seriously affected and this could result in a serious accident.
xAlways correctly load the trailer.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
xIf the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.

Trailer towing 266
xThe maximum drawbar load is used.
xThe trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
xTrailers with brakes must be equipped with a mechanical inertia brake.
WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the stabilisation system tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xIf the road surface is slippery, take care when accelerating.
xWhen a system is operating, lift your foot off the accelerator.
WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisation system does not correctly
recognised all driving situations.
xIt is possible that the stabilisation system does not detect snaking of a
light trailer and thus does not intervene.
xWhen driving on slippery ground, the trailer could jack-knife despite
the stabilisation system.
xTrailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before they start
to rock sideways.
xIf a trailer is not used at the trailer socket is connected (for example,
installation of a bicycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic braking
may occur in extreme driving conditions.
Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 164 Measurements and attachments to retrofit a tow hitch.
SEAT recommends visiting a specialist workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For
example, it may be necessary to adjust the cooling system or to include
thermal plates. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
In any case, the separation distances must be observed when fitting a tow
hitch. The distance between the centre of the tow hitch ball and the road
surface Ÿfig. 164 must never be lower than that indicated. This also
applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances Ÿfig. 164:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
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Trailer towing267
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a 247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inches)
1,097 mm (43 inches)
1,102 mm (43 inches)
WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may cause anomalies
in the vehicle electronics that could result in an accident with serious
consequences.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections
of the rear lights or any other unsuitable power sources. Only use suitable
connectors to connect a trailer.
xVisit a specialist workshop if you wish to retrofit a tow hitch to the
vehicle.
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the vehicle while driving. This could result in serious accident.
Note
Use only tow hitches approved by SEAT for the vehicle.
Maximum gross trailer weight
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indicated could cause a serious
accident.
xNever exceed the indicated trailer weight.
Caution
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indicated could cause damage to the
vehicle.
xNever exceed the indicated trailer weight.
Gross combined vehicle weight rating
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
The maximum combined weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. The weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by
about 10% for every further 1000 m (or part thereof).
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum weight indicated could cause a serious accident.
xNever exceed the gross combined weight rating.
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