warning Seat Alhambra 2010 Manual Online

Lights and visibility 120
function is switched on. If the equipment includes the light sensor, the
lighting around the exterior mirrors only comes when it is dark.
Note
The time taken for the headlights to go off can be changed in the menu Lights
& Visibility and the function can be switched on or off Ÿpage 70.
Note
When the “Coming home” function is on, if the vehicle door is opened there
is no audible warning signal to advise that the light is still on.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Instrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
switch Ÿfig. 68 .
Headlight range control
The headlight range control Ÿfig. 68 is modified according to the value
of the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver
optimum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers Ÿ.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch Ÿfig. 68 :
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
control. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the
vehicle load status when the headlights are switched on.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in serious accident.
Fig. 68 Next to the
steering wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control and headlight
range control .
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ValueVehicle load statusa)
a)If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to
select intermediary positions.
–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty
1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full. With trailer
and minimum support load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full. With trailer and
maximum support load
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Lights and visibility121
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAdjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not blind
other drivers.
Interior and reading lights
Storage and luggage compartment lighting
When the glove box and the tailgate are opened and closed, a light automat-
ically switches on or off.
Background lighting
The background lighting in the front covering of the ceiling lights up the
controls on the central console from above when the side or dipped lights are
on.
In addition, the lever on the door moulding can also be illuminated.
Note
The reading lights go out when the vehicle is locked, or a few minutes after
the key is removed from the ignition. This prevents the battery from
discharging.
Button /
SwitchFunction
/Switches interior lights off.
Switches interior lights on.
o
Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the
ignition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Turning the reading light on and off
WARNING (continued)

Lights and visibility 122
Sun blind
Introduction
WARNING
Sun visors and sun blinds may reduce visibility when open.
xAlways roll or fold sun blinds and visors away when not in use.
Sun visors
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
xLower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
xThe sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door Ÿfig. 69 .
xSwing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards.
Make-up mirror light
There may be a make-up mirror, with a cover, on the rear of the sun visor.
When the cover is opened Ÿfig. 69 a light comes on.
The lamp goes out when the make-up mirror cover is closed or the sun visor
is pushed back up.
Note
The light above the sun visor automatically switches off after a few minutes
in certain conditions. This prevents the battery from discharging.
Rear side window sun blinds
The sun blinds for the passenger compartment are fitted in the side panels of
the windows.
Fig. 69 Sun visor.
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Fig. 70 On the rear right-
hand window: sun blind.

Lights and visibility 124
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xRecirculation of air conditioning air Ÿpage 179
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibility.
xIn winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
xIn cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
xAlways replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help to
leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position Ÿpage 127.
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.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
lights upPossible causeSolution
YWindscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
bottle as soon as possible
Ÿpage 129.

Lights and visibility 128
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain Ÿ. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe Ÿpage 125Move the lever to the required position Ÿfig. 75:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings on the sensitive surface
Ÿfig. 76 of the rain sensor include:
xDamaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and contin-
uous wipe.
xInsects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
xSalt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra long
wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
xDirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
xCracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cycle
with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
xIf necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Fig. 75 Windscreen wiper
lever: adjusting the rain
sensor .
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Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
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Lights and visibility129
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the blades
for damage Ÿpage 128, fig. 76 (arrow).
Note
To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner containing
alcohol.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle with
water
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up as
required.
xOpen the bonnet ’ Ÿpage 304.
xThe washer bottle is marked with the symbol Y on the lid Ÿfig. 77.
xCheck there is enough water in the bottle.
xTo top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT Ÿ.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
xIn cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent the
water from freezing Ÿ.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the wind-
screen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the windscreen
which will impair visibility.
xUse clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
xIf necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
Caution
xDo not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other products.
This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer jets.
xWhen topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage!
Fig. 77 In the engine
compartment: windscreen
washer bottle top.

Lights and visibility 130
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xPersonal convenience settings in the SEAT information system Ÿpage 70
xSeat memory Ÿpage 137
xChanging gear Ÿpage 201
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
xThe electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respira-
tory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical advice.
xIf the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing, wash
the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes and
clothing before wearing them again.
xIf the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recom-
mended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
Caution
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar.

Lights and visibility131
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Rear vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate visi-
bility through the rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for rear vision mirror
xBasic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
xPull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function Ÿfig. 78.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 79:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch Ÿfig. 79 . When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up
.
When the ignition is on, the sensor automatically moves the rear vision
mirror to the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is
engaged or the interior or reading lights are on.
Note
If the incidence of the light on the sensor is obstructed or prevented, e.g. by
the sun blinds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly.
Fig. 78 Manual anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
Fig. 79 Automatic anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
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Lights and visibility133
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
xOnly fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirror.
xWhen moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious accident.
xRear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision,
however objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
xThe use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
xIf possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you or in other circumstances.
xMake sure that the rear visibility is adequate.
Caution
xBefore entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
correctly folded in.
xElectrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanically as this may damage the electrical operation.
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minutes the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
Note
In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted manually
by pressing the edge of the mirror surface.

Seats and storage compartments135
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Electrical controls on the front seat
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the seat.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may lead
to severe injuries.
xThe front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switched off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
xIn the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any button.
Caution
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the seats or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or back-
rest.
Note
It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery is
very low.
Fig. 82 Adjusting the
front left seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest.
Fig. 83 Adjusting the
lumbar support.
page 135, fig. 82 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
Move the seat backwards or forwards.
and Raise or lower the seat.
or Adjust the seat angle.
Forwards or
backwards.Adjust the backrest angle.
fig. 83 Press the corresponding area of the switch:
or Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.
or Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
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