height Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Safe driving 8
xCheck that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
xCheck the tyre pressures (Ÿpage 323) and level of fuel (Ÿpage 293).
xEnsure there is good visibility through all the windows.
xMake sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely
fastened Ÿpage 13.
xEnsure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
xUse child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height Ÿpage 42.
xCorrectly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height Ÿpage 10.
xWear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
xThe driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
xBefore starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 10.
xCorrectly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it securely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 22.
xNever carry more passengers than the number of available seats and seat
belts in your vehicle.
xNever drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication,
alcohol or drugs).
xDo not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to reset
or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to the
condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic conditions.
xObserve the highway code and speed limits.
xOn long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
xIf carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accordance
with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having a
serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the
vehicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop.
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you consult
a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
xDoes the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for
example, adjustment of the headlamps?
xDoes the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs?
xAre there any SEAT dealers in the destination country?

Safe driving 10
Adjusting the seat position
Introduction
Number of seats
Depending on the equipment, your vehicle has a total of five or seven seats.
Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.
Additional information and warnings:
xSeat functions Ÿpage 137
xSeat belts Ÿpage 22
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
WARNING
An incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can lead to severe injuries or
death in the event of sudden braking or manoeuvres, collision or accidents
or if the airbag deploys.
xBefore the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. This also includes fastening the seat belt.
xNever transport more people than there are seats with a seat belt avail-
able in the vehicle.
xChildren must always be protected with an approved child restraint
system suited to their height and weight Ÿpage 42, Ÿpage 33.
xAlways keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
Never, for example, put your feet on the surface of a seat or on the dash
panel and never put them out of a window. Otherwise the airbag and seat
belt offer insufficient protection and the risk of injury in the event of an
accident is increased.
WARNING
Before every trip, adjust the seat, the seat belt and the head restraints and
instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly.
xMove the front passenger seat back as far as possible.
xAdjust the driver's seat so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm (10
inches) between the centre of your chest and the hub of the steering wheel.
Adjust the driver's seat so that you are able to press the accelerator, brake
and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees slightly angled and that the
distance between your knees and the dash panel is at least 10 cm (4
inches). If you physical constitution prevents you from meeting these
requirements, contact a qualified workshop to make any modifications
required.
xNever drive with the backrest tilted far back. The further the backrests
are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect posi-
tioning of the belt web or to the incorrect sitting position.
xNever drive with the backrest tilted forwards. Should a front airbag
deploy, it could throw the backrest backwards and injure the passengers of
the rear seats.
xSit as far away as possible from the steering wheel and the dash panel.
xKeep your back straight and resting completely against the backrest
and the front seats correctly adjusted. Never place any part of your body in
the area of the airbag or very close to it.
EquipmentSeats in the
frontSeats in the
second rowSeats in the
third row
5 seats23–
6 seats222
7 seats232
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving11
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIf passengers on the rear seats are not sitting in an upright position, the
risk of severe injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web increases.
WARNING
Incorrect seat adjustment may lead to accidents and severe injuries.
xOnly adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary, as the seats could
move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion and you could lose
control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect position is adopted when
adjusting the seat.
xOnly adjust the height, backrest and forwards or backwards position of
the seat when there is nobody in the seat adjustment area.
xThere must be no objects blocking the seat adjustment area.
xOnly adjust the height, angle and longitudinal position of the rear seats
when nobody is in the way.
xThe seat adjustment and lock areas must be kept clean.
Danger of injuries due to an incorrect sitting position
If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe injuries
increases. Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is
properly worn. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is
not positioned correctly. This could result in severe and even fatal injuries.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a deploying
airbag strikes an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position.
The driver is responsible for all passengers in the vehicle, particularly chil-
dren.
The following list shows just some examples of incorrect sitting positions
which can be dangerous to all occupants.Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
xNever stand in the vehicle.
xNever stand on the seats.
xNever kneel on the seats.
xNever tilt your backrest too far to the rear.
xNever lean against the dash panel.
xNever lie on the rear bench.
xNever sit on the front edge of a seat.
xNever sit sideways.
xNever lean out of a window.
xNever put your feet out of a window.
xNever put your feet on the dash panel.
xNever put your feet on the surface of a seat or backrest.
xNever travel in a footwell.
xNever sit on the armrests.
xNever travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
xNever carry any person in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Every incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries
in the event of accidents or sudden braking or manoeuvres.
xAll passengers must assume the proper sitting position and be properly
belted in while travelling.
xOccupants in incorrect sitting positions, not wearing their seat belt or
too close to the airbag run the risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries,
particularly if the airbag deploys and hits an occupant sitting in an incor-
rect position.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving 12
Correct sitting position
The correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers are shown below.If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct sitting
position, contact a qualified workshop for help with any special devices. The
seat belt and airbag can only provide optimum protection if a correct sitting
position is adopted. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident
or sudden braking or manoeuvre, SEAT recommend the following positions:
Valid for all vehicle occupants:
xAdjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the
top of your head, or as close as possible to the same level as the top of your
head and under no circumstances below eye level. Keep the back of your neck
as close as possible to the head restraint Ÿfig. 1 and Ÿfig. 2.
xShort people must lower the head restraint completely, even if your head
is below its upper edge.
xTall people must raise the head restraint completely.
xAdjust the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests
completely against it.
xAlways keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
xAdjust and fasten your seat belt correctly Ÿpage 22.
Also valid for the driver:
xAdjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm (10
inches) between it and your chest Ÿfig. 1 and so that you can hold the
steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions with your arms slightly bent.
xThe adjusted steering wheel must face your chest and not your face.
xAdjust the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you are able to
press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees
slightly angled and the distance between your knees and the dash panel is at
least 10 cm (4 inches) Ÿfig. 1.
xAdjust the height of the driver's seat so that you can easily reach the top
of the steering wheel.
Fig. 1 The correct
distance between the
driver and the steering
wheel must be at least 25
cm (10 inches).
Fig. 2 Correct belt web
and head restraint posi-
tions.

Safe driving15
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
Caution
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
xSecure all objects Ÿpage 14.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
xBrake early.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer Ÿpage 260.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
Ÿpage 159.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
xSecure loads correctly so they do not move.
xWhen transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
xLock the seat backs in vertical position.
Specific vehicle weight information
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 authorised weight and the load on the axles could
cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
xThe real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum
permitted.
xThe load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
Caution
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible.
WARNING (continued)

Seat belts 16
Seat belts
Brief introduction
Introduction
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice that
the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the belts
is damaged, the belt must be replaced immediately by a specialist workshop
Ÿ. The specialist workshop must use the appropriate spare parts corre-
sponding to the vehicle, the equipment and the model year. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Additional information and warnings:
xAdjust the seat position Ÿpage 10
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
xIntegrated child seats Ÿpage 52
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fatal injuries. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if it is not
fastened and used correctly.
xSeats belts are the most effective ways of reducing the risk of
sustaining severe or fatal injuries In the event of an accident. Seat belts
must be correctly fastened when the vehicle is in motion to protect the
driver and all vehicle occupants.
xBefore each trip, every occupant in the vehicle occupants must sit prop-
erly, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and keep it fastened throughout the trip. This also applies to other occupants when
driving in town.
xWhen travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a child
restraint system suitable for their weight and height and with the seat
belts correctly fastened Ÿpage 42.
xInstruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before
driving off.
xInsert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and
ensure it is engaged. Using the latch plate in the buckle of another seat will
not protect you properly and may cause severe injuries.
xDo not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
xNever unbuckle your seat belt when the vehicle is moving.
xNever allow more than one passenger to share the same seat belt.
xNever hold children or babies on your lap sharing the same seat belt.
xLoose, bulky clothing (such as a jacket) impairs the proper fit and func-
tion of the seat belt.
WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could
result in serious injury or loss of life.
xAvoid damaging the seat belt by jamming it in the door or the seat
mechanism.
xIf the fabric or other parts of the seat belt are damaged, the seat belts
could break in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
WARNING (continued)

Seat belts 26
Adapting the position of the belt webbing to your size
The seat belt can be adapted using the following equipment:
xBelt height adjustment for the front seats.
xSeat height adjustment (front seats).
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe injuries in the event of
an accident or sudden braking or manoeuvre.
xThe seat belt cannot provide optimum protection if it is not correctly
worn and the backrest is not tilted slightly backwards.
xThe seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause severe injuries if the
belt moves from hard areas of the body to soft areas (e.g. the stomach).
xThe shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder,
never across the neck or the arm.
xThe seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the torso
xThe lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across the
stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the pelvis Pull
the belt tight if necessary to take up any slack.
xFor pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must lie as low as
possible over the pelvis and always lie flat, “surrounding” the stomach.
xDo not twist the seat belt while it is fastened.
xNever pull the seat belt away from your body using your hand.
xDo not lie the seat belt across rigid or fragile objects, e.g. glasses, pens
or keys.
xNever use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to alter
the position of the belt webbing.
Note
If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct posi-
tion of the belt webbing, contact a qualified workshop for help with any special devices to ensure the optimum protection of the seat belt and airbag.
SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Belt height adjustment
Using the height adjusters for the front seats and the outer seats of the
second row, the position of the seat belts can be adjusted in the shoulder
area according to the height of the occupant:
xKeep the guide device pressed down in the direction of the arrow
Ÿfig. 15.
xMove the guide device up or down until the seat belt lies over the centre
of your shoulder Ÿpage 25, “Seat belt position”.
xRelease the guide device.
xPull the belt sharply to check that the device is engaged securely.
Fig. 15 Next to the front
seats: belt height
adjuster.

Seat belts27
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never adjust the belt height while the vehicle is in motion.
Seat belt tensioners
Automatic belt retainer, belt tension device, belt tension
limiter
Seat belts are part of the vehicle safety concept Ÿpage 33 and consist of the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retainer
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retainer on the shoulder
belt. If the belt is pulled slowly or during normal driving, the system allows for
total freedom of movement on the shoulder belt. However, during sudden
braking, during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the
automatic belt retainer on the seat belt is locked is pulled quickly.
Belt tension devices
The seat belts on the front seats and the outer seats of the second row are
equipped with belt tension devices.
Sensors will trigger the belt tension devices during severe head-on, lateral
and rear collisions and retract and tighten the seat belts. If the seat belt is
loose, it is retracted to reduce the forwards movement of occupants or move-
ment in the direction of the collision. The belt tension device works in combi-
nation with the airbag system. The belt tension device will not be triggered in
the event of the vehicle overturning if the side airbags are not deployed.
If the belt tension device is triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal
and it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the force of the seat belt on the body in the
event of an accident.
Note
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the system are scrapped. A qualified workshop is familiar with
these requirements Ÿpage 27.
Service and disposal of belt tension devices
If you work on the belt tension devices or remove and install other parts of the
vehicle when performing other repair work, the seat belt may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the belt tension
devices function incorrectly or not at all.
So that the effectiveness of the belt tension device is not reduced and that
removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regula-
tions must be observed. These requirements are known to qualified dealer-
ships.
WARNING
Improper handling and homemade repairs of seat belts, automatic belt
retainers and tension devices increase the risk of sustaining severe or fatal
injuries. The belt tension device may fail to trigger or may trigger in the
wrong circumstances.
xNever attempt to repair, adjust or remove or install parts of the belt
tension devices or seat belts. Any work must be performed by a qualified
workshop only Ÿpage 285.
xBelt tension devices and automatic belt retainers cannot be repaired
and must be replaced.

Airbag system33
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Airbag system
Description and function of the airbag
The airbag can protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accidents, cush-
ioning the movement of the occupants in the direction of the collision in
frontal and side accidents.
Deployed airbags fill with a propellant gas. This causes the airbag covers to
break and the airbags to deploy extremely quickly in their entire deployment
space within fractions of a second. When an occupant with the seat belt prop-
erly fastened puts pressure on the inflated airbag, the propellant gas escapes
to absorb the force of the impact and slow the movement. This reduces the
risk of severe or fatal injuries. Airbag deployment does not mean that other
types of injury such as swelling, bruising, burns and skin injuries can be ruled
out.
Airbags do not protect the arms or the lower part of the body.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident,
the angle of impact, the vehicle speed and the characteristics of the object
the vehicle hits. Therefore, airbags are not triggered every time the vehicle is
visibly damaged.
The airbag system is designed to be triggered in collisions with a severe
impact. The front, curtain, side and knee airbags may be triggered under
special circumstances. The scope of any visible damage to the vehicle is not
an indication of airbag deployment.
Airbags act in conjunction with three-point seat belts in the event of certain
accidents, when the vehicle deceleration rate is severe enough to trigger the
airbags. Airbags only deploy once and only under certain circumstances. Seat
belts remain present to offer protection in situations where airbags are not
triggered or where they have already deployed. For example, when a vehicle
hits another after an initial collision or is hit by another vehicle.The airbag system is an integral part of the car's passive safety system. The
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly
’
Ÿpage 10.
Vehicle safety components
The following safety equipment makes up the vehicle safety design to reduce
the risk of severe and fatal injuries. Depending on the vehicle equipment,
some equipment may not be fitted in the vehicle or may not be available in
some markets.
xOptimised seat belts for all seats.
xBelt tension devices for the driver and front passenger and, where appli-
cable, on the outer seats of the second row of seats in combination with the
side airbags.
xFurthermore, belt tension limiters for the driver's and front passenger's
seat belt.
xBelt height adjustment for the front seats and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
xSeat belt warning lamp
xFrontal airbags for driver and passenger.
xSide airbags for the driver, front passenger and, where applicable, the
outer seats of the second row of seats.
xLeft and right curtain airbags.
xOne airbag for the driver's knees.
xAirbag control lamp T.
xPASSENGER AIR BAG /&&  control lamp.
xControl units and sensors.
xHeight-adjustable head restraint optimised for rear collisions.
xAdjustable steering column.
xWhere applicable, mountings for child seats on the rear seats and on the
front passenger's seat.

Child safety 42
Child safety
Child seats (accessories)
Introduction
Please read the information regarding the airbag system fully before trans-
porting babies and children in a child seat or other child restraint system
installed on the front passenger seat.
This information is extremely important for driver and passenger safety,
particularly that of babies and children.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from the SEAT accessory
programme. These child seats have been designed and tested for use in SEAT
vehicles. You can purchase child seats with different mountings from a qual-
ified workshop.
Using child restraint systems with a base or foot
Some child retention systems are secured to the seat using a base or foot. For
certain equipment the use of an additional accessory will be necessary (for
example, the accessory for the floor compartment) to fit the child retention
system correctly and securely.
Additional information and warnings:
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xIntegrated child seats Ÿpage 52
WARNING
Make sure children are properly belted in and correctly secured to avoid
severe or fatal injuries while the vehicle is in motion.
xNever use a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if the front
passenger airbag is enabled.
xYou should always transport all children up to 12 years of age on the
rear seat.
xChildren must always be protected with an approved child restraint
system suited to their height and weight.
xChildren must assume the proper sitting position and be properly
belted in while travelling.
xEnsure the backrest of a seat is upright when a child seat is being used
on it.
xDo not allow the child's head or other part of his or her body to fall into
the deployment area of the side airbags.
xMake sure the belt webbing is correctly positioned.
xNever hold children or babies on your lap or in your arms.
xOnly one child may occupy a child seat.
xIf you are using a child seat with a base or foot, always install this base
or foot correctly and safely.
xIf the vehicle has a storage compartment in the foot well in front of the
last row of seats, this compartment cannot be used as designed; on the
contrary: It must be filled using the specially designed accessory so that
the base or foot is correctly supported by the closed compartment and the
child seat is secured properly. If this compartment is not suitably secured
when using a child seat with a base or foot then the compartment cover
could rupture in an accident and the child will be ejected and suffer serious
injury.
xPlease read and observe the child seat manufacturer's handling
instructions.
WARNING (continued)