trailer Seat Alhambra 2011 User Guide

102
Lights and visibility
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting Fig. 63 Next to the
st
eerin
g wheel: instru-
ment and switch lighting
control 1 and headlight
ran g

e control 2 .
1 Instrument and switch lighting
When the hea dlights

are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the switch ⇒ fig. 63 1 .
2 Headlight range control
The hea dlight

range control 2 is modified according to the value of the
hea dlight

beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver optimum
visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers ⇒  .
The hea dlights

can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch 2 :
Value Vehicle load status
a) – Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty
1 All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty Value Vehicle load status
a) 2 All seats occupied, luggage compartment full. With trailer
and minimum sup
por

t load 3 Driver only, luggage compartment full. With trailer and
max
imum s

upport load a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to select
intermedi ar

y positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control 2 is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
contr o

l. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the ve-
hicle load status when the headlights are switched on. WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
dis tr

act other drivers. This could result in serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not
blind other driver
s. 
Interior and reading lights Button /
Swit c

h Function
 Switches interior lights off.
 Switches interior lights on.


182
Driving
Recommended gear indication In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
dis
p
layed on the instrument panel: Display Meaning
 Optimum gear.
 Recommendation to change up a gear.
 Recommendation to change down a gear.
Information for cleaning the diesel particulate filter
The exh
au

st gas system control recognises when the diesel particulate filter
is blocked, and helps to clean it by recommending a specific gear for driv-
ing. It may therefore be necessary to drive with the engine at an exception-
ally high speed ⇒ page 228. WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never r ep

lace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation contin-
ues t
o lie with the driver, for example when overtaking, climbing a hill or
towing a trailer. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the most appropriate gear for the situation will help you to save
fuel . Note
The recommended gear display is switched off when the clutch pedal is
pre s

sed. 

189
Driving Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the time to also check the rear
brak e p
ads. 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 thorough-
ly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Assisted braking systems The assisted braking systems ESC (ESP), ABS, BAS, ASR (TCS) and EDS only
operat
e when the ignition i

s switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic stability programme ESC (ESP)
ESC (ESP) reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC (ESP) de-
tects critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheel-
spin on the drive wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking indi-
vidual wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC (ESP) has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC (ESP) is also
subject to the laws of physics. ESC (ESP) will not be able to deal with all sit-
uations with which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface
changes suddenly then ESC (ESP) will not be useful in all cases. If the vehi-
cle suddenly enters a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC (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 ESC (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 steer-
ing. If the vehicle is driven through series of bends at high speed, the ESC
(ESP) will not always be as effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driv-
ing is not the same as at reduced speeds. When driving with a trailer, ESC
(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.
ESC (E

SP) cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; improve the trans-
mission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a lack of driver at-
tention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC (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 de-
sired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it will leave the
road before ESC (ESP) can intervene then the system cannot provide assis-
tance.
The ABS, BAS, ASR (TCS) and EDS systems are incorporated into the ESC
(ESP). The ESC (ESP) is always on. The ESC (ESP) should only be turned off
using the ASR (TCS) button ⇒ fig. 136 when traction is insufficient. Always remember to turn on the ASR (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 re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake ped
al or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully.
● When 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 cir-
cumstances. 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 au-
tomatically turned on. When ABS is activated, the front wheels may lock
briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as the Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

198
Driving
Parking sensor system*
Introduction The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehi-
cl
e ap
proaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound
will be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close
to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Park Assist system ⇒ page 202
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot re-
pl ac

e driver awareness.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
regi
stered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
way
s detect small children, animals or objects. WARNING (Continued)
● The s urface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the ul-
tr a

sound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this c
ase, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be de-
tected. CAUTION
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
dr a

w bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could re-
sult in damage to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an ob
stacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parkin
g.
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept c
lean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spra
y the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 in-
ches). Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
sys t

em, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles. 

201
Driving Distance from the vehicle to the
ob
s
tacle Acoustic sig-
nal Displayed in colour on
the sc r
een: colour of the
segment if an obstacle is recognised in front: approx. 31 – 120 cm
behind: ap
pr

ox. 31 – 160 cm beeping
sound Yellow
approx. 0 – 30 cm
in fr
ont or be-
hind a) permanent
sound Red
a)
The permanent sound starts at a somewhat greater distance on vehicles with a factory-fit-
ted t o

wing bracket.
With towing bracket
A specific image is displayed on the screen of vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing bracket and an electrically connected trailer. In this case, the distan-
ces behind the vehicle are not indicated.
Switching the parking sensor system sound on and off
If the  button on the radio or navigation system screen may mute the
sound of OP

S warnings. To switch the warnings back on, press the button
again briefly.
When the OPS is switched off and back on again, muting is cancelled. Error
messages cannot be switched off. WARNING
Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

202
Driving
Park Assist system*
Introduction The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
inser
t
the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to
leave parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that
the driver is especially attentive ⇒  .
The park in

g sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● P

arking sensor system ⇒ page 198
● C

aring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run
any ri

sks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● The surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external
sound sourc
es may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on
the system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
regi
stered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
way
s detect small children, animals or objects. CAUTION
● The park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, with-
out t

aking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop ma-
noeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw b
ars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in dam-
age to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an ob
stacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle. This is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park be-
hind a truck or motorcycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the
area in front of and behind the vehicle while parking, and intervene prompt-
ly if necessary. 

209
Driving
Things to note 1) Do not use the rear assist system in the following cases:
– If there is a fault in the dynamic chassis control (DCC).
– If the image displayed is not very clear or reliable (low visibility or dirty
len
s). – If the space behind the vehicle cannot be clearly or completely recog-
nised.
– If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– If the driver is not familiar with the system.
– If the tailgate is open.
– If the position and installation angle of the camera have been changed,
e.g. in a r
e
ar-end collision. Have a specialised workshop check the system. 2) Optical illusions of the camera (examples)
The rear assist camera produces two-dimensional images. Any cracks in or
ob
j

ects protruding from the ground or from other vehicles are more diffi-
cult to spot or cannot be seen due to a lack of depth in the image dis-
played. Objects or other vehicles may seem to be closer or further away than what
they r
e

ally are: – On changing from a flat surface to a slope or gradient.
– On changing from a slope or gradient to a flat surface.
– If the vehicle has been overloaded at the rear.
– On approaching protruding objects. These objects may be outside the
angl
e of

vision of the camera when reversing. Cleaning the camera lens
Keep the c
amer

a lens clean and clear of snow and ice:
● Moisten the lens using a commercially available, alcohol-based glass
cle

aning agent and clean the lens with a dry cloth ⇒  .
● Remove snow using a small brush.
● Use de-icing spray to remove any ice ⇒  . CAUTION
● Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the camera lens.
● Nev er r

emove snow or ice from the camera lens using warm or hot water.
This c
ould damage the lens. Note
● SEAT recommends that you practise parking with the rear assist system
in a quiet loc

ation or in a car park to become familiar with the system, in-
cluding the orientation lines and their function.
● The orientation lines will not be displayed on the screen if the tailgate is
open or the factor
y-fitted towing bracket is electrically connected to a trailer. 
Parking perpendicular to the road (mode 1) Fig. 148 Display: orien-
tation line
s

for the park-
ing space behind the ve-
hicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

220
Driving
during travel, the traffic sign valid at this moment will move to the first posi-
tion along the a d
ditional sign “if the road is wet”.
The permanent display on the instrument panel screen is shown as you
pass the real traffic signs. The signs for entering and leaving towns activate
the display of the usual speed limits for that country on roads in populated
areas and national highways, even if the speed is not limited by an actual
traffic sign.
The end of a prohibition or limitation is not displayed. If you exceed the
speed limits shown, a warning will not appear. The system does not detect
areas with little traffic. The current legal provisions apply.
Connection and disconnection
● Connect or disconnect the assist system in the Settings
menu within the
Seat information system ⇒ page 62.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Pres
s the button for the driver assist systems on the
main beam lever.
Trailer
Connect or disconnect the additional display of speed limits and overtaking
prohibitions valid for trailers (trailer mode) in the Settings menu inside with-
in the Seat information system ⇒ page 62. 

224
Driving
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The wheel on one ax
le is changed.
There ma
y be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator  or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sports driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, the ⇒ fig. 154
button on the tyre monitoring indicator must be kept pressed down, with
the ignition on, until a signal is heard. Do the same, for example, when the
front and rear wheels are swapped ⇒ fig. 175.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive load (towing a trailer, heavy
load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the maximum recommended
pressure ⇒  page 293. Press the tyre monitoring indicator button to confirm
the new pressure value. Note
An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use because
the ch ain

s increase the tread of the wheel. 

225
Driving and the environment
Practical tips Drivin g and the en
vironment
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Ru
nnin

g-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 1500 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:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 1000 miles) , gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ pag
e 293
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ pag
e 187 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oi l

consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend lar
g

ely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with v

isibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data