Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

269
Checking and refilling levels
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
r ec
ommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
repl
acement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic
converter and could damage it. 
Diesel Diesel fuel
Diesel
f

uel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter serv-
ice intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme ⇒  . Your qualified work-
shop wi l

l be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0°C (+32°F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low
as -20°C (-4°F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available. A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temper

atures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will de-
pend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This en-
sures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24°C (-11.2°F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C (+5°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24°C (-11.2°F), simply place the vehicle in a
warm garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam
may be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it
is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off. WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sud den ri

se in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious in-
jury. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

270
Checking and refilling levels CAUTION
● The vehicle is not pr epared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and sub-
sequently lead to engine faults!
● The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standar
d EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example)
is authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel
system.
● The diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefor
e, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composi-
tion of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the en-
gine.
● The use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considera-
bly r
educe the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your qualified work-
shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content. 
Information on fuel consumption The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehic
l

e. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different ve-
hicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions of a vehicle not on-
ly depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.
Calculating fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the cur-
rent version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows: Urban cycle Measurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
st
ar

t. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50 km/
h. Road cycle In the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent ac-
cel
er

ation and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h. Combined The average combined consumption is calculated with a
weightin
g of

around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle. CO
2 emis-
s ion

s of the
combination The exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles
to c
alc
ulate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO 2 con-
tent and other emissions. Note
● The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This
c ou

ld raise consumption and the CO 2 emissions slightly.
● In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calcula-
ted ba
sed on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations. 

271
Checking and refilling levels
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue)
Introduction The AdBlue fill level must be checked when the vehicle is being serviced
⇒ Bookl
et
Maintenance Programme.
Additional information and warnings:
● Luggage compartment ⇒ p
age 125
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● Wheels

and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle may not restart after switch-
ing the ignition off .

The emergency start or jump start will not be possi-
ble either!
● Top up with AdBlue at the latest 1000 km or 600 miles before it runs
out.
● Do not a

llow the AdBlue to run too low. WARNING
AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can cause injuries if it touches
the skin, ey e

s or respiratory organs.
● If AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin, rinse for at least 15 mi-
nutes
with plenty of water and seek medical help.
● If the AdBlue is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of water for at
lea

st 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless recommended by
a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately. CAUTION
AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted vehicle parts, plastic, items of
clothin g and c

arpets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as quickly as possi-
ble using a damp cloth and plenty of cold water.
● If the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with warm water and a sponge. 
Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 (red) The engine cannot be restar-
ted!
The l

evel of AdBlue is too
low. Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
saf
e and fl
at area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required ⇒ page 273.  (red)
with
 The engine cannot be restar-
ted!
AdBlue sy

stem malfunc-
tion. Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the sy
s
tem checked there. 
(yel-
lo w) The AdBlue reserve is low. Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metre
s

or miles as indicated
⇒ page 273. SEAT recommends
contacting a specialist work-
shop.  (red)
with
 There is a fault in the AdBlue
sys
t

em or unsuitable AdBlue
fluid has been used. Contact a specialist workshop.
Have the sy
s
tem checked there. Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is
sw

itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

272
Checking and refilling levels WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a
y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. 
Information on AdBlue In vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction, a special urea solution (AdBl-
ue) is
inj

ected into the exhaust gas system in front of the catalytic converter
to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
The consumption of AdBlue depends on individual driving style, the tem-
perature at which the system operates and the outside temperature where
the vehicle is driven. AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the vehicle and should be refilled
at an offici

al supplier. The AdBlue tank holds about 17 litres.
A message will be displayed on the instrument panel around 2400 km be-
fore the next service to indicate that AdBlue must be refilled ⇒ page 273. If
you ignore this message and do not refill, you will be unable to start the en-
gine afterwards ⇒ page 271.
SEAT recommends contacting a specialist workshop. If you are unable to
visit a qualified specialist workshop, you should temporarily refill with a
minimum of 10.0 litres of AdBlue. Only refill using AdBlue expressly ap-
proved by SEAT.
When the indicators  and  light simultaneously, there is a fault. SEAT
recommends visiting the closest qualified workshop.
AdBlue ®
is a registered trademark in the US, Germany, the European Union
and other countries belonging to the German automobile industry ("Ver-
band der Automobilindustrie e. V.", VDA). 

273
Checking and refilling levels
Refilling AdBlue Fig. 164 At the rear left
of the lug
g
age compart-
ment: AdBlue tank, be-
hind a cover panel. Fig. 165 AdBlue tank with filler neck cap and refilling
bottle.
T o r

efill AdBlue, the vehicle must be on flat ground and not, for example,
parked on a k
erb or slope. If the vehicle is not on flat ground then the filling
indicator cannot measure the filling quantity. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

274
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the tank filling neck
● Open the tailgate.
● Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise ⇒ fig. 164 and open the cov er
forwards.
● Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ fig. 165 1 anticlockwise.
Refi l

ling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT and that complies with the
ISO 22241-1 Standard. Only use genuine bottles.
● Observe the instructions and information provided by the refill bottle
manufact
urer.
● Observe the expiry date.
● Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
● Place the refill bottle 2 upside down inside the tank filler neck.
● Press the refill bottle against the filler neck and keep in this position.
● Add at least 10 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles). A lower quantity
would be
insufficient.
● Wait until the contents of the refill bottle have been poured into the
AdBlue tank. Do not c
rush or damage the bottle!
● Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and remove it carefully ⇒  .
● You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full because the bottle will be emp-
ty.
C lo

sing the tank filling neck
● Screw on the tank filler neck cap 1 clockwise until it is fully inserted.
● Place the cover and turn the shut off anticlockwise to close it.
Operation s

before driving
● Only switch the ignition on after refilling.
● Keep the ignition sw

itch on for at least 30 seconds so that the system
detects t
ank refilling.
● Wait 30 seconds before starting the engine! WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container, tightly shut and in a safe
pl ac

e.
● Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bottles or other containers to
avoid other peopl
e mistaking it for something else.
● Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small children. CAUTION
● Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT. The use of any oth-
er type of AdBlue c

ould cause engine damage!
● AdBlue should never be mixed with water or any other additives. Any
type of dam
age caused by a mixture will not be covered by the warranty.
● Do not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise you may damage
the engine.
● Never l

eave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It could become permeable
due to temper
ature changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue could dam-
age the vehicle interior. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-friendly manner. Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be purchased from a Technical Service. 

275
Checking and refilling levels
Working in the engine compartment Introduction Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
park
ed on horiz
ontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒  ! Have
the work c

arried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 105
● St

art and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● Br

ake fluid ⇒ page 183
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● Chec

ks when filling up ⇒ page 264
● En

gine oil ⇒ page 279
● En

gine coolant ⇒ page 283
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If y

ou must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stand
s additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries. WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury .
● F

or all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
ful

ly and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
famili
ar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Technical Service to carry out the necessary work. In-
correct work can cause serious injuries.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine comp
artment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
● Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause b
urns. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

276
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Onc e the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
openin g the bonnet:
– T
urn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the g
ear stick in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them uns
upervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised!
Do not un
screw the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it
.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
ste
am using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhau
st system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as c

ausing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
● T

o minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences
while the en
gine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps. WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injur

y.
● Never place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
bla

des could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine runnin
g, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with
the utmost caution.
–Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and lon
g hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive.
The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tool
s, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire. WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
comp ar

tment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks. 

277
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
● Nev er pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
en gine p
arts and cause injuries.
● If it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
ple

ase follow the instructions below:
– Always disconnect the vehicle battery. When disconnecting the
batter
y, ensure that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise the antitheft
alarm will be triggered.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames
or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extin-
guisher clo
se by. CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right t

ank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
shoul d m

ake regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take
the vehicle to a specialist workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or
other fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. 
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment Checklist
Carr
y

out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment ⇒  : ●
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
● Pre

ss and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
● Mo

ve the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 174.
● St

op the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
● W

ait for the engine to cool down.
● Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
● Ens

ure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly. WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in seri-
ous injur

y.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

278
Checking and refilling levels
Opening and closing the bonnet Fig. 166 In the footwell
on the driver s
ide: L
ever
for unlocking the bonnet. Fig. 167 Release lever to
open the bonnet in the
r a

diator grille.
Opening the bonnet
The lever t
o open the bonnet can only be used if the driver's door is open. ●
Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in p
lace against the windscreen ⇒  .
● Open the driver's door.
● Pull the release lever ⇒ fig. 166 in the direction of the arr
ow. The bonnet
is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒  .
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever ⇒ fig. 167 (arrow) and open the
bonnet
fully. The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
● To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure
⇒  .
● Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier. Do not pre
ss down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
le av

ing the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the lockin
g mechanism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be flush with
the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immedi
ately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
rang
e. 