warning lights Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Guide

105
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Recirculation of air conditioning air ⇒ p age 155
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● C

aring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
sc r

een if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibili-
ty.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you hav
e 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 seriou s

injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the winds
creen correctly. CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
gla s

s 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 ⇒ page 107. Control lamp lights up Possible cause Solution
 Windscreen wiper fluid level
too lo
w Top up the windscreen wiper
bottle a
s

soon as possible
⇒ page 109. 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. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activ ation time, r
educe the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the w
indscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wa
sh) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cy-
cle w
ith 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.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
sc r

een obstructs visibility. Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
b l

ades for damage ⇒ fig. 70 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcoho
l. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle
with wat

er Fig. 71 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: wind-
screen washer bottle top.
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up
as r
equired.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ pag
e 275.
● The washer bottle is marked with the symbol  on the lid ⇒ fig. 71.
● Check there is enough water in the bottle.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT ⇒  .
Ple a

se follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water fr
om freezing ⇒  .
Bottle c ap
acity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

110
Lights and visibility WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the
wind s
creen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle. CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. Thi

s could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids int
o the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Intr oduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  pag
e 62
● Se

at memory ⇒ page 117
● Ch

anging gear ⇒ page 174
● Br

aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183 WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which m a

y leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to
the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respi-
rator
y 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.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area f
or at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical ad-
vice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing,
wash the ar
ea for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes
and clothing before wearing them again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water f
or at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless rec-
ommended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately. CAUTION
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
ma y

leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

111
Lights and visibility
Rear vision mirror Fig. 72 Manual anti-daz-
zl
e f
unction for rear vi-
sion mirror Fig. 73 Automatic anti-
dazz
l

e function for rear
vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate
vis
ibility through the rear window. Manual anti-dazzle function for rear vision mirror
●
Basic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function ⇒ fig. 72.
Automatic
anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 73:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch 2 . When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up
1 .
When the ignition is on, the sen

sor 3 automatically moves the rear vision
mirr or t

o the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is en-
gaged 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 su n b

linds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly. 
1 2
3
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

113
Lights and visibility WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirr or
.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror br
acket. WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious
accident.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision, how-
ever ob
jects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when chan
ging lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cle

s behind you or in other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is adequate. CAUTION
● Before entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
c orr

ectly folded in.
● Electrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanic
ally 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 nee-
ded. Otherw i

se, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
● The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minut e

s the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
● In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted man-
ually b
y pressing the edge of the mirror surface. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

117
Seats and storage compartments
Seat functions Introduction Additional information and warnings
●
Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Se
at belts ⇒ page 21
● Airb

ag system ⇒ page 31
● Chi

ld seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Int

egrated child seats ⇒ page 46
● Ext

erior mirrors ⇒ page 110
● L

uggage compartment ⇒ page 125 WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can cause severe injuries.
● Assume the proper sitting position before your trip and remain in it
throughout .

This also applies to the other occupants.
● Only adjust the seat position memory when the vehicle is stationary.
● Only switch the lumbar massage function on and off when the vehicle
is s

tationary.
● Keep hands, fingers, feet and other limbs away from the seat operat-
ing and adju
stment radius. Seat heating* Fig. 79 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: front
seat heating controls,
here with the second
temperature level set.
The seat cushions can be heated electrically when the ignition is switch on.
The back
rest is also heated in some versions.
Switch off seat heating if there is nobody in the seat. Function Action ⇒ fig. 79
To switch system on: Press button
. Seat
heating is switched on fully. Adjusting the heating
output: Keep pressing button  unti
l
the required intensi-
ty is set. The system switches
off: Keep pressing button  unti
l
all of the lights are
switched off ⇒ fig. 79. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

159
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning Control
butt on Additional information. Climatic
⇒ fig. 121; Climatr onic
⇒ fig. 122.  Climatronic: tran
sf
erring the driver's seat temperature set-
tings to the other seats. If the  button is not lit up, the set
temper at
ure in the driver's seat will also apply to the other
seats.
Press the button or the temperature control for the front pas-
senger's seat or the rear seats to set them to a different tem-
perature. The button lights with an indicator.
Vehicles with auxiliary heating: observe the description of the AUTO button.
AUTO Automatic temperature, fan, and air distribution control.
WARNING
Never turn off the air fan for a long time or the air in the passenger com-
par tment

will not be refreshed.
● Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver and passen-
ger conc
entration possibly resulting in a serious accident. Note
● Not all Climatronic buttons are operational in REAR mode.
● The REAR button is locked in defrost mode.
Rear operation Fig. 123 Details of the
re
ar oper

ation. Rotary
contr o

l
⇒ fig. 123 Description
A
Temperature selector
B
Air flow regulator 
Climate control user instructions The cooling system only works when the engine is running and fan is
swit
c

hed on.
The climate control system operates most effectively with the windows and
the sliding panoramic roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up af-
ter standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more
quickly by opening the windows briefly. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

166
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Checking programming
If the timer h
as been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button  will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in c lo

sed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain
carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death. 
Operating instructions The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
cl
e

ar of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be ob-
structed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the pas-
senger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned to-
wards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be affec-
ted.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxili-
ary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching
the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater. Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
●
The auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the batt
ery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off auto-
matically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
● The heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switc
hed back on every time it is required. Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary heater is running.
● When the air humidity i

s high and the outside temperature low, the
heating sy
stem may evaporate condensation from the auxiliary heater. In
this case, steam may be released from underneath the vehicle. This is com-
pletely normal and there is no need to suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times over a prolonged period, the ve-
hicle b
attery may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive the vehicle for a
long distance. In general: drive for as much time as the auxiliary heating
was working. 

167
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of thi
s
steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● T

ow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 340WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more diffic u

lt to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Power steering faulty. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible. 
(yel-
lo w) Power steering operation re-
duced. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop. The vehicle battery was dis-
connect
ed and h

as been re-
connected. Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

172
Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a k ey
which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Pres
s and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury .
● A

lways take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine cou
ld accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the c
ar in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the v

ehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key
can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1. Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
comp
l

eted. 1 a. In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Pres
s the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts. 2. Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position
P
or N. 3. Only in vehicles with diesel engine:
To prehe
at, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 127 1 . A warning lamp
lights up in the c ontr
ol panel . 4. Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
⇒ fig. 127 2 ; do
not pr e

ss the accelerator. 5. When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6. If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minut
e. 7. Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
st
ar

t driving ⇒ page 183. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
cou l

d move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 