ESP Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Guide

95
Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Introduction The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
mus
t
be observed.
The driver is personally responsible for the correct use and adjustment of
the lights in all situations.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Ch

anging bulbs ⇒ page 326 WARNING
If the headlights are set too high and the main beam is not used correct-
ly, ther e i

s a risk of dazzling or distracting other road users. This could
result in serious accident.
● Always make sure that the headlamps are correctly adjusted.
● Never use the main beam or flashed headlamps as this could dazzle
other drivers. Warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 Driving light totally or partially
fau
lty

. Replace the corresponding
bu
l

b ⇒ page 326.
If all the bulbs are OK, the vehi-
cle should be taken to a speci-
alised workshop if necessary. Fault in adaptive light. ⇒ page 99.
 Rear fog light switched on.
⇒ page 98.
 Fog lights switched on
  Left or right turn signal.
The warnin
g l

amp flashes
twice as fast when a vehicle or
trailer turn signal is faulty. If necessary, check the vehicle
and trai
l
er lighting.  Headlight on or flasher on. ⇒ page 96.
 Headlight adjustment (Light
Ass
i

st) on. ⇒ page 98.
flashes Possible cause Solution
 Fault in the adaptive light sys-
tem. Contact a specialist workshop
⇒ pag
e 98. 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

96
Lights and visibility 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.
● Park the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the e
xhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er roa
d users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Turn signal and main beam lever Fig. 61 Turn signal and
main be
am l

ever.
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn s
ignal. Right-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 98.
Left turn signal. Left-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 98.
Main beam switched on ⇒  . The indicator lamp
 wil
l light up on the
instrument panel.
Flashing the headlamps. The flashed beam comes on if the lever is
pressed. The indicator lamp  will light up.
Push the lever all the way down to turn off the corresponding function.
Convenience indicators
For the convenience turn signals, move the lever as far as possible upwards
or downwards and release the lever. The turn signal will flash three times. 
1 2
3
4

98
Lights and visibility when the ignition is turned
off
when the ignition is on
 Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights
off
. Lights off or daytime driving light
on.
 The guidance lights may be
swit
c

hed on. Automatic dipped beam control
or da
ytime driv
ing light on.  Side light on. Side light on.
 Dipped beam off; if necessa-
ry
, the s

ide light comes on for
a time. Dipped beam switched on.
Fog lights
The warnin
g l

amps  or  on the light switch also indicate that the fog
lights are switched on.
● Switching on the fog lights : Turn the sw
itch to position  or pull out
 to the first stop.
● Switching on the rear fog light : turn the light sw
itch to position  o
pull out  to the maximum.
● To switch off the fog lights, press the light switch or turn it to position .
Audible w
arnings to advise the driver that the lights have not been
switched off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver's door is open, an audible
warning signal is heard in the following cases: This is a reminder to turn off
the lights.
● When the parking light is on ⇒ page 96.
● When the light

switch is in position . WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illumi-
nat e the r

oad ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see
you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility
is poor
. 
Lights and visibility: functions Parking light
When the park
in

g light is switched on,(right or left turn signal), the front
side light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit.
The parking lights will only work with the ignition off.
Daytime driving light
The daytime driving light consists of individual lights in the front head-
lamps.
When the daytime driving light is switched on, only the individual lights
come on ⇒  .
The da ytime lights

are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light switch is in position .
When the light switch is in position , a photo sensor automatically turns
the instrument and switch lighting on and off. Activating the daytime lights Deactivating the daytime lights
Press and hold the turn signal and
main be
am l

ever upwards and back-
wards (right turn signal and light
flasher). Press and hold the turn signal and
main be
am l
ever downwards and
backwards (left turn signal and light
flasher). Switch the ignition on and off for approximately 3 seconds.


99
Lights and visibility
Automatic dipped beam control 
The autom atic
dipped beam control is merely intended as an aid and is not
able to recognise all driving situations.
When the light switch is in position , the vehicle lights and the instru-
ment panel and switch lighting switch on and off automatically in the fol-
lowing situations ⇒  :
Automatic switching on: Automatic switching off or switch to
da
ytime lightin

g: The photo sensor detects
darknes
s,
for example, when driving through a
tunnel. When adequate lighting is detected.
When driving at more than 140 km/
h for a f
ew sec

onds. When driving at less than 65 km/h
for a f
ew minut
es. The rain sensor detects rain and ac-
tivat
e

s the windscreen wipers. When the windscreen wiper has
been inactiv
e f
or a few minutes. Adaptive headlights (AFS)
The ad
aptiv

e headlights only operate when the dipped beam is on and at
speeds of over 10 km/h. When taking a bend, the adaptive headlights auto-
matically light up the road better.
The adaptive headlights can be switched on and off from the infotainment
system.
Static turning lights
When turning slowly to change direction or going round a tight bend, the
static cornering lights automatically come on. The static cornering lights on-
ly work at speeds of less than 40 km/h.
The static cornering lights may be incorporated into the fog lights or the
front headlights, depending upon the equipment. WARNING
If the road is not well lit and other road users cannot see the vehicle well
enough or at a l

l, accidents may occur.
● The automatic dipped beam control ( ) only sw
itches on the dip-
ped beam when there are no changes in brightness, and not, for example
when it is foggy.
● Never drive with daytime lights if the road is not well lit due to weath-
er or lighting condition
s. Daytime lights do not provide enough light to
illuminate the road properly or be seen by other road users. 
Headlight adjustment Headlight adjustment (Light Assist)
The hea
dlight

adjustment automatically connects and disconnects the main
beam headlights depending on the environmental and traffic conditions
and on the speed, within the limitations of the system ⇒  . This is moni-
tor ed b

y a sensor located on the inside of the windscreen, above the interior
rear vision mirror.
Automatic headlight adjustment (Dynamic Light Assist)
The automatic headlight adjustment (Dynamic Light Assist) can reduce or
avoid dazzle for other road users within the limitations of the system ⇒  .
The sys t

em detects other road users and their distance with respect to the
vehicle and covers a certain area of the headlamps. If dazzling other road
users cannot be avoided, the lights are set automatically to dipped beam.
They are regulated with a camera positioned in the support of the interior
rear vision mirror. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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.


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. 

115
Seats and storage compartments
Electrical controls on the front seat* Fig. 76 Adjusting the
front
l
eft seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest. Fig. 77 Adjusting the
lumbar s
up

port.
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mech
anically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat. fig. 76 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
A 1
Move the seat backwards or forwards.
2
and
3 Raise or lower the seat.
2
or
3 Adjust the seat angle.
B Forwards or
backwar ds. Adjust the backrest angle.
fig. 77 Press the corresponding area of the switch:
1
or
2 Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.
3
or
4 Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may
le a

d to severe injuries.
● The front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switc
hed off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any b
utton. CAUTION
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the se ats

or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or
backrest. Note
● It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery
i s

very low.
● Seat adjustment is stopped when the engine is started. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

119
Seats and storage compartments
● Press the required memory button.
● Select
reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror so that you can see, for exam-
ple, the k
erb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the v
ehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
Activating exterior mirror settings
● With the driver's door open and the ignition turned off, push the memo-
ry b
utton of the corresponding door briefly.
● ALTERNATIVELY: With the ignition swit
ched on, hold in the correspond-
ing memory button until the memorised position is reached.
To activate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Open the driver-side door.
● Press and hold any memory button.
● Within the following three seconds, push the button  to open the vehi-
cl e on the

vehicle key. A sound confirms the settings have been activated.
Adjusting the wing mirrors for driving and assigning driver seat settings to
a vehicle key
● Activate the memory function of the vehicle key
● Adjust the front seat and the exterior mirrors.
● Lock the vehicle. The settings are assigned to the vehicle key.
To deactiv
ate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Press and hold the SET button.
● Within the following ten seconds, push the button  to open the vehi-
cl e on the

vehicle key. A sound confirms the settings have been deactiva-
ted. Initialising the seat position memory
The position memor

y system must be initialised if, for example, the driver's
seat has been changed.
Initialisation deletes all memories and assignments for the seat with posi-
tion memory. The memory buttons can then be reprogrammed and the vehi-
cle keys re-assigned.
● Open the driver's door and do not get into the vehicle.
● Operating the seat settings from outside the vehicle.
● Move the angle of the backrest completely forwards.
● Release the control to set the angle and then press again until a sound
is he
ard. Note
The front passenger side wing mirror automatically changes from the posi-
tion st or

ed for reversing as soon as the vehicle moves forward at a speed of
at least 15 km/h or when the gear selection lever is changed to a position
other than R. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

126
Seats and storage compartments WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors
and the tai l
gate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
● Do not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is
open. Childr
en could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tail-
gate from inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to
serious injury or death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
● Never transport people in the luggage compartment. WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a s ud

den manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
obj

ects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they can-
not enter the ar
eas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden
braking or an accident.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed. WARNING (Continued)
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger com-
p ar

tment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash-
board.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets in-
side the v
ehicle and store securely. WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
brak in

g distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured cor-
rectly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
● The vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due
to a ch
ange in the centre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
poss
ible.
● Store heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle a
s possible. CAUTION
● Hard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and ant enn

a of the rear window and cause damage.
● The side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from ob-
jects. Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be co v

ered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 

133
Seats and storage compartments
Installing the net partition behind the front seats
● Hook in the net partition on the left-hand side roof support C . To do
this, guide the r od fr
om up to down.
● Hook in the net partition on the rear right-hand side roof support by
pres
sing on the rod.
● Secure the hooks of the net partition to the attachment rings in the left
and right hand s
ide foot rests on the second row of seats then tighten the
straps.
Removing the net partition
● Loosen the net partition straps.
● Release the net partition hooks from the rings B .
● Release the net partition from the right and left roof supports A or
C by pressing on the rod.
●
Unhook the net partition from the left-hand side roof support.
Fo l

ding in the net partition
● Press on the release button ⇒ fig. 93 2 and bend the rod
A in the di-
rection of the arr

ow with the release o button pressed.
● Press on the release button 3 and bend the rod
B in the direction of
the arro w w

ith the release button pressed.
● Store the net partition securely in the vehicle. WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently thrown in
ca se of

a sudden manoeuvre or braking and especially in accidents caus-
ing serious injury.
● Ensure that the rods are correctly locked in place.
● Even when net partition is correctly fitted, objects must be secured.
● When driving with the net partition, no passengers should be behind
it. Fastening rings*
Fig. 95 In the luggage
comp
ar

tment: fastening
rings
To the front and rear of the luggage compartment, there are fastening rings
for securin
g objects ⇒ fig. 95 (arrows). On some models, the fastening rings
are all the way to the back on the lock carrier plate.
There are other fastening rings located to the left and right hand side of the
second row footrests.
Some models of fastening rings must be lifted to use them. WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged ropes or straps may be released in case of sud-
den brak in

g or an accident. As a result, objects may be fired through the
passenger compartment causing serious injury or death.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
● Secure the ropes and straps to the fastening rings. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data