ESP Seat Alhambra 2011 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2011, Model line: Alhambra, Model: Seat Alhambra 2011Pages: 385, PDF Size: 7.92 MB
Page 185 of 385
183
Driving
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction The assisted braking systems include the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
the br
ak
e assist system (BAS), the electronic differential system (EDS), the
ASR traction control system (TCS) and the ESC electronic stabilisation pro-
gram (ESP).
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 233
● St
art assist systems ⇒ page 194
● Wheel
s and tyres ⇒ page 293
● A
ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous ac
cident.
● If lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument
panel, please go immediately to a specialist workshop to check
the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
st eerin
g lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control. WARNING (Continued)
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
c ome in c
ontact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Always apply the electronic parking brake when you leave your vehi-
cle and when
you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
coul
d release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always 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. CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x
ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data
Page 186 of 385
184
Driving
Warning and control lamps lights up Possible cause ⇒ Solution
(red) Together with the control
lamp
on the b
utton: Elec-
tronic parking brake on. ⇒ page 185
Fault in the brake system
Stop the vehicle!
Seek pr
ofessional assistance!
⇒ page 187. Brake fluid level inadequate.
Do not drive on!
Chec k
brake fluid level
⇒ page 192. Together with the ABS con-
tro
l
lamp : ABS fault. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS. (red) Brake pedal not pressed! Press brake pedal to the floor.
(yel-
lo w) Front brake pads worn. Contact a specialist workshop
immediat
ely
. Inspect all the
brake pads and replace as nec-
essary.
(yel-
lo w) ESC (ESP) disconnected by
sys
t
em. Switching the ignition on and
off If
nec
essary, drive for a short
distance. Fault in ESC (ESP). Contact a specialist workshop.
Together with the ABS con-
tro
l
lamp : Fault in ABS. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS. The battery has been recon-
nected.
⇒ page 288
(yellow) ASR (TCS) manually deactiva-
ted. Turn on the ASR (TCS)
⇒ pag
e 191. ASR (T
CS) is auto-
matically activated when the ig-
nition is switched on or off. lights up Possible cause ⇒ Solution
(yel-
lo w) Together with the ESC (ESP)
contr
o
l lamp : Fault in ABS. Contact a specialist workshop.
The v
ehic
le can be braked with-
out ABS. Together with the warning
lamp
or : ABS fault. (yel-
lo w) Together with the warning
lamp
flashing: Electronic
parking brake faulty. Contact a specialist workshop.
(green) Brake pedal not pressed. Press the brake pedal to select
a ge
ar r
atio. Press the brake pedal to discon-
nect the el
ectr
onic parking
brake ⇒ page 185. flashes Possible cause ⇒ Solution
(red) Electronic parking brake faul-
ty.
The c
ontrol lamp may
light up at the same time or
the control lamp may flash
on the button. Contact a specialised work-
shop, a
s
it may not be possible
to park the vehicle in safety. (yel-
lo w) ESC (ESP) or ASR (TCS) regu-
lat
or
. Take your foot off the accelera-
tor
. Adju
st your driving style to
the road conditions. 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. 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.
Page 188 of 385
186
Driving
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electr onic
parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her
seat belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recogni-
ses that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal ⇒ !
● Pull button hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be ac-
c omp
anied by the corresponding warning chime.
● To stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator. WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious ac-
cident .
● Nev
er use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in
an emergency
. The braking distance is considerably longer, because
braking is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a ge
ar or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if
the parking brake is applied. Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released
and the ac c
elerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake
is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the elec-
tronic p
arking brake. Use the jump-start ⇒ page 337. ●
When the electronic
parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the
syst
em sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehi-
cle is at a standstill.
Parking When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To p
ark
the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ .
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
● F
or an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the rev
erse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additiona
l information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
Page 190 of 385
188
Driving
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brak e ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their max imum br
aking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
alwa
ys take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between y
ou and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
cr e
ase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly
.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking ef-
fect and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brake
s and cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
brak in
g distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when we
ather, road and traffic conditions permit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
dist
ance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the br
ake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
nec e
ssary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Page 191 of 385
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
Page 192 of 385
190
Driving
wheels are prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only
inter v
enes when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned,
the normal ABS is activated.
Braking assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating ASR (TCS)
In the event of wheelspin, the ASR (TCS) reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. The ASR (TCS) makes some situations easier,
for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in unfavoura-
ble road conditions.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched on or off manually ⇒ page 191.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDS is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down. WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicl e c
ontrol and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Even though the braking assist systems ABS, BAS,
EDS, ASR (TCS) and ESC (ESP) provide more security, do not take unnec-
essary risks while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC
(ESP) and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be
dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact w
ith the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Braking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does
not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions.
● Even though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
contro
l the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow
, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
braking assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC (ESP) can be considerably reduced if other
component s
and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained
or are not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes,
tyres and other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect
operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC (ESP).
Page 193 of 385
191
Driving WARNING (Continued)
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
c omb
inations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC
(ESP) and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC (ESP) depends on the use of suita-
ble ty
res ⇒ page 293. Note
● To ensure that the ESC (ESP) and ASR (TCS) work properly, all four
wheel s
must be fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radi-
us of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is
not desired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESC (ESP), ASR (TCS) and
EDS w
ill also be affected.
● Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating.
Turning on and off the ASR (TCS) Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centr
e c
onsole: but-
ton used to switch ASR
(TCS) on and off (vehicles
with ESC (ESP)). The electronic stabilisation control ESC (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and ASR
(TCS) and on
ly works when the engine is running.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing
the OFF ⇒ fig. 136 butt
on.
The ASR (TCS) (and similar) is only switched off
when the required traction is not obtained:
● When driving through deep snow or on loose ground (gravel...).
● When freeing a trapped vehicle.
Turn the ASR (TC
S) back on by pressing the button OFF ⇒ fig. 136.
Brake fluid Fig. 137 In the engine
comp
ar
tment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is
too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the sys-
tem. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data
Page 204 of 385
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.
Page 205 of 385
203
Driving
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
k ept
clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parkin
g.
● 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. Note
Contact a specialist workshop with any system faults. SEAT recommends
vi s
iting a Technical Service.
Parking using the park assist system Fig. 144 Detailed view of
the centr
e c
onsole: but-
ton to switch the park as-
sist system on manually. Fig. 145 Gap detected: Engage the reverse gear to park (parallel or nose/tail to the
kerb).
Pr ep
aring to park
● The traction control system ASR (TCS) must be turned on ⇒ page 183.
● P
arallel parking: pres
s the button at speeds up to 50 km/h
once.
When the f
unction is enabled, the button ⇒ fig. 144 will light up.
● Perpendicular parking: pres
s the button at speeds up to 50 km/h
twic e
. When the function is enabled, the button ⇒ fig. 144 will light up.
● If necessary, press the button once more to change parking mode.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which a gap is to be detec-
ted f or p
arking. The instrument panel displays the side corresponding to the
road. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data
Page 206 of 385
204
Driving
Parking
● Parking parallel to the road: Drive next to the gap at a speed of no more
than 40 km/h and at a distance of between 0.5 m and 2 m.
● Parking perpendicular to the road: Drive next
to the gap at a speed of no
more than 20 km/h and at a distance of between 0.5 m and 2 m.
● The best parking results will be achieved if you position the vehicle as
paral
lel as possible to the line of parked cars or the kerb.
● When a suitable parking place is displayed on the instrument panel,
stop and sel
ect reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given on the instrument panel display
● Then, release the steering wheel when the warning signal sounds ⇒ :
The sys t
em will move the steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
● The park
assist system is only r
esponsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system until the ma-
noeuvre i
s completed.
● The park assist system steers the vehicle forwards and backwards until
it is
in a straight position in the parking space.
● The manoeuvre is complete when the corresponding indication is given
on the instrument
panel display.
Stopping the parking manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
● Press button .
● Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● The parking manoeuvre has not been completed after six minutes since
the park a
ssist system was activated. ●
A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and pre
ss the button again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR (TCS) system is switched off or the ASR (TCS) or ESC (ESP) is
work in
g. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly by itself when parking using the park
as s
ist system. Placing your hand between the steering wheel spokes
could lead to injuries. Note
● The park assist system has its limitations. For example, it is not possible
t o p
ark on tight bends using the park assist system.
● Even if the park assist system recognises that there is not enough space
for park
ing the vehicle, the display screen on the instrument panel will still
display this place. In this case, the parking manoeuvre should not be re-
quested.
● Changing gears between forward and reverse gears before indicated
(that i
s, before the signal from the parking sensor system) the parking re-
sults may not be ideal.
● For parallel parking (parallel to the road), a sound will tell the driver
when they mus
t change from forward gears to reverse; the signal from the
parking sensor system does not indicate changes of direction.
● The park assist can also be activated afterwards, if you pass close to a
paral
lel parking space at a maximum of 40 km an hour or close to be per-
pendicular parking space at about 20 km an hour then press the button .
● The progress bar on the screen of the instrument panel shows a display
of the r el
ative distance to be covered.
● When the Park Assist system is turning the steering wheel of the stop-
ped vehic
le the symbol is also displayed. Press on the brake pedal so
that the steering can turn with the vehicle at a standstill and thus reduce
the number of manoeuvres.