fuel type Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

58
Cockpit
Clock set button 1)
.
– Pre s
s button  to select the hour or minute display.
– To c ontinue settin

g the time, press button 0.0 / SET
7 . Hold button
down t o s

croll through the numbers quickly.
– Press button  again to end the clock setting.
Rev c

ounter (with the engine running, in thousands of revolutions per
minute).
The beginning of the red zone of the rev counter indicates the maxi-
mum speed in any gear after running-in and with the engine hot. How-
ever, it is advisable to change up a gear or move the selector lever to D
(or lift your foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red
zone ⇒  .
Engine c oo

lant temperature display  ⇒ page 283.
Displays on the screen ⇒ page 58.
Fuel reserve display ⇒ page 264.
Speedometer.
Reset knob for trip recorder (trip).
– Press button 0.0 / SET to reset to zero.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only re-
main in the r ed

zone for a short period of time. For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise. 
Displays on screen A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
⇒ 
fig. 35 4 , depending on the vehicle equipment:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 ●
Warning and information texts
● Mil

eage
● Time
● Ambient temperature
● Compass
● Selector lever positions ⇒ page 174
● R

ecommended gear (manual gearbox) ⇒ page 174
● M

ultifunction display (MFI) and menus for different setting options
⇒ page 62
● Ser

vice interval display ⇒ page 61
● Sec

ond speed display (menu Configuration
) ⇒ page 62
● Start/Stop operation indicator ⇒ pag
e 59
Warning and information texts
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Faults in the opera-
tion are displayed on the screen using red and yellow symbols and messag-
es on the instrument panel display ( ⇒ page 54) and, in some cases, with
audible warnings. The display may vary according to the type of instrument
panel fitted. 

59
Cockpit Type of mes-
sag
e Symbol
co lour Meanings
Priority 1
warnin
g. Red Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with
audibl
e w
arnings.
 Stop the vehicle! It is dangerous ⇒  !
Check the f

unction which is faulty and repair.
If necessary, request assistance from special-
ised personnel. Priority 2
warnin
g. Yellow Symbol flashing or lit; partly combined with
audibl
e w

arnings.
A faulty function, or fluids which are below
the correct levels may cause damage to the
vehicle! ⇒  Check the faulty function as soon as possible.
If nec
e

ssary, request assistance from special-
ised personnel. Informative
te
xt

. – Information relating to different vehicle pro-
ce
s
ses. Mileage
The odometer
r

egisters the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the last trip re- corder reset. The last digit of the trip recorder indicates distances of 100
metres or tenths of a mile.
Outside temperature display
When the outside temperature is below +4°C (+39°F), the symbol “ice crys-
tal” (warning of risk of freezing) is also displayed next to the temperature.
At first this symbol flashes and then it remains lit until the outside tempera-
ture rises above +6°C (+43°F) ⇒  .
When the v ehic

le is at a standstill, with the auxiliary heating on
(⇒ page 163), or when travelling at very low speeds, the temperature dis-
played may be higher than the true outside temperature, as a result of the
heat produced by the engine. The temperatures measured range from -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F).
Compa

ss
With the ignition on and the navigation system on, the cardinal point corre-
sponding to the vehicle's direction of travel is displayed on the instrument
panel ⇒ page 60.
Selector lever positions
The range of engaged gears of the selector lever is shown on the side of the
lever, and on the instrument panel display. In positions D and S, and with
the Tiptronic, the corresponding gear is also displayed.
Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear to save fuel is displayed on the instrument panel
while you are driving ⇒ page 174.
Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition to the speedometer, the speed can also be displayed in a differ-
ent unit of measurement (in miles or in km per hour). To change the units, in
the Settings menu, select the option Second speed ⇒ page 62.
Vehicles without menu display on the instrument panel
● Switch on the engine.
● Press button  three times. The odometer display flashes on the instru-
ment p anel

display.
● Press button 0.0 / SET once. “mph” or “km/h” is displayed briefly in-
st e

ad of the odometer.
● This activates the second speed display. To switch it off, repeat the pro-
cedure.
Thi

s option cannot be disconnected in models destined for countries in
which the second speed must always be visible.
Start/Stop operating display
Updated information relating to the status is displayed on the instrument
panel ⇒ page 194. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

221
Driving
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre pressure of each wheel during
drivin
g u
sing the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor the tyre tread pe-
rimeter and vibrations of each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns the driv-
er if it detects a considerable drop in tyre pressure of one or several tyres
while driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indicated by the indicator  as
well as a sound and sometimes a text message on the screen of the instru-
ment panel. When you open the driver's door, you will find a label indicat-
ing the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer for the maximum
vehicle load for each tyre approved for the vehicle in question. By pressing
the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may change the
reference pressure for the tyres so that the tyre pressure to be monitored co-
incides with actual tyre pressure ⇒ page 223.
Suitable use of the adjustment button ⇒ page 223.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒  pag
e 13
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒  pag
e 183
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ pag
e 242
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ pag
e 257 WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pre s

sure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pres
sures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
col

d at all times ⇒ page 297.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
chan
ge the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of ty
re fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator button could result in the
indicat or giv

ing erroneous messages or prevented from indicating the
danger caused by a defective tyre ⇒ page 223. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap is not in place. Check that the
c ap

s are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tightened.
Do not use metal caps ⇒ page 223.
● Do not damage the valves when changing the tyres ⇒ page 223. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

227
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving Fig. 155 Fuel consump-
tion in litre
s
per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead,
you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
workin
g tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 155 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20°C
(+68°F) and at -10°C (+14°F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

231
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Introduction Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trai
l
er and to use a trailer bracket.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers however, it can also
be used to tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the necessary equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and the vehicle performance and, in some cases, reduce the service inter-
vals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from the vehicle and, thus, more
concentration from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted trailer bracket, the Start-Stop func-
tion is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For trailer
brackets not installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated
manually using a button located on the dashboard before driving with a
trailer and it must remain off for the entire journey ⇒  .
Addition a

l information and warnings:
● Anti-theft alarm system ⇒ page 74
● Light

⇒ page 95
● Ec

ological driving ⇒ page 225
● St

arter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 194●
Wheel
s and tyres
⇒ p
age 293
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257 WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
again s

t the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestri
ans and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in
when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balances
the load”.
Your vehicle has not been designed for this type of tow hitch.
The tow hitch may fail and the trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can affect
vehic l

e handling and even cause an accident.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or s
traps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

247
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Insert a new blade of the same l ength and type in the wiper arm in the
opposite direction to the arrow B and hook into place. This feature is op-
eration al
when the knob is in position (arrow A ).
● Replace the wiper arm on the rear window. 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
● Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the glass.
● If pr

oducts containing solvents, rough sponges or sharp objects are
used to c
lean the blades, the graphite layer will be damaged.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
cle

an the windows. 
Caring for and polishing the vehicle paintwork Waxing
Re
gu

lar waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paintwork.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the automatic car wash, SEAT rec-
ommends protecting the paint with a hard wax coating at least twice a year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss can-
not be brought back by applying wax. If the polish does not contain wax, a wax product should be applied after
polishin

g. CAUTION
● To prevent damage, car polish or hard wax should not be used on com-
ponents p

ainted in matt paint, plastic components and the glass headlamp
and tail light covers.
● Do not polish the paintwork if it is dirty, apply polish in dusty or sandy
zones. 
C

leaning chrome parts Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth. SEAT recommends the use of a
chr
ome c

are product to clean stains and dirt from chrome surfaces. Use a
soft dry cloth to polish chrome parts. CAUTION
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
● Do not use abrasive products.
● Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
● Do not polish dirty surfaces. 
Caring for and cleaning anodized surfaces It is not easy to detect the difference between aluminium and an anodized
sur
f

ace, for example, a radiator grille. However, anodized surfaces must not
be treated in the same way as aluminium surfaces. Never use rough spong-
es or cloths to wipe away insect remains. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

255
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Notes for the user Labels and p
latesSome parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cat
e

s of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the passeng-
er's sun visor, on the driver's door strut, or on the floor of the luggage com-
partment.
● Never remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are k
ept in good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is re-
plac
ed, the qualified workshop should attach the information back in the
same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards
and regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible
for road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label*
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation. The vehicle ignition system complies with sev-
eral standards, including the Canadian standard, ICES-002. 
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
acc
or

dance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture. If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an ex-
tended period of time, the ap

plicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deac-
tivate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particu-
larly true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period
of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio or navigation system supplied at the factory does not
work in another country. CAUTION
● SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the
u se of

a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
● SEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
ful

l with the legal requirements of other countries or continents. 
Radio reception and the aerial The aerial of radio and navigation systems fitted at the factory may be
mount
ed in diff

erent parts of the vehicle:
● On the inside of the rear window, next to the rear window heating,
● on the inside of the rear side windows,
● on the inside of the windscreen,
● on the roof of the car.
Aerials
mounted on the inside of a window can be recognised by the fine
wires. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

265
Checking and refilling levels WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the c ani
s
ter while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spar
e fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, f
or example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
av oid d

amage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause seriou
s engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the
wrong fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine run-
ning, the composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel
system and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no cir
cumstances should you re-
fuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty. For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allo w a pr

ofessional to dispose of them. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
nece s

sary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 162 On the instru-
ment p
anel: F

uel gauge
for petrol and diesel. lights up Gauge posi-
tion
⇒ fig. 162 Possible cause ⇒  Solution
 Red mark (ar-
row) The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The r
e

serve tank is be-
ing used ⇒ page 363. Refuel as soon as
pos
s
ible ⇒  .
 Fuel tank not closed
corr
ectly

. Stop the vehicle and
clo
se the t
ank flap
properly. 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.
When the control lamp lights up or the auxiliary heater and the auxiliary
heater running off petrol automatically switch off. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

266
Checking and refilling levels WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in tr affic
and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irre
gular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel s
upply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid runnin
g out of fuel. CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tion s

and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead to
ignition faults
and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This could
damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter! Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ fig. 162
indic
ates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel Fig. 163 Open tank flap
with t
ank

cap attached to
the holder.
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele- phones, aux
iliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Unscrewing the tank cap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
● Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hing
e ⇒ fig. 163.
Refilling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 267.
● If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon a
s the tank is full ⇒  .
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pan s

ion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm. 

267
Checking and refilling levels
Closing the tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush w ith the body
contour. WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel t

ank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries. CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
av oid d

amage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork. For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions Information on bulb replacement
⇒ pag
e 326.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 275, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a Technical Service if you are uncertain. Check the following reg-
ularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ pag
e 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ pag
e 279 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ p
age 283
● Brake fluid level ⇒ pag
e 183
● Tyre pressure ⇒  pag
e 293
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Indicator
s
Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97 WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cident s

and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations. 
Fuel Introduction You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel
f

or your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Bookl et Maintenance Programme
● R

efuelling ⇒ pag e 264
● En

gine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 228
–
–
–
–
–
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data