oil Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Manual structure
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dear SEAT Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjusting the seat position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transporting objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Child seats (accessories) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Integrated child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Operating instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Unlocking and locking
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Vehicle key set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Central locking and locking system . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Panorama sliding sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Windscreen wiper and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Centre armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Loading luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Roof carrier system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Cup holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Ashtray and cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning . . . 155
Climate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater) . . . . . . . . . . 163
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Stopping and starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Braking, stopping and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Start assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Parking sensor system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Park Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Rear Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cruise control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Lane Assist system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Sign Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Practical tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine management and exhaust gas
purific ation sy
stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 242
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . 242
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior . . . . 249
Notes for the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

257
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Selective Catalytic Reduction* (AdBlue) . . . . . . . 271
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 275
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 3
Table of Contents

7
Safe driving
Safety First
Safe driv in
g
Dear SEAT Driver Safety first!
This c

hapter contains important information, tips, suggestions and
warnings that you should read and consider for both your own
safety and for your passengers safety. WARNING
● This manual contains important information concerning the driver's
and p a

ssengers' handling of the vehicle. The other booklets in the on
board manual also contain further information that you should be aware
of for your own safety and for the safety of your passengers.
● Ensure that the onboard documentation is kept in the vehicle at all
times. Thi
s is especially important when lending or selling the vehicle to
another person. 
Tips for driving Introduction Depending upon how you expect to use your vehicle, it may a good idea to
prot
ect

the engine from below. A guard underneath the engine may help to
reduce the risk of damage to the lower part of the vehicle and the oil sump when driving over kerbs, or along dirt tracks or rough roads... SEAT recom-
mends

you have the guard fitted by a SEAT dealer.
Additional information and warnings:
● Ensure you are correctly seated ⇒ page 10
● T

ransporting ⇒ page 13
● St

arting, changing gears, parking ⇒ page 170
● E

cological driving ⇒ page 225
● Not

es for the user ⇒ page 255 WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics
ma y

result in severe accidents and even loss of life.
● Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics may significantly alter per-
ception, affect
reaction times and safety while driving, which could result
in the loss of control of the vehicle. 
Preparing for the journey and safe driving Check list
For
y

our own safety, for the safety of passengers in the car, and for that of
other road users, the following should be checked before and during each
journey ⇒  :
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

9
Safe driving
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol available at the right octane rat-
in g?
● F
or diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available with a low sulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ⇒ page 279) and other en
gine fluids comply-
ing with SEAT specifications available in the destination country?
● Will the navigation system fitted at the factory operate correctly in the
destin
ation country with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination country? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lo w

er quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genu-
ine spare parts. 
Driving along flooded roadways To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded r
o

ad, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The wa-
ter shoul
d never come above the lower edge of the bodywork ⇒  .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
mak in

g it difficult to cross the water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due t

o damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not end
angering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres. CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents s

uch as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts
of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

56
Cockpit  flashes: Engine oil sensor faulty.
⇒ page 279
lights: Insufficient engine oil.
 Fault in airbag system and seat belt tensioners. ⇒ page 31

 Passenger front airbag is off (
PASSENGER AIR-
BAG  ). ⇒ page 31
 Top up "AdBlue", or there is a fault in the "AdBl-
ue" system.
⇒ page 271
 Fuel tank not closed correctly. ⇒ page 264
 Lane Assist is connected, but not active. ⇒ page 216
Green symbols
Symbol Meaning ⇒  See

 Left or right turn signal. ⇒ page 95
Hazard warning lights on. ⇒ page 312
 Use the foot brake! Change
⇒ page 174
Br ak
e
⇒ page 183  Cruise control operating. ⇒ page 212
 Lane Assist is connected and active. ⇒ page 216 Blue symbols
Symbol Meaning
⇒  See
 Headlight on or flasher on.
⇒ 
page 95  Headlight adjustment (Light Assist) on.
Colourless symbols
Symbol Meaning ⇒  See
 Electronic immobiliser active. ⇒ page 170
 Service interval display ⇒ page 61
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle away from the traffic, ensuring that there are no easi-
ly inflammable materials under the vehicle which could come into contact
with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass, fuel).
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
● In any vehicle, the engine compartment is a hazardous area and could
cause severe injury ⇒ page 275. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. 

61
Cockpit
Calibrating compass
To c alibr
ate the compass you must be in one of the valid magnetic zones
with sufficient space to be able to trace a circumference with the vehicle.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Select the Settings
menu followed by the option Compass and Calibrate.
● Confirm the message Des
cribe a complete circumference to calibrate the
compass with OK and then trace a complete circumference driving at ap-
pro x
imately 10 km/h (6 mph).
When the corresponding cardinal point is displayed, the calibration is com-
plete. 
Service interval display The inspection display appears on the instrument panel
⇒ fig. 35 4 .
SEA T m

akes a difference between services with engine oil change (Mainte-
nance Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service).
The service interval display only gives information for service dates which
involve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for exam-
ple, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time or mileage , the service inter-
vals are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service , the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an maintenance service when it is necessary. To establish when the
Maintenance Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use
and individual driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first
appears 20 days before the date established for the corresponding service.
The kilometres remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest 100 km and the remaining time is given in complete days. The
current

service message cannot be viewed until 500 km after the last serv-
ice. Prior to this only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages , a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel  with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few sec-
onds,the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number of
days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km or --- days is displayed on
the instrument panel.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the spanner displayed on the screen flashes for a few sec-
onds. In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off and the vehicle at a standstill,
the current service notification can be read:
● Press the button  on the instrument panel several times until the
sp anner symbo

l is displayed .
● ALTERNATIVELY: select the Settin
gs menu.
● From the Servic
e submenu, select the option Info.
When the service date has past , a minus sign is displayed in front of the
number of kilometres or days. In vehicles with text messages the following
is displayed: Service --- km or --- days ago . Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

63
Cockpit
Summary of the menu structure ■
Multif
unction display (MFI) ⇒ page 66
■ Journey duration
■ Current fuel consumption
■ Average fuel consumption
■ Distance to empty (the distance you can travel with the remaining
fuel)
■ Distance covered
■ Average speed
■ Digital display of speed
■ Oil temperature digital display
■ Speed warning
■ Audio ⇒  Booklet Radio or ⇒  Booklet navigation system
■ Navigation ⇒ Booklet Navigation system
■ Auxiliary heating ⇒ page 163
■ Activation
■ On / Off programme
■ Switching off
■ Timer 1-3
■ Day
■ Time
■ Minute
■ Enabling
■ Duration
■ Operating mode
■ Heat
■ Ventilation
■ Day
■ Default setting
■ Vehicle condition ⇒  page 66 ■
Configuration
⇒ page 67
■ Multifunction display data
■ Journey duration
■ Current fuel consumption
■ Average fuel consumption
■ Distance covered
■ Distance to empty (the distance you can travel with the remaining
fuel)
■ Average speed
■ Digital display of speed
■ Speed warning
■ Compass
■ Convenience ⇒  page 68
■ Open door
■ Manual
■ automatic mode
■ Childproof locks On / Off
■ Anti-theft alarm confirmation On / Off
■ Handling windows
■ Off
■ All
■ Driver
■ Mirror adjustment On / Off
■ Rear-view mirror adjustment
■ Synchronised
■ Individual
■ Default setting
■ Lights & visibility ⇒ page 69
■ Coming Home
■ Leaving Home
■ Footwell light Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

67
Cockpit Menu Function
Average fuel con-
sumption When the ignition is switched on, the average con-
sumption (in l/100 km or in mp
g) i
s displayed after
the vehicle has moved approximately 100 metres
(328 feet). Otherwise horizontal lines are displayed.
The value shown is updated approximately every 5
seconds. Distance to empty
(the dis
t

ance you
can travel with the
remaining fuel) Approximate distance in km (or miles) that can still
be trav
el
led with the fuel remaining in the tank, as-
suming the same style of driving is maintained. This
is calculated using the current fuel consumption. Distance covered Distance travelled, after ignition is switched on, in
km (or mil
e

s). Average speed After the ignition is switched on, the average speed
wi
l

l be shown after a distance of approximately 100
metres (328 feet) has been travelled. Otherwise hori-
zontal lines are displayed. The value shown is upda-
ted approximately every 5 seconds. Digital display of
speed Current speed displayed digitally.
Oil temperature digi-
ta
l

display Updated engine oil temperature digital display
Speed warning to ---
km/h If the stored speed is exceeded (between
30 - 250 km/h, or 18 - 155 mph), an audibl
e w

arning
is given together with a visual warning. Changing between display modes
●
In vehicles without multifunction steering wheel: pres
s the lever.
● Vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel: pres
s  or
 .
Storin g a s
peed for the speed warning
● Select the display Speed warnin
g at --- km/h.
● Press OK to store the current speed and switch off the warning. ●
In addition, set the required speed by pressing the rocker switch on the
w ind

screen wiper lever or buttons  or
 on the multifunction steering
wheel f or 5 sec
onds. Next, press OK again or wait a few seconds. The
speed i s
stored and the warning activated.
● To switch off , pres
s OK . The stored speed is deleted.
Manua l
ly erasing memory 1 or 2
● Select the memory to be erased.
● Press and hold OK for approximately two seconds.
Per son

alising the displays
It is possible to select which of the displays in the multifunction display you
wish to see on the instrument panel in the settings menu. The units of
measurement can also be modified ⇒ page 67. 
Configuration Menu Configuration
Menu Function
Multifunction
dis
p

lay data Configuration of the multifunction display data which you
wi
sh t
o see on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 66. Compass Changing the magnetic region and calibration of the com-
pa
s

s. To calibrate the compass, please follow the instruc-
tions given on the instrument panel display. Convenience Changing vehicle convenience functions
⇒ page 68. Lights & visi-
bi
lity Configuration of vehicle lighting
⇒ page 69. Time Changing the hours and minutes of the clock and the navi-
gation sy
s

tem. The time can be set here and the choice
can be made between the 24 hour and 12 hour display.
The S in the upper part of the display indicates that the
clock is set to summer time. 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

151
Seats and storage compartments
Emptying the ashtray
● Remove the ashtray from the cup holder or lining of the door by pulling
it up w
ards.
● After emptying the ashtray, insert it from above into the cup holder or
door lining. 
Cig

arette lighter Fig. 118 Front centre
con
so

le: lighter.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a lighter to the front of
the centre c
onsole ⇒ fig. 118 or in the compartment to the front of the cen-
tre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
⇒ fig. 118.
● Wait for the cigarette lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
⇒  .
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other se-
rious injurie

s.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition i
s switched on. Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt socket ⇒ pag
e 151.
Sockets Intr oduction Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.
Connect
ed equipment

must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter
⇒ page 150
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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