tow Seat Alhambra 2012 User Guide

80Unlocking and locking
Note
Upon activating the alarm, if any door or the tailgate is open, only the alarm
will be activated. The interior monitoring and anti-tow systems will only be
activated when the doors and tailgate are fully closed. 
Doors Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Central locking and locking system ⇒ page 74
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
WARNING
If a door is not correctly closed, it could open unexpectedly when driving
and cause serious injuries.
● Always stop immediately and close the door.
● When closing, ensure that the door has closed correctly. A closed
door should be flush with the corresponding parts of the bodywork.
● Open and close doors only when nobody is in the way of the door.
WARNING
A door held open by its retainer could be blown closed by the wind or
close if the vehicle is on a hill causing injury.
● When opening and closing doors, always use the door handle.
 Warning indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
At least one vehicle door is
open or not correctly shut.
Stop driving immediately!
Open the corresponding door
and close it immediately.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
If a door is open or incorrectly closed, the indicator  or  on the instru-
ment panel will light.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 
Sliding doors Introduction
Additional information:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Central locking and locking system ⇒ page 74
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318 

84Unlocking and locking
Tailgate
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Central locking ⇒ page 74
● Transporting ⇒  page 13
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
WARNING
Careless and unsuitable locking, opening and closing of the tailgate can
cause accidents and serious injury.
● Open and close the tailgate only when nobody is in the way.
● Do not close the tailgate by pushing it down with your hand on the
rear window. The rear window could break and cause injury.
● Ensure the tailgate is locked after closing, otherwise, it may open un-
expectedly while driving. A closed tailgate should be flush with the cor-
responding parts of the bodywork.
● Always keep the tailgate closed while driving to avoid toxic gases en-
tering the passenger compartment.
● Do not open the tailgate when there is a load carrier installed. Like-
wise, the tailgate cannot be opened when a load is attached to it, for ex-
ample bicycles. An open tailgate could close itself if there is an addition-
al weight on it. If necessary, press down on the tailgate and remove the
load.
● Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors when you are
not using the vehicle. Ensure that nobody remains inside the vehicle.
● Never allow children to play inside or around the vehicle without su-
pervision, especially if the tailgate is open. Children could enter the lug-
gage compartment, close the tailgate and become trapped. Depending
WARNING (Continued)
on the time of the year, temperatures inside a locked and closed vehicle
can be extremely high or extremely low resulting in serious injuries and
illness or even death, particularly for young children.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle key or the central locking button is used, they may be locked in the
vehicle.
CAUTION
Before opening the tailgate, ensure that there is sufficient free space to
open and close it, for example if you are towing a trailer or in a garage. 
Warning indicator
lights upPossible causeSolution
The tailgate is open or not
correctly shut. Stop driving immediately!
Open the tailgate and close it
again.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
A warning appears on the instrument panel  if the tailgate is open or not
properly closed.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 

97
Lights and visibility
The control turn signals are switched on and off from the menu Lights & Visi-
bility on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 62. This function can be dis-
connected at a specialised workshop for those vehicles which do not have
the menu Lights & Visibility .
WARNING
Incorrect use of the headlamps may cause accidents and serious injury,
as the main beam may distract or dazzle other drivers.
Note
● The turn signal only works when the ignition is switched on. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ page 316.
● If a turn signal on the vehicle or trailer is faulty, the warning lamp flash-
es twice as fast as usual.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. 
Turning lights on and off
Fig. 61 Next to the steering wheel: diagram of some of
the types of light switch.
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
In vehicles with tow bar fitted as standard: If the trailer is connected electri-
cally and is fitted with a rear fog light, this is automatically switched off on
the vehicle. Turn the light switch to the required position
⇒ fig. 61:
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

103
Lights and visibility
Sun blind Introduction
WARNING
Sun visors and sun blinds may reduce visibility when open.
● Always roll or fold sun blinds and visors away when not in use.

Sun visors
Fig. 63 Sun visor.
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
● Lower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door ⇒ fig. 63 1
.
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards. Make-up mirror light
There may be a make-up mirror, with a cover, on the rear of the sun visor.
When the cover is opened
2
a light comes on.
The lamp goes out when the make-up mirror cover is closed or the sun visor
is pushed back up.
Note
The light above the sun visor automatically switches off after a few minutes
in certain conditions. This prevents the battery from discharging. 
Rear side window sun blinds
Fig. 64 On the rear
right-hand window: sun
blind.
The sun blinds for the passenger compartment are fitted in the side panels
of the windows. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

107
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioning comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside of the vehicle.
For the intermittent wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash /wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 67 Wipers in service
position.
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ fig. 67. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 279.
● Switching the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ fig. 65 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

126Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted in-
creases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of accidents and
sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● Always fit and adjust the head restraint properly whenever a person
is occupying a seat.
● Refit any removed head restraints immediately so that passengers
are properly protected.
CAUTION
On removing and fitting the head restraint, make sure the head restraint
does not hit the interior roof of the vehicle or the backrest of the front seat.
This could damage the interior roof and other parts of the vehicle. 
Centre armrest
Fig. 88 Front centre arm-
rest. To lift the central armrest, lift it upwards in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 88, setting by setting.
To lower the centre armrest, pull it downwards. Then lower the centre arm-
rest.
WARNING
The centre armrest may limit the freedom of movement of the driver's
arm and cause a serious accident.
● Keep the centre armrest compartments closed while the vehicle is in
motion.
● The centre armrest is not designed for children to sit on! Sitting in
this incorrect position can cause severe injuries.

Loading luggage compartment Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a ver-
tical position. Always use the fastening rings with suitable rope or straps.
Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well as the distri-
bution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving behaviour and
braking ability ⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Airbag system ⇒ page 31
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297 

141
Seats and storage compartments
The position holes are located on the inner side of the rail ⇒ fig. 101.
WARNING
If the base supports and the roof carrier system are incorrectly fitted or
used in an unsuitable manner, the entire system could break free causing
accident and injury.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly instructions into account.
● Only use base supports and roof carrier systems that are not dam-
aged and are correctly fitted.
● The base support should only be fitted to the points indicated in the
diagram ⇒ fig. 101.
● Secure the base supports and roof carrier system correctly.
● Check the screw fittings and attachments before driving and after a
short distance. During each long journey, check the attachments during
every break.
● Always fit the roof carrier system correctly for wheels, skis and surf-
boards.
● Never change or repair the basic supports or roof carrier system.
Note
Read and take into account the instructions included with the roof carrier
system fitted and keep them in the vehicle. 
Loading the roof carrier system
Loads can only be correctly secured when the roof carrier system is correctly
fitted ⇒ .
Maximum authorised roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 100 kg (about 220 lbs). The roof load
includes the roof carrier system and the load being transported ⇒ 
.Always check the roof carrier system weight and the weight of the load to be
transported and, if necessary, weigh them. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
If you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating, you cannot trans-
port the maximum roof load. Do not exceed the maximum weight limit for
the roof carrier given in the fitting instructions.
Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them correctly
⇒ 
.
Check attachments
After fitting the base supports and the roof carrier system, always check the
attachments after a short trip or at regular intervals.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load can result in accidents
and/or vehicle damage.
● Always respect the maximum authorised weight for the roof, the max-
imum authorised weight on the axles and the total maximum authorised
weight of the vehicle.
● Never exceed the capacity of the roof carrier system even if this is
less than the maximum authorised roof load.
● Secure heavy objects towards the front and distribute the load even-
ly.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall from the roof carrier system
causing accidents and injury.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
● Always secure loads correctly.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

160Air conditioning
Some Climatronic controls may also be on the climate control system con-
trol panel located in the rear centre console. These controls are used to
make the appropriate settings for the rear seats.
Control but- tonAdditional information. Climatic ⇒ fig. 122; Climatronic
⇒ fig. 123.
1 Temper- ature
 ... 
Climatic: Rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly. In the position AC MAX, the cooling output will be set to
maximum. The air recirculation mode and the cooling system
are automatically switched on.
Climatronic: The left and right sides can be adjusted sepa-
rately. Rotate the control to adjust the temperature accord-
ingly.
2 Fan
Climatic: Setting 0: Air fan and air conditioning system (man-
ual) switched off, setting 4: Maximum setting of fan.
Climatronic: The power of the fan is automatically adjusted.
Rotate the control to manually adjust the fan.
3 Air dis-
tribution
Climatic: Rotate the continuous control to direct the airflow
to the desired area.
Climatronic: The airflow will be automatically adjusted to a
comfortable flow. It can also be switched on manually with
the buttons 3
.
4Climatronic: Display of the selected interior temperature for
the left and right sides.

Climatic: Defrost function. The airflow is directed at the wind-
screen. In this position, air recirculation is automatically
switched off or is not switched on. Increase the fan power to
clear the windscreen of condensation as soon as possible.
To dry the air the cooling system will automatically switch on.

Climatronic: Defrost function. The air drawn in from outside
the vehicle is directed at the windscreen and air recirculation
is automatically switched off. To defrost the windscreen more
quickly, the air is dehumidified at temperatures over approxi-
mately +3 °C (+38 °F) and the fan runs at maximum output.
Control but-
tonAdditional information. Climatic ⇒ fig. 122; Climatronic
⇒ fig. 123.
The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by
the dashboard air vents.
– Air distribution towards the footwell.
Climatic: Air distribution towards the windscreen and the
footwell.
Climatronic: Upward air distribution.
Heated rear window: Only works when the engine is running
and switches off automatically after a 10 minutes.
Climatic: Air recirculation ⇒ page 163.
Climatronic: Manual and automatic air recirculation
⇒ page 163.
Instant auxiliary heating on/off button ⇒ page 165.
 Buttons for the seat heating ⇒ page 117.

Climatronic: According to the vehicle equipment there may
be a button for the windscreen heating on the air conditioner
control panel. The windscreen heating only works when the
engine is running and switches off automatically after a few
minutes.
Press the button to switch on or off the cooling system.

Climatronic: Accept the temperature selection for the driver
and front passenger sides: When the SYNC button light is lit,
the temperature settings on the driver side also apply to the
passenger side. Press the button or adjust the temperature
control for the passenger side in order to set a different tem-
perature. No lamp lights up on the button. 

169
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction
The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this 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 172
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult 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
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
 (red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.

(yel-
low)
Power steering operation re-
duced.
The steering system should be
checked by a qualified work-
shop 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-
connected and has been re-
connected.Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Stopping and starting the engine
Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault,  or Immo-
biliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be star- ted.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Changing gear ⇒  page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Steering ⇒  page 169
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 196
● Refuelling ⇒  page 268
● Fuel ⇒ page 271
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
● Jump starting ⇒  page 341
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 344
WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult; this could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, safety
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly. 