instrument panel Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Guide

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. 

96Lights and visibility
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 at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust 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 road 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
may result in faults in the vehicle. Turn signal and main beam leverFig. 60 Turn signal and
main beam lever.
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn signal. 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  will 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

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

100Lights and visibility
Switching on and off
How it worksSwitching
on:– With the ignition on, turn the lights control to the position
 and put the turn signal and main beam lever in the
main beam position ⇒ page 96. When the headlight adjust-
ment (automatic also) is activated, the warning lamp lights
up in the instrument panel display .
Switching
off:– Disconnect the on button.
– OR: turn the lights control to a different position to 
⇒ page 97.
– OR: place the turn signal and main beam lever in the
headlight flasher or main beam position ⇒ page 96.
The following conditions can cause the headlight adjustment to fail to turn
off the main beam or fail to do so in time:
●On roads with insufficient lighting with very reflective signs
● If road users are insufficiently lit up, e.g. pedestrians or cyclists
● On closed curves, when the traffic in the opposite direction is partially
hidden, on pronounced slopes
● On roads with traffic in the opposite direction and with a central reserva-
tion barrier when the driver can see through gaps or over it e.g. lorry drivers
● If the camera is damaged or if the power supply has been cut off
● In the event of fog, snow or heavy rain
● In the event of dust or sand storms
● If the windscreen is damaged by the impact from a stone in the camera's
field of vision
● If the camera's field of vision is misted up, dirty or covered by a sticker,
snow or ice.
WARNING
The greater comfort that the headlight adjustment provides (automatic
also) must not cause you to take risks. The system is not a replacement
for driver awareness.
● Always monitor the lights yourself and adjust them depending on the
light, visibility and traffic conditions.
● The headlight adjustment (automatic also) may not correctly detect
all situations and in certain situations may only provide limited function.
● If the windscreen is damaged or modifications are made to the vehi-
cle lighting, this may harm the functioning of the headlight adjustment
(automatic also), for example, if additional headlight are fitted.
Note
Main beam and flashed headlights can be turned on and off manually at
any time with the turn signal and main beam lever ⇒ page 96.
Adhesive strips for headlights or adjusting headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on the other side of the road to the
home country, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers of oncom-
ing vehicles. Therefore, when driving abroad, adhesive strips should be at-
tached to the headlights or the headlights should be adjusted accordingly.
The direction of the headlights can be adjusted from the instrument panel,
in the Tourist light submenu of the Configuration menu
⇒ page 67.
For those vehicles in which it is not possible to adjust the headlights from
the menu, adhesive strips are used to cover certain parts of the headlamp
cover or the headlights may be adjusted at a specialised workshop. For fur-
ther information, please refer to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends
visiting a Technical Service. 

142Seats and storage compartments
Storage compartments
Introduction
Storage compartments must only be used to store light or small objects.
The front central armrest compartment houses the factory-fitted AUX-IN or
multimedia (MEDIA-IN) connection sockets.
The factory-fitted CD changer is located in the left-hand storage compart-
ment of the luggage compartment.
Additional information and warnings:
● Child seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Luggage compartment ⇒ page 126
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 253
● ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet navigation system
WARNING
In the event of sudden braking movements or turns, loose objects may be
thrown around the vehicle interior. This could cause serious injuries to
passengers and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
● Do not transport animals or place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside
the vehicle in: open storage compartments, instrument panel, storage
tray, items of clothing or bags.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
WARNING
Objects falling into the driver's footwell could prevent use of the pedals.
This could lead the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the
risk of a serious accident.
● Make sure the pedals can be used at all times, with no objects rolling
underneath them.
● The floor mat should always be secured to the floor.
● Never place other mats or rugs on top of the original mat supplied by
the factory.
● Make sure that no objects can fall into the driver's footwell while the
vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
● Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating ele-
ment in the rear window and cause damage.
● Do not keep heat-sensitive objects, food or medicines inside the vehi-
cle. Heat and cold could damage them or render them useless.
● Light-transparent objects placed inside the vehicle, such as lenses,
magnifying glasses or transparent suction caps on the windows, could con-
centrate the sun's rays and cause damage to the vehicle.
Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be covered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 

144Seats and storage compartments
Compartment on the instrument panel*
Fig. 104 Storage com-
partment on the instru-
ment panel.
The storage compartment on the instrument panel may have a cover.
To open, press the button on the cover ⇒ fig. 104 (arrow).
To close, press the cover down until it clicks into place. Compartment on the centre consoleFig. 105 Compartment
in the front centre con-
sole.
There is an open compartment on the centre console ⇒ fig. 105 in which
there may be a 12 volt socket ⇒ page 153. 

157
Air conditioning
Air conditioning Climate Control
Introduction
Viewing Climatronic information
The factory-fitted radio or navigation system screen briefly displays informa-
tion relating to Climatronic.
The units of temperature measurement is displayed on the factory-installed
radio or navigation system and, depending on the vehicle equipment, can
be set using the Configuration menu on the instrument panel.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 105
● Auxiliary heating ⇒ page 165
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows increases the risk of serious acci-
dents.
● Ensure that all windows are free of ice and snow and that they are not
fogged up preventing a clear view of everything outside.
● The maximum heat output required to defrost windows quickly is only
available when the engine has reached its normal running temperature.
Only drive when you have good visibility.
WARNING (Continued)
● Always ensure that you use the climate control and heated rear win-
dow to maintain good visibility.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a long period of time. If the
cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switched on, the
windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air inside the passenger compartment will not
be refreshed.
CAUTION
● Switch the climate control system off if you think it may be broken. This
will avoid additional damage. Have the air conditioner checked by a special-
ised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
● Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a cli-
mate control system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system va-
poriser and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter,
leading to a permanently unpleasant smell. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

163
Air conditioning
Air vents
Fig. 125 Air vents in the instrument panel.
Air vents
Never close the air vents ⇒ fig. 125 A
completely to ensure heating, cool-
ing and ventilation inside the vehicle.
● Turn the thumbwheel in the required direction to open and close the air
vents. When the thumbwheel is in the  position, the corresponding air vent
is closed.
● Change the air direction using the ventilation grille lever.
There are other air vents that cannot be adjusted on the instrument panel B
, in the footwell and in the rear area of the interior.
CAUTION
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. Food, medicines and other heat-sensitive objects may be damaged
or made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents.
Note
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and out
through the outlets below the rear window. The slots must not be covered
with items of clothing or other objects. 
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient air from entering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high, selecting manual air recircula-
tion mode for a short period refreshes the vehicle interior more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is switched off when the 
button is pressed or the air distributor turned to  ⇒ 
.
Switching the recirculation mode on and off manually on the air
conditioning (Climatic) 
Switching on: Press the button  until the lamp on the button lights up.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

165
Air conditioning
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater) Introduction
The auxiliary heater is powered by fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank and can
be used while the vehicle is in motion and at a standstill. Select the mode
required (heat or fan) ⇒  page 167 on the instrument panel.
In winter, the auxiliary heater can be used in heat mode before switching on
the ignition to remove any ice, mist or snow from the windscreen (thin lay-
ers only).
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 62
● Refuelling ⇒  page 268
WARNING
The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and col-
ourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never switch on the auxiliary heater or leave it running in places that
are enclosed or unventilated.
● Never program the independent heating system to be activated and
operated in closed, unventilated areas.
WARNING
The components of the auxiliary heater exhaust system heat up a great
deal. This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
CAUTION
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. Food, medicines and other heat-sensitive objects may be damaged
or made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents. 
Switching the auxiliary heater on and off
Switching the auxiliary heater on: Manually using the instant on/off button.⇒ page 159ONManually using the remote control.⇒ page 166
Automatically at the programmed and enabled on
time.⇒ page 167
Switching the auxiliary heater off:
Manually using the instant on/off button for the
climate control system.⇒ page 159
OFFManually using the remote control.⇒ page 166 Automatically after the programmed time.⇒ page 167
Automatically when the light comes on  (fuel re-
serve).⇒ page 268
Automatically when the battery power drops to a
very low level.⇒ page 292
Things to note
After switching the auxiliary heater off, it continues to run for a short period
to completely burn any fuel remaining in the auxiliary heater. The exhaust
fumes are also extracted from the system. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

167
Air conditioning
Range
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle. The remote control, when fitted
with new batteries, has a range of several hundred metres. Obstacles be-
tween the remote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and dis-
charged batteries can considerably reduce the range of the remote control.
An optimum range is obtained by keeping the remote control vertical, with
the aerial A
pointing upwards. When doing so, do not cover the aerial with
your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of two metres between the remote con-
trol and the vehicle.
CAUTION
● The radiofrequency remote control contains electronic components.
Therefore, avoid getting the remote control wet and from being knocked
and protect it from direct sunlight.
● Use of inappropriate batteries may damage the remote control. For this
reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the same voltage,
size and specifications.
For the sake of the environment
● Please dispose of old batteries so that they do not harm the environ-
ment.
● The remote control battery may contain perchlorate. Observe the legal
requirements for their disposal. 
Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle can be programmed for a certain
period. Before programming, check that the day is correctly set in the
Auxiliary heat-
er - day of the week menu ⇒ 
.
Enabling the Auxiliary heater menu on the instrument panel
● From the main menu, select the Auxiliary heater submenu and press the
OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever.
● ALTERNATIVELY: press the  or  arrow buttons on the multi-function
steering wheel until the Auxiliary heater menu is displayed.
Menu optionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come on automati-
cally if required. To do so, select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a .
– Only one timer can be selected. If a timer has been
selected, Prog. ON will be displayed on the screen. If
no timer has been selected, the instrument panel
screen will display Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, select another tim-
er or select the Off option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3Three different timers (hh.mm) can later be selected
using the On option. If the auxiliary heater is to be
switched on for just a certain day of the week, select
the day of the week and the time for the auxiliary heat-
er to come on.
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10 and 60 mi-
nutes and can be set to 5-minute intervals.
Operating modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when the
auxiliary heater is switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Factory settingsThe predefined factory values for the functions of this
menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications