steering Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Guide

198Driving
Start-Stop Function*
Fig. 140 Detailed view of
the centre console: Start-
Stop function button.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine is automatically switched off when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The engine restarts automatically when required.
The function is enabled automatically whenever the ignition is switched on.
The instrument panel displays information on the current status.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, leave it in neutral and take your foot
off the clutch. The engine switches off.
● Simply depress the clutch pedal to move off again.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress the brake or keep it pressed
down. The engine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you release the brake pedal.
● With the gear lever set to P, the engine will not start until a range of
gears is selected or the accelerator pedal is depressed. Important conditions for the engine to automatically switch off
●
The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The factory-fitted towing bracket must not be electrically connected to a
trailer.
● A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
● The steering wheel must not be turned more than 270 degrees.
● The vehicle has moved since the last stop.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: The temperature inside the vehicle is within
the preset temperature range.
● The temperature set is neither very high nor very low.
● The air conditioning defrost function is not switched on.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has not been manually set to a
high speed.
● The power level of the vehicle's battery is sufficient.
● The vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low.
● The vehicle is not on a steep gradient or slope.
● The front wheels are not overly turned.
● The heated windscreen is not switched on.
● Reverse gear is not engaged.
● The park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the engine
The engine may automatically restart under the following conditions:
● If the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
● If the vehicle moves.
● If the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring the key to restart the engine
The engine must be started using the key under the following conditions: 

199
Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver's door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: If a gear has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off manually
● Press the 
button on the centre console ⇒ 
fig. 140.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when it is
switched off manually.
WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do not work when the engine is
switched off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long period at very high outdoor temper-
atures could damage the vehicle's battery.
Note
● In some cases, you may have to restart the vehicle using the key. Ob-
serve the corresponding message on the instrument panel display.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, Stop will not function;
however, the angle of steering wheel turn does not affect starting the vehi-
cle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

206Driving
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
parallel as possible to the line of parked cars or the kerb.
● When a suitable parking place is displayed on the instrument panel,
stop and select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given on the instrument panel display
● Then, release the steering wheel when the warning signal sounds ⇒ 
:
The system 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 responsible 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 is 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 assist system was activated. ●
A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and press the button 
again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR system is switched off or the ASR or ESC is working.
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly by itself when parking using the park
assist 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
to park on tight bends using the park assist system.
● Even if the park assist system recognises that there is not enough space
for parking 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 is, 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 must 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
parallel 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 relative distance to be covered.
● When the Park Assist system is turning the steering wheel of the stop-
ped vehicle 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. 

207
Driving
● A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length
of the vehicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing
the wheels, the system must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels.
This process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To
help this process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car
park. 
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system
Driving off
● Switch on the engine.
● Press button 
. When the function is enabled, the button
⇒ fig. 145
will light up.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave
the parking space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒ 
in
Parking using the park assist system on page 206: The system 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 responsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system
will stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
●
Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and press the button 
again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR system is switched off or the ASR or ESC is working.
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
space using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the steer-
ing wheel spokes could lead to injuries.

Park Assist brake operation
The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
braking does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒ 
.
Braking to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed.
The parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during
each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In cer-
tain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle
status, load, inclination), the Park Assist system may stop the vehicle com-
pletely before an object. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

209
Driving
Rear Assist system*
Introduction
The camera fitted to the tailgate helps drivers during parking or reversing
manoeuvres. The camera image and certain orientation points generated by
the system are indicated on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen.
Two types of location point (modes) can be selected:
● Mode 1: reverse parking perpendicular to the road (e.g. in a car park).
● Mode 2: reverse parking parallel to the curb.
The mode can be changed by pressing the button on the radio or navigation
system screen. Only the mode to which the points can be changed will be
displayed.
Additional information and warnings:
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Use of the camera to calculate the distance from obstacles (people, vehi-
cles, etc.) is inaccurate and may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● The camera lens expands and distorts the field of vision and displays
the objects on the screen in a different, vague manner.
● Some objects may not be displayed or may not be very clear (e.g. very
thin posts or fences), due to the resolution of the monitor or if the light is
dim.
● The camera has blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Keep the camera lens clean and clear of snow and ice. Do not cover it.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the rear assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless
or uncontrolled use of the rear assist system may result in severe injuries
and accidents. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and always
look towards where you are parking. The display shows the path of the
rear end of the vehicle using the current steering angle. The front of the
vehicle turns more in comparison with the rear.
● Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the cameras do not al-
ways detect children, animals or objects.
● The system might not show all areas clearly.
● Only use the rear assist system when the tailgate is completely
closed.
CAUTION
● The camera only displays 2D images on the screen. Due to the lack of
depth, it might be difficult or impossible to recognise protruding objects or
cracks in the road.
● The cameras may not always be able to detect objects such as thin rails,
fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to your car. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

212Driving
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines displayed on the screen ⇒ fig. 149. All of the
lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located on a horizontal surface
as reference.
Red Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the
vehicle.
Green: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle (somewhat enlarged). The
area displayed green ends around two metres behind the vehicle, on
the road.
Yellow: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle as the steering wheel
turns. The area displayed yellow ends around three metres behind the
vehicle, on the road.
Parking the vehicle
● Stop the vehicle in front of a space and select reverse gear.
● Reverse slowly and turn the steering wheel so that the yellow orientation
lines guide you towards the space 3
.
● Align the vehicle straight in the parking place using the help of the
green orientation lines. 
1
2
3
Parking parallel to the road (mode 2)
Fig. 150 Display: orien-
tation lines and surfaces
for the space behind the
vehicle.
After applying the turn signal indicator, the lines and surfaces not required
are deleted.
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines and surfaces displayed on the screen
⇒ fig. 150. All of the lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located
on a horizontal surface as reference. Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the vehi-
cle.
Vehicle side limit.
Turning point when parking. When the yellow line touches the curb or
another limit of the parking space, the point for changing direction
(magnifying glass) will have been reached.
Free space required to park the vehicle parallel. The surface displayed
must completely fit in the space.
Possible vehicle parked next to the curb. 
1
23
4
5

213
Driving
Parking the vehicle
● Stop the vehicle 1 m away parallel to the parking space and select re-
verse gear.
● Switch on mode 2 on the navigation system screen for parallel parking.
● Slowly reverse and turn the steering wheel so that the surface displayed
yellow on the screen stops in front of any obstacles 5
(e.g. another vehi-
cle).
● Turn the steering wheel fully towards the space and reverse slowly.
● When the yellow line 3
touches the side limit of the space, e.g. the bor-
der or curb (magnifying glass), turn the steering wheel fully in the opposite
direction.
● Continue reversing until the vehicle is inside the space, parallel to the
road. Correct the position if necessary. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

215
Driving
CCS temporarily switched off. The set speed is displayed in small fig-
ures.
System error. Contact a specialised workshop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is displayed in large figures.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. 
A
BCD
Cruise control operation
Fig. 152 On the left of
the steering column: con-
trol lever for cruise con-
trol system.
FunctionControl position,
control operations
⇒ fig. 152Action
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.Click
ON 1
The system is switched on. The
system does not maintain the
speed because there is still no
speed set.
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.SET button AThe current speed is stored and
maintained.
Temporarily
switching off the
cruise control sys-
tem.Press
CANCEL 2or
engage the clutch
or the brakeThe cruise control system is
switched off temporarily. The
speed setting will remain stored.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

217
Driving
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the lane assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the system itself. Careless
or uncontrolled use of the lane assist system may cause accidents and in-
jury. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so you can turn it at
any time.
● The lane assist system does not detect all road markings. In some cir-
cumstances, the poor state of the road, structures located on it or certain
objects may be mistakenly recognised as road markings by the lane as-
sist system. In such situations, switch the lane assist system off immedi-
ately.
● Pay attention to the instructions on the instrument panel display and
act accordingly to its requests.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's surroundings.
Note
The lane assist system has been exclusively developed for driving on as-
phalted roads.
Note
If the lane assist system does not work as described in this chapter, do not
use it and contact a specialised workshop.
Note
If you observe any system malfunction, have the system checked by a speci-
alised workshop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

218Driving
Control lamps
Blinks or lights
upPossible causeSolution
(yellow)Lane assist system con-
nected but inactive.
The system cannot clearly
detect the lane. See and
page 219, The lane assist
system is inactive (control
lamp lit in yellow).
(green)Lane assist system con-
nected and active.–
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.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. Operation mode
Fig. 153 In the sun visor:
Field of vision of the lane
assist system camera.
Using the camera located in the sun visor, the lane assist system detects
the possible lines dividing the lanes. When the vehicle involuntarily ap-
proaches a dividing line it has detected, the system will notify the driver
with a corrective intervention. It is possible to override the corrective inter-
vention at any time.
If the turn signal is connected, there will be no warning as the lane assist
system understands that you wish to change lanes voluntarily.
Steering wheel vibration
The following situations cause the steering wheel to vibrate and require the
driver to take active control of the steering:
● If the limits inherent to the system are reached.
● If the maximum rotational torque during the corrective intervention is
not enough to keep the vehicle inside the lane.
● If during the corrective intervention by the system the lane is no longer
detected. 