warning light Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Guide

105
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Recirculation of air conditioning air ⇒ page 157
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibili-
ty.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help
to leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position ⇒ page 107. Control lamp
lights upPossible causeSolution
Windscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
bottle as soon as possible
⇒ page 109.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
may result in faults in the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cy-
cle with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
blades for damage ⇒ fig. 69 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcohol. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle
with water
Fig. 70 In the engine
compartment: wind-
screen washer bottle top.
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up
as required.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 279.
● The washer bottle is marked with the symbol  on the lid ⇒ fig. 70.
● Check there is enough water in the bottle.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT ⇒ 
.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water from freezing ⇒ 
.
Bottle capacity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar products with the
windscreen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water bottle.
CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! 
Rear vision mirror
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Personal convenience settings in the SEAT information system
⇒  page 62
● Seat memory
⇒ page 117
● Changing gear
⇒ page 176
● Braking, stopping and parking
⇒ page 185
WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror contains an electrolytic fluid
which may leak if the mirror is broken. This fluid can cause irritation to
the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respi-
ratory organs, particularly in individuals suffering from asthma or other
illnesses. Make sure that adequate quantities of fresh air enter and leave
the vehicle if it is not possible to open all the doors and windows.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with eyes or skin, wash the
area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek medical ad-
vice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact with shoes or clothing,
wash the area for at least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash shoes
and clothing before wearing them again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash the mouth with plenty of
water for at least 15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless rec-
ommended by a Doctor. Seek medical advice immediately.
CAUTION
If an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror is broken, the electrolytic fluid
may leak out. This fluid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it should be
cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

111
Lights and visibility
Rear vision mirror
Fig. 71 Manual anti-daz-
zle function for rear vi-
sion mirror
Fig. 72 Automatic anti-
dazzle function for rear
vision mirror
The driver should always adjust the rear vision mirror to permit adequate
visibility through the rear window. Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
●
Basic position: point the lever at the bottom of the mirror forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function ⇒ fig. 71.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
Legend for the fig. 72:
warning lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
This function can be activated and deactivated by pressing the rear vision
mirror switch 2
. When it is activated, the warning lamp lights up 1.
When the ignition is on, the sensor 3
automatically moves the rear vision
mirror to the anti-dazzle position depending upon the incidence of the light
from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deactivated when reverse gear is en-
gaged or the interior or reading lights are on.
Note
If the incidence of the light on the sensor is obstructed or prevented, e.g. by
the sun blinds, the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function will
not operate correctly. 
1
23
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113
Lights and visibility
WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirror.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious accident.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision, how-
ever objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cles behind you or in other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is adequate.
CAUTION
● Before entering a car wash, always ensure that the exterior mirrors are
correctly folded in.
● Electrically-folding exterior mirrors should not be folded and unfolded
mechanically as this may damage the electrical operation.
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer nee-
ded. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
● The exterior mirror heating initially heats up with a high power, after two
minutes the heat will depend upon the ambient temperature.
● In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted man-
ually by pressing the edge of the mirror surface. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

118Seats and storage compartments
FunctionAction ⇒ fig. 78To switch system on:Press button . Seat heating is switched on fully.Adjusting the heating
output:Keep pressing button  until the required intensi-
ty is set.
The system switches
off:Keep pressing button  until all of the lights are
switched off ⇒ fig. 78.
WARNING
People whose pain and temperature threshold has been affected by some
kind of medicine, paraplegia or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) may sus-
tain burns to the back, buttocks and legs from use of the seat heating
that may lead to a long healing process or that may never completely
heal. Seek medical advice if you have doubts regarding your health.
● People with a limit pain and temperature threshold must never use
seat heating.
CAUTION
● To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please do
not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion and backrest.
● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials on the seat could dam-
age the seat heating.
● In the event of smells, switch off the seat heating immediately and have
the unit inspected by a Technical Service.
For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when needed. Otherwise, it is an
unnecessary fuel waste. Seat with position memory*
Fig. 80 Memory buttons
on the outside of the
driver seat
Memory buttons
Individual settings for the driver seat and the exterior mirror can be as-
signed to each memory button.
Storing exterior mirror settings for driving forwards
● Connect the automatic parking brake.
● Move the gear lever to neutral.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Adjust the front seat and the exterior mirrors.
● Keep the SET
button held down for more than one second ⇒ fig. 80.
● Press the required memory button for the following 10 seconds. A sound
confirms the settings have been stored.
Storing front passenger exterior mirror settings for driving in reverse gear
● Connect the automatic parking brake.
● Move the gear lever to neutral.
● Switch the ignition on. 

122Seats and storage compartments
The front passenger's frontal airbag must be disconnected ⇒ page 31 if ob-
jects are being transported on the folded front passenger's seat.
Folding the backrest of the front passenger's seat
● Remove any objects from the front passenger's seat cushion ⇒ 
.
● Adjust the front passenger's seat to its lowest position ⇒ page 10.
● Push the head restraint down as far as it will go ⇒ page 10.
● Unlock the backrest of the front passenger's seat in the direction of the
arrow ⇒ fig. 82 1
.
● Fold the backrest of the front passenger's seat forwards in the direction
of the arrow 2
until it is horizontal.
● The backrest of the front passenger's seat must engage safely in its fol-
ded position.
Lifting the backrest of the front passenger seat
● Check that there are no objects or parts of the body in the hinge area.
● Lift the backrest of the front passenger's seat by first unlocking it again
⇒ fig. 83.
● Lift the backrest of the front passenger seat until it is upright. The back-
rest must be engaged.
● The upright backrest of the front passenger's seat must safely engage.
WARNING
Folding and lifting the backrest of the front passenger's seat uncontrolla-
bly or without paying attention may lead to severe injuries.
● Only fold and lift the backrest of the front passenger's seat when the
vehicle is stationary.
● While the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag must remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light
on.
WARNING (Continued)
● Keep your hands, fingers, feet and other body parts out of the hinges
and the seat locking mechanism when folding and unfolding.
● Mats or other objects can be caught in the hinges of the backrest of
the front passenger's seat. This could prevent the backrest from locking
safely when positioned upright.
● The upright backrest of the front passenger's seat must engage. If the
backrest of the front passenger's seat is not locked, it may suddenly
move and cause severe injuries.
WARNING
Seat anchors and hinges exposed when the backrest of the front pas-
senger's seat is folded may lead to severe injuries in the event of an acci-
dent or sudden braking.
● Never carry people or children on the front passenger's seat when the
backrest is folded.
● When the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, only the
outer seat behind the driver on the second row of seats may be occupied.
This also applies to children sitting in a child seat.


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 

135
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING (Continued)
● Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly slide and
change the way the vehicle handles.
● Secure all objects, little and large.
● Never secure a load that is too heavy for the fastening rings.
● Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
Note
● The maximum load of the fastening rings is approximately 3.5 Kn (3.57
Kp).
● You can find suitable transport straps and load securing systems at a
specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Rails and attachment system*
Fig. 96 In the luggage
compartment: System in-
cluding rails, adjustable
attachment elements 1
and adjustable tighten-
ing straps 2.
The rails and attachment system consists of four rails, movable attachment
elements, straps to be secured to the rails and a net with supports to cover baggage ⇒ page 136. The rail and attachment system is designed to se-
cure light objects. If the seats in the third row are to be occupied by passen-
gers then attachment elements should never be placed in the section of the
rails close to the seats
⇒ 
.
Installing the attachment elements
● Fit the attachment element with the ruts facing upwards ⇒ fig. 96 1
to
the upper part of the guide and press downwards.
● Move the attachment element to the desired position.
● Always ensure that the attachment inserts into the guide system ⇒ 
.
Removing the attachment elements
● Remove the attachment element from the guide and pull downwards.
Securing a load
● Pull the strap through the attachment element and secure the load
⇒ 
.
WARNING
In case of an accident or sudden braking, the attachment elements in the
parts of the rails close to the seats of the third row could injure seat oc-
cupants.
● Whenever the seats on the third row are to be occupied, remove the
attachment elements from the rails or move them all the way back.
WARNING
Movable attachment elements that are not secured correctly can be re-
leased from the guide in case of sudden braking or accident. As a result,
objects may be fired through the passenger compartment causing seri-
ous injury or death.
● Always ensure that the movable attachment elements are correctly in-
serted into the guides. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

138Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Baggage net supports that are not secured correctly can be released from
the guide in case of the sudden braking or accident. As a result, objects
may be fired through the passenger compartment causing serious injury
or death.
● Always ensure that the baggage net supports are correctly inserted
into the rails; the red mark should not be visible.
● Never secure a child seat to the baggage net supports.
CAUTION
● The baggage net supports placed on the rail system can be damaged
when folding down seats from the third row or putting them back into posi-
tion and these can also damage the seats themselves. Before folding down
or repositioning the seats, remove the baggage net supports from the rail
system. Retaining hooks
Fig. 99 In the luggage
compartment: retaining
hooks.
On the right-hand side of the luggage compartment, there are folding re-
taining hooks ⇒ fig. 99 that can be used to secure light shopping bags.
● Press the retaining hooks down ⇒ fig. 99 (arrow) and fold them.
● Hook the bags in place.
● After use, raise the hooks again.
WARNING
Never use these hooks to secure objects. In case of sudden braking or an
accident, the hooks could rupture.
CAUTION
The hooks can support a maximum of 2.5 kg (about 5 lbs). 