belt Seat Alhambra 2012 Service Manual

175
Driving
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Never use start boosters.
CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn or flat, the engine cannot be
started with the starter button. In this case, remove the ignition button from
the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off
temporarily when the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
● At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F), smoke may be given off below the
vehicle when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step 1.Stopping the vehicle completely
⇒ .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P.4.Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 0.6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. To stop, the brake
pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
will not be possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately two minutes in neutral before switching it off. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

188Driving
Automatic release of the electronic parking brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically released when the vehicle
starts moving, if the driver's door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her
seat belt. In vehicles with a manual gearbox the clutch pedal should also be
pressed to the floor before starting the engine so that the system recogni-
ses that the parking brake should be released.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if the vehicle cannot be stopped
with the brake pedal ⇒ 
!
● Pull button 
hard to stop the vehicle. The warning display will be ac-
companied by the corresponding warning chime.
● To stop the braking process, release the button or press the accelerator.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking brake may result in serious ac-
cident.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle except in
an emergency. The braking distance is considerably longer, because
braking is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a gear or a gear range engaged. The vehicle could move, even if
the parking brake is applied.
Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: When the clutch pedal is released
and the accelerator pressed at the same time, the electronic parking brake
is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be possible to disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake. Use the jump-start ⇒ page 341. ●
When the electronic parking brake is applied or released, noises may be
heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long while, the
system sometimes performs automatic and audible checks while the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. 
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ 
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 187.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb. 

197
Driving
If any of the conditions necessary for the Auto Hold function change while
the vehicle stopped, the system is turned off as is the indicator on the but-
ton ⇒ fig. 139. The electronic parking brake engages where necessary to
park the vehicle safely ⇒ 
.
Conditions for keeping the vehicle at a standstill with Auto Hold:
● The driver's door must be closed.
● The driver's seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine must be running.
● The ASR system is switched on ⇒ page 185.
Switching Auto Hold on and off manually
Press the AUTO HOLD
button ⇒ . The control lamp on the button switches
off when the Auto Hold function is switched off.
Permanent Auto Hold connection
The Auto Hold function must be switched on every time the engine is star-
ted. However, to switch the Auto Hold function on permanently, the mark
must be switched on in the Settings menu, “Autohold” submenu
⇒ page 62.
Auto Hold works automatically under the following conditions:
All points must be fulfilled simultaneously ⇒ : manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox1.If the vehicle is stopped using the brake pedal on a flat or slope.2.The engine must be running smoothly.3.On a slope, the 1st gear is engag-
ed uphill or the reverse gear is en-
gaged for a downhill. The clutch
must be held down.A gear for driving is selected from
R, D or S.
Upon accelerating and pressing in
the clutch simultaneously, the
brake releases gradually.Upon accelerating, the brake re-
leases gradually.
Auto Hold turns off automatically under the following conditions:
manual gearboxAutomatic gearbox1.If one of the conditions mentioned in table on page 197 changes.2.If the engine is not running regularly or if there is a malfunction.3.When changing to idle speed.If the selector lever is placed in
neutral (N).
4.If the engine is turned off or stalls.If the engine is switched off.5.If the driver accelerates while
pressing the clutch in.If the vehicle is accelerated.
6. When one of the wheels has mini-
mal contact with the ground (for
example, on uneven ground).
WARNING
The Auto Hold technology is limited by the laws of physics. The improved
comfort provided by Auto Hold should never prompt you to take risks.
● Never leave the vehicle running and with the Auto Hold function
switched on.
● Auto Hold cannot always stop the vehicle uphill and downhill (for ex-
ample, if the ground is slippery or frozen).
CAUTION
Before entering an automatic car wash, always switch the Auto Hold func-
tion off, as it could be damaged when the electronic parking brake automat-
ically engages. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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

224Driving
Switching on and off
The system can be switched on or off in the Assistants menu. If an assis-
tance system is switched on, this is indicated with a mark.
Limited operation
The tiredness detection function is subject to certain limitations. Therefore
it is possible that in some driving situations behaviour at the wheel cannot
be correctly interpreted. E.g. in the following situations:
● at speeds lower than 65 km/h (40 mph),
● in sections with corners,
● on roads in poor condition,
● in the event of adverse weather conditions,
● when a sporty driving style is employed,
● in the event of a major distraction for the driver,
The tiredness detection function switches off when the ignition is switched
off or when the driver unbuckles their seat belt and opens the door. When
driving over a long period of time at a speed below about 65 km/h (40
mph), the system automatically stops evaluating tiredness. If driving speed
is then increased, the behaviour at the wheel will again be evaluated. 

254Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
The longer stains or dirt remain on the vehicle surfaces, especially the fab-
rics covering the padded upholstery, the more difficult it becomes to clean
and maintain them. If stains and dirt are left for a long time, it may be that
they are impossible to remove.
WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. Using unsuitable car-care
products or, using them in the wrong way, may cause accidents, serious
injury, burns or intoxication.
● Keep your car-care products in their original containers.
● Read the instructions.
● Never keep car-care products in empty food containers, bottles or
other similar containers, other people may confuse them.
● Keep all car-care products out of the reach of children.
● Some products may give off harmful vapours during use. Therefore,
they should be used outdoors in well-ventilated places.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail-varnish remover or any
other volatile product for washing, maintenance or cleaning. These are
toxic and highly flammable.
WARNING
Unsuitable maintenance and cleaning of vehicle components may impair
proper operation of safety equipment and cause serious injury.
● Maintain and clean vehicle components according to the manufactur-
er's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
CAUTION
● Cleaning products which contain solvents have a corrosive effect and
may damage the material irreparably.
● Stains and dirt containing aggressive substances or solvents attack the
material and may damage it irreparably, even when they are cleaned quick-
ly.
● Dirt and stains should not be allowed to dry and should be cleaned as
quickly as possible.
● In the case of stubborn stains, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to avoid damage. 
Treating your upholstery
Checklist
To treat and maintain your seat upholstery, keep the following in mind ⇒ 
:
¥ Before entering the vehicle, close any Velcro fasteners that might
snag on the upholstery or trim fabric. Any open Velcro fasteners may
damage the trim or upholstery fabrics.
¥ To prevent damage, avoid direct contact between sharp decorative
objects and the upholstery and trim fabrics. Decorative objects in-
clude zips, rivets and rhinestones on clothing and belts.
¥ From time to time, clean the dust that gathers in the perforations,
folds and seams so that the surfaces of the seats are not damaged
by its abrasive effect.
¥ Make sure clothes are colour-fast to avoid them running and staining
the upholstery. This is especially important if the upholstery is light
in colour.


258Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
WARNING
Solvents cause the surfaces of the airbag modules to become porous. If
an airbag is accidentally triggered, the detachment of plastic parts could
cause serious injury.
● Never clean the instrument panel and the surfaces of the airbag mod-
ules with cleaners containing solvents.

Cleaning seat belts
If the seat belt is very dirty, the belt retractor may not work correctly thus
preventing the seat belt from operating correctly.
The seat belts should never be removed from the vehicle for cleaning.
● Use a soft brush to remove the worst dirt ⇒ 
.
● Pull the seat belt right out and leave it out.
● Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap and water solution.
● Wait until they are completely dry.
● Only allow the seat belt to retract when it is completely dry.
WARNING
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If the web-
bing or other parts of the belt are damaged, the vehicle should be taken
to a Technical Service immediately and the belts should be replaced. It is
extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could result
in serious injury or loss of life.
● Seat belts and their components must never be cleaned with chemi-
cal products, nor should they be allowed to come into contact with corro-
sive liquids, solvents or sharp objects. This could affect the strength of
the seat belt webbing.
● Seat belts should be completely dry before retracting. Damp could
damage the belt retractor so that it is does not operate correctly.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never attempt to repair, modify or remove a seat belt yourself.
● Always have damaged seatbelts replaced immediately by seat belts
approved for the vehicle in question by SEAT. Seat belts which have been
worn in an accident and stretched must be replaced by a specialised
workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent dam-
age. The belt anchorage should also be checked.


260Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
Aerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if cleaned
with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive labels over
the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with
corrosive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning products.
Note
If electrical equipment is used near an aerial built-into the window, you may
observe interference in the reception of AM stations. 
Notes on SEAT repairs
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the efficiency of the
driver assist and airbag systems. This could result in serious accident.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Technical Service.

Collection and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles
Collection of end-of-life vehicles
An extensive network of used car reception centres already exists in much of
Europe. After the vehicle has been delivered, you will receive a certificate of
destruction describing the environmentally friendly scrapping of the vehicle
in accordance with applicable legislation.
We will collect the used vehicle free of charge, provided it complies with all
national legislation. Please see your Technical Service for further information about the collec-
tion and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles.
Scrapping
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag or belt tensioner systems are scrapped. These re-
quirements are known to qualified dealerships.


262Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables , such as notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a Techni-
cal Service. Technical Services are permanently informed of any modifica-
tions.
WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original con-
tainer.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may accidentally drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using
products which give off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maintenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions!
CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
● Accessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet re-
duce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
able containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with re-
spect for the environment. 
Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ⇒ 
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by
the faults. This may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents
are no longer valid.
Your Technical Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by tech-
nical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The Technical Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs per-
formed at a Technical Service and that you use genuine SEAT spare parts®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to
the restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances
and preparations. 