ignition Seat Alhambra 2012 Workshop Manual

152Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Undue use of the ashtray and cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns
and other serious injuries.
● Never put paper or other flammable objects in the ashtray.

Ashtray
Fig. 118 Front centre
console: ashtray closed.
There are ashtrays located on the front of the centre console ⇒ fig. 118 and
on the rear lining of the rear door.
Opening and closing the ashtray
● To open, lift the ashtray cover.
● To close, push the ashtray cover down. Emptying the ashtray
●
Remove the ashtray from the cup holder or lining of the door by pulling
it upwards.
● After emptying the ashtray, insert it from above into the cup holder or
door lining. 
Cigarette lighterFig. 119 Front centre
console: lighter.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a lighter to the front of
the centre console ⇒ fig. 119 or in the compartment to the front of the cen- tre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
⇒ fig. 119.
● Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
⇒ 
.
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. 

153
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other se-
rious injuries.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition is switched on.
Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt socket ⇒ page 153. 
Electrical sockets
Introduction
Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.
All connected appliances should be in perfect working order without any
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter
⇒ page 151
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications
⇒ page 261
WARNING
Improper use of the sockets or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The sockets and
equipment connected to them can be used when the ignition is switched
on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immediately.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment that generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations.
● To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12 V sockets before switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt socket that consumes more
than the power indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power absorp-
tion could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

154Seats and storage compartments
Note
● Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition
switched on will drain the battery.
● Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment
and the vehicle's electrical system.
● Interference can occur on the radio's AM waveband if electrical applian-
ces are used near the rear window aerial. 
Vehicle sockets
Depending on your vehicle's version, you may have a 12-
volt socket and/or a 230 volt socket.
Fig. 120 Centre console,
rear section: 12 volt
socket.
Fig. 121 Rear centre
console: 230 Volt Euro
socket.
Maximum power consumption
SocketMaximum power consumption12 Volts120 Watts230 Volts150 Watts (300 Watt peak)
The maximum capacity of each socket must not be exceeded. The power
consumption is indicated on the rating plate of each appliance.
Where two or more appliances are connected at the same time, the total rat-
ing of all the connected devices must never exceed 190 Watts ⇒ 
.
12 volt socket
The 12 Volt socket will only work with the ignition on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery. Therefore, electrical consumers connected to
the socket must only be used when the engine is running.
To prevent voltage variations from causing damage, switch off the electrical
consumer connected to the 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on
or off and before starting the engine. 

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

168Air conditioning
Checking programming
If the timer has been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button 
will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in closed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain
carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.

Operating instructions
The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
clear of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be ob-
structed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the pas-
senger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned to-
wards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be affec-
ted.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxili-
ary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching
the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater. Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
●
The auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off auto-
matically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
● The heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switched back on every time it is required.
Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the outside temperature low, the
heating system may evaporate condensation from the auxiliary heater. In
this case, steam may be released from underneath the vehicle. This is com-
pletely normal and there is no need to suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times over a prolonged period, the ve-
hicle battery may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive the vehicle for a
long distance. In general: drive for as much time as the auxiliary heating
was working. 

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

170Driving
flashesPossible causeSolution
 (red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
 (yel-
low)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro.
Steering wheel not unlocked
or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance.
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. Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
If the driver's door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle
⇒ page 185.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Remove the key from the ignition.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical power steering
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.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 

173
Driving
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Ignition lock
Fig. 128 Vehicle key positions
Car keys ⇒ fig. 128 No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.0Ignition off, all electrical components disconnected. Key can be re-
moved from the vehicle.
Car keys ⇒ fig. 1281Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel engine. The steering
lock can be unlocked.
2Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has star-
ted. When it is released, the key returns to position 1.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

174Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the car. They could
be trapped in the car in an emergency and will not be able to get them-
selves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the year, temper-
atures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely high or ex-
tremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even death, partic-
ularly for young children.
● 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.
Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the vehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button. Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given:
Step
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been
completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox:
Press the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearstick in neutral or the selector lever in position P
or N.
3.Only in vehicles with diesel engine: To preheat, turn the key
in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 1. A warning lamp
lights up in the control panel .
4.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ fig. 128 2; do
not press the accelerator.
5.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition
lock.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-
ter one minute.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you wish to
start driving ⇒ page 185.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury. 

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