service interval Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Manual

8Safe driving
● Check that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
● Check the tyre pressures ( ⇒ page 297) and level of fuel ( ⇒ page 268).
● Ensure there is good visibility through all the windows.
● Make sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely fas-
tened ⇒ page 13.
● Ensure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
● Use child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height ⇒ page 39.
● Correctly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height ⇒ page 10.
● Wear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
● The driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
● Before starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehi-
cle ⇒ page 10.
● Correctly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it se-
curely fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the
vehicle ⇒ page 21.
● Never carry more passengers than the number of available seats and
seat belts in your vehicle.
● Never drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs).
● Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to re-
set or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
● Always try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to
the condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic condi-
tions.
● Observe the highway code and speed limits. ●
On long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
● If carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accord-
ance with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having
a serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the ve-
hicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a Technical Service or specialised workshop. 
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you con-
sult a Technical Service about the legal requirements and the following
points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for ex-
ample, adjustment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs? 

16Seat belts
Seat belts
Brief introduction Introduction
Check the condition of all the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced immediately by a specialised
workshop ⇒ 
. The specialised workshop must use the appropriate spare
parts corresponding to the vehicle, the equipment and the model year. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Adjust the seat position ⇒ page 10
● Airbag system ⇒ page 31
● Child seats (accessories) ⇒ page 39
● Integrated child seats ⇒ page 45
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Unbuckled or badly buckled seat belts increase the risk of severe or even
fatal injuries. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if it is not fas-
tened and used correctly.
● Seats belts are the most effective ways of reducing the risk of sus-
taining severe or fatal injuries In the event of an accident. Seat belts
must be correctly fastened when the vehicle is in motion to protect the
driver and all vehicle occupants.
WARNING (Continued)
● Before each trip, every occupant in the vehicle occupants must sit
properly, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to his or her seat and
keep it fastened throughout the trip. This also applies to other occupants
when driving in town.
● When travelling, children must be secured in the vehicle with a child
restraint system suitable for their weight and height and with the seat
belts correctly fastened ⇒ page 39.
● Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before
driving off.
● Insert the latch plate into the buckle for the appropriate seat and en-
sure it is engaged. Using the latch plate in the buckle of another seat will
not protect you properly and may cause severe injuries.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never unbuckle your seat belt when the vehicle is moving.
● Never allow more than one passenger to share the same seat belt.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap sharing the same seat belt.
● Loose, bulky clothing (such as a jacket) impairs the proper fit and
function of the seat belt.
WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to drive using damaged seat belts and could re-
sult in serious injury or loss of life.
● Avoid damaging the seat belt by jamming it in the door or the seat
mechanism. 

56Cockpit
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
flashes: Engine oil sensor faulty.⇒ page 283lights: Insufficient engine oil.
Fault in airbag system and seat belt tensioners.⇒ page 31

Passenger front airbag is off ( PASSENGER AIR-
BAG  ).⇒ page 31
Top up "AdBlue", or there is a fault in the "AdBl-
ue" system.⇒ page 275
Fuel tank not closed correctly.⇒ page 268
Lane Assist is connected, but not active.⇒ page 218
Green symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See

Left or right turn signal.⇒ page 95
Hazard warning lights on.⇒ page 316
Use the foot brake!
Change
⇒ page 176
Brake
⇒ page 185
Cruise control operating.⇒ page 214
Lane Assist is connected and active.⇒ page 218
Blue symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Headlight on or flasher on.⇒ page 95
Headlight adjustment (Light Assist) on.
Colourless symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Electronic immobiliser active.⇒ page 172
Service interval display⇒ page 61
Mobile telephone is connected via Bluetooth to
the original telephone device.⇒ Book-
let Bluetooth
System
Mobile telephone battery charge meter. Availa-
ble only for pre-installed factory-fitted devices.
Freezing warning. The outside temperature is
lower than +4 °C (+39 °F).⇒ page 59
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 away from the traffic, ensuring that there are no easi-
ly inflammable materials under the vehicle which could come into contact
with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass, fuel). 

58Cockpit
Details of the instruments ⇒ fig. 35:
Clock set button 1)
.
– Press button 
to select the hour or minute display.
– To continue setting the time, press button 0.0 / SET
7. Hold button
down to scroll through the numbers quickly.
– Press button 
again to end the clock setting.
Rev counter (with the engine running, in thousands of revolutions per
minute).
The beginning of the red zone of the rev counter indicates the maxi-
mum speed in any gear after running-in and with the engine hot. How-
ever, it is advisable to change up a gear or move the selector lever to D
(or lift your foot off the accelerator) before the needle reaches the red
zone ⇒ 
.
Engine coolant temperature display  ⇒ page 287.
Displays on the screen ⇒ page 58.
Fuel reserve display ⇒ page 268.
Speedometer.
Reset knob for trip recorder (trip).
– Press button 0.0 / SET
to reset to zero.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only re-
main in the red zone for a short period of time.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise. 
1
2
34567
Displays on screen
A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
⇒ 
fig. 35 4, depending on the vehicle equipment:
● Warning and information texts
● Mileage
● Time
● Ambient temperature
● Compass
● Selector lever positions ⇒ page 176
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox) ⇒ page 176
● Multifunction display (MFI) and menus for different setting options
⇒ page 62
● Service interval display ⇒ page 61
● Second speed display (menu Configuration) ⇒ page 62
● Start/Stop operation indicator ⇒ page 59
Warning and information texts
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Faults in the opera-
tion are displayed on the screen using red and yellow symbols and messag-
es on the instrument panel display ( ⇒ page 54) and, in some cases, with
audible warnings. The display may vary according to the type of instrument
panel fitted. 
1)
Depending on the vehicle equipment, it is also possible to set the time using the settings
menu on the instrument panel display ⇒ page 67.

61
Cockpit
Calibrating compass
To calibrate the compass you must be in one of the valid magnetic zones
with sufficient space to be able to trace a circumference with the vehicle.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Select the Settings menu followed by the option Compass and Calibrate.
● Confirm the message Describe a complete circumference to calibrate the
compass with OK
and then trace a complete circumference driving at ap-
proximately 10 km/h (6 mph).
When the corresponding cardinal point is displayed, the calibration is com-
plete. 
Service interval display
The inspection display appears on the instrument panel ⇒ fig. 35 4.
SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Mainte-
nance Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service).
The service interval display only gives information for service dates which
involve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for exam-
ple, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with Services established by time or mileage , the service inter-
vals are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service , the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an maintenance service when it is necessary. To establish when the
Maintenance Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use
and individual driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first
appears 20 days before the date established for the corresponding service.
The kilometres remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest 100 km and the remaining time is given in complete days. The
current service message cannot be viewed until 500 km after the last serv-
ice. Prior to this only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages
, a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel  with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few sec-
onds,the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number of
days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km or --- days is displayed on
the instrument panel.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the spanner displayed on the screen flashes for a few sec-
onds. In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off and the vehicle at a standstill,
the current service notification can be read:
● Press the button 
on the instrument panel several times until the
spanner symbol is displayed .
● ALTERNATIVELY: select the Settings menu.
● From the Service submenu, select the option Info.
When the service date has past , a minus sign is displayed in front of the
number of kilometres or days. In vehicles with text messages the following
is displayed: Service --- km or --- days ago . 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

62Cockpit
The service interval display is reset
If the service was not carried out by a Technical Service, the display can be
reset as follows:
In vehicles with text messages:Select the Settings menu.In the submenu Service, select the option Reset.Confirm with OK when requested to do so by the system.
In vehicles without text messages:Switch the ignition off.Press and hold the 0.0 / SET button.Switch the ignition back on.Release the 0.0 / SET button and, press  for the next 20 seconds.
Do not reset the indicator to zero between two intervals, otherwise the dis-
play will be incorrect.
If, while the LongLife service is valid, the service interval display is reset to
zero, the “service will be activated by time or mileage”. The service interval
is no longer calculated individually
⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
Note
● The service message disappears after a few seconds, when the engine is
started or when OK
is pressed.
● In vehicles with the LongLife system in which the battery has been dis-
connected for a long period of time, it is not possible to calculate the date
of the next service. Therefore the service interval display may not be correct.
In this case, please check the maximum permitted service intervals ⇒ Book-
let Maintenance Programme. SEAT information system
Introduction
With the ignition switched on, it is possible to read the different functions of
the display by scrolling through the menus.
In vehicles with a multifunction steering wheel, there are no buttons on the
windscreen wiper lever. The multifunction display can only be controlled
from the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
The number of menus displayed on the instrument panel will vary according
to the vehicle electronics and equipment.
A specialised dealer will be able to programme or modify additional func-
tions, according to the vehicle equipment. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service.
Some menu options can only be read when the vehicle is at a standstill.
As long as a priority 1 warning is displayed, it will not be possible to read
the menus. To display the menus, confirm the warning by pressing OK
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior mirrors ⇒ page 110
● Auxiliary heating ⇒ page 165
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
● Do not read the instrument panel menus when driving.


107
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioning comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside of the vehicle.
For the intermittent wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash /wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 67 Wipers in service
position.
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ fig. 67. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 279.
● Switching the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ fig. 65 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

108Lights and visibility
Lifting and returning windscreen wiper arms
● Place the wiper arms in the service position ⇒ 
.
● Only hold the wiper arms at the point where the blade is fixed.
CAUTION
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, only leave them in
the service position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Rain sensor*
Fig. 68 Windscreen wip-
er lever: adjusting the
rain sensor A
.
Fig. 69 Rain sensor sen-
sitive surface.
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain ⇒ 
. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe ⇒ page 106
Move the lever to the required position ⇒ fig. 68: Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
–Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
– Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position 1
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings
on the sensitive surface
⇒ fig. 69 of the rain sensor include: 
0
1A

201
Driving
Parking sensor system*
Fig. 141 Detailed view of
the centre console: but-
ton for switching the
parking sensor system
on and off.
Fig. 142 Parking sensor
system sensors on the
front bumper.
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The short-
er the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant. Switching the parking sensor system on and off
●
Press the 
button ⇒ 
fig. 141 when the ignition is switched on.
● Automatic on: select reverse gear.
● Automatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
● The parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loud-
ly after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will re-
main constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound au-
tomatically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound will be emitted.
● Your Technical Service can adjust the volume of the warning signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

231
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 157 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 157 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at
+20 °C (+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications