Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Manual

199
Driving
Parking sensor system*
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehi-
cle approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent audible
warning will be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The
shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle
is too close to the obstacle, the audible warning becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Park Assist system ⇒ page 203
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot re-
place driver awareness.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
ways detect small children, animals or objects.
WARNING (Continued)
● The surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the ul-
trasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be de-
tected.
CAUTION
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open luggage compartments,
etc. This could result in damage to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 in-
ches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

200Driving
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 audible warning is emitted. The
shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle
is too close to the obstacle, the audible warning 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 (10 mph).
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 selector lever is set to
P, no audible warning will be emitted.
● Your Technical Service can adjust the volume of the warning signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant audible warning 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. 

201
Driving
Optical parking system* (OPS)
Fig. 143 On-screen OPS
display: A an obstacle
has been detected in the
collision zone. B
an ob-
stacle has been detected
in the segment C
zone
recorded behind the vehi-
cle
Fig. 144 On-screen OPS
display: A an obstacle
has been detected in the
segment B
zone recor-
ded behind the vehicle
The optical parking system is an accessory to the Parking sensor system
⇒ page 200 and the park assist system ⇒ page 203. The zone recorded by the sensors in front of and behind the vehicle is dis-
played on the factory-fitted radio or navigation system screen. Any obsta-
cles are display in relation to the vehicle
⇒ 
.
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the display
on:Switch on the parking sensor system ⇒ page 200
or the park assist system ⇒ page 203. The OPS
switches on automatically.
Switching the display
off manually:Press a zone selection button on the factory-fit-
ted radio or navigation system
OR: Briefly press the function button 
or RVCon the screen.
Switching the display
off manually:
Drive forwards at more than about 10-15 km/h (6
to 10 mph).
Select the reverse gear on vehicles with rear as-
sist
⇒ page 208. The display changes to the im-
age of the camera.
Zones explored
The zone in which obstacles are recognised runs to a distance of around
120 cm from the front of the vehicle and up to 60 cm to the side
⇒ Fig. 144 B
. Behind the vehicle, the zone analysed reaches a distance of
up to 160 cm and around 60 cm to the sides ⇒ Fig. 143 C.
Screen display
The image displayed represents the supervised zones in several segments.
As the vehicle moves closer to an obstacle, the segment moves closer to the
vehicle displayed B
and ⇒ Fig. 144 A. When the penultimate segment is
displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the collision zone. Stop
the vehicle! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

202Driving
Distance from the vehicle to the
obstacleAudible warn-
ingDisplayed in colour on
the screen: colour of the
segment if an obstacle is recognised
in front: approx. 31 - 120 cm
behind: approx. 31 - 160 cmbeepingsoundYellow
approx. 0 – 30 cm in front or be-
hind a)permanent
soundRed
a) The permanent sound starts at a somewhat greater distance on vehicles with a factory-fit-
ted towing bracket.
With towing bracket
A specific image is displayed on the screen of vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing bracket and an electrically connected trailer. In this case, the distan-
ces behind the vehicle are not indicated.
Switching the parking sensor system sound on and off
If the 
button on the radio or navigation system screen may mute the
sound of OPS warnings. To switch the warnings back on, press the button
again briefly.
When the OPS is switched off and back on again, muting is cancelled. Error
messages cannot be switched off.
WARNING
Do not be distracted from the traffic when looking at the screen.


203
Driving
Park Assist system* Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to
leave parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that
the driver is especially attentive ⇒ 
.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 184
● Parking sensor system ⇒ page 199
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 245
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run
any risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● The surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external
sound sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on
the system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
ways detect small children, animals or objects.
CAUTION
● The park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, with-
out taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop ma-
noeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in dam-
age to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence
of an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measure-
ment of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer
indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the
warnings of the parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to
the vehicle. This is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park be-
hind a truck or motorcycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the
area in front of and behind the vehicle while parking, and intervene prompt-
ly if necessary. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

204Driving
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm.
Note
Contact a specialised workshop with any system faults. SEAT recommends
visiting a Technical Service. 
Parking using the park assist system
Fig. 145 Detailed view of
the centre console: but-
ton to switch the park as-
sist system on manually
Fig. 146 Gap detected: Engage the reverse gear to park (parallel or nose/tail to the
kerb) Preparing to park
● The Traction control system ASR must be turned on ⇒ page 184.
● Parallel parking: press the button 
at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph)
once. When the function is enabled, the button ⇒ Fig. 145 will light up.
● Perpendicular parking: press the button 
at speeds up to 50 km/h
(30 mph) twice. When the function is enabled, the button ⇒ Fig. 145 will
light up.
● If necessary, press the 
button once more to change parking mode.
● Apply the turn signal for the side on which a gap is to be detected for
parking. The instrument panel displays the side corresponding to the road. 

205
Driving
Parking
● Parking parallel to the road: Drive next to the gap at a speed of no more
than 40 km/h (25 mph) 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 (12 mph) 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 (4 mph).
● 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 (4 mph).
● 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 instrument panel display will still show this
place. In this case, the parking manoeuvre should not be requested.
● 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 (25 mph) or close to
be perpendicular parking space at about 20 km an hour (12 mph) 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

206Driving
● 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 (12 mph)), 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 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 205: 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 (4 mph).
● 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 (4 mph).
● 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. 

207
Driving
● Press the foot brake ⇒ 
!
Following the intervention of the brakes, the Park Assist will stop.
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run
any risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Always be ready to brake.
● Automatic brake intervention will end after 1.5 seconds approximate-
ly. Following automatic intervention of the brakes, stop the vehicle your-
self.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

208Driving
Rear Assist system*
Introduction
The camera fitted to the rear lid 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 260
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 rear lid 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. 