ESP Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Guide

95
Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Introduction
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
The driver is personally responsible for the correct use and adjustment of
the lights in all situations.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Changing bulbs ⇒ page 329
WARNING
If the headlights are set too high and the main beam is not used correct-
ly, there is a risk of dazzling or distracting other road users. This could
result in a serious accident.
● Always make sure that the headlights are correctly adjusted.
● Never use the main beam or flashed headlamps as this could dazzle
other drivers.
 Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

Driving light totally or partially
faulty.
Replace the corresponding
bulb ⇒ page 329.
If all the bulbs are OK, the vehi-
cle should be taken to a speci-
alised workshop if necessary.
Fault in adaptive light.⇒ page 99.
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 98.
Fog lights switched on
 
Left or right turn signal.
The control lamp flashes twice
as fast when a vehicle or trailer
turn signal is faulty.If necessary, check the vehicle
and trailer lighting.
Main beam on or flasher on.⇒ page 96.
Headlight adjustment (Light
Assist) on.⇒ page 98.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Fault in the adaptive light sys-
tem.Contact a specialised work-
shop ⇒ page 98.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

96Lights and visibility
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 at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Turn signal and main beam leverFig. 60 Turn signal and
main beam lever
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn signal. Right-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 98.
Left turn signal. Left-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒  page 98.
Main beam switched on ⇒ 
. The control lamp  will light up on the
instrument panel.
Flashing the headlights. The flashed beam comes on if the lever is
pressed. The control lamp  will light up.
Push the lever all the way down to turn off the corresponding function.
Convenience turn signals
For the convenience turn signals, move the lever as far as possible upwards
or downwards and release the lever. The turn signal will flash three times. 
1
2
3
4

98Lights and visibility
if the ignition is switched offwhen the ignition is on
Side light on.Side light on.

Dipped beam off; if necessa-
ry, the side light comes on for
a time.Dipped beam switched on.
Fog lights
The warning lamps  or  on the light switch also indicate that the fog
lights are switched on.
● Switching on the fog lights : Turn the switch to position  or pull out
 to the first stop.
● Switching on the rear fog light : turn the light switch to position  o
pull out  to the maximum.
● To switch off the fog lights, press the light switch or turn it to position .
Audible warnings to advise the driver that the lights have not been
switched off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver door is open, an audible warn-
ing signal is heard in the following cases: This is a reminder to turn off the
lights.
● When the parking light is on ⇒ page 96.
● When the light switch is in position .
WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illumi-
nate the road ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see
you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility
is poor.
 Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light
When the parking light is switched on (right or left turn signal), the front
side light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit.
The parking lights will only work with the ignition off.
Daytime driving light*
The daytime driving light consists of individual lights in the front head-
lamps.
When the daytime driving light is switched on, only the individual lights
come on ⇒ 
.
The daytime lights are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light switch is in position  .
When the light switch is in position , a photo sensor automatically turns
the instrument and switch lighting on and off.
Automatic dipped beam control 
The automatic dipped beam control is merely intended as an aid and is not
able to recognise all driving situations.
When the light switch is in position  , the vehicle lights and the instru-
ment panel and switch lighting switch on and off automatically in the fol-
lowing situations ⇒ 
:
Automatic switching on:Automatic switching off or switch to
daytime driving lighting:
The photo sensor detects darkness,
for example, when driving through a
tunnel.When adequate lighting is detected.
The rain sensor detects rain and ac-
tivates the windscreen wipers.When the windscreen wiper has
been inactive for a few minutes. 

102Lights and visibility
ValueVehicle load status a)
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full With trailer
and minimum drawbar load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full With trailer and
maximum drawbar load
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to select
intermediary positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control 2
is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range
control. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the ve-
hicle load status when the headlights are switched on.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not
blind other drivers.

Interior and reading lights
Button/ SwitchFunction
Switches interior lights off.
Switches interior lights on.
Button/SwitchFunction

Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Turning the reading light on and off
Storage and luggage compartment lighting
When the glove compartment and the rear lid are opened and closed, a
light automatically switches on or off.
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting in the front covering of the ceiling lights up the con-
trols on the centre console from above when the side light or dipped beam
lights are on.
In addition, the lever on the door moulding can also be illuminated.
Note
The reading lights go out when the vehicle is locked, or a few minutes after
the key is removed from the ignition. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. 

106Lights and visibility
Window wiper lever
Fig. 65 Using the
windscreen wipers
Fig. 66 Using the rear
window wipers
Move the lever to the required position ⇒ :
0Windscreen wiper off.
1
Windscreen wipers interval wipe.
Using the control ⇒ Fig. 65 A adjust the interval (vehicles
without the rain sensor), or the sensitivity of the rain sen-
sor.
2Slow wipe.
3Continuous wipe.
4Brief wipe - short wipe. Hold the lever down for more time
to increase the wipe frequency.
5Automatic wipe for cleaning windscreens with the lever up.
6Interval wipe for rear window. The rear wiper will wipe the
window approximately every 6 seconds.
7Automatic wipe for cleaning rear windows with the lever
pressed.
CAUTION
If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are on, the wind-
screen wipers carry on wiping at the same level when the ignition is switch-
ed back on. Ice, snow and other obstacles may damage the windscreen wip-
er and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched
on and the respective bonnet or rear lid are closed.
● The interval wipe speed varies according to the vehicle speed. The faster
the vehicle is moving, the more often the windscreen is cleaned.
● The rear wiper is automatically switched on when the windscreen wiper
is on and the car is in reverse gear. 

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar additives 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 in the reservoir.
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 175
● Braking, stopping and parking
⇒ page 184
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 your 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
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror breaks, an elec-
trolyte fluid may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces. Therefore, it
should be cleaned as fast as possible with a damp sponge or similar. 

115
Seats and storage
Electrical controls on the front seat*
Fig. 75 Adjusting the
front left seat forwards or
backwards, the height,
the seat angle and the
front seat backrest
Fig. 76 Adjusting the
lumbar support
The controls are mirrored for the front right-hand seat.
Mechanically and electrically adjusted controls can be combined on the
seat.
Fig. 75 Press the control in the direction of the arrow:
A1Move the seat backwards or forwards.2 and 3Raise or lower the seat.2 or 3Adjust the seat angle.
BForwards or
backwards.Adjust the seat backrest angle.
Fig. 76 Press the corresponding area of the switch:1 or 2Adjust the curve of the lumbar support.3 or 4Adjust the height of the lumbar support.
WARNING
Using the front electric seats in a careless or uncontrolled manner may
lead to severe injuries.
● The front seats can also be electrically adjusted when the ignition is
switched off. Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle.
● In the event of an emergency, stop electrical adjustment by pressing
any button.
CAUTION
So as not the damage the electrical components of the front seats, do not
kneel on the seats or apply specific pressure to one point of the seat or seat
backrest.
Note
● It may not be possible to electrically adjust the seat if the vehicle battery
is very low.
● Seat adjustment is stopped when the engine is started. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

119
Seats and storage
● Press the required memory button.
● Select reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger side exterior mirror so that you can see, for
example, the kerb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stored automatically and allocated
to the vehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
Activating exterior mirror settings
● With the driver door open and the ignition turned off, push the memory
button of the corresponding door briefly.
● OR: With the ignition switched on, hold in the corresponding memory
button until the memorised position is reached.
To activate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Open the driver-side door.
● Press and hold any memory button.
● Within the following three seconds, push the button 
to open the vehi-
cle on the vehicle key. An audible warning confirms the settings have been
activated.
Adjusting the wing mirrors for driving and assigning driver seat settings to
a vehicle key
● Activate the memory function of the vehicle key
● Adjust the front seat and the exterior mirrors.
● Lock the vehicle. The settings are assigned to the vehicle key.
To deactivate the memory function of the vehicle key
Important: a position must be memorised in the memory.
● Press and hold the SET
button.
● Within the following ten seconds, push the button  to open the vehi-
cle on the vehicle key. An audible warning confirms the settings have been
deactivated. Initialising the seat position memory
The position memory system must be initialised if, for example, the driver
seat has been changed.
Initialisation deletes all memories and assignments for the seat with posi-
tion memory. The memory buttons can then be reprogrammed and the vehi-
cle keys re-assigned.
●
Open the driver door and do not get into the vehicle.
● Operating the seat settings from outside the vehicle.
● Move the angle of the seat backrest completely forwards.
● Release the control to set the angle and then press again until an audi-
ble warning is heard.
Note
The front passenger side exterior mirror automatically changes from the po-
sition stored for reversing as soon as the vehicle moves forward at a speed
of at least 15 km/h (10 mph) or when the gear selection lever is changed to
a position other than R. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

127
Seats and storage
WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors
and the rear lid to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
● Do not leave children unwatched, especially when the rear lid is open.
Children could climb into the luggage compartment, close the rear lid
from inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to seri-
ous injury or death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
● Never transport people in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is es-
pecially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the follow-
ing:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or straps so that they can-
not enter the areas around the front or side airbags in case of sudden
braking or an accident.
● While driving, always keep object compartments closed.
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the vehicle interior,
in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the dash panel.
● Remove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets in-
side the vehicle and store securely.
WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
braking distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured cor-
rectly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
● The vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due
to a change in the centre of gravity.
● Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
possible.
● Store heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle as possible.
CAUTION
● Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe the wires of the heating ele-
ment and antenna of the rear window and cause damage.
● The side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from ob-
jects.
Note
The ventilating slits between the heated rear window and the shelf must not
be covered so that used air can escape from the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

134Seats and storage
Installing the net partition behind the front seats
● Hook in the net partition on the left-hand side roof support C
. To do
this, guide the rod from up to down.
● Hook in the net partition on the rear right-hand side roof support by
pressing on the rod.
● Secure the hooks of the net partition to the attachment rings in the left
and right hand side footwells on the second row of seats then tighten the
straps.
Removing the net partition
● Loosen the net partition straps.
● Release the net partition hooks from the rings B
.
● Release the net partition from the right and left roof supports A or Cby pressing on the rod.
●
Unhook the net partition from the left-hand side roof support.
Folding in the net partition
● Press on the release button ⇒ Fig. 93 2
and bend the rod A in the di-
rection of the arrow with the release o button pressed.
● Press on the release button 3
and bend the rod B in the direction of
the arrow with the release button pressed.
● Store the net partition securely in the vehicle.
WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be violently thrown in case of a
sudden manoeuvre or braking and especially in accidents causing seri-
ous injury.
● Ensure that the rods are correctly locked in place.
● Even when net partition is correctly fitted, objects must be secured.
● When driving with the net partition, no passengers should be behind
it.
 Fastening rings*
Fig. 95 In the luggage
compartment: fastening
rings
To the front and rear of the luggage compartment, there are fastening rings
for securing objects ⇒ Fig. 95 (arrows). On some models, the fastening
rings are all the way to the back on the lock carrier plate.
There are other fastening rings located to the left and right hand side of the
second row footrests.
Some models of fastening rings must be lifted to use them.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged ropes or straps may be released in case of sud-
den braking or an accident. As a result, objects may be fired through the
vehicle interior causing serious injury or death.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
● Secure the ropes and straps to the fastening rings. 