warning light Seat Alhambra 2013 Repair Manual

186Driving
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.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 192, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument panel display, please go immediately to a specialised work-
shop to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake
Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centre console: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button 
until the control lamp
 on the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
instrument panel ⇒ page 185.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button 
. At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
press the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and  on the instrument panel go
out.
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 door is closed and the driver is wearing his/her

187
Driving
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 audible warning.
● 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 340.
● 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 186.
● 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.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

188Driving
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).
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒ .
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme, to have the bake pads checked. If you drive with
wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only
do this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users
⇒ 
.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce the effectiveness of
the brakes and increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged peri-
od on salted roads without braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ⇒ 
.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a build up of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users ⇒ 
.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that
the braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there
is a fault in the braking system. The  warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping distan-
ces.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒ 
.

193
Driving
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒ 
.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Technical Services.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒ 
.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This
means that only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will
be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brake system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the container does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks bot-
tles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipients
even if the contents are clearly marked.
● Always keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

195
Driving
Start assist systems Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 62
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 184
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 291
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 296
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
● Jump starting ⇒ page 340
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the start assist systems cannot change the
laws of physics. The improved comfort provided by start assist systems
should not prompt you to take risks.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
● The start assist systems are not a replacement for driver awareness.
● 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 con-
ditions.
● The start assist system cannot keep the vehicle stationary in all con-
ditions on a gradient or cause it to brake on steep downhill gradients,
e.g. if the road is slippery or icy.
 Auto Hold function*
Fig. 139 Detailed view of
the centre console: Au-
to Hold button
The control lamp on the button switches on when the Auto Hold function is
on.
When the Auto Hold function is on, it helps the driver if they must regularly
stop the vehicle or if they must stop with the engine running for prolonged
periods, for example, on hills, before a traffic light or in traffic jams with
continuous stopping and starting.
The Auto Hold function automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling away
accidentally when at a standstill, without the driver having to keep his/her
foot on the brake pedal.
When the system that detects that the vehicle has stopped, the Auto Hold
keeps the vehicle at a standstill. The brake pedal can be released.
If the driver presses the brake pedal briefly or presses the accelerator to
start off, the Auto Hold function releases the brake once more. The vehicle
moves according to the gradient. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

198Driving
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver 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 outside tempera-
tures 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

213
Driving
Cruise control system*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to maintain the set speed when driv-
ing forwards from approx. 20 km/h (12 mph).
The CCS only slows down by reducing the accelerator but not by braking.
⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 175
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause accidents and severe injuries if it is
not possible to drive at a constant speed maintaining the safety distance.
● Do not use the CCS in heavy traffic, if the distance from the vehicle in
front is insufficient, on steep roads, with several bends or in slippery cir-
cumstances (snow, ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or on unpaved roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise control system, turn it off
every time you finish using it.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the prevailing
road, traffic or weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot maintain a constant
speed. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the vehicle.
 Warning and control lamp
Fig. 151 Instrument panel display: CCS status indications
lights upPossible causeSolution

This cruise control system
maintains the set speed of
the vehicle.–
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.
Indication on display
There are different versions of the cruise control system. In vehicles with the
multifunction display (MFI), the set speed is displayed on the instrument
panel screen.
Status Fig. 151:

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications