refuelling Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Manual

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 conditioner comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside the vehicle.
For the interval 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 278.
● Switch 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

164Air 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 166 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 267
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 158
ONManually using the remote control.⇒ page 165
Automatically at the programmed and enabled on
time.⇒ page 166
Switching the auxiliary heater off:
Manually using the instant on/off button for the
air conditioner.⇒ page 158
OFFManually using the remote control.⇒ page 165 Automatically after the programmed time.⇒ page 166
Automatically when the light comes on  (fuel re-
serve).⇒ page 267
Automatically when the battery power drops to a
very low level.⇒ page 291
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
gases are also extracted from the system. 

171
Driving
Stopping and starting the engine Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault,  or Immo-
biliser on is displayed on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be star- ted.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Changing gear ⇒  page 175
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 184
● Steering ⇒  page 168
● Start assist systems ⇒ page 195
● Refuelling ⇒  page 267
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 317
● Jump starting ⇒  page 340
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 343
WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult; this could even result in the loss of control causing an accident with
serious consequences.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, seat
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

231
Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 175
● Refuelling ⇒ page 267
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Engine oil ⇒ page 282
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 291
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 260
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 343
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
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).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
Pre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.⇒ page 171
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next specialised
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒ 
.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a special-
ised workshop ⇒ page 232. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

267
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels Filling the tank
Introduction
The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the vehicle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Selective Catalytic Reduction (AdBlue) ⇒ page 274
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 278
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
sulting in serious burns and injuries.
● Always make sure that you correctly close the fuel cap to avoid evap-
oration and fuel spillage.
● Fuels are highly explosive and inflammable substances that can
cause serious burns and injuries.
● Fuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine is not switched off or if the
filler fuel nozzle is not fully inserted into the tank filler neck when refuel-
ling. This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● When refuelling, turn off the engine, the auxiliary heating
(⇒ page 164) and turn off the ignition for safety reasons.
● Always turn off mobile telephones, radio apparatus and other radio
wave emitting equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic waves could
cause sparks and lead to a fire.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it is absolutely necessary
to enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal surface before
touching the filler nozzle again. This will prevent the generation of static
electricity. Sparks could cause a fire when refuelling.
● Never handle fuel close to open flames, sparks or objects with slow
combustion (e.g. cigarettes).
● Avoid static electricity and electro-magnetic radiation when refuel-
ling.
● Observe the safety regulations of the service station.
● Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canis-
ter in the vehicle. Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all in case of
an accident and this applies to a full container as well as empty contain-
ers. This could lead to explosions, fires and injuries.
● Observe the following if you exceptionally have to carry fuel in a can-
ister:
–Never place a fuel container to fill it inside the vehicle or on the ve-
hicle, for example, in the luggage compartment or on the rear lid. Fill-
ing in these circumstances could create an electrostatic charge and
spark that could ignite fuel fumes.
– Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the neck of the canister as far as possi-
ble. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

268Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
– If you are using a metal fuel canister, the nozzle must always touch
the canister while it is being filled to avoid static electricity.
– Follow the legal requirements for the use, storage and transport of
spare fuel canisters.
– Insure that the fuel container complies with manufacturing stand-
ards, for example, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
● Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a diesel engine with petrol can
cause serious engine and fuel system damage; the resulting malfunctions
are not covered by the SEAT warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to even the smallest amount of the
wrong fuel. You should obtain professional assistance. With the engine run-
ning, the composition of the wrong fuel could significantly damage the fuel
system and the engine itself.
● In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no circumstances should you re-
fuel or drive with petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other type of different
fuel. Other types of fuels could cause serious damage to the engine and to
the fuel supply system and the resulting problems are not covered by the
SEAT warranty.
For the sake of the environment
Fuels can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the manual release of the tank flap. If
necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel. Control lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 164 On the instru-
ment panel: Fuel gauge
for petrol and diesel
lights upGauge posi-
tion
⇒ Fig. 164Possible cause ⇒ Solution
Red mark (ar- row)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is be-
ing used ⇒ page 366.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
 Fuel tank not closed
correctly.Stop the vehicle and
close the tank flap
properly.
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.
When the control lamp lights up or the auxiliary heater and the auxiliary
heater running off petrol automatically switch off. 

269
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irregular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding
descriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead
to ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This
could damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter!
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 164
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Fig. 165 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele-
phones, auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Opening the fuel tank flap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
● Unscrew the tank cap anticlockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hinge ⇒ Fig. 165.
Refuelling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 270.
● If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon as the fuel tank is full
⇒ 
.
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

270Checking and refilling levels
Closing the fuel tank flap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 329.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 278, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following
regularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ page 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ page 282 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ page 286
● Brake fluid level ⇒ page 184
● Tyre pressure ⇒  page 296
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Turn signals
Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Fuel Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Refuelling ⇒ page 267
● Engine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 231
–
–
–
–
–

271
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
sulting in serious burns and injuries.
● Fuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable substance.
● Observe current safety instructions and local regulations concerning
the handling of fuel.

Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will depend on the vehicle's engine.
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or low sulphur fuel to reduce con-
sumption and prevent engine damage.
Possible types of fuelAlternative namesFurther information
91a)
RONNormal petrol, normal unlea-
ded petrol
⇒ page 27195 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (95
RON)
98 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (98
RON)
Diesel ⇒ page 272a) RON = Regulation Octane Number Petrol
Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel using unleaded petrol according to
European norm EN 228 ⇒ 
.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number (e.g. 91, 95,
98 or 99 RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”). You may use petrol with
a high octane number than the one recommended for your engine. Howev-
er, this has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free pet-
rol to reduce fuel consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences running behaviour, performance and serv-
ice life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol
containing a mixture of additives. These additives will help to prevent corro-
sion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in
the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added when refuelling.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuita-
ble petrol additives could damage the engine. These additives are available
from Technical Services, who will inform you of their application.
CAUTION
● Only use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel sys-
tem. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the conse-
quent engine fault.
● The use of unsuitable petrol additives could damage the engine. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Portable waste bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15212 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Pre-heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Preparation Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . 289
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Work in the engine compartment . . . . . . . 280
Preparations Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . 284
Topping up the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . 284
Preparing for the journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Principles of physics regarding a frontal colli- sion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Protection of vehicle undercarriage . . . . . . . . 251
Pushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
R Radio reception Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Operating faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Rails and attachment element system Baggage net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rails and attachment system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Control of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Raising the vehicle
Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Raising vehicle Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
With a lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Reading the Fault memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Rear assist Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Mode 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Mode 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Rear Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Rear assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Driving with the rear lid open . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Electronic locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Electronic opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . 320
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
See "Rear lid" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110, 111
Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Recommended gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Refilling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Reflective vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Reflective vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Refuelling
Mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Remote control Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
See "Keys" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Removing ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Removing snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Removing wax deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260, 261 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Reprogramming control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Reservoir capacity Windscreen washer water reservoir . . . . . 109
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Retro-fitting Two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Vehicle telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reversing camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Rocker switches Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Rollback anti-trap function Electric sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
377
Index