wipers Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Manual

53
Cockpit
Operating instructions Cockpit
Overview Overview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays. Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Central lock button    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Switch for adjusting the exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
– Exterior mirror adjustment     
– Heated exterior mirrors 
– Folding exterior mirrors 
Instrument panel controls and lighting control  . . . . . . . . . . .95
Headlamp range adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
– Light off - -
– Automatic dipped beam headlight control - -
– Side/dipped lights  
– Fog lights  
Controls on the multi-function steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
– Volume control for radio, navigation system and phone
conversations  – 
– Radio mute or voice control activation 
1
23
456
7
–
Activate telephone main menu or accept an incoming call

– SEAT information system control buttons , , OK, 
Lever for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
– Main beam headlights 
– Headlight flasher 
– Turn signals 
– Parking lights 
Instrument panel:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
– Digital display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/Front driver airbag 32
Windscreen wiper/ windscreen wash lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
– Windscreen wipers  – 
– Intermittent wipe 
– “Brief wipe” x
– Windscreen wipers 
– Automatic windscreen wash/wipe 
– Rear window wiper 
– Automatic rear window wash/wipe 
– Lever with buttons for controlling the SEAT information
system - , / . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Left seat heating controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
8
9
1011
12
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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. 

105
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Recirculation of air conditioner air ⇒ page 156
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 278
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 245
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibili-
ty.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash/wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help
to leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position ⇒ page 107. Control lamp
lights upPossible causeSolution
Windscreen wiper fluid level
too lowTop up the windscreen wiper
reservoir as soon as possible
⇒ page 109.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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. 

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

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

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen washer.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cy-
cle with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
blades for damage ⇒ Fig. 69 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcohol. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer reservoir
with water
Fig. 70 In the engine
compartment: wind-
screen washer reservoir
top
Check the water level in the windscreen washer reservoir regularly and top
up as required.
● Open the bonnet 
⇒  page 278.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the symbol  on the lid
⇒ Fig. 70.
● Check there is enough water in the reservoir.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT
⇒ 
.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water from freezing ⇒ 
.
Reservoir capacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight
washer, it is approximately 7.0 litres. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

163
Air conditioning
Switching off: Press the button  until the lamp on the button switches off.
Switching the recirculation mode on and off manually on the
Climatronic 
Switching on: Press the button  until the lamp on the button lights up.
Switching off: Press the button  until the lamp on the button switches
off.
Automatic air recirculation mode 
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position . If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recircu-
lation mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities
drops to within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
With the following outside temperatures and conditions the air recirculation
does not switch on automatically:
● The cooling system is switched on (the AC
button is lit up) and the out-
side temperature is below +3 °C (+38 °F).
● The cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the outside temperature is below
+15 °C (+59 °F). The windscreen wiper is switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: Press the button  until the right lamp on the button lights
up.
Switching off: Press the button  until all the lamps on the button are
switched off. Switching the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
●
Press the  button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of unpleasant smells from outside. The left indicator
lamp turns on.
● After more than two seconds, press the  button again to restart auto-
matic air recirculation. The right indicator lamp turns on.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh
the air inside the vehicle.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required.
CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with an air
conditioner. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system vaporiser
and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter, leading
to a permanently unpleasant smell.
Note
Climatronic: Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from
entering the vehicle interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wash and wipe is working. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

247
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
● Switch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a
car wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the rear lid to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside
the car wash. 
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning
equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the re-
quired pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
⇒ 
.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The
parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where applica-
ble, in the front bumpers ⇒ 
.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt ⇒ 
.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials.
This could result in a serious accident.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may dam-
age the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● The sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

249
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 160 Changing the
front wiper blades
Fig. 161 Changing the
rear wiper blade
The windscreen wiper blades are supplied as standard with a layer of graph-
ite. This layer is responsible for ensuring that the wipe is silent. If the graph-
ite layer is damaged, the noise of the water as it is wiped across the wind-
screen will be louder. Check the condition of the wiper blades regularly.
If the wipers scrape
across the glass they should be changed if they are damaged, or cleaned if
they are dirty ⇒ 
.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Wiper blades are
available from specialised workshops.
Lifting and unfolding the wiper arms
The wiper arm may only be lifted at the point where it is fastened to the
blade.
For windscreen wipers, please note: the wiper should be in service position
before unfolding it ⇒ page 105.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
● Lifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
● Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper
blades.
● If the blades are very dirty, a sponge or damp cloth may be used ⇒ 
.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
● Lifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
● Hold down the release button ⇒ Fig. 160 1
while gently pulling the
blade in the direction of the arrow.
● Fit a new wiper blade of the same length and design on to the wiper arm
and hook it into place.
● Rest the wiper arms back onto the windscreen.
Changing the rear wiper blade
● Lift and unfold the wiper arm.
● Pull the wiper blade out of its mounting on the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 161 (ar-
row A
).
● Hold down the release button 1 while gently pulling the blade in the
direction of the arrow B. This may require some strength.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications