lock Seat Alhambra 2014 Owners Manual

278Checking and refilling levels
Opening the tank filling neck
● Open the rear lid.
● Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise ⇒ Fig. 167 and open the cover
forwards.
● Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ Fig. 168 1
anticlockwise.
Refilling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT and that complies with the
ISO 22241-1 Standard. Only use genuine bottles.
● Observe the instructions and information provided by the refill bottle
manufacturer.
● Observe the expiry date.
● Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
● Place the refill bottle 2
upside down inside the tank filler neck.
● Press the refill bottle against the filler neck and keep in this position.
● Add at least 10 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles). A lower quantity would be
insufficient.
● Wait until the contents of the refill bottle have been poured into the
AdBlue tank. Do not crush or damage the bottle!
● Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and remove it carefully ⇒ 
.
● You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full because the bottle will be emp-
ty.
Closing the tank filling neck
● Screw on the tank filler neck cap ⇒ Fig. 168 1
clockwise until it is fully
inserted.
● Place the cover and turn the shut off anticlockwise to close it. Operations before driving
●
Only switch the ignition on after refilling.
● Keep the ignition switch on for at least 30 seconds so that the system
detects tank refilling.
● Wait 30 seconds before starting the engine!
WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container, tightly shut and in a safe
place.
● Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bottles or other containers to
avoid other people mistaking it for something else.
● Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small children.
CAUTION
● Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT. The use of any oth-
er type of AdBlue could cause engine damage!
● AdBlue should never be mixed with water or any other additives. Any
type of damage caused by a mixture will not be covered by the warranty.
● Do not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise you may damage
the engine.
● Never leave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It could become permeable
due to temperature changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue could dam-
age the vehicle interior.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-friendly manner.
Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be purchased from a Technical Service. 

280Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
–Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the gearbox lever in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised.
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire.
WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as causing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
● To minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences
while the engine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps.
WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injury.
● Never place your hands on or near the radiator fan. Touching the rotor
blades could seriously harm you. The ventilator works according to the
engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ignition is
turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with
the utmost caution.
–Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and long hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive. The vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tools, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire.
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks. 

281
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Never pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
engine parts and cause injuries.
● If it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
please follow the instructions below:
–Always disconnect the vehicle battery. When disconnecting the
battery, ensure that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise the anti-theft
alarm will be triggered.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extin-
guisher close by.
CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or
other fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. 
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment ⇒ 
: ●
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
● Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 176.
● Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
● Ensure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in seri-
ous injury.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

282Checking and refilling levels
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 169 In the footwell
on the driver side: Lever
for unlocking the bonnet
Fig. 170 Release lever to
open the bonnet in the
radiator grille
Opening the bonnet
The lever to open the bonnet can only be used if the driver door is open. ●
Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in place against the windscreen ⇒ 
.
● Open the driver door.
● Pull the release lever ⇒ Fig. 169 in the direction of the arrow. The bonnet
is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒ 
.
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever ⇒ Fig. 170 (arrow) and open the
bonnet fully. The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
● To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure
⇒ 
.
● Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier. Do not press down.
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
leaving the driver without visibility. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the locking mechanism in the lock carrier. The bonnet must be flush with
the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immediately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
range. 

291
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
● Never open the coolant expansion tank if steam or coolant is coming
from the engine compartment. Wait until you cannot see or hear any
steam or coolant escaping.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled before very care-
fully opening the expansion tank cap. Contact with hot elements of the
engine can cause skin burns.
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
–Turn on the electronic parking brake and place the gear selector
lever in P or the gearbox lever in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised.
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under specific cir-
cumstances, the ethylene glycol can catch fire.CAUTION
● Top up with distilled water only. Any other type of water may lead to con-
siderable rusting in the engine due to its chemical components. This could
consequently damage the engine. If you have not used distilled water but
another type of water to top up the coolant, a specialised workshop must
immediately replace all of the fluid in the engine cooling system.
● Only top up coolant to the top level of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 174. Oth-
erwise the excess coolant will be forced out of the cooling system when the
engine is hot, causing damage.
● If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
completely before adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an indication of
leaks in the engine cooling system. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a specialised workshop. Otherwise you may damage the
engine.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

295
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.

Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment ⇒ 
. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a Tech-
nical Service for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size and
maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the bat-
tery replaced by a Technical Service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later. Start-Stop systems (
⇒ page 198) are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒ 
.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒ 
.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15-20 km/h (10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 57. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range
of measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands
are made on it: 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

297
Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard with anti-puncture technology
tyres (Conti-Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of up to 5 mm, the
tyre seals the hole with a protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of such technology means that there is no type of spare
wheel, nor puncture repair kit included in the vehicle's inventory.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a speci-
alised workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement
parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Park assist system ⇒ page 204
● Tyre control systems ⇒ page 225
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Change wheel ⇒ page 310
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 259
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (370 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist systems also depends on
the grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

300Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly ⇒ page 310.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ page 310.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together
by special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance,
a better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims
should always be replaced and must only be repaired in a specialised work-
shop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒ 
.
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attach-
ed to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at
a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service
⇒ 
.
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more danger-
ous and result in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required.
WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loosened, this could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried
out at specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Serv-
ice.

Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims
New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km
(310 miles), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in
do not have such good grip ⇒ 
or braking capacity ⇒ .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyre and the tread pattern. 

305
Wheels and tyres
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒ 
.
Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 308.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion display) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your Technical Service for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response.
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
⇒ page 305.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you
should not take unnecessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
Note
● If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “reprog-
rammed” whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 227.
● Please ask at a Technical Service for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres. 
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum permit-
ted speed limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help to improve grip but also im-
prove the braking capacity.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
Tyre sizeWheel rim205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
SEAT recommends you ask a Technical Service for further information on
wheel, tyre and chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm
(37/64 inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒ 
.
The wheel bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from Technical Services. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

308Wheels and tyres
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each
wheel can carry (load capacity). 615 kg (1356 pounds)
650 kg (1,433 pounds)
690 kg (1,521 pounds)
730 kg (1,609 pounds)
775 kg (1,709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for tyres with a maximum author-
ised speed above 240 km/h (149 miles). 
91
93
95
97
99
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
Z
W
Y Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 310
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cause major accidents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and en-
danger other road users.
● Damaged trims must never be mounted on the wheels.
● Always ensure that the brake ventilation and cooling is not cut off or
blocked. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not
enough air, you may require significantly longer braking distances.
CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle. 