towing Seat Alhambra 2014 Owner's Guide

287
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! Have
the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people may accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze. 
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

310Wheels and tyres
Changing a wheel*
Introduction
The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. See
⇒ page 303
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 72
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a safe distance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
WARNING (Continued)
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● Always stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and
place the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or
engage a gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.

Preparations for changing a wheel
Check list
Before changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given ⇒ 
:
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P ⇒ page 176.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 176.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe
place (for example, behind the safety barrier).
Block the opposite wheel with wedges or a similar object.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle. Take the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
Remove the wheel trims ⇒ page 308. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

314Wheels and tyres
Check list
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒ 
:
Select a suitable flat and firm surface for raising the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, engage a gear (manual gearbox) or place the se-
lector lever in position P ⇒ page 176 and turn on the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 185.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed ⇒ page 311.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking point ⇒ Fig. 186 closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
Raise the jack with the handle until it can be inserted below the jacking
point.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly on the ground and that it is
placed immediately below the lifting point on the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 187.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 187.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could fall off the jack causing seri-
ous injury. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● You should only use a jack approved by SEAT for your vehicle. Other
jacks, even those approved for other SEAT models, might slip out of
place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the ground is sloped or soft
then the vehicle could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary, support the
jack on a wide solid base.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
WARNING (Continued)
● If the ground is slippery (for example, on tiles), place a non-slip sur-
face (for example a floor mat) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking points. The claw of the jack
should grip the reinforcement nerve on the underbody ⇒ Fig. 187.
● You should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is
only supported by a jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
● Never raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one side or the engine is run-
ning.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may
come loose from the jack due to the engine vibrations.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.


323
If and when
Manually unlocking the gear selector lever
Fig. 198 Remove the lin-
ing from the area of the
gear indication
Fig. 199 Manual release
of gear selector lever
If the vehicle power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and
the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be
moved to position N using the manual release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is located underneath the gearbox cover
panel to the right-hand side. To release the gear selector lever mechanism,
a suitable tool is required, for example a screwdriver.
Preparations
●
Apply the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be activated in the
vehicle must be secured otherwise so that it cannot move.
● Switch the ignition off.
To remove the gearbox cover panel
● Pull the cover up around the dust guard on the gear selector lever
⇒ Fig. 198.
● Take the cover off by passing it over the gear selector lever ⇒ 
.
Manual release of the selector lever
● Press the release lever ⇒ Fig. 199 in the direction of the arrow and hold
it in this position.
● Press the lock button ⇒ Fig. 198 1
on the gear selector lever knob and
place the gear selector lever in the N position.
WARNING
Never move the gear selector lever from the position P while the electron-
ic parking brake is deactivated. Otherwise, the vehicle may accidentally
move off on hills or steep slopes causing serious accidents.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is moved on its wheels with the engine stopped and the selec-
tor lever in position N for a prolonged period of time and at high speed, for
example for towing, then the automatic gearbox will be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

331
If and when
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.
Checking the bulbs of a trailer
For vehicles with the factory fitted towing bracket, certain trailer lights are
also controlled if the power socket is correctly connected.
A fault on a trailer turn signal is indicated on the instrument panel by the
turn signal blinking twice as fast (  or ) ⇒ page 96.
● General fault of all turn signals on one side.
● Fault in one tail light (on some models, also the registration light).
● Fault in two brake lights.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
A fault in the LED on the tail lights will not be indicated. However, if the fault
affects all the LEDs then this will be indicated by the control lamp . Information for replacing bulbs
Checklist
To replace a bulb, carry out the following operations always in the order giv-
en ⇒ 
:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
Turn the light switch to position 0 ⇒ page 96.
Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒ page 96.
Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P ⇒ page 176.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 176.
Wait until all of the vehicle interior lights are turned off ⇒ page 96.
Allow the corresponding bulb to cool. Visually inspect fuses to see if any are blown ⇒ page 326.
Replace the bulb according to the instructions ⇒ 
. Bulbs should only
be replaced by new identical models. Bulb information is displayed on
the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
In general, never touch the bulb glass directly. The heat of the bulb
would cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector.
This will impair the brightness of the headlight.
Check if the new bulb is working. If the bulb is not working, it may not
have been correctly fitted, it could be damaged or the connector may
not be correctly connected.
Every time a bulb for the headlights is replaced, visit a specialised
workshop to check the headlights. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

344If and when
WARNING (Continued)
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected. 
Towing and tow starting Introduction
When towing, always respect legal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  page 232
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. The electronic steering
lock could engage. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
considerably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towline anchorage and its cover to avoid
damage to the vehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age! 
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒ page 341.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:

345
If and when
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with an electronic parking brake, given that it is possible that
the brake will not be disengaged.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control units do
not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Towing instructions
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the towline anchorage or specially
designed fitting.
Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device , can only be used for towing
with a tow bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball ⇒ page 237.Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
●
Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four all-wheel drive
vehicles.
Instructions for towing all-wheel drive vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the ve-
hicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG ®
(direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply ⇒ page 345.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the electronic parking brake and steering
lock are deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an elec-
tric system fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate
the electronic parking brake and electronic steering lock. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

346If and when
Fitting the front towline anchorage
Fig. 221 On the right-
hand side of the front
bumper: Screw in the
towline anchorage
The location for the removable towline anchorage is on the right-hand side
of the front bumper ⇒ Fig. 221.
The towline anchorage should always be kept in the vehicle.
Note the instructions for towing ⇒ page 345.
To fit the towline anchorage
● Take the towline anchorage from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 324.
● Press on the upper cover and carefully remove it forwards. Allow the cov-
er to hang.
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its position anticlockwise as far as
it will go ⇒ Fig. 221 ⇒ 
. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the towline
anchorage in its location.
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage by turning it clockwise and
put the cover back in place.
CAUTION
The towline anchorage must always be completely and firmly tightened.
Otherwise, it could be released while towing and tow-starting. 
Fitting the rear towline anchorage
Fig. 222 On the rear
bumper, to the right hand
side: Tow ring in position
The location for the removable towline anchorage is on the right-hand side
of the rear bumper ⇒ Fig. 222. For vehicles with a factory fitted towing brack-
et, there is no fitting behind the cover to insert the towline anchorage. For
towing, fit and use the tow hitch ⇒ page 237, ⇒ 
.
Note the instructions for towing ⇒ page 345.
Fitting the towline anchorage to the rear for vehicles without factory fitted
tow hitch
● Take the towline anchorage from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage com-
partment ⇒ page 324.
● Press on the upper cover and carefully remove it back. This may require
some strength. Allow the cover to hang. 

347
If and when
● Screw in the towline anchorage into its position anticlockwise as far as
it will go ⇒ 
. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the towline anchorage in
its location.
● After towing, remove the towline anchorage by turning it clockwise and
put the cover back in place.
CAUTION
● The towline anchorage must always be completely and firmly tightened.
Otherwise, it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
● Vehicles with a factory fitted towing bracket, can only be used for towing
with a tow bar, specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball. Otherwise, the
tow hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope
should be used. 
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on
an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn signal lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard warn-
ing lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest posi-
tion, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically. Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
●
Leave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic parking brake and to activate the turn signals, the horn as well as
the window wipers and window washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not run-
ning, you will need more strength to steer than normally.
● The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the Instruction Man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
● Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the Instruction Man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications