fuel Seat Alhambra 2015 User Guide

Lights and visibility
● Adjust the front passenger side exterior
mirror so that you can see, for example, the
kerb area.
● The new position of the mirror will be stor-
ed automatically and allocated to the vehicle
key that was used to unlock the vehicle. For
vehicles with seat memory, please see
››› page 93 .
A ctiv
ating the passenger exterior mirror
settings
● Turn the exterior mirror knob to position R.
● With the ignition switched on, select re-
verse gear.
● The stored position of the passenger exteri-
or mirror for reverse gear is deleted when
driving forwards at 15 km/h (9 mph), or if the
knob is turned from position R to another po-
sition. WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking
care to avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when
there is no-one in the way of the mirror.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to
trap fingers between the mirror and the mir-
ror bracket. WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of
the vehicle behind could lead to serious acci-
dent.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors in-
crease the field of vision, however objects ap-
pear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the
distance to the next vehicle when changing
lane is imprecise and could result in serious
accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate distances to vehicles behind you or in
other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is ade-
quate. CAUTION
● Before entering a car wash, always ensure
that the exterior mirrors are correctly folded
in.
● Electrically-folding exterior mirrors should
not be folded and unfolded mechanically as
this may damage the electrical operation. For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switch-
ed off when it is no longer needed. Other-
wise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
● The exterior mirror heating initially heats
up with a high power, after two minutes the
heat will depend upon the ambient tempera-
ture.
● In the event of faults, the electric exterior
mirrors can be adjusted manually by pressing
the edge of the mirror surface. 87Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Seats and head restraints
Seat functions Seat heating* Fig. 80
Detailed view of the centre console:
front seat heating controls, here with the sec-
ond temperature level set Fig. 81
Detailed view of the centre console:
controls for the front seat heating in vehicles
equipped with Climatronic The seat cushions can be heated electrically
when the ignition is switched on. The back-
rest is also heated in some versions.
Switch off seat heating if there is nobody in
the seat.FunctionAction
››› Fig. 80, ››› Fig. 81
ActivatePress button . Seat heating is
switched on fully.
Adjusting the
heating outputKeep pressing button  until the re-
quired intensity is set.
DeactivatingKeep pressing button  until all of
the lights are switched off ››› Fig. 80,
››› Fig. 81. WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can
cause severe injuries.
● Assume the proper sitting position before
your trip and remain in it throughout. This al-
so applies to the other occupants.
● Only adjust the seat position memory when
the vehicle is stationary.
● Only switch the lumbar massage function
on and off when the vehicle is stationary.
● Keep hands, fingers, feet and other limbs
away from the seat operating and adjustment
radius. WARNING
People whose pain and temperature thresh-
old has been affected by some kind of medi-
cine, paraplegia or chronic illness (e.g. diabe-
tes) may sustain burns to the back, buttocks
and legs from using the seat heaters that
may lead to a long healing process or that
may never completely heal. Seek medical ad-
vice if you have doubts regarding your health.
● People with limited pain and temperature
thresholds must never use seat heating. CAUTION
● To avoid damaging the heating elements of
the seat heaters, please do not kneel on the
seat or apply sharp pressure to a single point
on the seat cushion or backrest.
● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating mate-
rials on the seat could damage the seat heat-
ing.
● In the event of smells, switch off the seat
heating immediately and have the unit in-
spected by a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel
waste. 93
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
● Carefully unhook the baggage net hooks
from the fastening rings ››› Fig. 98 2 .
WARNING
The elastic baggage net stretches when it is
secured to the luggage compartment fasten-
ing rings. The secured baggage net is taut.
The hooks on the net can cause injury if the
net is incorrectly hooked or unhooked.
● Always ensure that the hooks do not sud-
denly release from the fastening rings when
hooking or un-hooking.
● Always keep your face and eyes protected
at a safe distance to avoid injury should a
hook slip while hooking or unhooking.
● Always engage the hooks in the order giv-
en. If a baggage net hook springs back this
can cause injury. Roof carrier system*
Introduction The vehicle roof has been designed to opti-
mise aerodynamics. For this reason, conven-
tional roof carrier systems cannot be secured
to the roof water drain channel.
Given that the water drains have been incor-
porated into the roof for aerodynamic rea-
sons, only the SEAT approved basic supports
and roof carrier systems can be used. When should the roof carrier system be
removed?
● When it is not being used.
● When the vehicle is being washed in a car
wash.
● When the vehicle height exceeds the maxi-
mum height (e.g. in a garage). WARNING
The risk of an accident is increased by trans-
porting heavy or bulky loads on the roof,
which affects the car's handling by shifting
the centre of gravity and increasing suscepti-
bility to cross winds.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps.
● Large, heavy, wide and flat loads negatively
affect the vehicle aerodynamics, centre of
gravity and handling.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions. CAUTION
● Always remove the roof carrier system from
the roof before entering a car wash.
● The height of your vehicle is changed by
the installation of the roof carrier and the
load secured on it. Compare the vehicle
height with the passage height, for example
in underground car parks or for garage doors. ●
The roof antenna, the range of the panor-
amic sliding sunroof and the boot hatch
should not be affected by the roof carrier sys-
tem and the load being transported.
● Take extra care not to let the hatch strike
the roof load when opening. For the sake of the environment
The vehicle uses more fuel when the roof car-
rier system is fitted. Securing the base supports and roof
carrier system
Fig. 99
Attachment points for the basic sup-
port and the roof carrier system The mounts are the basis of a complete roof
carrier system. Special fixtures must then be
added in order to safely transport luggage,
bicycles, skis, surf boards, boats, etc. on the
110

Operation
CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
switched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, 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 wipers are
working. 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 130 on the dash panel.
In w int
er, the auxiliary heater can be used in
heat mode before switching on the ignition to
remove any ice, mist or snow from the wind-
screen (thin layers only). WARNING
The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon di-
oxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose
consciousness. 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 ex-
haust 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
123
ONManually using the remote control.››› page
129
Automatically at the programmed
and enabled on time.››› page
130
Switching the auxiliary heater off: 
Manually using the instant on/off
button for the air conditioner.›››
page
123
OFFManually using the remote control.››› page
129
Automatically after the programmed
time.››› page
130
Automatically when the light comes
on  (fuel reserve).››› page
206
Automatically when the battery pow-
er drops to a very low level.››› page
227 Things to note
After switching the auxiliary heater off, it con-
tinues to run for a short period to completely
128

Air conditioning
burn any fuel remaining in the auxiliary heat-
er. The exhaust gases are also extracted from
the system.
Remote control Fig. 124
Auxiliary heater: remote controlFig. 124Meaning
ONSwitch the auxiliary heater on.
OFFSwitch the auxiliary heater off:
AAerial.
BLight. The auxiliary heater may accidentally switch
on if a button is pressed on the remote con-
trol by mistake. This may also occur outside
the range of the remote control or if the light
flashes. Remote control light
The remote control light provides users with
different information at the push of a button:
Battery light
Fig. 124
BMeaning
Lights up green for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater has been
switched on using the ON but-
ton.
Lights up red for
around two seconds.The auxiliary heater has been
switched off using the OFF but-
ton.
Slowly flashes green
for around two sec-
onds.No on a)
signal has been re-
ceived.
Quickly flashes green
for around two sec-
onds.The auxiliary heater is locked.
Possible causes: the fuel tank
is almost empty, the battery
charge is very low or there is a
fault.
Flashes red for
around two seconds.No off a)
signal has been re-
ceived.
Lights up orange for
around two seconds,
then green or red.The remote control battery is
almost flat. However, the on or
off signal has been received,
respectively.
Lights up orange for
around two seconds,
then flashes green or
red.The remote control battery is
almost flat. The on or off signal
has not been received, respec-
tively.
Battery light
Fig. 124 BMeaning
Flashes orange for
around five seconds.The remote control battery is
flat. The on or off signal has
not been received, respective-
ly.
a)
Within its range, the remote control might not receive the sig-
nal sent by the vehicle receiver. In this case, the remote control
will send an error message whether the auxiliary heater is on or
off. Come closer to the vehicle and press the corresponding but-
ton on the remote control once again.
Replacing the remote control battery
When the light ›››
Fig. 124 B on the remote
control does not come on when the button is
pressed, the remote control battery should
soon be replaced.
The battery is located beneath a cover on the
back of the remote control. Turn the slot to
the left using a flat, blunt object (e.g. a coin).
When changing the battery, use another bat-
tery of the same model and observe the po-
larity when fitting it ››› .
Range
The receiver is in the interior of the vehicle.
The remote control, when fitted with new bat-
teries, has a range of several hundred me-
tres. Obstacles between the remote control
and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and
discharged batteries can considerably reduce
the range of the remote control. »
129
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
Operating instructions The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
below the vehicle must be kept clear of snow,
mud and other objects. The exhaust gases
must not be obstructed in any way. The ex-
haust gases generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted under-
neath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on
the outside temperature the warm air is first
directed at the windscreen and then to the
rest of the vehicle interior through the air
vents. If the air vents are turned towards the
windows, for example, the form of air distri-
bution may be affected.
Depending on the outside temperature, the
temperature at which the auxiliary heater
warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat
higher if the heating or air conditioner tem-
perature control is set to maximum before
switching the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with aux-
iliary heater may be fitted with a second bat-
tery in the luggage compartment that is re-
sponsible for powering the auxiliary heater.
Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not
switch on
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
much power as the dipped beam headlights.
If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heat- er will switch off automatically or will not
even switch on. This avoids problems when
starting the engine.
●
The heater will switch on just once each
time. The timer will also have to be switched
back on every time it is required. Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the out-
side temperature low, the heating system
may evaporate condensation from the auxili-
ary heater. In this case, steam may be re-
leased from underneath the vehicle. This is
completely normal and there is no need to
suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times
over a prolonged period, the vehicle battery
may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive
the vehicle for a long distance. As a general
rule, drive for as much time as the auxiliary
heating was working. Driving
Address Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromechanical. The advantage of this steer-
ing system is that it disposes of hydraulic
tubes, hydraulic oil, the pump, filter and oth-
er components. The electromechanical sys-
tem saves fuel. While a hydraulic system re-
quires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy
when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning.
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the
steering wheel is much more difficult to turn
and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering may » 131Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
Electromechanical power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning.
You should remember that you will need con-
siderably more power than normal to steer
the vehicle if the power steering is not work-
ing correctly or not at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps
the driver in critical situations. Additional
steering power helps the driver when counter
steering. WARNING
The counter steering assistance system com-
bined with ESC helps the driver to steer the
vehicle in critical driving conditions. At all
times, it is the driver who steers the vehicle.
The counter steering system does not steer
the vehicle. Stopping and starting the
engine
Introduction Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of
a system fault, 
or Immobiliser on is dis-
played on the instrument panel. The engine
cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. WARNING
Turning off the engine while driving will make
stopping the vehicle difficult; this could even
result in the loss of control causing an acci-
dent 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 serious injury. ●
Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly ventilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
could explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. 133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Starting the engine Complete operations only in the sequence
given: Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
1.Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5 is per- formed.
1a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press and
hold the clutch down until the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position P or N.
3.
Only in vehicles with
diesel engines: for pre-
heating, turn the key in the ignition lock to po-
sition ››› Fig. 125 1
. A
control lamp lights up
on the dash panel
.

4.
Turn the key in the igni- tion lock to position
››› Fig. 125 2
; do not
press the accelerator.
Press the starter button ››› Fig. 126; do not
press the accelerator. There needs to be a
valid key inside the ve- hicle for the engine to start.
5.Once the engine starts,release the key in the ignition lock.Once the engine starts,release the start-up button.
Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
6.
If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again.If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again. If necessary,
perform an emergency start ››› page 135.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you
are about to start driving ››› page 137. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting
in an accident and serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sudden increase in the engine speed.
● Never use start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy acceleration and do not make the
engine work hard. ●
Do not push or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
driving immediately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. Note
● For example, if the key battery is very worn
or flat, the engine cannot be started with the
starter button. In this case, remove the igni-
tion button from the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical devices with a high power con-
sumption are switched off temporarily when
the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may
be strong vibrations for a few moments for
technical reasons. This is quite normal, and
no cause for concern.
● At temperatures below +5 °C (+41 °F),
smoke may be given off below the vehicle
when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence
given:
136

Operation
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty
brake system may lead to serious accident.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a
warning message on the instrument panel
display, please go immediately to a special-
ised workshop to check the brake pads and to
replace them if they are worn. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock
may engage and lock the steering wheel mak-
ing the vehicle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Always apply the electronic parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you
park.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the vehicle. They could release the
electronic parking brake, activate the selec-
tor lever or gear stick and start the vehicle
moving. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you leave the vehicle. The engine could acci-
dentally be started and electrical equipment
such as the windows could accidentally be
operated resulting in serious injury. ●
Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car. They could be trapped in the
car in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children. CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entrances, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Warning and control lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(red)
Together with the
control lamp  on
the button: Elec-
tronic parking
brake on.››› page 140
Fault in the brake
system  Stop the vehicle!
Seek professional
assistance!
››› page 142.
Brake fluid level
inadequate.  Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid
level ››› page 225.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: ABS fault.
Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS. 
(red)Brake pedal not
pressed!Press brake pedal to
the floor.

(yellow)Front brake pads
worn.
Contact a special-
ised workshop im-
mediately. Inspect
all the brake pads
and replace as nec-
essary.
138

Driving
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 140 .
● For an aut
omatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever to position P.
● Sw

itch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat ground and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and
hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are against the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entrances, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, new brake pads
have not yet reached their maximum braking
capacity, and need to be “run in” first
››› .
The slightly reduced braking effect can be
compensated for by increasing pressure on
the brake pedal. While running in, the full
br ak

ing distance or emergency braking dis- tance is larger
then when the brake pads
have been run in. While running in, avoid full
power braking or situations requiring braking
performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends
to a great extent on the conditions in which
the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is
driven. If the vehicle is used frequently in city
traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more
frequently than advised in the Maintenance
Programme, to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, in heavy rainfall
or even after washing the car, the effect of
the brakes is lessened as the brake discs are
wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possi-
ble by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind
you or any other road users ››› .
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads
w i

ll reduce the effectiveness of the brakes
and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a prolonged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the vehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt on
the brake pads. If the brakes are not used »
141
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety