steering Seat Alhambra 2015 Owner's Guide

Operation
An optimum range is obtained by keeping
the remote control vertical, with the aerial
››› Fig. 124 A pointing upwards. When doing
so, do not cover the aerial with your fingers
or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of 2 me-
tr e
s between the remote control and the vehi-
cle. CAUTION
● The radio frequency remote control con-
tains electronic components. Therefore, avoid
getting it wet and being knocked and protect
it from direct sunlight.
● Use of inappropriate batteries may damage
the remote control. For this reason, always re-
place the used battery with another of the
same voltage, size and specifications. For the sake of the environment
● Please dispose of old batteries so that they
do not harm the environment.
● The remote control battery may contain
perchlorate. Observe the legal requirements
for their disposal. Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle
can be programmed for a certain period. Before programming, check that the day is
correctly set in the
Auxiliary heater - day of the
week menu ››› .
Enabling the Auxiliary heater
menu on the
in s

trument panel
● From the main menu, select the Auxiliary
heater submenu and press the OK button on
the windscreen wiper lever.
● OR: press the  or
 arrow buttons on the
multi-function steering wheel until the Auxili-
ary heater menu is displayed.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
Switching on
Switching off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come
on automatically if required. To do so,
select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a
timer has been selected, Prog. ON will be
displayed on the screen. If no timer has
been selected, the dash panel display
will show Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, se-
lect another timer or select the Off op-
tion.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3
Three different timers (hh.mm) can later
be selected using the On option. If the
auxiliary heater is to be switched on for
just a certain day of the week, select the
day of the week and the time for the aux-
iliary heater to come on.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
DurationThe operating time may vary between 10
and 60 minutes and can be set to 5-mi-
nute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle interi-
or when the auxiliary heater is switched
on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Factory set-
tingsThe predefined factory values for the
functions of this menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu. Checking programming
If the
timer has been switched on after
switching the ignition off, the light on button  will remain lit for around 10 seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating sys-
tem to be activated and operated in closed,
unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater
fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless
and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. 130

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

Operation
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel.
Control and warning lampsIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(red)Power steering
faulty.
The steering system
should be checked by
a specialised work-
shop as soon as pos-
sible.

(yellow)
Power steering
operation re-
duced.
The steering system
should be checked by
a specialised work-
shop as soon as pos-
sible.
If, after restarting the
engine and driving for
a short distance, the
yellow warning lamp
no longer comes on, it
will
not be necessary
to take the vehicle to
a specialised work-
shop.
The vehicle bat-
tery was discon-
nected and has
been reconnec-
ted.Drive for a short dis-
tance at 15-20 km/h
(9-12 mph).
FlashesPossible causeSolution 
(red)
Fault in the steer-
ing column elec-
tronic lock.  Do not drive on!
Seek professional ad-
vice. 
(yellow)
Steering column
deviation.Gently turn the steer-
ing wheel to and fro.
Steering wheel
not unlocked or
locked.
Remove the key from
the ignition and then
switch the ignition
back on. Check the
messages displayed
on the instrument
panel at the same
time.
Do not drive on, if
the
steering column re-
mains locked after the
ignition has been
switched on. Seek
specialist assistance. Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 47. Information on the steering
Steering column electronic lock
Vehicles with Keyless Access: the steering
column locks when the driver's door is
opened and the ignition is switched off.
Therefore, the vehicle should be at a stand-
still and, where applicable, the selector lever
in position P
.
If
the driver door is opened before the igni-
tion is switched off, the steering column elec-
tronic lock is activated via the ignition key or
the sensor built into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the
steering before leaving the vehicle.
Please engage steer-
ing lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
››› page 137.Turn the steering wheel
slightly to release the
steering lock.
Remove the key from the
ignition.Insert the key in the igni-
tion lock.
Turn the steering wheel
slightly until you hear the
steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in
this position and switch
on the ignition. 132

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
Ignition lock Fig. 125
Vehicle key positions Car keys ››› Fig. 125
No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may
be activated.
0Ignition off, all electrical devices disconnected.
Key can be removed from the vehicle.
1Ignition is switched on. Pre-heating of diesel en-
gine. The steering lock can be unlocked.
2Switch on the engine. Release the key when the
engine has started. When it is released, the key
returns to position 1
.Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
●
Automatic gearbox: the key cannot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re- lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
●
Manual gearbox: remove the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
could result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you leave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated which may result in serious in-
jury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car. Passengers could be trapped
in the car in an emergency and 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.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering may
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat. ●
For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can
only be removed from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position P. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button. 134

Driving
Starter button Fig. 126
In the centre console: start-up push
button for the Keyless Access lock and start-
up system. The layout in right-hand drive ve-
hicles is symmetrical. Fig. 127
Emergency ignition in vehicles with
KESSY. The start-up button may only be used if there
is a valid key in the vehicle. Opening the driver's door
when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
s t
eering column if the ignition is disabled
››› page 131.
Swit

ching the ignition on/off
● Briefly push the start-up button ››› Fig. 126
without touching the brake or clutch ped-
al ››› .
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the vehicle key battery is very low or
flat:
● Immediately after pushing the start-up but-
ton, keep the vehicle key next to the steering
column ››› Fig. 127 .
● The ignition c onnects

and the engine starts
automatically.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not stop after briefly press-
ing the start-up button, an emergency dis-
connect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 1 sec-
ond or press it once for more than 2 seconds
››› .
● The engine turns off automatically. Engine restart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
result in serious injury.
● When pressing the start-up button, do not
pr e

ss the brake or clutch pedal, this way the
engine will start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due care, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exiting. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
In diesel vehicles with the Keyless Access
system, there may be a delay in the engine
starting if it requires preheating. 135
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
1.Bring the vehicle to a full stop ››› .
2.Press and hold the brake pedal until the step 4 is
performed.
3.If the vehicle has an automatic gearbox, place theselector lever in position P.
4.Connect the electronic parking brake ››› page 137.
5.Turn the vehicle key in
the ignition lock to po-
sition ››› Fig. 125 0
.
Briefly press the start-
up button
››› Fig. 126. If
the engine fails to
switch off, perform an
emergency disconnect
››› page 135.
6.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox,
put it into 1st or reverse. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is moving. You may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition is switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. To stop, the brake pedal must be
pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the
engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than normally. ●
If the key is removed from the ignition, the
steering may lock and it will not be possible
to steer the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed
for a prolonged period of time, it may over-
heat when turned off. To avoid engine dam-
age, allow the engine to run for approximate-
ly two minutes in neutral before switching it
off. Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key
can only be removed when the selector lever
is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine com-
partment fan may continue running for a few
minutes, even when the ignition has been
switched off or the key removed. The radiator
fan is automatically switched off. Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being
started with an unauthorised key and the ve-
hicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a chip that automatically
disables the immobilizer when the key is
placed in the ignition lock.The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock. For vehicles with
the Keyless Access system, the key has to be
outside the vehicle
››› page 59.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used
with a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code. Coded keys can be purchased from
your technical service centre ››› page 54.
If an unauthorised key is used, the message SAFE or Immobiliser active is displayed on the
instrument panel. The vehicle cannot be star-
ted in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guaranteed when original SEAT keys are
used. Braking and parking
Introduction The
assisted braking systems
include the an-
ti-loc

k braking system (ABS), the brake assist
system (BAS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL), the traction control system (ASR) and
the electronic stability control (ESC). »
137
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

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

Operation
Changing gears with Tiptronic* Fig. 131
Selector lever in Tiptronic position
(left-hand drive vehicles). The lay-out in right-
hand drive vehicles is symmetrically op-
posed. Fig. 132
Steering wheel with two paddle
shifts for Tiptronic The Tiptronic system allows you to manually
change gears in vehicles with an automatic
gearbox. When you change to the Tiptronic
programme, the vehicle remains in the cur- rently selected gear. This is possible as long
as the system is not changing gear automati-
cally due to a traffic situation.
Using Tiptronic with the selector lever
● Press the selector lever from position D to
the right int
o the Tiptronic selector gate ››› in Automatic gearbox*: selecting gears on
page 145
.
● Pr e

ss the lever forwards + or backwards
– to move up or down a gear
››› Fig. 131 .
U s

ing the Tiptronic with the steering wheel
paddle shifts
● In
D or S, move the steering wheel paddle
shifts ››› Fig. 132.
● Pu
ll the right-hand side paddle + OFF ›››
Fig. 132 towards the steering wheel to
s t

ep up a gear.
● Pull the left-hand side paddle –
››› Fig. 132
towards the steering wheel step down a gear.
If the paddles are not used for a period of
time, the vehicle leaves Tiptronic mode. CAUTION
● When accelerating, the gearbox automati-
cally shifts up into the next gear shortly be-
fore the maximum engine speed is reached.
● When reducing speed manually, the gear
box only shifts gear when the engine can no
longer exceed the maximum engine speed. Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly as the vehicle moves.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear
you will need. The lowest gears increase the
engine braking work. Never go down hills
with the selector lever in neutral
N.
● You shou

ld reduce speed accordingly.
● Press the selector lever from position D to
the right int

o the Tiptronic selector gate
››› page 146
.
● Gently pull the selector lever back to
change down a gear.
● OR:
reduce using the steering wheel pad-
dles ›››
page 146.
Bac
k-up programme
If all the selector lever positions on the in-
strument panel display are shown with a
light-coloured background, this means there
is a fault in the system. The automatic gear-
box will operate in back-up mode. When the
backup programme is activated, it is possible
to drive the vehicle, however, at low speeds
and within a selected range of gears.
For the DSG ®
dual clutch gearbox, in some
cases, this may mean that the reverse gear
does not engage . The gearbox should be
146