wheel Seat Alhambra 2015 Owner's Guide

Transport and practical equipment
roof. All these system components are
available from a technical service centre.
Securing the base supports and roof carrier
system
Always secure the base supports and roof
carrier system correctly.
The roof carrier system must always be instal-
led exactly according to the instructions pro-
vided.
The position openings are located on the in-
ner side of the side roof rods ››› Fig. 99 . WARNING
If the base supports and the roof carrier sys-
tem are incorrectly fitted or used in an unsuit-
able manner, the entire system could break
free causing accident and injury.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly in-
structions into account.
● Only use base supports and roof carrier
systems that are not damaged and are cor-
rectly fitted.
● The base support should only be fitted to
the points indicated in the diagram ››› Fig. 99.
● Sec ur
e the base supports and roof carrier
system correctly.
● Check the screws and attachments before
driving and after a short distance. During
each long journey, check the attachments
during every break. ●
Always fit the roof carrier system correctly
for wheels, skis, surfboards, etc.
● Never modify or repair the basic supports
or roof carrier system. Note
Read and take into account the instructions
included with the roof carrier system fitted
and keep them in the vehicle. Loading the roof carrier system
Loads can only be correctly secured when the
roof carrier system is correctly fitted
››› .
Maximum authorised roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 100 kg
(about 220 lbs) . The roof load includes the
r oof

carrier system and the load being trans-
ported ››› .
Always check the roof carrier system weight
and the weight of the load to be transported
and, if necessary, weigh them. Never exceed
the maximum authorised roof load.
If you are using a roof carrier with a lower
weight rating, you cannot transport the maxi-
mum roof load. Do not exceed the maximum
weight limit for the roof carrier given in the
fitting instructions. Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them
correctly
››› .
Check attachments
After fitting the base supports and the roof
carrier system, always check the attachments
after a short trip and at regular intervals. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load
can result in accidents and/or vehicle dam-
age.
● Never surpass the maximum authorised
weight for the roof, the maximum authorised
weight on the axles and the total maximum
authorised weight of the vehicle.
● Never exceed the capacity of the roof carri-
er system even if this is less than the maxi-
mum authorised roof load.
● Secure heavy items as far forward as possi-
ble and, in general, distribute the vehicle
load uniformly. WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall
from the roof carrier system causing acci-
dents and injury.
● Always use suitable ropes and straps in
good condition.
● Always secure loads correctly. 111
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
the navigation system is carried out in the
menu on the instrument panel ››› page 51.
The cooling system does not switch on
If the air conditioning system cannot be
switched on, this may be caused by the fol-
lowing:
● The engine is not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioning fuse is blown. ●
The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proximately +3 °C (+38 °F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been
temporarily switched off because the engine
coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the vaporiser in the cooling system and form
a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal
and does not indicate a leak! Note
After starting the engine, any residual humid-
ity in the air conditioner could mist over the
windscreen. Switch on the defrost function as
soon as possible to clear the windscreen of
condensation. Air vents
Fig. 123
Air vents in the dash panel Air vents
Never close the air vents
››› Fig. 123 A com-
pletely to ensure heating, cooling and venti-
lation inside the vehicle. ●
Turn the thumbwheel in the required direc-
tion to open and close the air vents. When
the thumbwheel is in the  position, the cor-
r e

sponding air vent is closed.
● Change the air direction using the ventila-
tion grille lever. There are other air vents that cannot be ad-
justed on the dash panel
B , in the footwell
and in the rear area of the interior.
126

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

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

DrivingIt lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(yellow)
ESC disconnected
by the system.Switching the igni-
tion on and off If
necessary, drive for a
short distance.
Fault in the ESC.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: Fault in the
ABS.
Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS.
The battery has
been reconnected.››› page 227 
(yellow)ASR manually de-
activated.
Switch on ASR
››› page 156. ASR is
automatically activa-
ted when the igni-
tion is switched on
or off. 
(yellow)
Together with the
ESC control lamp
: Fault in the
ABS.Contact a special-
ised workshop. The
vehicle can be
braked without ABS.
Together with the
warning lamp or : ABS fault. 
(yellow)
Together with the
warning lamp flashing: electron-
ic parking brake
faulty.Contact a special-
ised workshop.
It lights
upPossible causeSolution 
(green)Brake pedal not
pressed.
Press the brake ped-
al to select a gear
range.
Press the brake ped-
al to disconnect the
electronic parking
brake
››› page 140.
FlashesPossible causeSolution 
(red)
Electronic parking
brake faulty. The
control lamp
may light up at the
same time or the
control lamp
may flash on the
button.
Contact a special-
ised workshop, as it
may not be possible
to park the vehicle in
safety.

(yellow)ESC or ASR regu-
lating.Take your foot off the
accelerator. Adjust
your driving style to
the road conditions.
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. WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could re-
sult in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go
out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake
fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there
is a fault in the brake system. Obtain profes-
sional assistance immediately ››› page 225,
Checking the brake fluid level.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up to-
gether with the ABS warning lamp , the
regulation function of the ABS could be mal-
functioning. As a result, the rear wheels can
lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle
control! If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully to a specialised workshop
close by to check the brake system. During
the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out
or if it lights while driving, the ABS is mal-
functioning. The vehicle can only be stopped
using normal braking without ABS. The pro-
tection provided by the ABS is not available.
Visit a specialised workshop as soon as pos-
sible.
● 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. 139
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Electronic parking brake Fig. 128
Detailed view of the centre console:
electronic parking brake switch Applying the electronic parking brake
The parking brake can be applied whenever
the vehicle is at a standstill, even when the
ignition is switched off. Always apply the
parking brake when you leave your vehicle
and when you park.
●
Pull button  until the control lamp
 on
the button lights up.
● The parking brake is applied when the con-
trol lamp  lights up on the instrument pan-
el ››› page 138 .
R el
easing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button  . At the same time, press
the brake pedal hard or gently press the ac-
celerator pedal with the engine switched on. ●
The control lamps  on the button and 
on the in s

trument panel go out.
Automatic release of the electronic parking
brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically
released when the vehicle starts moving, if
the driver door is closed and
the driver is
wearing his/her seat belt. In addition, in ve-
hicles with a manual gearbox the clutch ped-
al should also be pressed to the floor before
starting the engine so that the system recog-
nises that the parking brake should be re-
leased.
Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency braking function if
the vehicle cannot be stopped with the brake
pedal ››› !
● Pull button 
hard
to stop the vehicle. The
w

arning display will be accompanied by the
corresponding audible warning.
● To stop the braking process, release the
button or press the accelerator. WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking
brake may result in serious accident.
● Never use the electronic parking brake to
brake the vehicle except in an emergency.
The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to the rear
wheels. Always use the foot brake.
●
Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the engine running and a gear or a
gear range engaged. The vehicle could move,
even if the parking brake is applied. Note
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: when
the clutch pedal is released and the accelera-
tor pressed at the same time, the electronic
parking brake is automatically released.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be
possible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start ››› page 253.
● When the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or released, noises may be heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been
used for a long while, the system sometimes
performs automatic and audible checks while
the vehicle is at a standstill. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››› .
140