power steering Seat Alhambra 2015 Owner's Manual

Operation
Key-operated switch in glove com-
partment for deactivating front pas-
senger front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Passenger front airbag off warning
lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lever for:
– Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
– Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
12 Volt power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Auto Hold Switch 
- . . . . . . . . 156
Electronic parking brake switch 137
Start-up push button (Keyless Ac-
cess closing and start-up system)
21 22
23
24
25
26
27 Ignition lock
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Steering column adjustment lever .6
Fuse box cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Lever for:
– Cruise control system (CCS)  –
 

 –  –  /--/-- . . 169
Open bonnet lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Controls for:
– Electric windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
– Childproof locks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
28 29
30
31
32
33
34 Note
● Some of the items of equipment listed here
are fitted only on certain model versions or
are optional extras.
● In versions with the steering wheel on the
right, the layout of the control elements is
somewhat different. But the symbols as-
signed to the controls correspond to the sym-
bols used in the versions with the steering
wheel on the left Instruments
View of instrument panel Fig. 34
Instrument panel, on dash panel40

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

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

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
CAUTION
Before entering an automatic car wash, al-
ways switch the Auto Hold function off, as it
could be damaged when the electronic park-
ing brake automatically engages. Start-Stop Function*
Fig. 136
Detailed view of the centre console:
Start-Stop function button With the Start-Stop system enabled, the en-
gine is automatically stopped when the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The engine restarts auto-
matically when required.
The function is enabled automatically when-
ever the ignition is switched on. The instru-
ment panel displays information on the cur-
rent status. Vehicles with a manual gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, leave it
in neutral and take your foot off the clutch.
The engine switches off.
● Simply depress the clutch pedal to move
off again.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress
the brake or keep it pressed down. The en-
gine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you
release the brake pedal.
● With the selector lever set to position P, the
en gine w
ill not start until a range of gears is
selected or the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed.
Important conditions for the engine to
automatically switch off
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The factory-fitted towing bracket must not
be electrically connected to a trailer.
● A minimum engine temperature has been
reached.
● The steering wheel must not be turned
more than 270 degrees.
● The vehicle has moved since the last stop. ●
In vehicles with Climatronic: the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is within the pre-set
temperature range.
● The temperature set is neither very high nor
very low.
● The air conditioning defrost function is not
switched on.
● In vehicles with Climatronic: the blower has
not been manually set to a high speed.
● The power level of the vehicle's battery is
sufficient.
● The vehicle's battery temperature is neither
too high nor too low.
● The vehicle is not on a steep gradient or
slope.
● The front wheels are not overly turned.
● The heated windscreen is not switched on.
● Reverse gear is not engaged.
● The park assist system is not switched on.
Conditions for automatically restarting the
engine
The engine may automatically restart under
the following conditions:
● If the vehicle interior is too hot or too cold.
● If the vehicle moves.
● If the vehicle's battery voltage drops.
158

Driver assistance systems
Conditions requiring the key to restart the
engine
The engine must be started manually under
the following conditions:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox: if a gear
has been selected.
Switching Start-Stop mode on and off
manually
● Press the  button on the centre console
››› Fig. 136 .
● The b utt
on will light up when the Start-Stop
function is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehi-
cle is in Stop mode when it is switched off
manually. WARNING
The brake servo and the power steering do
not work when the engine is switched off.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is switched off. CAUTION
Using the Start-Stop function for a long peri-
od at very high outside temperatures could
damage the vehicle's battery. Note
● In some cases, you may have to restart the
vehicle using the key. Observe the corre-
sponding message on the instrument panel
display.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, Stop will not function; however, the an-
gle of steering wheel turn does not affect
starting the vehicle. Parking sensor system*
Introduction The parking sensor system assists the driver
when parking. When the vehicle approaches
an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an inter-
mittent audible warning will be heard, higher
or lower depending on the distance. The
shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals
between tones. If the vehicle is too close to
the obstacle, the audible warning becomes
constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when
the sound is continuous, this means the sys-
tem can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit
and receive ultrasound. Using the ultrasound
signal (transmission, reflection from the ob-
stacle and reception), this system continu-ously calculates the distance between the
bumper and the obstacle. WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical
parking system cannot replace driver aware-
ness.
● The sensors have blind spots in which ob-
stacles and people are not registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehi-
cle, as the sensors do not always detect
small children, animals or objects.
● The surface of certain objects and some
clothing do not reflect the ultrasound signals
from the parking distance system. The sys-
tem cannot detect or incorrectly detects
these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the park-
ing distance aid signals. In this case, under
certain circumstances, people and objects
will not be detected. CAUTION
● The sensors may not always be able to de-
tect objects such as trailer draw bars, thin
rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots,
etc. This could result in damage to your car.
● Although the parking sensor system de-
tects and warns of the presence of an obsta-
cle, the obstacle could disappear from the an-
gle of measurement of the sensors if it is too
high or low and the system would no longer » 159
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
Control lamps and fuel gauge Fig. 158
On the instrument panel: Fuel gauge
for petrol and diesel It lights up
Gauge posi-
tion
››› Fig. 158Possible cause
››› Solution
Red mark (ar- row)
The fuel tank is al-most empty.
The reserve tank is
being used
››› page 285.
Refuel as soon as
possible ››› . 
It lights up
Fuel tank not
closed cor-
rectly.Stop the vehicle and close the tank
flap properly.
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.
When the control lamp lights up
 or

the
auxiliary heating and heater running off pet-
rol automatically switch off. WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could re-
sult in the vehicle breaking down in traffic
and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel sup-
ply to the engine can become irregular espe-
cially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to
lack of or irregularity of the fuel supply, the
power steering as well as all of the driver as-
sistance systems including braking assis-
tance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quar-
ter of the fuel tank left to avoid running out of
fuel. CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit control
lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An
irregular fuel supply may lead to ignition
faults and unburnt fuel could enter the ex-
haust system. This could damage the catalyt-
ic converter filter or the diesel particulate fil-
ter! Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on
the instrument panel ››› Fig. 158 indicates the
s ide of
the vehicle on which the tank flap is
located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Fig. 159
Open tank flap with tank cap attach-
ed to the holder Before
refuelling, always turn off the engine,
the ignition, mo b

ile telephones, auxiliary
heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Opening the fuel tank cap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on
the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
208

Advice
the Keyless Access system, the steering
wheel could lock ››› .
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be
towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
lock. Otherwise, the steering wheel lock
could suddenly lock. The vehicle would not
be controlled and a serious accident could
ensue. 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 in-
jury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must hard-
er 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 steering does not op-
erate 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 anchor-
age and its cover to avoid damage to the ve-
hicle (e.g. paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and cause damage! Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started
by towing. Jump-starting is much more pref-
erable
› › ›
page 253.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles
can
not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● Vehicles with the Keyless Access locking
and ignition system, since the electronic
steering lock may not unlock.
● 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):
● Put it into second or third gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down. ●
Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing 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 tow-
ing vehicle. CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the cata-
lytic 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 sim-
ilarly elastic material.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the
towline anchorage or specially designed fit-
ting.
Vehicles with a
factory fitted towing device ,
can only
be used for towing with a tow bar,
s

pecially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball
››› page 179.
256