sensor Seat Alhambra 2016 User Guide

Lights and visibility
Move the lever to the required position
› ›
›
Fig. 145:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if neces-
sary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
– Set control to the right: highly sensi-
tive.
– Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then
back on, the rain sensor stays on and starts
operating again when the windscreen wipers
are in position 1 and the vehicle is travel-
lin g at
mor

e than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken read-
ings on the sensitive surface ››› Fig. 146 of
the rain sensor include:
● Damaged blades: a film of water on the
damag
ed blades may lengthen the activation
time, reduce the washing intervals or result
in a fast and continuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger
the winds
creen wiper.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the
roa
ds may cause an extra long wipe when the
windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus
effect) or trac
es of detergent (car wash) may
0 1
A reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or
m
ak
e it

react more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone
wil
l trigger a single wipe cycle with the rain
sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the
reduction in the sensitive surface area and
adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sen-
sor will vary with the size of the damage
caused by the stone. WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain
to sw it

ch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the w
indscreen obstructs visi-
bility. Note
● Cle

an the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 146 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a window c
leaner containing alcohol. Rear vision mirror
Intr oduction WARNING
The automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror
cont ain

s an electrolytic fluid which may leak
if the mirror is broken. This could cause irrita-
tion to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
● The electrolytic fluid may cause irritation to
the skin, eye
s and respiratory organs, partic-
ularly in individuals suffering from asthma or
other illnesses. Make sure that adequate
quantities of fresh air enter and leave the ve-
hicle if it is not possible to open all the doors
and windows.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact
with eye
s or skin, wash the area for at least
15 minutes with plenty of water, and seek
medical advice.
● If the electrolytic fluid comes into contact
with shoes
or clothing, wash the area for at
least 15 minutes with plenty of water. Wash
shoes and clothing before wearing them
again.
● If the electrolytic fluid is swallowed, wash
your mouth with p
lenty of water for at least
15 minutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting
unless recommended by a Doctor. Seek medi-
cal advice immediately. » 139
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
re ar
vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Therefore, it should be cleaned as fast as
possible with a damp sponge or similar. Interior rear vision mirror
Fig. 147
Manual anti-dazzle function for rear
v i
s

ion mirror Fig. 148
Automatic anti-dazzle function for
re ar

vision mirror The driver should always adjust the rear vi-
s
ion mirr
or t

o permit adequate visibility
through the rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear
vision mirror
● Basic position: point the lever at the bot-
tom of the mirr
or forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzl
e function ››› Fig. 147.
Automatic anti-dazzle function for interior
mirror
Key to Fig. 148:
Control lamp
Control
Light incidence sensor
1 2
3 This function can be activated and deactiva-
t
ed b
y

pressing the rear-view mirror switch
››› Fig. 148 2 . When it is activated, the warn-
in g l
amp lights

up 1 .
When the ignition i s
on, the sen
sor 3 auto-
matic a
l

ly moves the rear vision mirror to the
anti-dazzle position depending upon the in-
cidence of the light from behind.
The automatic anti-dazzle function is deacti-
vated when reverse gear is engaged or the in-
terior or reading lights are on. Note
If the light is obstructed or prevented from
re ac

hing the sensor, e.g. by the sun blinds,
the rear vision mirror with automatic anti-
dazzle function will not operate correctly. 140

Operation
WARNING
The centre armrest may limit the freedom of
mov ement
of the driver's arm and cause a se-
rious accident.
● Keep the centre armrest compartments
closed whi
le the vehicle is in motion.
● The centre armrest is not designed for chil-
dren to s
it on! Sitting in this incorrect posi-
tion can cause severe injuries. Transport and practical
equipment
T r
an

sporting objects
Introduction Always transport heavy loads in the luggage
comp
ar

tment and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Always use the anchors pro-
vided with suitable rope to secure heavy ob-
jects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the
carrying capacity as well as the distribution
of the load in the vehicle affect driving be-
haviour and braking ability ››› .
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can
cau se seriou

s injury in case of a sudden ma-
noeuvring or breaking or in case of an acci-
dent. This is especially true when objects are
struck by a detonating airbag and fired
through the vehicle interior. To reduce the
risks, please note the following:
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Always
keep equipment and he
avy objects in the lug-
gage compartment.
● Always secure objects with suitable rope or
sling
s so that they cannot enter the areas
around the front or side airbags in case of
sudden braking or an accident. ●
Alw a

ys ensure that objects inside the vehi-
cle cannot move into the area of the airbags
while driving.
● While driving, always keep object compart-
ments c
losed.
● Remove all objects from the front passen-
ger seat
when it is folded down. When the
seat backrest is folded down, it presses on
small and light objects and these are detec-
ted by the weight sensor on the seat; this
sends false information to the airbag control
unit.
● While the backrest of the front passenger
seat i
s folded, the front airbag must remain
disabled and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light on.
● Objects secured in the vehicle should never
be plac
ed in such a way as to make passen-
gers sit in an incorrect position.
● If secured objects occupy a seat, this seat
should not
be occupied or used by anyone. WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability
ch an

ge when transporting heavy and large
objects.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early. 152

Operation
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
st
eerin
g wheel. Warning and indication lamps

It lights up red
Power steering faul-
ty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.

It lights up yellow
Power steering op-
eration reduced.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised work-
shop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine and
driving for a short distance, the
yellow warning lamp no longer
comes on, it will
not be necessa-
ry to take the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop.
The vehicle battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Drive for a short distance at
15-20 km/h (9-12 mph). 
Flashes red
Fault in the steering
column electronic
lock.
 Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice. 
It flashes yellow
Steering column de-
viation.Gently turn the steering 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 remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. Several warning and indication lamps light
up f
or a f
ew sec

onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 105. Information on the steering
Electronic steering column lock
V
ehic
l

es 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 sw

itched off, the steering column elec-
tronic lock is activated via the ignition key or
the sensor built into the door handle.
Steering column mechanical 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 189.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. Electromechanical power steering
W
ith the po
w

er 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.
184

Operation
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficien-
cy.
● For the fir
st 320 km (200 miles), new brake
pad
s have not yet reached their maximum
braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first. For this, to compensate for reduced
braking efficiency the brake pedal will have
to be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and
caus
ing serious accidents, always take great
care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always
res
pect the safety distances between you and
other vehicles and do not cause situations re-
quiring extreme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less effi-
cient and br

aking distances increase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be
overlo
aded and overheat quickly.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced w
ith steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take lon-
ger t o en

gage and this increases braking dis-
tances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by
brakin
g gently several times, when weather,
road and traffic conditions permit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may signifi-
cantly inc

rease the braking distance and re-
sult in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards
when the engine is
switched off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the
vehicl
e must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate. CAUTION
● Never m ak

e the brakes “slip” by pressing
the pedal gently, if it is not really necessary
to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake
pedal will heat the brakes. This could signifi-
cantly reduce braking power, increase brak-
ing distance or even result in the total failure
of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced w
ith steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the strain on the brake system. Other-
wi
se, the br

akes may overheat and fail. Only
use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. Note
When checking the front brake pads, take the
time t o al

so check the rear brake pads. The
thickness of the brake pads should be
checked visually and regularly, by looking
through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, re-
move the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Gearbox
Intr oduction When reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion i
s
sw

itched on the following takes place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● When reversing, the air conditioner auto-
matical
ly changes to air recirculation mode.
● The rear window heater switches on when
the winds
creen wiper is activated.
● Also, the parking sensor system, the opti-
cal p
arking sensor and the camera for the re-
verse assist system are connected.
194

Operation
Anti-lock system (ABS)
ABS c
an pr
event the wheels from locking dur-
ing braking until just before the vehicle stops
thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle
and maintain control. This means that, even
during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not
remov
e your foot from the brake pedal or re-
duce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce
brakin
g force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking
ful
ly.
● When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake f
orce is reduced, ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of
the brake pedal and noise. You should never
expect the ABS to reduce the braking dis-
tance under any circumstances. This distance
will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
When driving on loose ground, the all-terrain
configuration of the ABS is automatically
turned on. When ABS is activated, the front
wheels may lock briefly. This shortens the
braking distance in off-road situations as the
wheels are prevented from digging into loose
surfaces. All-terrain ABS only intervenes
when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned, the normal ABS is
activated.
Br

ake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The brake assist
system boosts the braking force if you press
the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. As
a result, the braking pressure increases rap-
idly, the braking force is multiplied and the
braking distance is reduced. This enables the
ABS to be activated more quickly and effec-
tively.
Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal!
When the brake pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, braking assist au-
tomatically turns off the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control
system reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. The ASR makes
some situations easier, for example, when
starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in
unfavourable road conditions.
The ASR can be switched on or off manually
››› page 207.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines
under normal conditions. When the EDL de-
tects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs the power to the other drive
wheels. T
o prevent the disc brake of the
braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive
loads. The EDL will switch on again automati-
cally when the brake has cooled down.
Electronic drive torque management (XDS)
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
tial mechanism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er wheel) receives less drive torque than the
inner wheel. This may mean that in certain
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel is too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected.
206

Driver assistance systems
Note
● In some ca se
s, 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 w
ill not function; however, the an-
gle of steering wheel turn does not affect
starting the vehicle. Parking distance warning sys-
t
em*
Intr oduction The parking distance warning system assists
the driv
er when p
ark

ing. When the vehicle
approaches an obstacle, forwards or back-
wards, an intermittent audible warning will
be heard, higher or lower depending on the
distance. The shorter the distance, the short-
er the intervals between tones. If the vehicle
is too close to the obstacle, the audible warn-
ing 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 ob

stacle. WARNING
The parking distance warning system and the
optica l

parking system cannot replace driver
awareness.
● The sensors have blind spots in which ob-
stac
les and people are not registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehi-
cle, a
s 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 dis
tance aid signals. In this case, under
certain circumstances, people and objects
will not be detected. CAUTION
● The sensor s

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 distance warning sys-
tem detect
s and warns of the presence of an
obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from
the angle of measurement of the sensors if it
is too high or low and the system would no longer show it. Therefore, it will not warn you
of the
se o

bjects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged
or misa
ligned, for example, when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly,
the bumper sensor
s must be kept clean, free
of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pres-
sure or s
team cleaning equipment, spray the
sensors briefly at a distance of no less than
10 cm (4 inches). Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warn-
ing s

on the parking sensor system, e.g.
rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other
vehicles. 211
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Parking distance warning system* Fig. 209
Detailed view of the centre console:
b utt
on f
or switching the parking distance
warning system on and off Fig. 210
Parking sensor system sensors on
the fr ont
b

umper The parking distance warning system assists
the driv
er when p
ark

ing. If the vehicle is ap-
proaching an obstacle, an intermittent audi-
ble warning is emitted. The shorter the dis-
tance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obsta-
cle, the audib

le warning becomes constant.
Switching the parking distance warning sys-
tem on and off ● Press the  button
›››
Fig. 209
when the
ignition i

s switched on.
● Automatic on: select r
everse gear.
● Automatic off: drive fa
ster than 15 km/h
(9 mph).
The button lights up when the function is
switched on.
Things to note on the parking distance warn-
ing system
● The parking distance warning system
sometimes r
egisters water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warn-
ing sign
al will sound less loudly after a few
seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the
volume will remain constant.
● When the vehicle moves away from the ob-
stac
le, the beeping sound automatically
switches off. On approaching the obstacle
again, the beeping sound will automatically
switch back on.
● If the electronic parking brake is engaged
or the selector l
ever is set to P, no audible
warning will be emitted. ●
Your tec
hnical service centre can adjust the
volume of the warning signals. Note
If the parking distance warning system is
fau lty

, a constant audible warning will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and
the button will flash. Switch the parking dis-
tance warning system off using the button
and take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the system checked as soon as
possible. 212

Driver assistance systems
Optical parking system* (OPS) Fig. 211
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
t ect
ed an o
bstacle in the collision zone; Bhas detected an obstacle in the segment;
Czone recorded behind the vehicle.
Fig. 212
On-screen OPS display: A has de-
t ect
ed an o

bstacle in the segment; B restric-
t ed ar e
a in front of the vehicle. The optical parking system is an accessory to
the P
ark
in

g distance warning system ›››
page 212 and the park assist system
››
› page 214.
The zone recorded by the sensors in front of
and behind the vehicle is displayed on the
factory-fitted radio or navigation system
screen. Any obstacles are displayed in rela-
tion to the vehicle ››› .
FunctionNecessary operations
Switching the
display on:Switch on the parking distance
warning system
››› page 212 or the
park assist system ››› page 214. The
OPS switches on automatically.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:Press a zone selection button on the
factory-fitted radio or navigation
system
OR: briefly press the function button
 or RVC on the screen.
Switching the
display off man-
ually:
Drive forwards at more than about
10-15 km/h (6-9 mph).
Select the reverse gear on vehicles
with rear assist
››› page 217. The
display changes to the image of the
camera. Zones explored
The
z
one in whic

h obstacles are recognised
runs to a distance of around 120 cm from the
front of the vehicle and up to 60 cm to the
side ›››
Fig. 212 B . Behind the vehicle, the
z one an
aly

sed reaches a distance of up to
160 cm and around 60 cm to the sides
››› Fig. 211 C .Screen display
The im
ag
e di

splayed represents the super-
vised zones in several segments. As the vehi-
cle moves closer to an obstacle, the segment
moves closer to the vehicle displayed
››› Fig. 211 B and
›››
Fig. 212
A . When the
penu ltim
at

e segment is displayed, this
means that the vehicle has reached the colli-
sion zone. Stop the vehicle!
Distance from the
vehicle to the ob-
stacleAudible
warn- ing
Displayed in
colour on the
screen: colour
of the segment if an obstacleis recognised
Front: approx. 31 -120 cm
Behind: approx. 31 -
160 cmBeeping soundYellow
Approximately 0 –
30 cm in front or be-
hind a)Perma-
nent
soundRed
a) The permanent sound starts at a somewhat greater distance
on vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket.
With towing bracket
A specific image is displayed on the screen of
vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket
and an electrically connected trailer. In this
case, the distances behind the vehicle are
not indicated. »
213
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Switching the parking sensor system sound
on and off
If the  button on the radio or navigation
sy s
t
em screen may mute the sound of OPS
warnings. To switch the warnings back on,
press the button again briefly.
When the OPS is switched off and back on
again, muting is cancelled. Error messages
cannot be switched off. WARNING
Do not be distracted from the traffic when
lookin g at

the screen. Park Assist system* (Park As-
s
i
s

t)
Introduction The Park Assist system helps the driver to
find a s
uit
ab

le place to park, to insert the ve-
hicle into parallel and perpendicular parking
places and to leave parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the sys-
tem abilities and requires that the driver is
especially attentive ››› .
The p ark
in

g sensor system is a component of
the Park Assist system that helps to park the
vehicle. For vehicles with the optical parking system
(OPS), the ra

dio navigation systems screen
displays the detected zones in front of and
behind the vehicle, indicating - within the
limits of the system - the position of obsta-
cles in relation to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched
on if the factory-fitted towing bracket is elec-
trically connected to a trailer. WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park
as s

ist system, do not run any risks when
parking. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
● Unintentional movements of the vehicle
coul
d cause serious injury.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● The surface of certain objects and items of
clothing and e
xternal sound sources may
have a negative affect on the park assist sig-
nals or on the system sensors or may not re-
flect its signals.
● The sensors have blind spots in which ob-
stac
les and people are not registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehi-
cle, a
s the sensors do not always detect
small children, animals or objects. CAUTION
● The park a

ssist system aims exclusively at
other parked vehicles, without taking curbs
or other circumstances into account. Make
sure you do not damage the tyres and wheel
rims when parking. Where necessary, stop
manoeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
● The sensors may not always be able to de-
tect o
bjects such as trailer draw bars, thin
rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could
result in damage to your car.
● Although the parking distance warning sys-
tem detect
s and warns of the presence of an
obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from
the angle of measurement of the sensors if it
is too high or low and the system would no
longer show it. Therefore, it will not warn you
of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle. This is also valid
when using the park assist (e.g. to park be-
hind a truck or motorcycle). Therefore, always
keep a close watch on the area in front of and
behind the vehicle while parking, and inter-
vene promptly if necessary.
● To ensure that the system works properly,
the bumper sensor
s must be kept clean, free
of ice and snow and uncovered.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged
or misa
ligned, for example, when parking.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pres-
sure or s
team cleaning equipment, spray the
sensors briefly at a distance of no less than
10 cm. 214