tow Seat Alhambra 2016 Owner's Guide

Opening and closing
Note
At outside temperatures of less than 0°C
(+32°F), the pre s
surised gas struts cannot al-
ways automatically lift the rear lid. In this
case, open the rear lid manually. Closing the rear lid
Fig. 138
Rear lid open: hand grip Closing the rear lid
● Grab the handgrip inside the rear lid
› ›
›

Fig. 138 (arrow).
● Push the rear lid downwards until it locks
into pl
ace in the lock.
● Ensure that it is correctly closed by pulling
on it firmly
.
Locking the rear lid
If you unlock the vehicle without opening any
doors or the rear lid, it will lock again auto- matically after 30 seconds. This function pre-
vents the

vehicle from remaining unlocked if
the unlocking button is pressed by mistake.
Locking is only possible when the rear lid is
correctly and fully closed.
● The rear lid is also locked by a central lock-
ing.
● If the

vehicle rear lid is locked or unlocked
usin
g the  button, when it is closed once
mor e it
w
ill lock automatically.
● A closed but not locked rear lid will lock au-
tomatic
ally at a speed above about 9 km/h
(7 mph). WARNING
Unsuitable or careless closing and locking of
the re ar lid c

ould cause serious injuries.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended, or al-
low chi
ldren to play inside or around the vehi-
cle without supervision, especially if the rear
lid is open. Children could enter the luggage
compartment, close the rear lid and become
trapped. A locked vehicle can be subjected to
extremely high and low temperatures, de-
pending on the time of year, thus causing se-
rious injuries/illness and even death. Note
Before closing the rear lid, make sure that the
key h

as not been left inside the luggage com-
partment. Opening the rear lid electronically
Fig. 139
Button with rear lid open Opening the rear lid
● Press and hold the  button on the vehi-
c l
e k

ey until the rear lid opens automatically.
● OR: press and hold the  button on the
c entr
e c

onsole for approximately 1 second
›››  Fig. 6.
● OR: press the ››
›
 Fig. 7 boot hatch but-
ton (arrow).
In case of difficulty or obstruction, automatic
opening of the rear lid is interrupted.
Electronically opening the rear lid does not
work when a trailer is electrically connected
and hitched to a factory fitted tow hitch
››› page 237.
The rear lid can be opened manually by ap-
plying more force. »
125
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Lights and visibility
The legal requirements regarding the use of
v ehic
l
e lights in each country must be ob-
served.
The driver is personally responsible for the
correct use and adjustment of the lights in all
situations.
In vehicles with tow hitch fitted as standard:
if the trailer is connected electrically and is
fitted with a rear fog light, the vehicle’s fog
light is automatically switched off.
Audible warnings to advise the driver that
the lights have not been switched off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver
door is open, an audible warning signal is
heard in the following cases: this is a remind-
er to turn off the lights.
● When the parking light is on ›››
page 131.
● When the light switch is in position .WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are
not bright enough t

o illuminate the road
ahead and to ensure that other road users are
able to see you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if
it is
raining or if visibility is poor. WARNING
If the headlights are set too high and the
main be am i

s not used correctly, there is a
risk of dazzling or distracting other road
users. This could result in a serious accident.
● Always make sure that the headlights are
correctly
adjusted.
● Never use the main beam or headlight
flasher when it
can dazzle others on the road. Turn signal and main beam lever
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 25
Convenience turn signals
For the convenience turn signals, move the
lever as far as possible upwards or down-
wards and release the lever. The turn signal
will flash three times.
The control turn signals are switched on and
off from the menu Lights & Visibility
on the instrument panel display
›››  page 26. This function can be discon-
nected at a specialised workshop for those
vehicles which do not have the menu
Lights & Visibility . Note
● If the c on

venience turn signals are operat-
ing (three flashes) and the other convenience turn signals are switched on, the active part
st
op

s flashing and only flashes once in the
new part selected.
● The turn signal only works when the igni-
tion is sw
itched on. The hazard warning
lights also work when the ignition is switch-
ed off ››› page 82.
● If a turn signal on the vehicle or trailer is
faulty
, the warning lamp flashes twice as fast
as usual.
● The main beam headligh
ts can only be
switched on if the dipped beam headlights
are already on. Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light

When the p ark
in

g light is switched on, (right
or left turn signal), the front side light and
the rear light on the corresponding side of
the vehicle stay lit. The parking lights will on-
ly work with the ignition off.
Daytime running lights
The daytime running lights reduce the risk of
accidents by increasing the visibility of the
vehicle. These are independent lights that
are built into the headlights and come on
each time the ignition is turned on if the light
switch is in position  or 0. »
131
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
opened and when the “Coming home” or
“L e
av
ing home” function is switched on. If
the equipment includes the light sensor, the
lighting around the exterior mirrors only
comes when it is dark. Note
● The time tak en f

or the headlights to go off
can be changed in the Lights & Visibil- ity menu and the function can be switched
on or off ›››
 page 26.
● When the “Coming home” function is on, if
the vehic
le door is opened there is no audible
warning signal to advise that the light is still
on. Hazard warning lights
Fig. 141
In the centre of the dash panel: push
b utt
on f

or hazard warning lights. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 25 Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken do

wn vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest ››› page 82.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
If your vehicle breaks down:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on suitable ground ››› .
T urn on the h
az

ard warning lights with
the button 
› ›
› Fig. 141
.
Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 189.
Move the selector lever to its intermedi-
ate position or to P ››› page 194.
Stop the engine and remove the key
from the ignition ››› page 185.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Allow the engine to cool and check if a
speci

alist is required.
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of draw-
ing attention to your vehicle. This method
must comply with traffic legislation. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
acc ident

for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the
vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y

high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). 9.
134

Operation
Dynamic headlight range control
The c ontr
o
l 2 is not mounted in vehicles
w ith dy
n

amic headlight range control. The
headlight range is automatically adjusted ac-
cording to the vehicle load status when they
are switched on. WARNING
Heavy objects in the back of vehicle may
cau se he

adlight dazzle and distract other
drivers. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load
stat
us so that it does not blind other drivers. Interior and reading lights
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 25
Storage and luggage compartment lighting
When the glove compartment and the rear lid
are opened and closed, a light automatically
switches on or off.
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting in the front covering of
the ceiling lights up the controls on the cen-
tre console from above when the side light or
dipped beam lights are on. In addition, the lever on the door moulding
can also be i

lluminated. Note
The reading lights go out when the vehicle is
lock ed, or a f

ew minutes after the key is re-
moved from the ignition. This prevents the
vehicle's battery from discharging. Visibility
Su n

visors Fig. 143
Sun visor Options for adjusting driver and front pas-
sen
g
er s

un visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
scr
een. ●
The sun
visor can be pulled out of its
mounting and turned towards the door
››› Fig. 143 1 .
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, lon-
git udin
al

ly backwards.
Vanity mirror light
There may be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on
the rear of the sun visor. When the cover is
opened ››› Fig. 143 2 a light comes on.
The l amp g
oe

s out when the vanity mirror
cover is closed or the sun visor is pushed
back up. WARNING
Sun visors and sun blinds may reduce visibili-
ty when open. ● Alw

ays roll or fold sun blinds and visors
awa
y when not in use. Note
The light above the sun visor automatically
swit c

hes off after a few minutes in certain
conditions. This prevents the battery from
discharging. 136

Operation
●
The inter v
al wipe speed varies according to
the vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle is
moving, the more often the windscreen is
cleaned.
● The rear wiper is automatically switched on
when the winds
creen wiper is on and the car
is in reverse gear. Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different sit-
uations
If the vehicle
is at a stand-
stillThe activated position provisionally
changes to the previous position.
During auto-
matic wipe
The air conditioner comes on for ap-
proximately 30 seconds in air recircula-
tion mode to prevent the smell of the
windscreen washer fluid entering the
inside the vehicle.
For the inter-
val wipeIntervals between wipes depend on the
vehicle's speed. The higher the vehicle
speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The he
atin
g on

ly thaws the frozen jets, it
does not thaw the water in the washer hoses.
The heated windscreen washer jets automati-
cally adjust the heat depending on the ambi-
ent temperature when the ignition is switch-
ed on. Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight

washers/wipers clean the
headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and
every fifth time the windscreen washer is
switched on, the headlights are also washed.
Therefore, the windscreen wiper lever should
be pulled towards the steering wheel when
the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any
incrusted dirt (such as insects) should be
cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work cor-
rectly in winter, any snow which has got into
the bumper jet supports should be cleaned
away. If necessary, remove snow with an anti-
icing spray. Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles
that ar

e on the windscreen. The wiper will
stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path.
Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper
back on again. Rain sensor*
Fig. 145
Windscreen wiper lever: adjusting
the r ain sen
sor A Fig. 146
Rain sensor sensitive surface The rain sensor controls the frequency of the
w
ind
s

creen wiper intervals, depending on
the amount of rain ››› . The sensitivity of the
r ain sen
sor c

an be adjusted manually. Man-
ual wipe ››› page 137.
138

Driving
Operating instructions The auxiliary heater exhaust system located
below the
v
ehicle 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.
When will the auxiliary heater will not switch
on?
● The auxiliary heater requires about as
much po w

er as the dipped beam headlights.
If the battery charge is low, the auxiliary heat- er will switch off automatically or will not
even swit

ch on. This avoids problems when
starting the engine.
● The heater will switch on just once each
time. The timer wi
ll also have to be switched
back on every time it is required. Note
● Noise w i

ll be heard while the auxiliary
heater is running.
● When the air humidity is high and the out-
side temper
ature 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 pr
olonged 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
Ad dr
e

ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h

anical. 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
st eerin

g 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 vehic
le is in motion. The steering may » 183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Counter steering assistance system
The c ou
nt
er 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 w ith E

SC 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 en-
gine
Intr oduction Immobiliser display
When an in
v
alid k

ey is used or in the event of
a system fault,  or Immobiliser on is
displayed on the instrument panel. The en-
gine 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
st op

ping 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 sys
tem, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehic
le is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
cou l

d help reduce the risk of serious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly v
entilated 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
coul
d explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y

high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter, heat shields or the diesel par-
ticulate filter. Ignition lock
Fig. 199
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 23 »
185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation Vehicles without
Keyless AccessVehicles with
Keyless Access
6.
If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again.If the engine does not
start, stop and wait for around 1 minute to try again. If necessary,
perform an emergency start ››› page 187.
7.Disconnect the electronic parking brake when you
are about to start driving ››› page 189. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the en-
gine is ru

nning. The vehicle could move off
suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting
in an accident and serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sud den inc

rease in the engine speed.
● Never use start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt t

o start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard. ●
Do not p u

sh or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
driv ing immedi

ately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. Note
● For e x

ample, if the key battery is very worn
or flat, the engine cannot be started with the
starter button. In this case, remove the igni-
tion button from the lock and insert the key.
● Electrical devices with a high power con-
sumption are sw
itched off temporarily when
the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may
be stron
g vibrations for a few moments for
technical reasons. This is quite normal, and
no cause for concern.
● At temperatures below +5°C (+41°F),
smoke ma
y be given off below the vehicle
when the additional heater is connected. Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence
giv
en:
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 189.
5.Turn the vehicle key in
the ignition lock to po-
sition ››› Fig. 199 1
.
Briefly press the start-
up button
››› Fig. 200. If
the engine fails to
switch off, perform an
emergency disconnect
››› page 187.
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 mo

ving. 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 i
s switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. T
o 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. 188

Operation
● The c ontr
o
l lamps  on the button and 
on the instrument 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  h
ard to stop the vehicle. The
w arnin

g display will be accompanied by the
corresponding audible warning.
● To stop the braking process, release the
button or pr
ess the accelerator. WARNING
The incorrect use of the electronic parking
brak e m

ay 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. A
lw

ays use the foot brake.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the en
gine running and a gear or a
gear range engaged. The vehicle could move,
even if the parking brake is applied. Note
● In vehic

les 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
poss
ible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start ›››
 page 51.
● When the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or rel
eased, noises may be heard.
● If the electronic parking brake has not been
used for a lon
g 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
shou
l

d be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given. ● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ›››
.●
Pr e
s

s and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake
›››
page 191.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lev
er to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● R

emove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to loc
k the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat gr
ound and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, e
specially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Loc

k the vehicle.
Additiona
l 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 ag
ainst the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the r o

ad.
192

Driving
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Spec i

al 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 entranc
es, 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 on the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200
mi
l
e

s), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to
be “run in” first ››› . The slightly reduced
br ak in

g effect can be compensated for by in-
creasing pressure on the brake pedal. While
running in, the full braking distance or emer- gency braking distance is larger
then when
the brake p
ads have been run in. While run-
ning 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 l a
y

er of salt on the discs and brake pads
will 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
v

ehicle 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 onthe brake pads. If the brakes are not used fre-
quently, or if ru

st has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
F au
lt

s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. The  warning lamp lights up and a
text message displayed. Take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop immediately and have
the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed
and be prepared to use more pressure on the
brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the ve-
hicle 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 ››› .
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