Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual page 259

WARNING
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning
the particulate filter while driving.
Only carry on driving if visibility, weather,
●
road and traffic conditions so permit.
Never endanger your safety or that of
●
other road users.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control
lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tions and instructions to avoid damage to
the vehicle.
Note
While the control lamps ,
 
main lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may increase and the en-
gine may lose power.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent treatment of the exhaust gases thus re-
ducing contaminating gas emissions. To en-
sure a longer working life for the exhaust sys-
tem and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
Always use unleaded petrol.
●
Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
●
Start and driving
Do not top up with too much engine oil
●
›››
page 326.
Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
●
›››

cables
If you should notice misfiring, uneven running
or loss of power when the car is moving, re-
duce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
working perfectly, there may be a smell of
, or re- sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
 
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel
being used.
Particulate filter
The particulate filter removes soot particu-
lates from the exhaust gas, retains and burns
them. To assist the combustion process, SEAT
recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
Always use diesel with a low sulphur con-
●
›››
tent page 319.
Never use petrol or fuel oil.
●
page 54.
Never use biodiesel. However, a blend pre-
●
pared by the diesel manufacturer containing
biodiesel within the limits established by the
EN 590 standard may be used
Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
●
Do not top up with too much engine oil
●
›››
page 326.
Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
●
›››

cables page 54.
In order to reduce blocking of the particulate
filter, some vehicles with an automatic gear-
box may increase the engine speed slightly
to start cleaning the filter automatically. The
control lamp will not light up in this case.

Control lamp

If the control lamp lights up you should

help the filter clean itself by driving in the ap-
propriate manner.
You should drive at a speed of at least
60 km/h (37 mph) for about 15 minutes in
fourth or fifth gear (automatic transmission:
gear range S) at an engine speed of around
2,000 rpm. In this way, the soot build up in the
filter is burned. When cleaning is successful,
the control lamp turns off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three

lamps turn on (particulate filter
the emission control system

plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised

›››
page 319.
, fault in

and glow
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