2005 Seat Leon 5D steering

Driving
158Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear in the combi-instrument display: HANDBRAKE ON.
Also, an audible warning is given.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Ri sk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead
to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle. –Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected.
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did
start to roll.•
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point
towards the kerb .
•
If the vehicle is facing uphill , turn the front wheels so that they point away
from the kerb .
•
Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
selecting first gear.
WARNING
•
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear
lever / selector lever.
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Intelligent technology167
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann
ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particular ly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation program increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation program helps to reduce the danger of skidding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS. Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi
cle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that ESP cann ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.Note
To disconnect using the ESP button ⇒page 147.
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Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle ha ve 1.6
mm h igh “tre
ad wear indicators"

⇒

fig. 143 running acro ss the tread. Depending on the make, the re will be
six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre side-
wall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators . The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export countries
⇒ .
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
⇒ page 210.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably mo re than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒fig. 144 . All the tyres will then last for
about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
Fig. 143 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 144 Changing
wheels
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If and when225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 226.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Fuse cover in engine compartment
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing the tabs towards the centre of the cover ⇒page 224, fig. 153 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 226.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover (at left-hand end of the dash panel), fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
– Carefully fit the fuse cover back on to ensure no water can enter the fuse box.The individual electrical circuits are pr otected by fuses. The fuses are located
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel and on the left-hand
side of the engine compartment.
The electric windows are protected by circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen
windows) has been corrected. Colour coding of fuses
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could re
sult in fire. This could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
•
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical
system must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
If you replace a fuse with a stronger fuse, you could cause damage to
another location in the electrical system.
•
Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from
official Service. Colour
Amperes
light brown 5
red 10
blue 15
yellow 20
natural (white) 25
green 30
orange 40
red 50
white 80
blue 100
grey 150
violet 200
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If and when
228Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras. Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations. If discrepancies should
occur, please refer to the sticker on the
inside of the fuse cover for the correct information for your model.Fuses layout, engine compartment, left partFuses46
Heating jets, heating controls, air, air conditioning 5
47 Lambda probe 10
48 Lambda probe 10
49 Light switch 7,5
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
NumberElectrical equipment Amperes
1 Wiper 30
2 Steering column 5
3 Cable control unit 5
4A BS 30
5 AQ gearbox 15
6I nstr u m en t p an el 5
7 Vacant
8R ad io 15
9 Telephone 5
10 Main relay in the FSI / diesel engine compartment / injection module supply
5
Main relay in the engine compartment D2L (2.0 FSI 147 kW) 10
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If and when
230Position in engine compartment: side boxFuses
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while corr ect at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations. 29
Electric windows (front and back)
50
Electric windows (front) 30
30 Contact relief-relay 40
Number Electrical equipment Amperes
B1 Alternator < 140 W
150
Alternator > 140 W 200
C1 Power steering 80
D1 Multi-terminal voltage supply “30”. Internal fuse box 100
E1 Ventilator < 500 W / Ventilator > 500 W 50 / 80
F1 PTCs (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 100
G1 Trailer fuse voltage supply in internal fuse box 50
H1 Central locking control unit (4F8 with autolock)
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
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If and when
244
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the to w-rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Fitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring and the wheel spanner out of the vehicle tool kit.
– Pull the lower front cover down and leave the cover hanging on the vehicle.
– Remove the cover of the screw hole, insert a screwdriver into the lower slot and lever gently.
– Screw the towing eye as shown by arrow anti-clockwise to the
limit position in the front ⇒page 243, fig. 173 or rear
⇒ page 243, fig. 174 threaded hole.
– Use the wrench for leverage to tighten the towing eye.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, espec
ially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the te chnique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must apply
considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Put the selector lever into position “N”.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
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If and when245
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
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