2005 Seat Leon 5D tow

Driving and the environment173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side
to the right-hand side.
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to
the right-hand side.
Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a
factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 188.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from any Technical Service.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof).
The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
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Driving and the environment
174
Note•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be found in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Sele ct a low gear in good time before
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Heating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in a low
gear, you should monitor the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 55.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
188Fitting a towing bracket*It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 131 Attachment
points for towing bracket
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of th
e ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the measurement indicated when the vehicle is fully
loaded including the maximum resting weight.
Measurement for securin g the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1,040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
•
Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. For this
reason, before fitting a trailer system, refe r to the Technical Service to find out
if the vehicle cooling system should be adjusted.
•
Observe the legal requirements in yo ur country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).
•
Certain vehicle componen ts, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securi ng bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and an electrical sock et must be used to connect to the
vehicle's electrical system. This requires specialist knowledge and tools.
•
The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
which must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
an accident.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•
If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels199
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level ⇒ page 198,
fig. 136.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.The position of the dipstick is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 252.
If the oil level is in area ⇒page 198, fig. 136 , do not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0.5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you mu st top up with oil (approx. 1.0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, prefer ably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towi ng a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area and not above
this.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 193.Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre.
Topping up engine oil

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 193 .
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 137.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler openi ng is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 252.
AA
ABAC
AA
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Fig. 137 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
AB
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Checking and refilling levels
204Changing the front windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improv ed visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.Changing wiper blades can be done in both the rest and horizontal
positions. Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
– Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Press on the side tabs and release the blade moving it in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 140.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the tab into the slot on the wi per blade ⇒ fig. 140. – Move the blade towards the arm in the opposite direction of the
arrow , until it clicks into position ⇒ fig. 140.
– Push the wiper arms back against the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers smear , they should be replaced if they are
damaged, or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This
could cause damage.
•
Do not pull the windscreen wipers forward unless they are in the service
position. Otherwise the bonnet could be damaged.Note
•
The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
Fig. 140 Changing the
front wiper blades
AAA1
A2
A3
A1
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If and when215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If and whenTools*, tyre repair kit* and spare wheel*Veh icle To ols*
The tools and jack* are stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.– Lift the cover of the luggage compartment, by pulling it up with a
finger in the fitting.
– Remove the tools or jack*.The tool kit includes:•
Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts
•
Reversible screwdriver with handle (i ncluding hexagonal interior) for the
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.
•
Towing ring*
•
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage area, wind the arm of the jack down
as far as it will go.
Some of the items listed are only provided on certain model years, or are
optional extras.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is impossible to tighten the bolts with the torque
required, risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles
or other loads, risk of injury.
•
Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack, risk of accident.
•
I f w o r k is t o b e ca r r i e d o ut un d e r n ea t h t h e v e h i cle , t h is m u st b e s e c ure d
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
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If and when217
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage the first gear, or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
–Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the wheel on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Remove the wheel cover. See ⇒page 218, fig. 146 .
–Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car wi th the jack in the corresponding zone.
– Take off the wheel and then put on the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly i n d i a go na l s e q u e n ce wi t h t h e b ox
spanner.
–Replace the cover.
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