Cockpit
82•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully
functional.
Operating the foot brake
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N.Power steering system*
For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanica l steering system if the lamp does not
go out or light up, wh ils
t the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may appear in
two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indicates a
minor fault. If it lights red, seek wo rkshop assistance immediately, if no
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you
will need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the
steering assistance is reduced
or has failed completely.
Brake pad wear indicator*
As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
The information text displayed in the instrument panel display is
16): CHECK
BRAKE PADS .
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the
warning display
lights up.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate
This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light
should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
about 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
16)Depending on the model version.
leon_ingles Seite 82 Donner stag, 24. August 2006 1:56 13
Driving
162
Note•
The steering wheel controls may be us ed in all selector lever positions
while driving.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒
fig. 124.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 124 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always 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 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. Risk 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.
Fig. 124 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Driving and the environment173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning-in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run-in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running-in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads that have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and require running-
in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500
km.
•
New brake pads must be “run-in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an
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Driving and the environment
174Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service
Schedule.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after
heavy rainfall or after washing the car, the braking effect will be reduced as
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be
“dried” through careful braking.
The brake fluid must be changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for
too long. This prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run-in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
• On steep descents if the brakes are exc essively used they wi ll over-
heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change to a lower gear (or mo ve the selector lever to a lower gear
if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions
before purchasing accessories ⇒page 191, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas es purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not run the fuel tank dry.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
⇒page 204, “Topping up engine oil ”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary ⇒page 248.If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light
up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 72. If this happens,
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING (continued)
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washesThe paint is so durable that the car can normally be washed without problems
in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large
extent on the design of the car wash, the brushes used, the filtering of the
wash water and the type of detergents and wax solutions used, etc.
After the car has been washed, the brakes could respond later than normal as
the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or even frozen in winter. You must
“dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully several times ⇒page 173,
“Braking effect and braking distance”.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Washing by handWashing the vehicle
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off.
– Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush. Start on the roof and work your way down. Use only light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove as much as possible.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt. – Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last using a different sponge or
glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the surface of the vehicle gently using a chamois leather.
–If it is cold, dry the rubber seals and th e surfaces they touch with
a cloth to prevent them freezing. Apply silicone spray to the
rubber seals.
After cleaning the vehicle
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times ⇒page 173, “Braking effect and braking
distance”.
WARNING
•
The ignition must always be switched off before the vehicle is washed.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of
injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is
dry. Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch
the paintwork or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose,
do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the doors,
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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
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 260. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low
⇒page 72.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒ page 198.Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be renewed every two years.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 198 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
For this reason the brake fluid must be renewed every two years.
It is important that you use only use brake fluid compliant with the US
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake
fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 150 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
leon_ingles Seite 211 Donnerstag, 24. August 2006 1:56 13
Index281
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Adjusting the seat belt height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Air conditioner* 2C-Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Air conditioning system General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Air recirculation mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Manual air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Airbags Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Alternator
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Apple iPod connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Aspects to take into account before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 123
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 123
Automatic car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Automatic gearbox / DS G automatic gearbox . 157
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Automatic mode 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Automatic wiper/wash function for the rear window 122
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN . . . . . . . . . 136
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Brake pad wear indicator* Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 173
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
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Index
286
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
PPaintwork
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Parts replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 55
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Trips to foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Petrol additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Petrol engines, starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 21
Plastic key tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Pollen filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Puncture-proof tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217RRadio frequency remote control Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Radio navigation St eering wheel controls
audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Radio wave remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Rain sensor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Rear fog light
Indication lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rear interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Rear reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Rear window heating Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Reverse gear Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
RME fuel (biodiesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Roll-back function Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Roof carrier* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Running-in
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Running-in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
SSafe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety instructions Coolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Safety notes Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . 45
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety system- safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126, 129
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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