Lights and visibility
124Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and off
as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 85 . Warning lamp goes out:
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button ⇒fig. 85 . Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activa ted the interior mirror will darken auto-
matically according to the amount of light it receives (for example from the
headlights of a vehicle behind). The anti-dazzle function is cancelled if
reverse gear is engaged.
Note
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function wi ll only work properly if the sun
blind* for the rear window is retracted and there are no other objects
preventing light from reaching the interior mirror.
•
If you have to stick any type of sticke r on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the anti-dazzle function from
working well or even from working at all.
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using the rotary knob in
the centre console.Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob ⇒fig. 86 to position L ( left exterior mirror ).
Fig. 85 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
AA
Fig. 86 Controls of exte-
rior mirrors
leon_ingles Seite 124 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a
good view to the rear of the vehicle.
3. Turn knob to position R (right exterior mirror).
4. Swivel the rotary knob to posi tion the mirror so that you have a
good view to the rear of the car ⇒.
Heating the exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob forwards to the central position ⇒fig. 86 so
that the heated rear view mirrors warm up and the heated wind-
screen* in the wiper blade rest area is activated ⇒page 120.
– The wing mirror heating is not activated in temperatures above approximately 20°C.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
–Turn the control ⇒ fig. 86 to position
to fold in the exterior
mirrors. You should always fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash. This will help prevent
damage.
Folding rear view mirrors with convenience control*
– The outer rear view mirror will fold back automatically with convenience closing (with the remote or the key)
– To unfold it again, open the door and use the contact.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to another position to fold the exterior mirrors back
out ⇒ . Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position
L (left exterior mirror ).
2. Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle. The right exterior mirror will
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•
The rear view convex or aspheric mirror increase the field of vision
however the objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when
changing lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
•
If possible, use the interior mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
behind you.
•
Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
•
If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
•
In vehicles with electric wing mirrors, the following points should be
observed: if, due to an external force (e.g. a knock while manoeuvring), the
adjustment of the mirror housing is altered, the mirror will have to be
completely folded electrically. Do not readjust the mirror housing by hand, as
this will interfere with the mirror adjuster function.
A1
leon_ingles Seite 125 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Seats and stowage133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Stowage compartmentsStowage compartment on the front passenger sideThe compartment can be opened by pulling the lever ⇒fig. 95 . On opening,
a lamp* lights up, and on closing, it turns off.
If the glove box remains open inadvertenly, on locking the vehicle using the
remote control or the key, the lamp* turns off. If the vehicle is not locked using
the remote control or the key and the glove box remains open, after little time
the lamp* turns off.
WARNING
Always keep the stowage compartment cover closed while the vehicle is in
motion in order to reduce the risk of injury caused by a sudden braking or
by an accident.
The centre console with drinks holder
The centre console has a drinks holder.Stowage compartment under the left hand side front seat*
There is a stowage locker with a cover under the front left
hand side seat.The locker* ⇒fig. 96 is opened by pulling on the cover.
There are two open positions of 15 and 60 degrees depending on the pres-
sure applied to the cover. In the 60 degree position, the cover will collapse if
too much pressure is applied.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it locks into position.
Fig. 95 Passenger side:
stowage compartment
Fig. 96 Stowage area
under the front seats
AA
leon_ingles Seite 133 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 149
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Button – Manual air recirculation mode.
Button – Rear window heating. The heating will be switched off auto-
matically approximately 20 minutes
after switching on. However, it may
be turned off by pushing the button. The button lights up yellow and the
symbol appears in the display.
Button – Automatic temperature, ventilation and air distribution
control ⇒page 150
button - Dual zone synchroniser
Button – Switches the 2C-Climatronic on and off ⇒page 151
Blower control ⇒page 151
button – Switches heating, ventil ation and air-conditioning system
on
WARNING
For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation.
This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with
the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the
anti-fog/defrost functions for the windscreens.
Note
Please observe the general notes ⇒page 152.
Viewing Climatronic information
Information about the Climatronic system can be displayed
on the radio or radio and navigation screen mounted at
factory.
A5
A6
A7
AUTO
A8
DUAL
A9
OFF
A10A11
AC
Fig. 112 Navigation
display with information
about the ClimatronicFig. 113 Radio display
with information about
Climatronic
leon_ingles Seite 149 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Driving
156•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash ?
•
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing wh en the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated. The warning lamp will light up slowly if the TCS is
switched off.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot 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 driv ing, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 175,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In this position ⇒fig. 118 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the
steering may be locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the
vehicle ⇒.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on
Turn the ignition key to this position an d release it. If the key cannot be turned
or it is difficult to turn from position to position , move the steering
wheel back and forth until it loosens up.
Fig. 118 Ignition key
positions
A0
A1
A0
A12
leon_ingles Seite 156 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Driving
160Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearbox
Engaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position shown on the gear stick.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running and before engagi ng this gear, wait about 6 seconds
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
The reverse lights li ght up when the reverse gear is selected and the ignition
is on.
WARNING
•
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released.
•
Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•
Do not rest your hand on the gear rest when driving. The pressure of your
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.
•
When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch down fully to
avoid unnecessary wear and damage.
•
Do not hold the car “on the clutch” uphills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.
Fig. 119 Detail of the
centre console: gear shift
pattern of a 5-speed
manual gearboxFig. 120 Detail of the
centre console: gear shift
pattern of a 6-speed
manual gearbox
leon_ingles Seite 160 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving
– Press and hold the foot brake.
– Press the button on the selector lever knob (on the left)
⇒page 162, fig. 124 .
– Select a gear for driving ( R, D or S).
– Release the button and wait a few seconds for the gear to engage, a light jerk will be felt.
– Release the brake and accelerate.
Short stop
– Hold the vehicle stationary with the brake pressed down (for example at traffic lights). The sele ctor lever does not need to be
put into the positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press the foot brake and hold to bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press in the button on the select or lever knob, move the lever to
the position P and release the button.
Driving slowly
– Move the selector lever to the position D and press to the right to
put the lever into Tiptronic mode.
– Press the gear lever towards (-) to select a lower gear. Hill stop
– Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the foot brake to prevent
rolling back.
– Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (engine braking).
Descending gradients
– With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.
The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine
braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the engine
braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine speed does
not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest gear. Depress
the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the Tiptronic gate to return to
3rd gear.
WARNING
•
The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running or
with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle with the
engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to posi-
tion P.
•
When the engine is running and the po sitions D, S or R are selected, it
is necessary to hold the vehicle with the foot brake because the vehicle will
creep at a low speed.
•
Never accelerate while changing the position of the selector lever (risk
of an accident).
•
The selector lever must never be mo ved into the positions R or P while
moving (risk of an accident).
•
Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the Tiptronic
programme to select a lower gear.
leon_ingles Seite 163 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16
Driving
166
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒page 165, fig. 127 .
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒page 165, fig. 127 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 turns off when the handbrake is
released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on th e instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. Also,
an audible warning is given.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Ri sk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an acci-
dent. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.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 the engine off 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 rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.•
If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they
point towards the kerb .
•
If the vehicle is parked 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
engaging first gear.
WARNING
•
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
leon_ingles Seite 166 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16