Lights and visibility
118Indicator and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 77 to indicate right , and
all the way down to indicate left .
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position
.
–Press the lever forward ⇒fig. 77 to switch on the main
beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
• The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
or flashes on the dash panel. The warning lamp
flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is correctly
attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defective, the
warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs are
damaged, warning lamp
does not light up. Change the bulb.
Fig. 77 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
A3
A4
Leon_EN.book Seite 118 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Lights and visibility119
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp
then lights up on the dash
panel.
•The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp
then lights up on the
dash panel.
•When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the rear light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will only
work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on, a
buzzer gives an audible warning while the driver door is open.•If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened. This
is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave
the parking light on.
Interior lightsFront interior light The switch ⇒fig. 78 is used to select the following positions:
Courtesy light position
Rocker switch in flat position (not activated). The interior lights are automat-
ically switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the
ignition lock And turn off approx. 20 seconds after closing the doors. The inte-
rior lights are switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is
switched on.
Interior light switched on
Push the switch to the position
.
Interior light switched off O
Push the switch to position O ⇒fig. 78.
Fig. 78 Interior roof trim:
front interior lights
AA
Leon_EN.book Seite 119 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Intelligent technology183
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•With compact temporary spare wheel.•When using the snow chains.•When driving in deep snow or on soft terrain.•When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS 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 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 wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
which is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque provided to the inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel receives a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This causes
an overall loss of lateral grip on the front shaft, resulting in understeering or
“lengthening” of the path.
The XDS system is able, using the ESP sensors and signals, to detect and
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the path requested by the driver
is more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active,
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of
ABS, EDL, TCS and
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
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 vehicle. If the desired course is not being
Leon_EN.book Seite 183 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
If and when
256Turn signal lamps– Raise the bonnet.
– Rotate the lamp holder ⇒fig. 165 to the left and pull.
– Remove the bulb by pressing on the lamp holder and rotating at the same time to the left.
– Installation is done in the reverse order.
Dipped beam lights– Raise the bonnet
Fig. 165 Turn signal
lamps
AA
Fig. 166 Dipped head-
lightsFig. 167 Dipped head-
lights
Leon_EN.book Seite 256 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
If and when267
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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.•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.
•The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes on ⇒page 266.Trailer eyes
Fig. 183 The front right
section of the vehicle:
Fitting the front towing
eyeFig. 184 Fitting the
towing eye to the rear of
the vehicle
Leon_EN.book Seite 267 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Index
294Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Bulb changes
general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118, 157CCar care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Automatic locking system for involuntary unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Automatic speed dependent locking and un- locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Central locking button Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Centre console with drinks holder . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Changing gear with the Tiptronic gear system 169
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 Changing the main headlight lamps
dipped beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
main beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Changing the rear light lamps Position light, fog light and rear light on the tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Changing the rear lights Indicator, side and brake lights on the bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 230
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 197 Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Climatronic
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Clothes hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Coming/leaving home function . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222, 223 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Leon_EN.book Seite 294 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Index
300The danger of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . 21
Tightening torque of wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . 272
To fold down the seat back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tow starting
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Towing bracket, fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Towing eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Traction control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Trailer Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Trailer eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Trailer turn signals Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 118
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tyre Mobility-System (Tyre repair kit) . . . . . . . 242
Tyre monitor indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242, 247 Tyre-Mobility-System (Tyre repair kit) . . . . . . . 247
Tyres and wheels
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tyres service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Tyres with directional tread pattern . . . . . . . . . 232
UUnderbody sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Unlocking and locking Personalisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96VVehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Vehicle modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle paintworkProducts for vehicle maintenance . . . . . . . 197
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Vehicle tools Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle wallet storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Ventilation slits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Volumetric sensor* Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Deactivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
WWarning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Warning reports
Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Warning texts in the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Washing by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Washing with high pressure cleaners . . . . . . . 199
Water warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Water in the windscreen washer tank . . . . . . . 224
Wear indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244, 272 Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Wheel trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232, 272
Why assume the correct sitting position? . . . . . 29
Why should head restraints be correctly adjusted? 13
Why to wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 29
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windscreen washer fluid Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Leon_EN.book Seite 300 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17