Safe driving
8The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of accidents.
But this safety equipment cannot neither help you nor your passengers if you
or they are sitting in an incorrect position or do not properly adjust or use this
equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,
h o w i t p r o t e c t s yo u , w h a t yo u ha v e to co ns i d e r w h e n u s i n g i t a n d h o w yo u a n d
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your
passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before starting every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw-
lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels ⇒page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals. – Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly according
to your size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the head restraints in the in-use position ⇒page 14
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly applied seat belts ⇒page 44.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your safety belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any circum-
stance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road ⇒,
for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you, e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving abil ity is impaired (e.g. by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs).
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Cockpit53
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Controls and equipmentCockpitOverviewOverview of the dash panel
This overview will help you to familiarise yourself with the
controls and displays.
Door release lever
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighting control for instrument and control lighting . . . . . . . .
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air vent
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system* .
Controls on the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dash panel:
− Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Indication lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn (works only when the ignition is on)/ and driver front
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wiper and windscreen wash lever and operation of
the multi-function display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for
− Heating* and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove compartment lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear shift lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls on the centre console:
− Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Tyre pressure control
− Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Cigarette lighter / Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Wing mirror adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Start-Stop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indication lamp for deactivated front passenger airbag . . . . .
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column control lever* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handle for releasing the bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Button for opening and closing the front windows . . . . . . . . .
A1A2
111
A3
115
A4
115
A5A6
118, 176
A7
85
A8
55
59
75
A9
29
A10
121, 61
A11
133
A12
143 145
149
A13A14
133
A15
29
A16
135
A17
136
A18
166
A19
93
183
173
137
126
162
A20
171
A21
116
A22
42
A23A24
157
A25
155
A26
215
A27
106
Leon_EN.book Seite 53 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Cockpit
76
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning
and control lamps
Further
information
Fuel level / reserve
⇒ page 77
Coolant level / coolant temperature
⇒page 77
Rear fog light switched on
⇒page 78
Turn signals in operation
⇒page 78
Engine fault (petrol engine)
⇒page 78
Glow plug system for diesel engine
⇒page 78
Main beam switched on
⇒page 79
Pollen accumulation in the diesel
engine particulate filter
⇒page 79
ABS system fault
⇒page 79
Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒page 80
Alternator fault
⇒page 80
Fasten seat belts!
⇒page 19
Tyre pressure
⇒page 80
Airbag or belt tension device system
fault or airbag disabled
⇒page 27
⇒ page 30
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13
Bulb defective
⇒ page 82
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system
⇒page 81
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 82
Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 82
Door open indicator
⇒page 82
Electromechanical steering
⇒page 82
Fault in the emission control system
⇒page 83
If flashing: electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP) or the TCS is working or
deactivated
If it remains lit: ESP malfunction or off
⇒page 83
⇒ page 156
Automatic selector lever lock (auto-
matic gearbox)
⇒page 84
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 84
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning
and control lamps
Further
information
A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22
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Cockpit
78First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity ⇒.
WARNING
•If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a
safe distance from traffic. Tur n the e ngin e off, turn t he hazard l ights on and
place the warning triangle.•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.•The engine compartment is a danger ous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒page 215.
Rear fog light
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on
. For
further information ⇒page 111.
Turn signals
The warning lamp flashes when the indicators are in opera-
tion.Depending on which indicator is operating, either the left
or right
indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both warning lamps will flash at the same time when the
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both indicators fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice faster
than normal. Further information on the indicators
⇒page 118.
Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
(Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
is lit
The warning lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒page 80, fig. 49 must be kept pressed while the igni-
tion is on until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by
the driver, then the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.•The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.•Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator
lights up after turning
the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
Brake system* / handbrake
The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake
system.
This warning lamp
lights up if
•If the handbrake is on.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the dash panel display
14): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an audible
warning is given.
•If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 227.
The dash panel displays the following message
14): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•If there is a fault in the brake system.
The dash panel displays the following message
14): BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system
warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 215.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒ page 227, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
14)Depending on the version of the model.
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Lights and visibility
112•The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.•If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with
a factory-fitted towing bracket , the rear fog light on the car will automatically
be switched off.•The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.•Depending on weather conditions (ver y cold or wet), the front and rear
lights and the indicators may be temporarily misted. This has no influence on
the life expectancy of the lighting system. The lights will soon demist when
they are switched on.Automatic lighting*Activation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will light up. Deactivation
– Turn the light switch to 0.
Automatic lighting
If automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped headlights are automat-
ically switched on by a light-sensitive sensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
The motorway function switches on the dipped headlights when the vehicle
is driven at over 140 km/h for a few seconds and it switches the lights off
when the vehicle is driven at less than 65 km/h for a few minutes.
The rain sensor switches on the dipped headlights when the windscreen
wipers have been operating continuously for a few seconds and it switches
the lights off when the continuous or intermittent wipe is switched off for
some minutes
⇒page 123.
When the automatic dipped light control is connected but the dipped lights
are off, the warning lamp
lights up on the light control ⇒fig. 73 . If the
automatic control switches on the dipped lights, the instrument and control
lighting is also switched on.
WARNING
•If automatic headlight control is switched on, the headlights will not be
switched on in fog or heavy rain. Therefore, the dipped beam must be
switched on manually.Note
•For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light
control is in the position
or if the vehicle is not fitted with the coming
home function.
Fig. 73 Automatic
lighting
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Lights and visibility
114Activating daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
With the ignition switched off, move the indicator and main beam lever
upwards and back (left indicator and headlamp flash).
Switch on the ignition for 3 seconds. The daytime lights are activated and can
be switched on.
Note
Please observe any relevant legal requirements which may apply in your
country.Coming/leaving home function*
The Coming Home function is controlled manually. The
Leaving Home function is controlled with a photo sensor.If the Coming Home or Leaving Home function is connected, the front side
and dipped lights, the tail lights and the registration plate light will light up
to provide assistance.
Coming home function
The Coming Home function is activated by switching off the ignition and
briefly flashing the lights. When the driver's door is opened, the Coming
Home lighting comes on. If the driver's door is already open when the lights
are flashed briefly, the Coming Home lighting comes on immediately.
When the last door of the vehicle or the tailgate is closed, the Coming Home
function starts and the switching off the headlights is delayed.
The Coming Home lighting switches off in the following cases:•On completion of the time period established for the delay in switching off
the lights after all the vehicle doors and the tailgate have been closed.
•If, 30 seconds after being connected, any doors or the tailgate remain
open.•If the light switch is turned to position
.
•If the ignition is switched on.
Leaving home function
The Leaving Home function is activated when the vehicle is unlocked if:•the light control is in position
and
•the photo sensor detects “darkness”.
The Leaving Home lighting switches off in the following cases:•If the time period for the delay in switching off the headlamps has ended•If the vehicle is locked again.•If the light switch is turned to position
.
•If the ignition is switched on.Note
The setting for the delay in switching off the headlamps in the Coming Home
and Leaving Home function can be changed or the function can be connected
or disconnected in the menu Lights and visibility ⇒ page 74.•If the ignition key is removed while the lights are on, and the lights are
flashed briefly and the driver's door opened, no acoustic signal is heard, as
when the Coming Home function is on, the lights are automatically switched
off after a period of time (except when the light switch is in position
or
.
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Lights and visibility117
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,•there is an emergency•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps
and the
indicator lamp in the switch
will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking function
When the vehicle detects sudden braking, the hazard warning lights auto-
matically come on to warn vehicles behind. The hazard warning lights go off
when the vehicle accelerates or the hazard warning light switch is pressed.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a long
time, even if the ignition is switched off.•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
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