2012 Seat Leon 5D bonnet

210Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that
you fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could
cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/reservoirs mentioned
below are located on the other side of the engine compartment. 
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 107 Release lever in driver footwell and cam below the bonnet Check that the windscreen wiper arms are not unfolded. Otherwise
the paint may be damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the driver door is open.
–
Pull the lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
⇒ Fig. 107.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ 
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ Fig. 107
2
. This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.

Closing the bonnet
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into place.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its clasp. Do not press
down too hard ⇒ 
. 

211
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet, always
check that the locking element is properly engaged. This is the case if
the bonnet is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.

Engine oil General notes
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year
round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of
the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use on-
ly those oils that comply with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒ page 212, Oil
properties. Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the “Maintenance Programme”
booklet is PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, enable the extension of the
oil change service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it
must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 212 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒  page 212 (up to a maximum of
0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒ page 212, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year/15 000 km (10 000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 212 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l). 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

213
Checking and refilling levels
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the operating tempera-
ture is reached and then stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ Fig. 108.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil
⇒ .
Oil level in area B
You can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Oil level in area C
Oil
must be added. Afterwards, the oil level should be in the lined area
B.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before
a journey.
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 209.
–
–
–
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a Technical Serv-
ice. 
Topping up engine oil 
Top up gradually with small quantities of engine oil.
Fig. 109 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Working on components in the engine compartment on page 209.
– Unscrew cap from engine oil filler opening ⇒ 
Fig. 109.
– 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

214Checking and refilling levels
–As soon as the oil level is in area B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 267.
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 211.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge
required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 209.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such as acid burns, caused by
splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm
horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. 

219
Checking and refilling levels
Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.
– Note the warnings ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for han-
dling a vehicle battery on page 218 and ⇒ .
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition key.
– Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 210.
– Open the battery cover.
– Connect the charger clamps as described to the positive pole of
the battery (+) and, exclusively to an earth on the bodywork
(–).
– Only use a charger which is compatible for use with 12 V nomi-
nal voltage batteries. The charge must not exceed a voltage of
15 V.
– Now connect the battery charger to the power socket and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger and
disconnect the power socket cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
– Replace the battery cover correctly.
– Close the bonnet ⇒ page 210.
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the manufac-
turer's instructions for using the battery charger.
WARNING
Never charge a battery that has frozen: replace battery! Failure to do so
may lead to an explosion.
Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the battery. 
Replacing the battery
The new battery should have the same specifications (am-
perage, load and voltage) as the used battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy ⇒ page 187. The power manage-
ment function ensures that the battery is charged much more efficiently
than on vehicles without a power management system. To maintain this
function after replacing the battery, we recommend that the replacement
battery used is of the same make and type as the original fitted battery. To
make proper use of the power management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to the power management mode at a
specialised workshop.
CAUTION
● Some vehicles, for example those with the Start-Stop system* are fitted
with a special battery (AGM-type or EFB-type battery). If any other type of
battery is fitted, the Start-Stop function may be considerably reduced and
the vehicle may not stop on repeated occasions.
● Make sure that the vent hose is always attached to the original opening
on the side of the battery. Gases or battery acid can otherwise escape and
possibly cause damage.
● The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

254Fuses and bulbs
Changing bulbs in headlight unit
Dipped beam bulb
Fig. 133 Dipped beam
headlights
Fig. 134 Dipped beam
headlights
– Raise the bonnet
– Move the loops ⇒ Fig. 133 1
in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover.
– Remove connector ⇒ Fig. 134 2
from the bulb. –
Unclip the retainer spring ⇒ Fig. 134 3
pressing inwards to the
right.
– Extract the bulb and fit the replacement so that the rim of the
attachment plate is on the reflector cut-out. 
Daylight bulb
Fig. 135 Daylight bulb
– Raise the bonnet.
– Turn bulb holder ⇒ Fig. 135 A
to the left and pull.
– Remove the bulb by pressing on the bulb holder and turning it
anti-clockwise at the same time.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence. 

255
Fuses and bulbs
Turn signal bulb
Fig. 136 Turn signal bulb
Fig. 137 Turn signal bulb
– Raise the bonnet
– Move the loop ⇒ Fig. 136 1
in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover.
– Turn the bulb holder ⇒ Fig. 137 2
to the left and pull.
– Remove the bulb by pressing on the bulb holder and turning it
anti-clockwise at the same time.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence. Main beam bulb
Fig. 138 Main beam
bulb
Fig. 139 Main beam
bulb
– Raise the bonnet
– Move the loop ⇒ Fig. 138 1
in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover.
– Slide connector ⇒ Fig. 139 2
to the left or right and pull.
– Remove the bulb by disconnecting the connector.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
New brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Braking Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Moving off on a hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
C
Carbon components: Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Care of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Care (paint care) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
CD-ROM reader (navigation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Central locking Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Selective unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Manual locking in an emergency . . . . . . . . 97
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Cetane number (Diesel fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Changing Windscreen and rear window wiper blades . .221
Changing a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Bulb sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Changing gear
Engaging gears (manual gearbox) . . . . . . 152
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Changing main headlight main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
turn signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Changing main headlight bulbs daylight bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Dipped beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Changing the battery of the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Child-proof lock Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Child seat Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Top Tether system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54, 55
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Carbon components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Display/Easy Connect control panel . . . . . 202
Exhaust pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200, 202
Radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Trim parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Windscreen and rear window wiper blades . .221
Cleaning/De-icing the windows . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning the rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning the upholstery Natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Closing Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Panoramic sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Clutch (warning lamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Consumption (fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Control lamp Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Tyre monitor indicator warning lamp . . . . 175
Tyre monitoring systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Windscreen wiper fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Control lamps Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Control of function Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
278 Index