2012 Seat Leon 5D change time

154Driving
Automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox*
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled manual gearbox.
Torque between the engine and the gearbox is transmitted via two inde-
pendent clutches. They replace the torque converter found on conventional
automatic gearboxes and allow for smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of
the vehicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to change gears manually if desired
⇒ page 159, Changing gears in tiptronic mode*. 
Selector lever positions
The selector lever position engaged is highlighted on the display in the in-
strument cluster. With the selector lever in the manual gearbox positions G,
D, E and S, the engaged gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the driven wheels are locked me-
chanically. The parking lock must be engaged only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary ⇒ 
.
The interlock button (the button on the selector lever handle) must be
pressed in and simultaneously the brake pedal must be depressed before
moving the selector lever either in or out of position P.
R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling ⇒ 
.
To move the selector lever to position R, the interlock button must be press-
ed in and at the same time the brake pedal must be depressed. The reverse lights come on when the selector lever is in the R position with the ignition
on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables the gears to be controlled in
normal mode (D) or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move the selector
lever backwards. Moving the lever again will select normal mode (D). The
selected driving mode is shown on the instrument panel display.
In normal mode
(D), the gearbox automatically selects the best gear ratio.
This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the dynamic gear
control programme (DCP).
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty driving style. This setting
makes use of the engine's maximum power output. When accelerating the
gear shifts will be noticeable.
The brake pedal must be pressed when moving the selector lever from D/S
to N if the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h (3 mph) ⇒ 
.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains) it can be ad-
vantageous to switch temporarily to tiptronic mode ⇒ page 159, in order to
manually select gear ratios to suit the driving conditions.
WARNING
● Take care not to accidentally press the accelerator pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) resulting in the risk
of an accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. 

159
Driving
Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
The tiptronic gives the driver the option to change gears
manually.
Fig. 91 Centre console:
changing gear with Tip-
tronic
Fig. 92 Steering wheel:
automatic gearbox levers
Changing gear manually with the selector lever
It is possible to change to tiptronic mode, both when the vehicle is
stopped and while driving. –
To switch to tiptronic mode, move the selector lever from posi-
tion D/S to the right. As soon as the change is made, the selec-
tor lever will be shown in the position G (i.e. G4 means that 4th
gear is engaged) on the instrument panel display.
– Move the selector lever forwards +
to select a higher gear
⇒ Fig. 91.
– Move the selector lever backwards -
to select a lower gear.
Changing gear manually with the gearshift paddles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the selector lever is in the
position D/S or G.
– Press the gearshift paddle +
to select a higher gear
⇒ Fig. 92.
– Press the gearshift paddle -
to select a lower gear.
– With the selector lever in position D/S, if no paddle is operated
during a short period of time, the gearbox control system
switches back to automatic mode. To switch to permanent man-
ual gear change using the gearshift paddles, move the selector
lever from position D/S to the right.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gearbox will not shift down until
there is no risk of overrevving the engine.
When the kick-down feature is used, the gearbox shifts down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine speed. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

164Driver assistance systems
Driver assistance systems
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to maintain the set speed from 20
km/h (15 mph).
A constant speed is maintained using the engine power control or by apply-
ing the active brake ⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Change gear ⇒ page 154.
● Accessories and technical modifications ⇒ page 230.
WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause accidents and severe injuries if it is
not possible to drive at a constant speed maintaining the safety distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traffic, if the distance from the
vehicle in front is insufficient, on steep roads, with several bends or in
slippery circumstances (snow, ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded
roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or on unpaved roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise control system, turn it off
every time you finish using it.
WARNING (Continued)
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the prevailing
road, traffic or weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot maintain a constant
speed. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the vehicle.

Warning and control lamp
Fig. 94 Instrument panel display: CCS status indications 

168Driver assistance systems
Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot maintain a constant speed. Slow
the vehicle down using the brake pedal and reduce gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could affect the working order of the
CCS.
● If you press and maintain the accelerator pedal for a certain time, driv-
ing faster than the stored speed.
● If the dynamic driving control systems intervene (i.e. ASR or ESC).
● If the airbag is triggered. 
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 230
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the very nature of the sys-
tem. Careless or uncontrolled use of the Lane Assist system may cause
accidents and injury. The system is not a replacement for driver aware-
ness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so it can be turned at
any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all road markings. The road
surfaces, road structures or objects in poor condition can be incorrectly
detected as road markings under certain circumstances by the Lane As-
sist system. In such situations, switch the Lane Assist system off imme-
diately.
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's surroundings.
● When the area of vision of the camera becomes dirty, covered or is
damaged, the Lane Assist system function can be affected.
CAUTION
In order to avoid influencing the operation of the system, the following
points must be taken into account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the camera and keep it in a clean
state, without snow or ice.
● Do not cover the area of vision of the camera.
● Check that the area of vision of the windscreen camera is not damaged. 

175
Driver assistance systems
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 198
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 223
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 230
WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pressure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. Tyre pressure that is too low could cause overheat-
ing, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
cold at all times ⇒ page 266.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
change the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
Note
● Driving for the first time with new tyres at a high speed can cause them
to slightly expand, which could then produce an air pressure warning.
● Only replace used tyres with those authorised by SEAT for the corre-
sponding type vehicle.
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring system. Regularly check your
tyres to ensure that the tyre pressure is correct and that the tyres are not
damaged due to puncture, cuts, tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when they have not pierced the tyres. 
Tyre monitor indicator warning lamp
lights upPossible causeSolution

The pressure in one or more
tyres has clearly reduced in
comparison to the tyre pres-
sure set by the driver or the
tyre has structural damage.
Additionally, an audible
warning can be heard and a
text message can be seen on
the instrument panel display. Stop the vehicle! Reduce
speed immediately! Stop the
vehicle safely as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden ma-
noeuvres and braking! Check
all tyres and pressures. Re-
place any damaged tyres.
flashesPossible causeSolution

System malfunction. The
control lamp flashes for
about one minute and then
lights up permanently.
If the tyre pressure is correct,
switch the ignition off and on
again. If the control lamp re-
mains lit up, the tyre monitor-
ing indicator can be calibra-
ted. Have the system re-
viewed by a specialised
workshop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

176Driver assistance systems
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while the function is verified. They will switch off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pressures or at a pressure that is
too low then a tyre may the damaged resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle and a serious or fatal accident.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, stop immediately and check the
tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pressures or if a tyre pressure is
too low, this will increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehicle stability
and increasing braking distances.
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the ve-
hicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure
is indicated on the label ⇒ page 266.
● The tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the
tyres are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause them damage and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate tyres to the correct pressure.
● Tyres with insufficient pressure are subjected to more flexing. Due to
this, the tyre could become excessively hot, causing tread separation
and also tyre blow-out.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
WARNING (Continued)
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, affecting vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialised workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
● If excessively low tyre pressure is detected with the ignition on, an audi-
ble warning will sound. In the event that there is a fault in the system, an
audible warning will sound.
● Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of time or driving in a sporty style
can temporarily deactivate the TPMS. The control lamp shows a fault, but
disappears when road conditions or the driving style change. 

189
Intelligent technology
Information recorded in the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the con-
trol units supervise the correct performance of the exhaust gas system and
the airbag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units
are continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or devia-
tions from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Generally, the in-
strument panel warning lamps indicate whether there are any malfunctions.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
● Important data about the engine and gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Seat belt check
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the system
may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network operator.
Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with sufficient coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. There-
fore, in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information
about how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the
manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehi-
cle owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stor-
ed in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions,
such as the turn signal convenience mode, individual door opening and dis-
play indications can be modified using special equipment at the workshop.
If the convenience functions are reprogrammed, the Instruction Manual in-
formation and descriptions will not coincide with the modified functions.
Therefore, SEAT recommends that any changes are recorded in the “Other
workshop notes section” of the Service Plan.
You can find out about possible reprogramming at your SEAT Official Serv-
ice.
Event recorder
In the footwell on the driver side you will find the diagnostics connection
socket for reading the event recorder. The event recorder stores operating
data and data on the status of the electronic control units. The events re-
corder should only be read and deleted by a SEAT Official Service or special-
ised workshop.
WARNING
The diagnostics connection socket must not be used for private purpo-
ses. Improper use can cause malfunctions: risk of accident!

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

190Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running in the engine
A new vehicle should be run in over a distance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For
the first 1000 km (600 miles) the engine speed should not exceed 2/3 of
the maximum permissible engine speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at
full throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From 1000 to 1500 km (600 to
1000 miles) you can gradually increase the engine rpm and road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate rate, es-
pecially when the engine is still cold: this will lead to less engine wear and
tear and will prolong its useful life.
You should also avoid driving with the engine speed too low. Change down
to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”. If the engine
revs too much, cut fuel injection to protect the engine. 
Driving through flooded roads
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed.
WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the braking effect can be
delayed slightly due to moisture build-up on the discs and brake pads.
Applying the brakes carefully several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect.
CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-Stop system* must be switch-
ed off ⇒ page 149.
Note
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or stop the engine in any sit-
uation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite direction may splash water
that could exceed the maximum permitted water height for your vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corrosion). 
Installation of exhaust gas filtration systems
Catalytic converter
Applies to vehicles with petrol engine: The vehicle must only be used with
unleaded petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will be irreparably dam-
aged. 