2012 Seat Leon 5D ESP

106Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Introduction
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
The driver is personally responsible for the correct use and adjustment of
the lights in all situations.
Additional information and warnings:
● Information system ⇒ page 73
● Changing bulbs ⇒ page 252
WARNING
If the headlights are regulated too high and the main beam is not used
correctly, there is a risk of dazzling or distracting other road users. This
could result in a serious accident.
● Always make sure that the headlights are correctly adjusted.
● Never use the main beam or headlight flasher when it can dazzle oth-
er drivers.
 Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Driving light totally or partially
faulty.
Replace the corresponding
bulb ⇒ page 252.
If all the bulbs are OK, the vehi-
cle should be taken to a speci-
alised workshop if necessary.
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 108.
Fog lights switched on
 
Left or right turn signal.
The control lamp flashes twice
as fast when a vehicle or trailer
turn signal is faulty.If necessary, check the vehicle
and trailer lighting.
Main beam on or flasher on.⇒ page 107.
Light Assist on.⇒ page 109.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.


107
Lights and visibility
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.
● Park the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
Turn signal and main beam lever*
Fig. 59 Turn signal and
main beam lever
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn signal. Right-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 109.
Left turn signal. Left-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 109.
Main beam switched on ⇒ 
. The control lamp
 will light up on the
instrument panel.
Flashing the headlights. The flashed beam comes on if the lever is
pressed. The control lamp  will light up.
Push the lever all the way down to turn off the corresponding function.
Convenience turn signals
For the convenience turn signals, move the lever as far as possible upwards
or downwards and release the lever. The turn signal will flash three times.
The convenience turn signals are activated and deactivated in the Easy Con-
nect system via the 
key and the Setup function button ⇒ page 79.
In vehicles that do not have the corresponding menu, this function can be
deactivated in a specialised workshop.
WARNING
Improper or lack of use of the turn signals, or forgetting to deactivate
them can confuse other road users. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always give warning when you are going to change lane, overtake or
when turning, activating the turn signal in good time.
● As soon as you have finished changing lane, overtaking or turning,
switch the turn signal off.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the headlights may cause accidents and serious injury,
as the main beam may distract or dazzle other drivers. 
1
2
3
4
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

109
Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light
When the parking light is switched on, (right or left turn signal), the front
side light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit.
The parking lights can only be activated with the ignition switched off and
the turn signal and main beam lever in the central position, before being
triggered.
Parking light on both sides
With the ignition switched off and the light switch in position , when lock-
ing the vehicle from the outside, the parking lights on both sides of the ve-
hicle light up. In doing so, only the side lights of both headlights light up,
and additionally the tail lights will do so partially.
Daytime driving light*
The daytime driving lights consist of individual lights, integrated in the front
headlights. With the daylight driving lights on, only these lights switch on
⇒ 
.
The daytime driving lights switch on every time the ignition is switched on,
if the switch is in positions  or , according to the level of exterior light-
ing.
When the light switch is in position , a light sensor automatically
switches dipped beam on and off (including the control and instrument
lighting) or the daytime driving lights depending on the level of exterior
lighting.
Automatic dipped beam control 
The automatic dipped beam control is merely intended as an aid and is not
able to recognise all driving situations. When the light switch is in position 
, the vehicle lights and the instru-
ment panel and switch lighting switch on and off automatically in the fol-
lowing situations ⇒ 
:
Automatic switching on:Automatic switching off:The photo sensor detects darkness,
for example, when driving through a
tunnel.When adequate lighting is detected.
The rain sensor detects rain and ac-
tivates the windscreen wipers.When the windscreen wipers have
been inactive for a few minutes.
Cornering lights* 1)
When turning slowly or on very tight bends, the cornering lights are activa-
ted automatically. The cornering lights may be integrated in the fog lights
and are switched on only at speeds of less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
When reverse gear is engaged, the cornering lights on both sides of the ve-
hicle switch on, in order to better illuminate the area for parking.
Motorway lights*
The motorway lights are available on vehicles equipped both with full-LED
lights and headlights that switch on automatically.
● They are activated when the light switch is in position .
● They are deactivated when the light switch is not in position .
When going above 110 km/h (75 mph) for more than 30 seconds, the dip-
ped beam raises slightly to increase the distance of visibility of the driver.
When reducing the speed of the car below 100 km/h (60 mph), the dipped
beam returns to its normal position. 
1)
This function is not available on vehicles equipped with full-LED headlights.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

114Lights and visibility
Headlight range control, lighting of the instrument panel
and controls
Fig. 62 Next to the
steering wheel: Head-
light range control
Lighting of the instrument panel and controls*
Depending on the model, lighting of the instrument panel and controls can
be adjusted in the Easy Connect system, using the button 
and the func-
tion button SETUP ⇒ page 81.
Headlight range control
The headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 62 is modified according to the value of
the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver opti-
mum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers ⇒ 
.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch ⇒ Fig. 62:
ValueVehicle load status a)–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
ValueVehicle load statusa)
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full With trailer
and minimum drawbar load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full With trailer and
maximum drawbar load
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to select
intermediary positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range con-
trol. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the vehicle
load status when the headlights are switched on.
Instrument panel lighting
In vehicles with the daytime driving light, the instrument panel lighting
switches on in dark conditions (for example, when passing through a tun-
nel). This reminds the driver to manually switch on the dipped beam, so
that the vehicle rear lights also switch on ⇒ page 109.
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not
blind other drivers.


115
Lights and visibility
Interior and reading lights 1)
Button/
SwitchFunction
Switches interior lights off.
Switches interior lights on.

Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Turning the reading light on and off
Glove compartment and luggage compartment lighting
When opening and closing the glove compartment on the front passenger
side and the rear lid, the respective light will automatically switch on and
off.
Footwell lighting*
The lights in the footwell area below the dash (driver and front passenger
sides) will switch on when the doors are opened and will decrease in inten-
sity while driving. The intensity of these lights can be adjusted using the ra-
dio menu (see Easy Connect > Adjusting Lighting > Interior lighting⇒ page 81).
Ambient light*
The ambient light in the door panel changes colour (white or red) depend-
ing on the driving mode. The intensity of these lights can be adjusted using the radio menu (see Easy Connect > Adjusting Lights > Interior lighting
⇒  page 81).
Note
The reading lights switch off when the vehicle is locked using a key or after
several minutes if the key is removed from the ignition. This prevents the
battery from discharging. 
Sun blind Introduction
WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their housing when not in use.

1)
Depending on the level of equipment fitted in the vehicle, LEDs can be used for the follow-
ing interior lights: front courtesy light, rear courtesy light, footwell light and sun visor light.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

118Lights and visibility
Window wiper lever
Fig. 64 Operating the
windscreen wiper and
rear wiper
Move the lever to the required position ⇒ :0OFFWindscreen wiper off.
1INTWindscreen wipers interval wipe.
Using the control ⇒ Fig. 64 A adjust the interval (vehicles
without the rain sensor), or the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
2LOWSlow wipe.3HIGHContinuous wipe.
41xBrief press, short clean. Hold the lever down for more time to
increase the wipe frequency.
5
The windscreen washer function is activated by pushing the
lever forwards, and simultaneously the windscreen wipers
start.
6Interval wipe for rear window. The rear wiper will wipe the win-
dow approximately every six seconds.
7The windscreen washer function is activated by pressing the
lever, and the rear wiper starts simultaneously.
CAUTION
If the ignition is switched off with the windscreen wipers active, they com-
plete their wipe before returning to the rest position. Ice, snow and other
obstacles on the windscreen may damage the wiper and the windscreen
wiper motor.
● If necessary, remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before
starting your journey.
● Carefully lift the frozen windscreen wipers from the glass. SEAT recom-
mends a de-icer spray for this operation.
CAUTION
Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if the windscreen is dry. Cleaning
with the windscreen wipers while dry can cause damage.
Note
● The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched
on and the respective bonnet or rear lid are closed.
● The interval wipe speed varies according to the vehicle speed. The faster
the vehicle is moving, the more often the windscreen is cleaned.
● The rear wiper is automatically switched on when the windscreen wiper
is on and the car is in reverse gear. 

124Lights and visibility
WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror breaks, an
electrolyte fluid may leak. This could cause irritation to the skin, eyes
and respiratory organs. If you come into contact with this liquid, it must
be rinsed with large quantities of water. If necessary, get medial help.
CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle rear vision mirror breaks, an elec-
trolyte fluid may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces. Clean the liquid
with a wet sponge as soon as possible.
Note
● If the light incident in the interior rear vision mirror is obstructed (e.g.
with the sun blind*), the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with automatic set-
ting will not operate perfectly.
● When the interior lights are on or reverse gear engaged, the rear vision
mirrors do not darken with automatic adjustment for anti-dazzle position. 

125
Seats and storage
Seats and storage General notes
WARNING
The Safe driving chapter contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings that you should read and observe for your own safety
and the safety of your passengers ⇒ page 7.

Front seats Manual seat adjustment
Fig. 71 Front seats:
manual seat adjustment Adjusting the seat forward/backward: pull the lever and move the seat
forwards or backwards.
Adjusting the lumbar support* : press the button in the corresponding
position.
Backrest lower/raise: turn the hand wheel.
Raise/lower the seat: Pull/push the lever.
WARNING
● Adjust the front seats only when the vehicle is stationary. Failure to
do so could result in an accident.
● Be careful when adjusting the seat height. Careless or uncontrolled
adjustment can cause injuries.
● The front seat backrests must not be reclined for driving. Otherwise,
seat belts and the airbag system might not protect as they should, with
the subsequent danger of injury.

Front centre armrest
The centre armrest can be adjusted to various levels. Adjusting the centre armrest
– To adjust the tilt, lift the armrest from the starting position so
that it is engaged.
– To return the armrest to the starting position, remove the arm-
rest from the upper fixed position and lower it.
The armrest can be moved backwards and forwards. 
1
2
34
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications