2012 Seat Leon 5D speed

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.
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111
Lights and visibility
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehi- cle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example:
● 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. The two turn signal turn signal lamps   and the turn signal
lamp in the switch  will flash at the same time. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continuously at a speed of more than
80 km/h (50 mph), the brake light flashes several times per second to warn
vehicles driving behind. If you continue braking, the hazard warning lights
will come on automatically when the vehicle comes to a standstill. They
switch off automatically when the vehicle starts to move again.
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 atten-
tion 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 rel-
evant statutory requirements. 
Main beam assist*
Main beam assist (Light Assist)
The main beam assist operates, within the limits of the system and depend-
ing on the environmental and traffic conditions, as of a speed of 60 km/h
(40 mph) when it switches on automatically, and is then deactivated again
below 30 km/h (20 mph) ⇒ 
. This is managed via a camera situated on
the base of the interior rear vision mirror.
The main beam assist generally detects illuminated areas and deactivates
the main beam when passing through a town, for example. 
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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. 

119
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioner comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside the vehicle.
For the interval wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 65 Wipers in service
position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ Fig. 65. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed
as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 209.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ Fig. 64 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
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131
Seats and storage
WARNING
● Please make sure that any items of clothing hanging from the coat
hooks do not obstruct your view to the rear.
● The coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not
leave any heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
● Do not use clothes hangers to hang up the clothing, as this could in-
terfere with the function of the head-protection airbags.

Roof carrier
Note the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:
● In your car only certain roof carriers should be used. Roof carriers are the
basis of a complete roof carrier system. To transport luggage and sports
equipment, additional structures/transport systems are needed. We recom-
mend roof carriers and structures from the SEAT accessories programme.
● When mounting the roof carrier, be sure to mount only on the points al-
ready provided on the roof. The front and rear attachment points are only
visible when the doors are open.
● The maximum permissible roof load for your vehicle is 75 kg. The load
limit applies to the combined weight of the roof carrier, the structures, and
load itself. However, check the load permitted by the specific loading sys-
tem being used. Permissible axle weight and permissible total weight for
your vehicle ⇒ page 267.
WARNING
● Take note of the mounting instructions for the roof carrier system. If
the carrier system and the roof load are not properly secured, items of
luggage could fall from the vehicle and cause an accident.
● When you use a roof carrier system the style of driving changes due
to a shift of emphasis and the larger surface area exposed to wind drag,
which could cause an accident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your
speed and driving style accordingly, to avoid accidents.
CAUTION
Check that when the rear lid is open, it does not touch loads carried on the
roof. When a roof carrier is fitted, DO NOT open the panoramic roof*.
For the sake of the environment
Greater aerodynamic drag increases fuel consumption. For this reason you
should always take off the roof carrier when it is not in use. 
Luggage compartment
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.

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145
Driving
Start-Stop System*
If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the engine,
the ignition remains switched on.
Automatic gearbox: Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the ignition
is switched off and the selector lever is in position P.
Driver messages on the instrument panel display
Press the clutch This message appears on vehicles with a manual gearbox if the driver tries
to start the engine without having the clutch pedal pressed. The engine will
only start if you press the clutch pedal.
Press the brake
This message appears on vehicles with an automatic gearbox if the driver
tries to start the engine without having the brake pedal pressed.
Select N or P
This message appears if you try to start or stop the engine when the selec-
tor lever of the automatic gearbox is not in position P or N. The engine can
only start or stop in these positions.
Engage position P; the vehicle can move; doors can only close in position P. For safety reasons, this driver message appears and an audible warning
sounds if the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in position P af-
ter you switch off the ignition. Otherwise the vehicle could move.
Gear change: selector lever in the drive position! This driver message is displayed and a buzzer is sounded when the selector
lever is not in the position P when the driver door is opened. Put the selec-
tor lever in position P; otherwise the vehicle can roll away.
Ignition is switched onThis driver message is displayed and a buzzer is sounded when the driver
door is opened with the ignition switched on.
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly lock, making it impossible to
steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. This is par-
ticularly important if there are children in the vehicle, as they might oth-
erwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause injuries.
CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until
the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this
can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This will help avoid unnecessary
exhaust emissions.
Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to the position 1, turn the steer-
ing wheel to both sides to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and reconnected, the key must re-
main in the position 1
for around 5 seconds before starting up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). Next, the selector lever is locked. 
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Driving
Speed warning function
Introduction
The speed warning function can help prevent you exceeding
a particular pre-set maximum speed. The speed warning function will warn the driver if a pre-set maximum speed
is exceeded. The system gives a warning buzzer signal if the set speed is
exceeded by about 3 km/h (2 mph). The warning lamp  and the driver
message Speed limit exceeded! will be displayed simultaneously on the in-
strument panel display. The warning lamp  switches off when reducing
speed below the stored maximum limit.
You are recommended to store this speed limit warning if you always wish
to be reminded of a particular speed limit. This could be when driving in
countries with general speed limits, or if a particular speed should not be
exceeded when winter tyres are fitted etc.
Note
● Please bear in mind that, even with the speed warning function, it is still
important to keep an eye on the vehicle speed with the speedometer and to
observe the legal speed limits.
● The speed limit warning function in the version for several countries
warns you at a speed of 120 km/h (80 mph). This is a factory-set speed lim-
it. Setting speed limit warning
You can use the radio or the Easy Connect* to set, alter or
cancel the speed limit warning.
Vehicles with radio
– Select: SETUP
button > control button 
Driver assistant > Speed
warning.
Vehicles with Easy Connect
– Select: Systems control button or Vehicle systems > Driver assis-
tant > Speed warning.
The warning limit can be set from 30 to 240 km/h (20 to 150 mph). The ad-
justment is done in 10 km/h (mph) intervals. 
Start-Stop system*
Description and operation
The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and reduce CO 2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automatically switch off when the vehi-
cle stops, when stopping at traffic lights for example. The ignition remains
switched on during the stopping phase. The engine automatically switches
back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is automati-
cally activated. 
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151
Driving
Note
● You can control whether the engine should switch off or not by reducing
or increasing the brake force applied. While the vehicle remains stopped,
the engine will not stop if the brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for example. As soon as strong pressure
is applied to the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during the stopping phases the brake
pedal must remain depressed to prevent the vehicle from moving.
● If the engine stalls in vehicles with manual gearbox, it can be directly
started up again by immediately pressing the clutch pedal. 
General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode frequently for
different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system verifies whether certain conditions
are met. The engine does not switch off, in the following situations for ex-
ample:
● The engine has not yet reached the minimum required temperature for
the Start-Stop mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air conditioner has not yet
been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 135.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is being turned.
● If there is a danger of misting. ●
After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication  is shown on the instrument panel display, and in addition,
the driver information system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-Stop mode can be interrupted in
the following situations: The engine restarts by itself without involvement
from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the value selected on the air condi-
tioner.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 135.
● The brake has been pressed several times consecutively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption.
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the selector lever is placed in posi-
tion D, N or S after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must be driven at a
speed faster than 10 km/h (5 mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. 
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