2012 Seat Leon 5D steering

143
Driving
Driving SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 85 Lever in the low-
er left side of the steer-
ing column
– Press the lever 1
⇒ Fig. 85 down ⇒ 
–
Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Move the lever up, applying pressure until the close position is
reached.
WARNING
● Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving, as this could cause an accident.
● Move the lever up firmly so the steering wheel position does not acci-
dentally change during driving. risk of accident!
● Make sure you are capable of reaching and holding the upper part of
the steering wheel, while your back remains well supported by the back-
rest: risk of accident!

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

144Driving
Ignition lock
Starting the engine with the ignition key
Switch on the ignition with the key in the ignition and start
the engine.
Fig. 86 Ignition key po-
sitions
Steering wheel lock
– To lock the steering wheel, remove the key from the ignition and
turn the wheel until it locks. In vehicles with the automatic gear-
box*, the selector lever must be in the position P in order to re-
move the key.
– To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key into the ignition
and simultaneously turn the key (in the direction of the arrow)
and the steering wheel.
Warning: If the steering wheel cannot be turned, this is because
the steering wheel lock is activated. Switching the ignition on/off, preheating
–
Turn the ignition key to position 2
to switch on the ignition.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1
to switch off the ignition.
Preheating is produced in Diesel vehicles  when the ignition is
switched on.
Starting up the engine
– Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down and
move the gearbox lever into neutral.
– Automatic gearbox : Press the brake pedal and move the selec-
tor lever to position P or N.
– Turn the ignition key to position 3
. The key returns to position
2 automatically. Do not press the accelerator.
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual to start
on cold days. Therefore the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must remain pressed until the en-
gine starts up. During preheating, the warning lamp  remains lit.
The preheating time depends on the coolant and exterior tempera-
tures. When the engine is at operating temperature or at outside
temperatures above +8 °C (46 °F) the warning lamp  will only
light up for about one second. This means that the engine starts
immediately.
If the engine does not immediately start up, interrupt the starting process
and try again after 30 seconds. To start the engine again, return the key to
position 1
.


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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

146Driving
Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
–Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 0
.
Engaging the steering wheel lock
Important: selector lever (automatic gearbox*) must be in position
P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in position 1
⇒ Fig. 86 ⇒ .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it engage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the steering lock engaged.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. The brake
servo and power steering functions will not be completely covered under
warranty. More force may also be needed to turn the steering wheel or to
brake. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal manner, there is a
greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could lock making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle.
● Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle,
even temporarily. This is particularly important if there are children in
the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or use
power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries.
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
● After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It is also possible that the fan
turns itself on once more if the coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the en-
gine, the ignition remains switched on. Make sure that the ignition is
switched off before leaving the vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. 
Kick-down
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached. If the eco*
⇒ page 172 mode has been selected in SEAT Drive Mode*, and
the accelerator is pressed beyond a hard point, the engine power is auto-
matically controlled to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-down fea-
ture could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skid-
ding.


148Driving
–Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
 Hill hold assist*
The Hill hold assist facilitates moving off when driving up-
hill.
Important: the driver door must be closed, the seat belt fastened and the
engine running.
The system is activated when you press and hold the brake pedal for a few
seconds.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when moving off, the brake
force will remain for a moment after releasing the brake pedal. This short
space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
WARNING
● The smart technology included in the Hill hold assist cannot defy the
laws of physics. Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the Hill hold
assist tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The Hill hold assist cannot maintain the vehicle stationary on a slope
in all situations (e.g. on slippery or icy ground).
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain circum-
stances. Depress the brake pedal or use the handbrake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the handbrake im-
mediately.
● If you are moving off on a slope in stop-and-go traffic, press and hold
the brake pedal for a few seconds before driving off. This will prevent the
vehicle from rolling back unintentionally.
Note
The SEAT Official Service or a specialised workshop can tell you if your vehi-
cle is equipped with the Hill hold assist. 

150Driving
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fastened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more than 4 km/h (2 mph) since the
last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. The brake
servo and power steering functions will not be completely covered under
warranty. More force may also be needed to turn the steering wheel or to
brake. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal manner, there is a
greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could lock making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle.
● Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle,
even temporarily. This is particularly important if there are children in
the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or use
power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-Stop system is switched off
when working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 152.
CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be switched off when driving through
flooded areas ⇒ page 152. Stop/Start the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
–
When the vehicle is stopped, put it into neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel display.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the engine will start up again.
The warning lamp will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a stop and keep the
brake pedal pressed down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal the engine will start
up again. The warning lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the automatic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in the positions P, D, N and S, in
addition to when in manual mode. With the selector lever in position P, the
engine will also remain switched off when you take your foot off the brake
pedal. In order to start the engine up again the accelerator must be press-
ed, or another gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R during the stopping phase, the
engine will start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the engine from accidentally starting
when changing and passing by position R. 

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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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