2012 Seat Leon 5D stop start

157
Driving
Stopping/Parking
If the driver door is opened and the selector lever is not in position
P, the vehicle could move. Driver message:  Gear change: selector
lever in drive position! will be displayed. Additionally, a buzzer will sound.
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒ 
.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Move the selector lever to position P.
Holding the car on a hill
– Always apply the brake pedal firmly to prevent the vehicle from
“moving backwards; if necessary, apply the handbrake” ⇒ 
.
Do not try to stop the vehicle “rolling back” by increasing the
engine speed when a gear is engaged (pressing the accelera-
tor) ⇒ 
.
Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill start assistant*
– Apply the handbrake.
– Once you have engaged a gear press the accelerator carefully
and disengage the handbrake.
Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill start assistant*
– Once you have engaged a gear, release the footbrake and press
the accelerator ⇒ page 148, Hill hold assist*.
Driving down hills: In some situations (on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to the man-
ual gearbox programme so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit the driving conditions ⇒ 
. On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to position P. On
slopes, first engage the parking brake and then put the selection lever into
the P position. This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be
easier to move the selector lever from position P.
WARNING
● As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the handbrake and engage the parking
lock P.
● If the engine is running and a gear is engaged (D/S or R) or the vehi-
cle is in tiptronic mode, you will need to hold the car with the footbrake.
Otherwise, the car will creep forwards as the power transmission is not
fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
● 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.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the en-
gine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving: this could result
in an accident!
● Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
tiptronic to select a low gear.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking causes overheating in the brakes.
This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking distance
or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold the vehicle with the
footbrake or handbrake if you have to stop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

158Driving
CAUTION
● If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from roll-
ing by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. This
could cause overheating and damage the automatic gearbox. Apply the
handbrake firmly or press the brake pedal in order to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be
lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged creeping of the vehicle, or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the automatic gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the
warning lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for
the gearbox to cool ⇒ page 162.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged creeping of the vehicle, or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the automatic gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the
warning lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for
the gearbox to cool ⇒ page 162. 
Downhill speed control*
The downhill speed control function helps the driver when
driving down steep gradients.
Downhill speed control is activated when the selector lever is in D/S and
the driver applies the foot brake. The automatic gearbox automatically en-
gages a lower gear that is suitable for the slope. The downhill speed control
function attempts to maintain the speed at which the vehicle was travelling
when the foot brake was applied (subject to the laws of physics and techni-
cal drive limitations). It may be necessary to adjust the speed again using
the foot brake in certain situations. Given that the downhill speed control
can only change down to 3rd gear, on very steep descents the tiptronic mode may be required. In this case, manually reduce the tiptronic to 2nd or
1st gear to use the engine brake and reduce the charge on the brakes.
Downhill speed control is deactivated as soon as the road levels out again
or you press the accelerator pedal.
On vehicles with cruise control system* ⇒ 
page 164, downhill speed con-
trol is activated when you set a cruising speed.
WARNING
The downhill speed control cannot defy the laws of physics. Therefore,
speed cannot be maintained constant in all situations. Always be pre-
pared to use the brakes!


161
Driving
WARNING
● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
● Only use the Launch control programme when road and traffic condi-
tions permit, and make sure your manner of driving and accelerating the
vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other road users.
● Make sure that the ESC remains switched on. Please note that when
the ASR and ESC are deactivated, the wheels may start to spin, causing
the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of accident!
● After engaging gear, the Sport mode of the ESC should be deactivated
again by briefly pressing the 
OFF
button.
Note
● After using the Launch control programme, the temperature in the gear-
box may have increased considerably. In this case, the programme could be
disabled for several minutes. The programme can be used again after the
cooling phase.
● Accelerating with the Launch control programme places a heavy load on
all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and tear. 
Inertia mode
The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy of the vehicle to be
harnessed enabling certain stretches to be driven without using
the accelerator. This enables fuel to be saved. Use the inertia mode
to let the vehicle roll in advance of, for example, arriving in a town.
Switching on inertia mode
Important: selector lever must be in position D, gradients below
12 %. –
Select Eco mode ⇒  page 171 once in SEAT Drive Mode*.
– Take your foot off the accelerator.
The driver message Inertia will be displayed. At speeds higher
than 20 km/h (12 mph), the gearbox will automatically disengage
and the vehicle will roll freely, without the effect of the engine
brake. While the vehicle rolls, the engine runs at idling speed.
Stopping inertia mode
– Press the brake or the accelerator pedal.
To make use of the braking force and switch off the engine again,
simply press the brake pedal briefly.
Applying both the inertia mode (= prolonged section with less energy) and
the switching off using inertia (= shorter section without the need for fuel)
facilitates improved fuel consumption and emission balance.
WARNING
● If the inertia mode has been switched on, take into account, when ap-
proaching an obstacle and releasing the accelerator pedal, that the vehi-
cle will not decelerate in the usual manner: risk of accident!
● When using inertia mode while travelling down hills, the vehicle can
increase speed: risk of accident!
● If other users drive your vehicle, warn them about inertia mode. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

163
Driving
 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When the warning lamp switches off,
you can continue driving in a normal manner.  Gearbox: press the brake and engage a gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a high temperature, this driver
message will be displayed when the gearbox has cooled again. 
Manual release of the selector lever
The selector lever can be released manually if the electrical
power supply should fail.
Fig. 93 Selector lever:
manual release from po-
sition P
The manual release mechanism is located under the selector lever
console on the right side. Releasing the selector lever requires a
certain degree of practical skill. We therefore advise you to obtain
professional assistance. A screwdriver will be needed to carry out the manual release. Use
the flat part of the screwdriver blade
⇒ page 232.
Removing the cover from the selector lever
– Apply the handbrake  ⇒ 
to ensure that the car does not
move.
– Carefully pull the corners of the selector lever boot and fold up
the selector lever boot (inside out) by hand.
Releasing the selector lever
– Using a screwdriver, press and hold the yellow unlocking tab
sideways ⇒ Fig. 93.
– Now press the interlock button on the selector lever A
and
move the selector lever to position N.
– After carrying out the manual release, attach the selector lever
boot on the gearbox console again.
If the power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and the vehi-
cle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be moved to po-
sition N. This is possible after operating the manual release mechanism.
WARNING
The selector lever may be moved out of position P only when the hand-
brake is firmly applied. If this does not work, secure the vehicle with the
brake pedal. On a slope the vehicle could otherwise start to move inad-
vertently after shifting the selector lever out of position P - accident risk!

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

171
Driver assistance systems
Switching the Lane Assist system on or off
● The Assistants menu ⇒ page 77 drops down in the instrument panel by
pressing the Assistants button on the turn signal lever or by operating the
menu in the multifunction steering wheel.
● OR: by pressing the OK
button on the steering wheel the
⇒ page 77
function is activated/deactivated.
● The Lane centring guide is activated/deactivated in the Easy Connect
system using the CAR
button and the button on the Setup function
⇒ page 79.
Self-deactivation: The Lane Assist system can be automatically deactivated
if there is a system malfunction. The control lamp disappears.
Hands-Off Function
● If the driver does not exert any physical action on the steering wheel for
about 10 to 12 sec. the function deactivates.
● Visual and audible warnings on the instrument panel.
● The function switches off 2 seconds after the warning.
The Lane Assist system is active but it is not available (the control lamp is
lit up yellow)
● When driving at speeds below 65 km/h (38 mph).
● When the Lane Assist system does not detect the dividing lines of the
road. For example, in the event warnings indicating road works, and snow,
dirt, moisture or reflections.
● When the radius of a curve is too small.
● When no road markings can be seen.
● When the distance to the next marking to too great.
● When the system does not detect any clear and active steering move-
ment during a long period of time.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic driving styles.
● If a turn signal is activated.
● With the stability control system ESC in Sport mode.
Note
● Before starting a journey, verify that the field of vision of the camera is
not covered ⇒ Fig. 99.
● Always keep the field of vision of the camera clean. 
Switching off the Lane Assist system in the following
situations
Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system, switch it off in the following sit-
uations:
● When more attention is required of the driver
● When driving in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works
Note
The Lane Assist system deactivates when driving below 60 km/h (40 mph). 
SEAT Drive Modes* Introduction
SEAT Drive Mode enables the driver to choose between four profiles or
modes, normal, sport, eco and individual , that modify the behaviour of vari-
ous vehicle functions, providing different driving experiences. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

172Driver assistance systems
The profiles, normal, sport and eco are fixed. Individual can be configured
according to personal preferences. 
Description
Depending on the equipment fitted in the vehicle, SEAT Drive Mode can op-
erate on the following functions:
Engine
Depending on the profile selected, the engine responds more spontaneous-
ly or more in harmony with the movements of the accelerator. Additionally,
when eco mode is selected, the Start-stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
In vehicles with DQ transmission, the gear change points are modified to
position them in lower engine speed ranges ( eco) or higher (sport). Addi-
tionally, eco mode activates the Inertia function, enabling the consumption
to be further reduced.
In manual vehicles, eco mode causes the gear recommendation indications
that appear on the instrument panel to vary, facilitating more efficient driv-
ing.
Steering
Power steering becomes more robust in sport mode to enable a more sporty
driving style.
Air conditioning
In vehicles with Climatronic, this can operate in eco mode, especially re-
stricting fuel consumption.
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting guides located in the interior front door panels of the
Leon FR change colour from white to red when sport mode is activated. Setting driving mode
You can select from Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.
Fig. 100 Centre console:
MODE button
The required mode can be selected on the touch screen, in the menu that
opens when the MODE button is pressed.
An icon on the Easy Connect system display informs about the active mode.
The MODE button light remains lit up yellow when the active mode is differ- ent to normal.
Driving pro-
fileCharacteristics
NormalOffers a balanced driving experience, suitable for everyday
use.
SportProvides a complete dynamic performance in the vehicle, en-
abling the user a more sporty driving style. 

173
Driver assistance systems
Driving pro-
fileCharacteristics
EcoPlaces the vehicle in a particularly low state of consumption,
facilitating a fuel-saving driving style that is respectful to the
environment.
IndividualEnables some configurations to be modified by pressing the
Profile settings button. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the vehicle.
WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Mode, pay attention to all traffic. Doing oth-
erwise could cause an accident.
Note
● The vehicle will start in the mode that was selected at the moment it was
switched off.
● Changing modes can alter vehicle handling. The SEAT Drive Mode func-
tion does not allow configurations that compromise safety under any cir-
cumstances.
● Your speed and driving style must always be adjusted to visibility,
weather, and traffic conditions.
● The eco mode is not available when towing a trailer. Tiredness detection (break
recommendation)*
Introduction
The Tiredness detection informs the driver when their driving behaviour
shows signs of fatigue.
Additional information and warnings:
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Accessories, change a part, repairs and adjustments (information stored
in the control units) ⇒ page 230
WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Tiredness detection system tempt
you into taking any risks when driving. Take regular breaks, sufficient in
length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibility of driving to their full
capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of the driver in all circum-
stances. Consult the information in the section ⇒ page 174, System limi-
tations.
● In some situations the system may incorrectly interpret an intended
driving manoeuvre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the effect called microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

174Driver assistance systems
Note
● Tiredness detection has been developed for driving on motorways and
well paved roads only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop. 
Function and operation
Fig. 101 On the instru-
ment panel display:
Tiredness detection sym-
bol
Tiredness detection determines the driving behaviour of the driver when
starting a journey, making a calculation of tiredness. This is constantly com-
pared with the current driving behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a sound and an optic warning is
shown with a symbol and complementary message on the instrument panel
display ⇒ Fig. 101. The message on the instrument panel display is shown
for about 5 seconds, and depending on the case, is repeated. The system
stores the last message displayed.
The message on the instrument panel display can be switched off by press-
ing the 
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the button  on the
multi function steering wheel ⇒ page 73. The message can be recalled to the instrument panel display using the mul-
tifunction display
⇒ page 73.
Conditions of operation
Driving behaviour is only calculated on speeds above about 65 km/h (40
mph) up to around 200 km/h (125 mph).
Switching on and off
Tiredness detection can be activated or deactivated in the Easy Connect
system with the button 
and the function button  ⇒ 
page 79. A mark
indicates that the adjustment has been activated.
System limitations
The Tiredness detection has certain limitations inherent to the system. The
following conditions can limit the Tiredness detection or prevent it from
functioning.
● At speeds below 65 km/h (40 mph)
● At speeds above 200 km/h (125 mph)
● When cornering
● On roads in poor condition
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● When a sporty driving style is employed
● In the event of a serious distraction to the driver
Tiredness detection will be restored when the vehicle is stopped for more
than 15 minutes, when the ignition is switched off or when the driver has
unbuckled their seat belt and opened the door.
In the event of slow driving during a long period of time (below 65 km/h (40
mph) the system automatically re-establishes the tiredness calculation.
When driving at a faster speed the driving behaviour will be recalculated. 