2012 Seat Leon 5D steering wheel

180Driver assistance systems
Activating/Deactivating
Fig. 104 Centre console:
parking aid button
Switching on
– Engage reverse gear or
– Press the  button on the centre console ⇒ Fig. 104. A short
confirmation signal will be heard and the button symbol will
light up yellow.
Switching off
– Drive forwards at more than 10 km/h (6 mph), or
– Press the 
button, or
– Switch the ignition off Segments of the visual indication
The distance of separation from the obstacle can be estimated using the
segments around the vehicle. With certain equipment (Radio Standard), the
yellow lines* mark the estimated path, depending on the angle of the
turned steering wheel. A white segment is seen when an obstacle is detec-
ted out of the path of the vehicle. The red segments represent obstacles de-
tected within the path. As the vehicle approaches an obstacle, the seg-
ments are displayed closer to the vehicle. When the penultimate segment is
displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the collision zone. In the
collision zone the obstacles are represented in red, including those out of
the path. Do not continue to move forward (or backward)
⇒ 
in General
information on page 178, ⇒  in General information on page 178 !
Automatic activation 1)
When the parking aid (ParkPilot) is automatically switched on this is shown
in miniature on the left side of the display.
When slowly approaching an obstacle located in front of the vehicle, the au-
tomatic activation only functions each time the speed is reduced below ap-
proximately 10 km/h (6 mph) for the first time. If the parking aid is deactiva-
ted using the  button, the following actions must be carried out in order
for it to automatically reactivate:
● Switch off the ignition and switch it on again.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Accelerate above 10 km/h (6 mph) before reducing
speed below this number again.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Place the selector lever in position P and then move it
from this position.
● ALTERNATIVELY: Switch on and off the automatic activation in the Easy
Connect system menu.
The automatic activation with parking aid miniature indication can be
switched on and off from the Easy Connect system menu ⇒ page 81:
1)
Available only with certain equipment.

186Intelligent technology
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ 
.
Fault in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake system only in a suitable
traffic situation. Do not put other road users in danger: risk of causing an
accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and select a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and re-
lieves the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake
firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
● If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the car has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler
or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. 
Electro-mechanical steering
Electro-mechanical power steering assists the driver when
steering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts electronically to the speed of the
car, torque and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off (for
instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more ef-
fort than normal will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages
 (in red) Faulty steering! To park the vehicle


187
Intelligent technology
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver indication appears, the power
steering could be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist assistance.  (in yellow) Steering: System fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering could react with more difficultly
or more sensitivity than normal. In addition, when driving in a straight line
the steering wheel may be off-centre.
Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.  (in yellow) Steering lock: fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunctioning.
Go to a specialised workshop as soon as possible and have the fault re-
paired.
WARNING
Take it immediately to a specialised workshop and have the fault re-
paired: risk of accident!
Note
If a  red or  yellow warning lamp come on briefly, you can continue driv-
ing. Power Management
This system helps to ensure reliable starting
The power management controls the distribution of electri-
cal energy and thus helps to ensure that there is always
enough power available to start the engine.
If a vehicle with a conventional electrical system is left parked for a long
time, the battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment (such as the electronic gearbox lock) continues to draw current
even when the ignition is off. In some cases there may not be enough power
available to start the engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy. This significantly improves relia-
bility when starting the engine, and also prolongs the useful life of the bat-
tery.
The main functions incorporated in the power management system are bat-
tery diagnosis , residual current management and dynamic power manage-
ment.
Battery diagnosis
The battery diagnosis function constantly registers the condition of the bat-
tery. Sensors detect the battery voltage, battery current and battery temper-
ature. This enables the system to calculate the current power level and
charge condition of the battery.
Residual current management
The residual current management reduces power consumption while the ve-
hicle is parked. It controls the supply of power to the various electrical com-
ponents while the ignition is switched off. The system takes the battery di-
agnosis data into consideration. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

224Wheels and tyres
–The tyre pressure should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
– Adjust tyre pressure to the load being carried by the vehicle.
– In vehicles with a tyre pressure indicator, save the pressure of
modified tyres ⇒ page 175, ⇒  page 223.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.
The useful life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure values are indicated on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly reduces the useful life of the tyres
and adversely affects vehicle performance and ride. Correct inflation pres-
sures are very important, especially at high speeds.
If you want a more comfortable ride, you can inflate tyres to the pressure
corresponding to the normal vehicle load (up to 3 people) if the vehicle is
carrying a normal load. If the vehicle is going to carry the maximum load,
the tyre pressure should be increased to maximum value indicated.
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle is car-
rying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifications for a max-
imum load.
Do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyre pressures: Keep the
spare wheel inflated to the highest pressure required for the road wheels.
In the case of a minimised temporary spare wheel (125/70 R16 or 125/70
R18) inflate to a pressure of 4.2 bar as indicated on the tyre pressure label
on the fuel tank flap. Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing tyres) all in-
crease tyre wear.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain circumstances
may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibrations in the
steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause exces-
sive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be reba-
lanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, you should check wheel
alignment at a SEAT Official Service.
WARNING
● Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle load
changes.
● A tyre with low air pressure has to flex a lot more when the vehicle is
heavily loaded or at high speeds, therefore causing overheating to occur.
Under these conditions, the tyre bead may be released or the tyre may
burst. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. 

244Emergencies
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
General information
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing away If you use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The tow rope must be taut before you drive off.
– Release the clutch very carefully when starting the vehicle
(manual gearbox), or accelerate gently (automatic gearbox).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be used. Please en-
sure that the steering wheel is unlocked when you switch on the
ignition, and that it moves freely.
– Put the gearbox lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or move the
selector lever to position N (automatic gearbox).
– The brake servo only works when the engine is running. Consid-
erably more effort is required on the brake pedal when the en-
gine is switched off.
– Remember that the brake servo only works when the ignition is
switched on and the vehicle is moving 1)
. Otherwise, considera-
bly more strength than usual will be required when steering. –
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all times.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing rings ⇒ page 245.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
WARNING
If the vehicle has no electrical power, the brake lights, turn signals and
all other lights will no longer function. Do not have the vehicle towed
away. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic transmission
the car may only be towed with the driven wheels lifted clear of the road, or
transported on a special car transporter or trailer. 
1)
Important: the battery must be correctly charged.

250Fuses and bulbs
–Unlock the fuse cover ⇒ Fig. 132.
– Remove the clips from the fuse cover.
– Use the plastic clip to pull out the fuse and replace the blown
fuse with a fuse of the same rating.
The individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. Fuses are located
under a cover below the steering wheel on the left side of the engine com-
partment.
WARNING
Do not repair fuses, and never replace a blown fuse with a higher amper-
age fuse. The electrical system could be damaged, with risk of fire.
CAUTION
● Multiple fuse values on the same line (for example, 5/10/20) in the fol-
lowing tables indicate equipment-related differences. Replace the blown
fuse with a fuse of the same amperage.
● If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical sys-
tem must be checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Note
● Positions are not occupied by a fuse do not appear in the following ta-
bles.
● Some of the equipment listed in the tables below pertain only to certain
versions of the model or are an optional extra. Fuses in the vehicle interior
No.Electrical consumerAmpsF2Vacant-F4Alarm10F5Gateway5F6Anti-theft alarm system5
F7Air conditioner/heating control panel, selector
lever (automatic gearbox), relay coil, rear win-
dow heating, additional heating10
F8Diagnosis, handbrake switch, light switch, re-
verse light, interior lighting10
F9Vacant-F10Radio display10F11Vacant-F12Radio20F13Vacant-F14Air conditioner fan40F15Vacant-F16Vacant-F17Instrument panel5F18Vacant-F19Vacant-F20Vacant-F23Right lights40F24Sunroof30F25Left door30F26Heated seats30F27Vacant-F28Vacant-


Index
A
ABSsee Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Acoustic warnings Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Additional electrical appliances (efficiency pro- gramme) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Adjusting the head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Adjusting the head restraint Front head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Differences between front passenger frontairbag systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Air pressure (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Alcantara: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Anti-dazzle rear vision mirrors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Anti-freeze protection Windscreen washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 93 see also Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . 86
Anti-theft alarm system Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 97
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Aspects to take into account before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ASR see Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Assistance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Assist systems Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Audible warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Auto Lock (central locking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Automatic car washes see Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Launch Control Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Manual release of selector lever . . . . . . . . 163
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 144
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Steering wheel with gearshift paddles . . . 159
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 159
B
Balanced (wheels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Charge Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Disconnecting/Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Bioethanol see Ethanol (fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
277
Index

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Safety notes Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Saving fuel Conscientious driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Inertia mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Saving tips (efficiency programme) . . . . . . . . . 78
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Seat adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Seat belt control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belt protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SEAT Drive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Selective unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Selector lever Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Function fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Selector lever (automatic gearbox) Manual release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Service intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Service notification: read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Setting Headlight range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
side assist Cleaning the sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Side light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sitting position driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sitting position for vehicle occupants . . . . . . . 10
Sliding/tilting sunroof Convenience opening/closing . . . . . . . . . 101
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229, 266
Spanner symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Special features Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Stop/Start the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Switching on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
The engine does not switch off . . . . . . . . . 151
The engine starts by itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Starting up (engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Steering Electro-mechanical steering . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Engage the steering lock (ignitionkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144, 146
Steering wheel Gearshift paddles (automatic gearbox) . . 159
Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Storage compartments Glove compartment lighting . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Sun visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Switching ignition on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Switching off using inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Switching off (engine) With the key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Symbols See "Lamps" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
System Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . 109
System Easy Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
284 Index