2012 Seat Leon 5D lock

122Lights and visibility
Recommended windscreen wipers
● For the hottest seasons we recommend summer G 052 184 A1 for clear
glass. Proportions of the mixture in the washer fluid tank: 1:100 (1 part con-
centrate per 100 parts water).
● All year round, G 052 164 A2 for clear glass. Approximate proportion of
the winter mixture, up to -18 °C (0 °F): 1:2 (1 part concentrate per 2 parts
water); otherwise, a 1:4 proportion of mixture in the washer fluid tank.
Reservoir capacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3 - 4 litres; in vehicles with headlight
washer, it is approximately 3 -6 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar additives with the
windscreen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water in the reservoir.
CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the
fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could cause serious
malfunctions and engine damage! Rear vision mirror
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
Fig. 69 Driver door: con-
trol for the exterior mirror
Turn the knob to the appropriate position: – In these positions you can adjust the exterior mirrors (left or right) by
moving the control in the desired direction.
– The surfaces of the exterior mirrors are heated* depending on the
outside temperature, and on the equipment fitted in the vehicle.
– The exterior mirrors are retracted*.
Synchronized regulation of the exterior mirrors
● In the Settings - Convenience menu, select whether or not the exterior
mirrors should move in synchronisation ⇒ page 77.
● Turn the knob to position L.
● Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The right exterior mirror will be ad-
justed at the same time (synchronised). 
L/R



128Seats and storage
Rear head restraints
Fig. 74 Rear centre head
restraint: release point
When transporting people in the back seat, place the head re-
straints of the occupied seats at a minimum of the next socket up
⇒ 
.
Adjusting the head restraints
– To set the head restraint higher, grasp the sides with both
hands and move it upwards, until you see it engage.
– To set the head restraint lower down, press the A
⇒ Fig. 74
button and move it downwards.
Removing the head restraint
To remove the head restraint, the corresponding backrest must be
partially folded forward.
– Unlock the backrest ⇒ page 132.
– Move the head restraint upwards until it arrives to the top.
– Press the A
⇒ Fig. 74 button while at the same time removing
the head restraint from the backrest ⇒ .–
Insert a screwdriver in the B
position of the hole while at the
same time removing the head restraint from the backrest ⇒ .
– Move the backrest until it engages properly ⇒ 
in Increase ca-
pacity of luggage compartment on page 133.
Fitting the head restraint
To mount the external head restraints, the corresponding backrest
must be partially folded forward.
– Unlock the backrest ⇒ page 132.
– Insert the head restraint bars into the guides until they percept-
ibly engage. It should not be possible to remove the head re-
straint from the backrest.
– Move the backrest until it engages properly ⇒ 
in Increase ca-
pacity of luggage compartment on page 133.
WARNING
● Please observe the general notes.
● Remove the rear head restraints only when it is necessary for the
placement of a child seat ⇒ page 47. After removing a child seat, remount
the head restraint immediately. Travelling with the head restraints re-
moved or improperly adjusted increases the risk of severe injuries.


132Seats and storage
Luggage compartment cover
The luggage compartment cover blocks the view into the
luggage compartment.
Fig. 78 Rear lid open
with the luggage com-
partment cover
Removing
– Remove the straps A
and unfasten the cover of the support Bby pressing upwards in the direction of arrow 1.
Fitting
– Insert the cover horizontally so that it coincides with the “plate”
on the axis of the supports B
and press down until it engages.
– Attach the straps to the rear lid A
⇒ .
WARNING
● The luggage compartment cover must always be fixed properly (risk
of accident).
● The luggage compartment cover should not be used as a storage
shelf. Articles placed on this cover could cause injury to vehicle occu-
pants in an accident or if the brakes are applied suddenly.

Increase capacity of luggage compartment
The backrests can be folded forward individually or togeth-
er.
Fig. 79 Backrest release
lever
Folding the backrest forwards
– Slide the head restraint(s) downwards ⇒ 
page 128.
– Press the release lever A
in the direction indicated (arrow). 

133
Seats and storage
– Fold the backrest forwards.
Returning the backrest to its upright position
– Move the backrest until it engages properly ⇒ 
. The red mark-
ing on the tab B should no longer be visible when the backrest
is properly secured.
WARNING
● Make sure that the rear backrest is securely locked in position so that
the seat belt can provide proper protection on the centre rear seat.
● The rear backrest must always be securely latched so that objects
stored in the luggage compartment will not fly forward through the inte-
rior during sudden braking.
CAUTION
● With the backrest inclined there is a danger of damaging the rear head
restraints when adjusting the front seats backwards.
● When returning the backrest to an upright position, make sure that the
side seat belts are not caught up and damaged in the catches for the back-
rest. Fastening rings*
Fig. 80 Location of fas-
tening rings in luggage
compartment
– Secure the load using the fastening rings -arrows-.
– Please refer to the safety notes ⇒ page 17. 
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. 