2012 Seat Leon 5D light

160Driving
Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resist-
ance at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower gear, depending
on road speed and engine speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is de-
layed until the engine reaches maximum rpm.
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.

Launch Control Programme 1)
The Launch control programme enables maximum accelera-
tion.
Important: the engine must have reached operating temperature
and the steering wheel must not be turned.
The engine speed for Launch control is different on petrol and die-
sel engines. Before you can use the Launch control, you must first switch off the traction control system (ASR), either using the Easy
Connect system
⇒ page 79, or with the switch 
OFF
; the warning
lamp  will stay on or will flash slowly depending on whether the
vehicle has a driver information system* 2)
.
– When the engine is running, switch off the traction control
(ASR) 2)
3)
.
– Move the selector lever to position “S” or tiptronic, or select the
driving mode Sport from the SEAT Drive Mode* ⇒  page 171.
– Press the brake pedal firmly with your left foot and hold it down
for at least one second.
– With your right foot, press the accelerator down to the full throt-
tle or kick-down position. The engine speed will stabilise at ap-
prox. 3200 rpm (petrol engine) or approx. 2000 rpm (diesel en-
gine).
– Take your left foot off the brake pedal. 
1)
Valid for vehicles: with Launch Control/6-Speed DSG with diesel engines superior to 125
kW and petrol engines superior to 140 kW.
2) On vehicles with the driver information system, the ESP lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability control deactivated (temporary) appears on the in-
strument panel to indicate the deactivation status.
3) Vehicles without driver information system: the warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with
driver information system: the warning lamp stays on.

162Driving
Note
● Inertia mode is only available in eco driving mode (SEAT Drive Mode*).
● The driver message Inertia is only displayed with the current consump-
tion. In inertia mode the gear will no longer be displayed (for example: E will
appear in place of E7).
● On downhill sections with gradients above 15 %, the inertia mode will
automatically be switched off temporarily. 
Backup programme
A backup programme is in place if a fault should occur in the
control system.
If all the positions of the selector lever are shown over a light background
on the instrument panel display, there is a system fault and the automatic
gearbox will operate in with the backup programme. When the backup pro-
gramme is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle, however, at low
speeds and within a selected range of gears. In some cases driving in re-
verse gear may not be possible .
CAUTION
If the gearbox operates with the backup programme, take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired without delay. 
Clutch
 Clutch overheated! Stop the vehicle!
The clutch has overheated and could be damaged. In order to prevent the
temperature from increasing again and so that the clutch is cooled, stop the
vehicle and wait for the gearbox to cool down with the selector lever in posi- tion P and the engine running at idling speed. If the warning does not
switch off, do not continue driving. Seek specialist assistance. Failure to do
so could cause considerable damage to the gearbox. When the warning
switches off, the fault should be corrected by a specialised workshop with-
out delay.

Faults in the gearbox
 Gearbox: Fault! Stop the vehicle and place the lever in the position P.
There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not
continue driving. Seek specialist assistance.  Overheated clutch! Stop the vehicle!
The clutch has overheated and could be damaged. Stop the vehicle and
wait for the gearbox to cool with the engine at idling speed and the selector
lever in position P. When the warning lamp and the driver message switch
off, have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay. If the
warning lamp and the driver message do not switch off, do not continue
driving. Seek specialist assistance.  Gearbox: System fault! You may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay.  Gearbox: System fault! You can continue driving with restrictions. Re-
verse gear disabled.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have the fault repaired with-
out delay.  Gearbox: System fault! You can continue driving in D until switching off
the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away from moving traffic. Seek special-
ist assistance. 

165
Driver assistance systems
Control lamp
lights upPossible cause
Cruise control is active
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status Fig. 94: CCS temporarily switched off. The set speed is displayed in small fig-
ures.
System error. Contact a specialised workshop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is displayed in large figures.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
A
BCD
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

169
Driver assistance systems
Note
● The Lane Assist system has been exclusively developed for driving on
paved roads only.
● If the Lane Assist system does not work as described in this chapter, do
not use it and contact a specialised workshop.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop. 
Indication on the display and warning lamps
Fig. 97 On the instrument panel display: Indication on the Lane Assist system display
(example 1)
Fig. 98 On the instrument panel display: Indication on the Lane Assist system display
(example 2) Indications on the display The system is active, but not available, either because the minimum
speed has not been reached or because the lane lines are not recog-
nised ⇒ Fig. 97 .
The system is active and available, both lane lines are recognised. The
steering angle is not being corrected at this moment ⇒ Fig. 97 .
The system is operational, a yellow line A
indicates that there was a
risk of involuntarily crossing the lane line and that the steering is being
adjusted to correct the angle ⇒ Fig. 98 .
Two yellow lines A
light up simultaneously when both lane lines are
recognised and the Lane Assist function is active ⇒ Fig. 98 .
–
–
–
–
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

170Driver assistance systems
Control lamps
flashes or
lights upPossible causeSolution

(yellow)Lane Assist active but
not available.The system can not accurately recog-
nise the lane. Please see page 170,
The Lane Assist system is not availa-
ble (the control lamp is lit up yellow).

(green)Lane Assist system ac-
tive and available._
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while the function is verified. They will switch off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. Operating mode
Fig. 99 In the wind-
screen: Field of vision of
the Lane Assist system
camera
Using the camera located in the windscreen, the Lane Assist system detects
the possible lines dividing the lanes. When the vehicle involuntarily ap-
proaches a dividing line it has detected, the system notifies the driver with
a corrective steering movement . The corrective steering movement can be
overruled at any moment.
No warning is produced with the turn signals activated, given that the Lane
Assist system understands that a lane change is required.
Steering wheel vibration
The following situations cause vibration in the steering wheel and require
the driver to take active control of driving:
● When the limits of the very nature of the system are reached.
● When the maximum rotational torque during the corrective steering
movement is not enough to keep the vehicle inside the lane.
● When no lane is detected during the corrective steering movement. 

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. 

175
Driver assistance systems
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 198
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 223
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 230
WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pressure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. Tyre pressure that is too low could cause overheat-
ing, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
cold at all times ⇒ page 266.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
change the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
Note
● Driving for the first time with new tyres at a high speed can cause them
to slightly expand, which could then produce an air pressure warning.
● Only replace used tyres with those authorised by SEAT for the corre-
sponding type vehicle.
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring system. Regularly check your
tyres to ensure that the tyre pressure is correct and that the tyres are not
damaged due to puncture, cuts, tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when they have not pierced the tyres. 
Tyre monitor indicator warning lamp
lights upPossible causeSolution

The pressure in one or more
tyres has clearly reduced in
comparison to the tyre pres-
sure set by the driver or the
tyre has structural damage.
Additionally, an audible
warning can be heard and a
text message can be seen on
the instrument panel display. Stop the vehicle! Reduce
speed immediately! Stop the
vehicle safely as soon as
possible. Avoid sudden ma-
noeuvres and braking! Check
all tyres and pressures. Re-
place any damaged tyres.
flashesPossible causeSolution

System malfunction. The
control lamp flashes for
about one minute and then
lights up permanently.
If the tyre pressure is correct,
switch the ignition off and on
again. If the control lamp re-
mains lit up, the tyre monitor-
ing indicator can be calibra-
ted. Have the system re-
viewed by a specialised
workshop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

176Driver assistance systems
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while the function is verified. They will switch off after a
few seconds.
WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pressures or at a pressure that is
too low then a tyre may the damaged resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle and a serious or fatal accident.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, stop immediately and check the
tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pressures or if a tyre pressure is
too low, this will increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehicle stability
and increasing braking distances.
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the ve-
hicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure
is indicated on the label ⇒ page 266.
● The tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the
tyres are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause them damage and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate tyres to the correct pressure.
● Tyres with insufficient pressure are subjected to more flexing. Due to
this, the tyre could become excessively hot, causing tread separation
and also tyre blow-out.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
WARNING (Continued)
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, affecting vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialised workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
● If excessively low tyre pressure is detected with the ignition on, an audi-
ble warning will sound. In the event that there is a fault in the system, an
audible warning will sound.
● Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of time or driving in a sporty style
can temporarily deactivate the TPMS. The control lamp shows a fault, but
disappears when road conditions or the driving style change. 