2012 Seat Leon 5D service interval

62Instruments and warning/control lamps
CAUTION
● To prevent damage to the engine, the rev counter needle should only re-
main in the red zone for a short period of time.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear in time reduces fuel consumption and noise. 
Displays on screen
Fig. 37 A: bonnet open; B: rear lid open; C: front left door open; D: rear right door
open (4-door vehicles only)
A variety of information can be viewed on the instrument panel display
⇒  Fig. 36 3
, depending on the vehicle equipment: ●
Bonnet, rear lid and doors open ⇒ Fig. 37.
● Information and warning texts
● Mileage
● Time
● Navigation instructions
● Outside temperature
● Compass
● Selector lever position ⇒ page 154
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox) ⇒ page 68
● Multifunction display (MFD) and menus with different setting options
⇒ page 73.
● Service interval display ⇒ page 65
● Second speed display ⇒ page 73
● Speed warning function ⇒ page 149
● Start-Stop system status display ⇒ page 149
● Identifying letters on engine (MKB)
Bonnet, rear lid and doors open
When the ignition is switched on or when driving, the bonnet, rear lid or
doors that are open will be indicated on the instrument panel display, and if
it should be the case, this will also be indicated audibly. The display may
vary according to the type of instrument panel fitted. 

65
Instruments and warning/control lamps
WARNING
Although the outside temperature is above freezing, some roads and
bridges may be frozen.
● At an outside temperature of above +4 °C (+39 °F), even when the
“ice crystal” is not visible, there may still be ice on the road.
● Never rely on the outside temperature indicator!
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
● Different versions of the instrument panel are available and therefore
the versions and instructions on the display may vary. In the case of dis-
plays without warning or information texts, faults are indicated exclusively
by the warning lamps.
● Depending on the equipment, some settings and instructions can also
be carried out in the Easy Connect system.
● When several warnings are active at the same time, the symbols are
shown successively for a few seconds. The symbols will stay on until the
fault is rectified. 
Service interval display
The inspection message appears on the instrument panel display
⇒ Fig. 36 4.
SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Interval
Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service). The
service interval display only gives information for service dates which in-
volve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for exam- ple, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme.
In vehicles with
Services established by time or mileage , the service inter-
vals are already pre-defined.
In vehicles with LongLife Service , the intervals are determined individually.
Technical progress has made it possible to considerably reduce servicing re-
quirements. The technology used by SEAT ensures that your vehicle only
has an Interval Service when it is necessary. To establish when the Interval
Service is due (max. 2 years), the vehicle's conditions of use and individual
driving styles are considered. The service pre-warning first appears 20 days
before the date established for the corresponding service. The kilometres
remaining until the next service are always rounded up to the nearest 100
km (miles) and the remaining time is given in complete days. The current
service message cannot be viewed until 500 km (miles) after the last serv-
ice. Prior to this only lines are visible on the display.
Inspection reminder
When the Service date is approaching, when the ignition is switched on a
Service reminder is displayed.
In vehicles without text messages , a spanner is displayed on the instrument
panel  with a figure given in km. The number of kilometres shown is the
maximum number that may be driven until the next service. After a few sec-
onds, the display mode changes. A clock symbol appears and the number
of days until the next service appointment is due.
In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km (miles) or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the spanner displayed on the screen flashes for a few sec-
onds . In vehicles with text messages , Service in --- km or --- days is dis-
played on the instrument panel. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

66Instruments and warning/control lamps
Reading a service notification
With the ignition switched on, the engine off and the vehicle at a standstill,
the current service notification can be read:
Press and hold the button ⇒ Fig. 36 4
for more than 5 seconds to consult
the service message.
When the service date has past , a minus sign is displayed in front of the
number of kilometres or days. In vehicles with text messages the following
is displayed: Service --- km (miles) or --- days ago .
The time can also be set via the 
key and Setup function button in the
Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79.
The service interval display is reset
If the service was not carried out by a SEAT dealership, the display can be
reset as follows:
● To reset the service interval display, turn the ignition off and press and
hold the button ⇒ Fig. 36 4
.
● Switch the ignition back on.
● Release the button 4
and press the button 4 again for the next 20
seconds.
Note
● The service message disappears after a few seconds, when the engine is
started or when OK/RESET
is pressed on the windscreen wiper lever, or OKon the multifunction steering wheel.
●
In vehicles with the LongLife system in which the battery has been dis-
connected for a long period of time, it is not possible to calculate the date
of the next service. Therefore the service interval display may not be correct.
In this case, please check the maximum permitted service intervals ⇒ Book-
let Maintenance Programme. Rev counter
The rev counter indicates the number of engine revolutions
per minute.
Together with the gear-change indicator, the rev counter offers you the pos-
sibility of using the engine of your vehicle at a suitable speed.
The start of the red zone on the dial indicates the maximum engine speed
which may be used briefly when the engine is warm and after it has been
run in properly. Before reaching this range, you should change to a higher
gear for vehicles with a manual gearbox or for automatic gearboxes put the
selector lever in “D” or take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
We recommend that you avoid high revs and that you follow the recommen-
dations on the gear-change indicator. Consult the additional information in
⇒  page 68, Gear-change indicator.
CAUTION
Never allow the rev counter needle 1 ⇒ Fig. 36 to go into the red zone on
the scale for more than a very brief period, otherwise, there is a risk of en-
gine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine
noise. 

71
Instruments and warning/control lamps
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Lane Assist is switched on, but not active.⇒ page 168
On the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the gearbox.⇒ page 162
a) Colour presentation on instrument panel with colour display.
Other control lamps
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See

Left or right turn signal.⇒ page 106
Hazard warning lights on.⇒ page 110
Trailer turn signals⇒ page 194

lights: Press the foot brake!
flashes: The selector lever locking button has
not engaged.⇒ page 154
The vehicle is stopped by engine braking.

lights: Cruise control operating.
⇒ page 164lights: Speed limiter switched on and active.flashes: The speed set by the speed limiter has
been exceeded.
Lane Assist is switched on and active.⇒ page 168
Main beam on or flasher on.⇒ page 106
On the instrument panel display:
Light Assist switched on.
On the instrument panel display:
Immobiliser active.
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
On the instrument panel display:
Service interval display.⇒ page 65

On the instrument panel display:
Mobile telephone is connected via Bluetooth to
the original telephone device.
⇒ Book-
let Bluetooth
System

On the instrument panel display:
Mobile telephone battery charge meter. Availa-
ble only for pre-installed factory-fitted devices.

On the instrument panel display:
Ice warning. The outside temperature is lower
than +4 °C (+39 °F).⇒ page 64
On the instrument panel display:
Start-Stop system active.
⇒ page 149On the instrument panel display:
Start-Stop system not available.
On the instrument panel display:
Engine running.
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.
● Park the vehicle away from the traffic, ensuring that there are no easi-
ly inflammable materials under the vehicle which could come into contact
with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass, fuel).
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

119
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioner comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside the vehicle.
For the interval wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 65 Wipers in service
position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ Fig. 65. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed
as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 209.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ Fig. 64 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

120Lights and visibility
Lifting and returning windscreen wiper arms
● Place the wiper arms in the service position ⇒ 
.
● Only hold the wiper arms at the point where the blade is fixed.
CAUTION
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, only leave them in
the service position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Rain sensor*
Fig. 66 Windscreen wip-
er lever: adjusting the
rain sensor A
Fig. 67 Rain sensor sen-
sitive surface
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain ⇒ 
. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe ⇒ page 118
Move the lever to the required position ⇒ Fig. 66:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
– Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
– Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position 1
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 16 km/h (10 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings
on the sensitive surface
⇒  Fig. 67 of the rain sensor include:

0
1A

195
Trailer
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
if it obscures the number plate. 
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care. Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of
snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 69.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking. 
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201
Care and cleaning
Windows
Clear vision is an essential safety factor.
The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax, otherwise
the windscreen wipers will not function properly (juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a window
cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can only be removed
with a special cleaner. Your SEAT Official Service will be able to provide you
with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular intervals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for waxing
and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibility
conditions (e.g. in the rain, dark or with a low sun), these coatings may
cause dazzle: risk of accident! Such coatings can also cause the wind-
screen wiper blades to make noise.
CAUTION
● Remove snow and ice from windows and exterior mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the scraper
should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to and fro.
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. To avoid damaging them, do not apply stickers to the heating
elements.
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack! Rims
The wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is im-
portant to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regu-
lar intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-free" clean-
ing agent for alloy wheels. This is available from SEAT Official Services and
specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on the rims for any lon-
ger than specified in the instructions before rinsing it off. If the wheel clean-
er fluid contains acid it can attack the surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used for maintaining the
rims. If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the dam-
aged area should be touched up immediately.
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheels that water, ice and road salt can
impair the effectiveness of the brakes; this can cause an accident.

Exhaust tail pipe
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the exhaust tail pipe material could be dam-
aged. To remove impurities, do not use rim, paint or chrome cleaners or oth-
er abrasive products. Clean the exhaust tail pipes with cleaning products
that are suitable for stainless steel.
SEAT Official Services carry stocks of cleaning products that have been tes-
ted and approved for use on your vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications