2013 Seat Leon 5D clutch

172Driving
Driver messages on the instrument panel display
Start-Stop system deactivated. Start the engine manually
This driver message is displayed when certain conditions are not met during
the stopping phase and the Start-Stop system cannot restart the engine.
The engine must be started manually.
Start-Stop system: Fault! Function not available
There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take the vehicle to a workshop to
have the fault repaired. 
Manual gearbox
Changing gears
Fig. 121 Gear shift pat-
tern of a 5 or 6-speed
manual gearbox
The position of each of the gears is shown on the gear stick ⇒ Fig. 121. ●
Press and hold the clutch pedal to the floor.
● Place the gearbox lever in the required position ⇒ 
.
● Release the clutch pedal to engage clutch.
In some countries the clutch pedal must be fully pressed down for the en-
gine to start.
Selecting reverse gear
● Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle is stopped.
● Press and hold the clutch pedal to the floor ⇒ 
.
● Move the gearbox lever into the neutral position and press it down.
● Move the gearbox lever completely to the left and then forwards to posi-
tion it in reverse gear ⇒ Fig. 121 R
.
● Release the clutch pedal to engage clutch.
Changing down gears
While driving, changing down a gear must always be done gradually, i.e. to
the gear directly below and when the engine speed is not too high ⇒ 
.
Changing down while bypassing one or various gears at high speeds or at
high engine speeds can damage the clutch and the gearbox, even if the
clutch pedal remains depressed ⇒ 
.
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released. This is also the case with the
electro-mechanical parking brake switched on.
● Never engage reverse gear when the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
If the gear is changed down inappropriately by selecting a gear that is
too low, you may lose control of the vehicle, causing an accident and se-
rious injuries. 

173
Driving
CAUTION
When travelling at high speeds or at high engine speeds, selecting a gear
that is too low can cause considerable damage to the clutch and the gear-
box. This can also occur if the clutch pedal is pressed and held and it does
not engage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature wear, please observe the follow-
ing:
● Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving. The pressure ap-
plied by your hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped before engaging
the reverse gear.
● Always press the clutch to the floor when changing gears.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on hills with the engine on. 
Automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox* Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled manual gearbox.
Torque between the engine and the gearbox is transmitted via two inde-
pendent clutches. They replace the torque converter found on conventional
automatic gearboxes and allow for smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of
the vehicle.
The tiptronic system allows the driver to change gears manually if desired
⇒  page 178, Changing gears in tiptronic mode*. Selector lever positions
The selector lever position engaged is highlighted on the display in the in-
strument cluster. With the selector lever in the manual gearbox positions G,
D, E and S, the engaged gear is also indicated on the display.
P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the driven wheels are locked me-
chanically. The parking lock must be engaged only when the vehicle is
sta-
tionary ⇒ 
.
The interlock button (the button on the selector lever handle) must be
pressed in and simultaneously the brake pedal must be depressed before
moving the selector lever either in or out of position P.
R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling ⇒ 
.
To move the selector lever to position R, the interlock button must be press-
ed in and at the same time the brake pedal must be depressed. The reverse
lights come on when the selector lever is in the R position with the ignition
on.
N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the gear is in neutral.
D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables the gears to be controlled in
normal mode (D) or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move the selector
lever backwards. Moving the lever again will select normal mode (D). The
selected driving mode is shown on the instrument panel display.
In normal mode (D), the gearbox automatically selects the best gear ratio.
This depends on the engine load, the road speed and the dynamic gear
control programme (DCP). 
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181
Driving
– Select Eco mode ⇒ page 211 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.
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 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

182Driving
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.
 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. 125 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 

187
Driver assistance systems
effectPosition of the switch, operating the switch on the turn signal lever ⇒ Fig. 127, or
by using the third lever ⇒ Fig. 128Action
Increasing the stored
speed (during CCS setting)
Depending on equipment fitted:
– briefly press the button 3 on the turn signal lever in the
RES
zone– or briefly move the third lever to the RESUME position to increase speed by
1 km/h (1 mph)
– or move the third lever upwards with SPEED+ to increase the speed by 10 km/h
(10 mph) and store it
– or continuously press the button 3
on the turn signal lever in the
RES
zone– or move the third lever upwards with SPEED+ continuously
– or move the third lever to the RESUME position and hold it to continuously in-
crease the speed and store it.
The vehicle accelerates actively until it rea-
ches the new stored speed.
Increasing the stored
speedWhen the CCS is in the ON position, but DEACTIVATED, the speed setting can be
increased with SPEED+ by 10 km/h (10 mph).The vehicle accelerates actively until it rea-
ches the new stored speed.
Reducing the stored speed
(during CCS setting)
Depending on equipment fitted:
– briefly press the button 3 on the turn signal lever in the
SET zone to reduce
speed by 1km/h (1mph)
– or briefly move the third lever to the SET position to reduce the speed by 1 km/h
(1 mph)
– or move the third lever downwards with SPEED– to reduce the speed by 10 km/
h (10 mph) and store it
– or continuously press the button 3
on the turn signals lever in the
SET
zone– or press and hold the button SET on the third lever to reduce speed contin-
uously
– or move the third lever downwards ( SPEED–) continuously and store it.
Speed is reduced without braking, by inter-
rupting the accelerator until reaching the
new stored speed.
Setting a lower speedWhen the CCS is in the ON position, but DEACTIVATED, the speed setting can be
reduced with SPEED– by 10 km/h (10 mph).The system is switched off. The stored speed
is deleted.
Switching off the CCSMove the switch 1 to the OFF position.
OR: move the third lever to the OFF position.Speed is reduced without intervening in the
braking system, by interrupting the accelera-
tor until reaching the new stored speed.
The value indicated in the table in brackets (in mph, miles per hour) only
refers to instrument panels with indications in miles. Changing gear in CCS mode
The CCS decelerates as soon as the clutch pedal is pressed, intervening
again automatically after a gear is engaged.

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197
Driver assistance systems
Message texts
 ACC not available
The system cannot continue to guarantee safe vehicle detection so it is
switched off. The sensor has lost its setting or is damaged. Take the vehicle
to a specialised workshop to have the fault repaired.
 ACC: not available at the moment. Sensor without visibility
 ACC and Front Assist: not available at the moment. Sensor without
visibility
This message for the driver is displayed if the visibility of the radar's sensor
is impaired, e.g., by leaves, snow, heavy mist or dirt. Clean the sensor.
 ACC: not available at the moment. Gradient too steep
The maximum slope has been exceeded, hence it cannot be guaranteed
that the adaptive cruise control will operate safely. The adaptive cruise con-
trol cannot be activated
 ACC: only available in D, S or M
Select the position of the selector lever D/S or M.
 ACC: parking brake applied
The adaptive cruise control is deactivated if the parking brake is applied.
The adaptive cruise control is available again if the parking brake is re-
leased.
 ACC: not available at the moment. Stabilisation control intervention
The message for the driver is shown when the electronic stabilisation con-
trol (ESC) intervenes. In this case, the adaptive cruise control will automati-
cally be switched off.
 ACC: Intervene!
The message for the driver is shown if, when you start up on a gentle slope,
the vehicle moves backwards even although the ACC is switched on. Step on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving/crashing into anoth-
er vehicle.

ACC: speed limit
The message for the driver is shown in vehicles with manual gearbox if the
current speed is too low for ACC mode.
The speed you wish to store must be at least 30 km/h. The cruise control
system switches off if the speed falls below 20 km/h.
 ACC: available as of the 2nd gear
The adaptive cruise control is operational as of the 2nd gear (manual gear-
box).
 ACC: engine speed
The message for the driver is shown if, when the adaptive cruise control ac-
celerates or brakes, the driver does not go up or down a gear in time, which
would mean either exceeding or not reaching the admissible rpm. The adap-
tive cruise control will then be switched off. A warning buzzer goes off.
 ACC: clutch pressed down
Vehicles with a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal for longer to exit
control.
  
Three white dots appear if a setting made with the control lever cannot be
executed. For example, the adaptive cruise control cannot be switched on in
a stationary vehicle when the driver's seatbelt is not fastened.
Door open
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: the adaptive cruise control cannot be
switched on in a stationary vehicle with the door open. 
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203
Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● In complex driving conditions, the Front Assist may unnecessarily
warn and act unintentionally on the brakes, such as, for example, in the
case of traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is impaired, for example, because
of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system may
issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle again.
Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking, the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the Front Assist braking may be interrupted
by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as described in this chapter (e.g. if it
intervenes several times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership. Warning lamps and messages on the display
Fig. 138 On the instrument panel display: Warning messages
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

Collision warning
a)
. The sys-
tem detects a possible colli-
sion with the vehicle in
front.Brake or change course! Use
the foot brake!
Safety distance warning
with the vehicle in front.Increase the safety dis-
tance!
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Distance warning
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the following warning ⇒ Fig. 138 
(magnified image).
Increase the distance! 
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207
Driver assistance systems
If the driver does not react to a collision hazard, the system can automati-
cally brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to re-
duce speed in the event of a collision. The system can thus help to reduce
the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by the City emergency braking function is shown on
the instrument panel display by means of a pre-warning message
⇒ Fig. 140 1)
.
WARNING
The smart technology included in the City emergency braking function
cannot defy the laws of physics. The driver is always responsible for
braking in time.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The City emergency braking function alone cannot prevent accidents
or serious injury.
● In complex driving conditions, the City emergency braking function
may act on the brakes, for example, in areas with road works or metal
rails.
● If the City emergency braking function is impaired, for example, be-
cause of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The City emergency braking function does not react during driving to
people or animals or vehicles changing lane or approaching in the oppo-
site direction in the same lane.
Note
● When the City emergency braking function causes a braking, the brake
pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the City emergency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering
wheel.
● The City emergency braking function can decelerate the vehicle and
bring it to a standstill. However, the brake system does not halt the vehicle
permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inappropriate interventions take place, disconnect the Front
Assist and with it the City emergency braking function. Visit a specialised
workshop, SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
● If numerous unfounded interventions occur the City emergency braking
function may disconnect automatically 
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272 
1)
The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications