2013 Seat Leon 5D steering

36Airbag system
Front airbags
Description of front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
Fig. 19 Driver airbag lo-
cated in steering wheel
Fig. 20 Front passenger
airbag located in dash
panel The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel
⇒ Fig. 19 and
the airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 20. Air-
bags are identified by the word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front
occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a se-
vere frontal collision ⇒ page 38, Safety notes on the front airbag system.
In addition to their normal function of restraining the occupants, the seat
belts also hold the driver and front passenger in a position where the air-
bags can provide maximum protection in a frontal collision.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the vehicle occupants are
wearing their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints
properly. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times,
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety ⇒ page 20, Brief introduction.
The main parts of the front airbag system are:
● an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)
● the two front airbags (airbag with gas generator) for the driver and front
passenger
● a control lamp  in the dash panel
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag control
lamp will light up for a few seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
There is a fault in the system if the control lamp :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on
● turns off after 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving 

38Airbag system
The airbags deploy extremely rapidly, within thousandths of a second, to
provide additional protection in the event of an accident. A fine dust may
develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indication
of fire in the vehicle. 
Airbag covers when the frontal airbags are triggered
Fig. 22 Airbag covers reacting when the front airbags are triggered The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel or dash panel when the
driver and front passenger airbags are triggered ⇒ Fig. 22. The airbag cov-
ers remain connected to the steering wheel or the dash panel. Safety notes on the front airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel and dash panel. If the minimum
distance is not observed then the airbags do not correctly protect the ve-
hicle occupants; risk of fatal injuries! In addition, the front seats and
head restraints must always be positioned correctly for the height of the
occupant.
● If you are not wearing a seat belt, if you lean forward or to the side
while travelling or assume an incorrect sitting position, there is a sub-
stantially increased risk of injury. This increased risk of injury will be fur-
ther increased if you are struck by an inflating airbag.
● Never let a child travel on the front seat without an appropriate re-
straint system. If the airbag is triggered in an accident, children can sus-
tain serious or fatal injuries from the airbag as it inflates ⇒ page 48.
● The deployment space between the front passengers and the airbags
must not in any case be occupied by other passenger, pets and objects.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed.
● It is also important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or
telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
● Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.


45
Airbag system
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
The deactivation of airbags corresponds only to certain cases, i.e. if:
● a child seat is required in the front passenger seat with the child facing
in the opposite direction to the direction of travel (in some countries, due to
divergent legal requirements, facing in the direction of travel) ⇒ page 50;
● despite the driver seat being in the correct position, a minimum dis-
tance of 25 cm cannot be maintained between the centre of the steering
wheel and the driver's torso.
● installation of special devices is required in the steering wheel area due
to a physical disability.
● if you have special seats installed (e.g. an orthopaedic seat without side
airbag).
The front passenger front airbag can be disabled using the switch
⇒ page 46.
We recommend that you contact an authorised SEAT dealer for the disabling
of other airbags.
Airbag system control
The airbag system availability is controlled electronically, regardless of
whether an airbag is disabled.
If an airbag was disabled using a diagnostics system:
● the airbag system warning lamp  lights up after switching on the igni-
tion for about 4 seconds, and then flashes for about 12 seconds If the airbag has been disabled with the airbag switch on the side of the
dash panel:
●
the airbag control lamp  will light up for about 4 seconds after the ig-
nition is switched on.
● The airbag is disabled, signalled with the warning lamp   which
lights up with the word      placed in the centre part of the
dash panel ⇒ Fig. 28.
Note
● Respect the current legislation in your country regarding the deactiva-
tion of airbags
● At your authorised SEAT dealer you can find information on which vehi-
cle airbags can be deactivated. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

59
Controls and displays
Operating instructions Controls and displays
Overview
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Electric control to adjust exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Control lever for:
– Turn signals and main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
– Lane Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
– Main beam assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
– Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Depending on equipment fitted:
– Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Steering wheel with horn and
– Driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
– On-board computer controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
– Controls for radio, telephone, navigation and speech dia-
logue system ⇒  Booklet Radio
– Paddle levers for tiptronic gearshift (automatic gearbox) . .178
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Control lever for:
– Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
– Wipe and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
– On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
12345
6
7
89
Depending on equipment fitted: Radio or display for Easy
Connect (navigation, radio, TV/video)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Depending on the equipment, buttons for:
– SEAT driving modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
– Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
– Park assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
– Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
– Airbag off display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Glove box with (depending on equipment): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
– CD player* and/or SD card* ⇒  Booklet Radio
– Multimedia interface* ⇒  Booklet Radio
Tyre pressure switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Front passenger airbag switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Passenger seat heating control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Storage compartment
Depending on gearbox fitted, gear lever or selector lever for:
– manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
– automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Depending on the equipment, controls for:
– Heating and ventilation system or manual air conditioner .158, 157
– Automatic air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Driver seat heating control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
10
11
12
131415161718
19
2021
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

60Controls and displays
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Storage compartment
Bonnet lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Note
● Some of the equipment listed in this section is only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
● A separate instruction manual is enclosed if the vehicle is equipped
with a factory-fitted radio, CD player, AUX IN connection, or navigation sys-
tem.
● The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive models*
may be slightly different from the layout shown in ⇒ page 58. However, the
symbols used to identify the controls are the same. 
2223242526272829

66Instruments and warning/control lamps
Press and hold the button ⇒ Fig. 38 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. 38 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. 38 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. 

70Instruments and warning/control lamps
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See

Lit up on instrument panel display: a)
 Do not continue driving!
Engine coolant level too low, coolant tempera-
ture too high
Flashing on the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the engine coolant system.
⇒ page 257

On the instrument panel display: a)
 Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ page 253

Lit up or flashing:
 Do not continue driving!
Fault in the steering.⇒ page 225
Driver or passenger has not fastened seat belt.⇒ page 20
Use the foot brake!
On the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the battery.⇒ page 260
a) Colour presentation on instrument panel with colour display. Yellow symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Central warning lamp: additional information
on the instrument panel display–
Front brake pads worn.
⇒ page 222
lights: Fault in the ESC, or disconnection
caused by the system.
flashes: ESC or ASR activated.
ASR manually deactivated.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 109

On the instrument panel display:
a)
Driving light totally or partially faulty.⇒ page 293
On the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the cornering light system.⇒ page 109
Lights up or flashes: Fault in the emission con-
trol system.
⇒ page 230lights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.flashes: Fault in engine management.
Fault in engine management.
On the instrument panel display: a)
Diesel particulate filter blocked.
Lights up or flashes: Fault in the steering sys-
tem.⇒ page 162
Tyre pressure too low, or fault in the tyre pres-
sure monitoring system.⇒ page 214 

73
Driver information system
Driver information system Information system
Introduction
With the ignition switched on, it is possible to read the different functions of
the display by scrolling through the menus.
In vehicles with multifunction steering wheel, the multifunction display can
only be operated with the multifunction steering wheel buttons.
The number of menus displayed on the instrument panel will vary according
to the vehicle electronics and equipment.
A specialised workshop will be able to programme or modify additional
functions, according to the vehicle equipment. SEAT recommends visiting a
SEAT Official Service.
Some menu options can only be read when the vehicle is at a standstill.
As long as a priority 1 warning is displayed, it will not be possible to read
the menus. Some warning messages can be confirmed and made to disap-
pear with the windscreen wiper lever button or the multifunction steering
wheel button.
Additional information and warnings:
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Driver assistance systems ⇒ page 184
● Radio or navigation system ⇒  Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation
system
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury.
● Do not read the instrument panel display menus when driving.

Overview of the menu structure
Driving data ⇒  page 75
■ Vehicle status
■ MFD from departure
■ MFD from refuelling
■ MFD total calculation
Assist systems ⇒ table on page 75
■ Activate/deactivate Lane Assist
■ Reverse (optional)
Navigation ⇒ Booklet Navigation system Audio ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation systemTelephone ⇒ Booklet Bluetooth systemVehicle ⇒ table on page 75 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications