2013 Seat Leon 5D brake

174Driving
Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty driving style. This setting
makes use of the engine's maximum power output. When accelerating the
gear shifts will be noticeable.
The brake pedal must be pressed when moving the selector lever from D/S
to N if the vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒ 
.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains) it can be ad-
vantageous to switch temporarily to tiptronic mode ⇒ page 178, in order to
manually select gear ratios to suit the driving conditions.
WARNING
● Take care not to accidentally press the accelerator pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) resulting in the risk
of an accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.
● With the selector lever in any position (except P) the vehicle must al-
ways be held with the foot brake when the engine is running. This is be-
cause an automatic gearbox still transmits power even when idling, and
the vehicle tends to “creep”. The accelerator pedal must on no account
be pressed inadvertently when a gear is engaged with the vehicle sta-
tionary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately (in some
cases even if the parking brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an ac-
cident.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the en-
gine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.
WARNING (Continued)
● As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the handbrake and engage the parking
lock (P).
● To avoid accidents, apply the handbrake and put the selector lever in
position P before opening the bonnet and working on the vehicle with
the engine running. Please always observe the important safety warn-
ings ⇒ page 251, Working on components in the engine compartment.
Note
● If the selector lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the
accelerator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting gear
range D or S again.
● Should the power supply to the selector lever be interrupted in posi-
tion P, the selector lever will be locked. If this should happen the manual
release can be used ⇒ page 182. 

175
Driving
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged
inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in motion unin-
tentionally.
Fig. 122 Selector lever
lock
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
– Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the inter-
lock button.
Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition switched on, the selector lever is locked in the positions P
and N. The brake pedal must be pressed to release the lever while pressing
the release button if the selector lever is in the position P. As a reminder for
the driver, with the lever in positions P or N the following message will be
shown on the display: When stationary, apply footbrake while selecting a gear. The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever lock in the N posi-
tion is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible,
for instance, to rock the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck. The
selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not de-
pressed and the lever is in position N for more than about two seconds.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver from
inadvertently engaging certain gears. Press the button in to disengage the
selector lever lock. The selector lever positions in which the interlock button
has to be pressed are shown in the illustration, highlighted in colour
⇒ 
Fig. 122.
Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the key may be removed only if the
gear selector is in position P. While the key is not in the ignition, the selec-
tor lever is locked in position P. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

176Driving
Note
● If the selector lever lock does not engage, there is a fault. The transmis-
sion is interrupted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving. Follow
the procedure below in order for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake pedal. Move the selector lev-
er to position P or N and subsequently engage a gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle does not move forwards or
back. Proceed to the next mode:
–When the vehicle does not move in the required direction, the system
may not have the gear range correctly engaged. Press the brake pedal
and engage the gear range again.
– If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a
system malfunction. Seek specialist assistance and have the system
checked. 
Driving tips
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehi-
cle moves.
The engine can only start with the selector lever in the position P or
N. At low temperatures, below -10 °C (50 °F), the engine can only
start with the selector lever in the position P.
Starting the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the button in the selector
lever handle), move the selector lever to the desired position,
for instance D ⇒  page 173, and release the interlock button. –
Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can
be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒ 
.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary (for in-
stance at traffic lights). Do not press the accelerator.
Stopping/Parking
If the driver door is opened and the selector lever is not in position
P, the vehicle could move. Driver message:  Gear change: selector
lever in drive position! will be displayed. Additionally, a buzzer will sound.
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒ 
.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Move the selector lever to position P.
Holding the car on a hill
– Always apply the brake pedal firmly to prevent the vehicle from
“moving backwards; if necessary, apply the handbrake” ⇒ 
.
Do not try to stop the vehicle “rolling back” by increasing the
engine speed when a gear is engaged (pressing the accelera-
tor) ⇒ 
.
Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill start assistant*
– Apply the handbrake.
– Once you have engaged a gear press the accelerator carefully
and disengage the handbrake. 

177
Driving
Moving off uphill in vehicles with Hill start assistant*
– Once you have engaged a gear, release the footbrake and press
the accelerator ⇒ page 168, Hill driving assistant*.
Driving down hills: In some situations (on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to the man-
ual gearbox programme so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit the driving conditions ⇒ 
.
On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to position P. On
slopes, first engage the parking brake and then put the selection lever into
the P position. This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be
easier to move the selector lever from position P.
WARNING
● As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the handbrake and engage the parking
lock P.
● If the engine is running and a gear is engaged (D/S or R) or the vehi-
cle is in tiptronic mode, you will need to hold the car with the footbrake.
Otherwise, the car will creep forwards as the power transmission is not
fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
● Take care not to accidentally press the accelerator pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) resulting in the risk
of an accident.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the en-
gine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving: this could result
in an accident!
WARNING (Continued)
● Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
tiptronic to select a low gear.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking causes overheating in the brakes.
This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking distance
or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold the vehicle with the
footbrake or handbrake if you have to stop.
CAUTION
● If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from roll-
ing by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. This
could cause overheating and damage the automatic gearbox. Apply the
handbrake firmly or press the brake pedal in order to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be
lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged “creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for the
gearbox to cool ⇒ page 181.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged “creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for the
gearbox to cool ⇒ page 182. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

178Driving
Downhill speed control*
The downhill speed control function helps the driver when
driving down steep gradients.
Downhill speed control is activated when the selector lever is in D/S and
the driver applies the foot brake. The automatic gearbox automatically en-
gages a lower gear that is suitable for the slope. The downhill speed control
function attempts to maintain the speed at which the vehicle was travelling
when the foot brake was applied (subject to the laws of physics and techni-
cal drive limitations). It may be necessary to adjust the speed again using
the foot brake in certain situations. Given that the downhill speed control
can only change down to 3rd gear, on very steep descents the tiptronic
mode may be required. In this case, manually reduce the tiptronic to 2nd or
1st gear to use the engine brake and reduce the charge on the brakes.
Downhill speed control is deactivated as soon as the road levels out again
or you press the accelerator pedal.
On vehicles with cruise control system* ⇒  page 184, downhill speed con-
trol is activated when you set a cruising speed.
WARNING
The downhill speed control cannot defy the laws of physics. Therefore,
speed cannot be maintained constant in all situations. Always be pre-
pared to use the brakes!
 Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
The tiptronic gives the driver the option to change gears
manually.
Fig. 123 Centre console:
changing gear with Tip-
tronic
Fig. 124 Steering wheel:
automatic gearbox levers
Changing gear manually with the selector lever
It is possible to change to tiptronic mode, both when the vehicle is
stopped and while driving. 

180Driving
flash slowly depending on whether or not the vehicle has a driver
information system* 1)
.
– When the engine is running, switch off the traction control
(ASR) 1)
2)
.
– Move the selector lever to position “S” or tiptronic, or select the
driving mode Sport from the SEAT Drive Mode* ⇒ page 211.
– 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.
WARNING
● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
● Only use the “Launch control programme” when road and traffic con-
ditions permit, and make sure the way in which you drive and accelerate
the vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other road users.
WARNING (Continued)
● Make sure that the ESC remains switched on. Please note that when
the ASR and ESC are deactivated, the wheels may start to spin, causing
the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of accident!
● After putting the vehicle into gear, the “sport” mode of the ESC
should be deactivated again by briefly pressing the 
OFF
button.
Note
● After using the “Launch control programme”, the gearbox temperature
may have increased considerably. In this case, the programme could be dis-
abled for several minutes. The programme can be used again after the cool-
ing phase.
● Accelerating with the “Launch control programme” places a heavy load
on all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and tear. 
Inertia mode
The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy of the vehicle to be
harnessed enabling certain stretches to be driven without using
the accelerator. This enables fuel to be saved. Use the inertia mode
to “let the vehicle roll” before, for example, arriving in a town.
Switching on inertia mode
Important: selector lever must be in position D, gradients below
12 %. 
1)
On vehicles with the driver information system, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability control deactivated (temporary) appears on the in-
strument panel to indicate the deactivation status.
2) Vehicles without driver information system: the warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with
driver information system: the warning lamp stays on.

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 