2013 Seat Leon 5D ECU

152Seats and storage
Make sure you know the weight of the roof carrier system, the cross bars
and the roof load; weigh them if necessary. Never exceed the maximum au-
thorised roof load.
However, if you are using cross bars and a roof carrier system with a lower
load rating you will not be able to carry the maximum roof load. In this case,
you can only load the roof carrier to the weight limit listed in the fitting in-
structions.
Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them correctly ⇒ 
.
Check attachments.
Once the cross bars and roof carrier system have been fitted, check bolted
joins and the attachments after you have travelled a short distance and
then regularly.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load can result in accidents and
considerable vehicle damage.
● Never exceed the indicated roof load, the authorised load on the
axles or the vehicle's authorised maximum load.
● Do not exceed the load capacity of the cross bars and roof carrier sys-
tem, even if the maximum roof load has not been exceeded.
● Always secure heavy items as far forward as possible and distribute
the vehicle load uniformly.
WARNING
If the load is loose and is not properly secured it could fall from the roof
carrier system and cause accidents and injury.
● Always use belts or retaining straps that are suitable and in a good
condition.
● Secure the load properly.


167
Driving
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an audible warning.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. –
Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

171
Driving
● The engine has not yet reached the minimum required temperature for
the Start-Stop mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air conditioner has not yet
been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is being turned.
● If there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication  is shown on the instrument panel display, and in addition,
the driver information system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-Stop mode can be interrupted in
the following situations: The engine restarts by itself without involvement
from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the value selected on the air condi-
tioner.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The brake has been pressed several times consecutively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption.
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the selector lever is placed in posi-
tion D, N or S after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must be driven at a
speed faster than 10 km/h (5 mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-Stop system
If you do not wish to use the system, you can switch it off
manually.
Fig. 120 Centre console:
Start-Stop system button
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop system, press the but-
ton 
. The button symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off.
Note
The system is automatically switched on each time the engine is deliberate-
ly stopped during a stopping phase. The engine will start automatically. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

183
Driving
certain degree of practical skill. We therefore advise you to obtain
professional assistance.
A screwdriver will be needed to carry out the manual release. Use
the flat part of the screwdriver blade ⇒ page 274.
Removing the cover from the selector lever
– Apply the handbrake  ⇒ 
to ensure that the car does not
move.
– Carefully pull the corners of the selector lever boot and fold up
the selector lever boot (inside out) by hand.
Releasing the selector lever
– Using a screwdriver, press and hold the yellow unlocking tab
sideways ⇒ Fig. 125.
– Now press the interlock button on the selector lever A
and
move the selector lever to position N.
– After carrying out the manual release, attach the selector lever
boot on the gearbox console again.
If the power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and the vehi-
cle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be moved to po-
sition N. This is possible after operating the manual release mechanism.
WARNING
The selector lever may be moved out of position P only when the hand-
brake is firmly applied. If this does not work, secure the vehicle with the
brake pedal. On a slope the vehicle could otherwise start to move inad-
vertently after shifting the selector lever out of position P - accident risk!

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

234Trailer
Trailer
Trailer towing What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult ⇒ page 236.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documentation or in ⇒ chap-
ter Technical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the
rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents. 

235
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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

236Trailer
Retrofitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 150 Attachment points for towing bracket
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket A
are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle
and including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
B65 mm (minimum)C350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)D1040 mmE317 mm
FLEON / LEON SCLEON ST319 mm596 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
● Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact a Technical Service to check
whether your cooling system needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle electri-
cal system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is a serious danger
of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
CAUTION
● If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle electrical system. 