2013 Seat Leon 5D steering

212Driver assistance systems
If the DCC has a fault, the instrument panel display shows the message
Fault: Damping control.
Steering
Power steering becomes more robust in sport mode to enable a more sporty
driving style.
Air conditioning
In vehicles with Climatronic, this can operate in eco mode, especially re-
stricting fuel consumption.
Ambient lighting
The ambient lighting guides located in the interior front door panels of the
Leon FR change colour from white to red when sport mode is activated. 
Setting driving mode
You can select from Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.
Fig. 144 Centre console:
MODE button The required mode can be selected on the touch screen, in the menu that
opens when the
MODE button is pressed.
An icon on the Easy Connect system display informs about the active mode.
The MODE button light remains lit up yellow when the active mode is differ- ent to normal.
Driving pro-
fileCharacteristics
NormalOffers a balanced driving experience, suitable for everyday
use.
SportProvides a complete dynamic performance in the vehicle, en-
abling the user a more sporty driving style.
EcoPlaces the vehicle in a particularly low state of consumption,
facilitating a fuel-saving driving style that is respectful to the
environment.
IndividualEnables some configurations to be modified by pressing the
Profile settings button. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the vehicle.
WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Mode, pay attention to all traffic. Doing oth-
erwise could cause an accident.
Note
● The vehicle will start in the mode that was selected at the moment it was
switched off.
● Changing modes can alter vehicle handling. The SEAT Drive Mode func-
tion does not allow configurations that compromise safety under any cir-
cumstances. 

214Driver assistance systems
display ⇒ Fig. 145. The message on the instrument panel display is shown
for about 5 seconds, and depending on the case, is repeated. The system
stores the last message displayed.
The message on the instrument panel display can be switched off by press-
ing the 
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the button  on the
multi function steering wheel ⇒ page 73.
The message can be recalled to the instrument panel display using the mul-
tifunction display ⇒ page 73.
Conditions of operation
Driving behaviour is only calculated on speeds above about 65 km/h (40
mph) up to around 200 km/h (125 mph).
Switching on and off
Tiredness detection can be activated or deactivated in the Easy Connect
system with the button 
and the function button 
 ⇒ page 79. A mark
indicates that the adjustment has been activated.
System limitations
The Tiredness detection has certain limitations inherent to the system. The
following conditions can limit the Tiredness detection or prevent it from
functioning.
● At speeds below 65 km/h (40 mph)
● At speeds above 200 km/h (125 mph)
● When cornering
● On roads in poor condition
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● When a sporty driving style is employed
● In the event of a serious distraction to the driver
Tiredness detection will be restored when the vehicle is stopped for more
than 15 minutes, when the ignition is switched off or when the driver has
unbuckled their seat belt and opened the door. In the event of slow driving during a long period of time (below 65 km/h (40
mph) the system automatically re-establishes the tiredness calculation.
When driving at a faster speed the driving behaviour will be recalculated.

Tyre monitoring systems Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 238
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 265
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres may lead to sudden tyre
pressure losses, to tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. Tyre pressure that is too low could cause overheat-
ing, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on the label when the tyres are
cold at all times ⇒ page 307.
● Regularly check the cold inflation pressure of the tyres. If necessary,
change the tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle. 

220Driver assistance systems
Switching on
–Engage reverse gear or
– Press the  button on the centre console ⇒ Fig. 149. A short
confirmation signal will be heard and the button symbol will
light up yellow.
With certain equipment (Adaptive Cruise Control), the system will
be switched on automatically when the vehicle reverses a given
distance (approx. 10 cm if an obstacle is detected at the rear and
approx. 20 cm if no obstacle is detected at the rear).
Switching off
– Drive forwards at more than 10 km/h (6 mph), or
– Press the  button, or
– Switch the ignition off
Segments of the visual indication
The distance of separation from the obstacle can be estimated using the
segments around the vehicle. With certain equipment (Radio Standard), the
yellow lines* mark the estimated path, depending on the angle of the
turned steering wheel. A white segment is seen when an obstacle is detec-
ted out of the path of the vehicle. The red segments represent obstacles de-
tected within the path. As the vehicle approaches an obstacle, the seg-
ments are displayed closer to the vehicle. When the penultimate segment is
displayed, this means that the vehicle has reached the collision zone. In the
collision zone, obstacles are represented in red, including those out of the
path. Do not continue to move forward (or backward) ⇒ 
in General infor-
mation on page 218, ⇒  in General information on page 218 ! Automatic activation
1)
When the parking aid (ParkPilot) is automatically switched on this is shown
in miniature on the left side of the display.
When slowly approaching an obstacle located in front of the vehicle, the au-
tomatic activation only functions each time the speed is reduced below ap-
proximately 10 km/h (6 mph) for the first time. If the parking aid is deactiva-
ted using the  button, the following actions must be carried out in order
for it to automatically reactivate:
● Switch off the ignition and switch it on again.
● OR: Accelerate above 10 km/h (6 mph) before reducing speed below
this number again.
● OR: Place the selector lever in position P and then move it from this po-
sition.
● OR: Switch on and off the automatic activation in the Easy Connect sys-
tem menu.
The automatic activation with parking aid miniature indication can be
switched on and off from the Easy Connect system menu ⇒ page 81:
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button 
.
● Press the Setup function button.
● Press the Parking and Manoeuvring function button.
● Select the parking aid (ParkPilot) from the list.
● Automatic activation.
When the function button check box is activated , the function is on. 
1)
Available only with certain equipment.

225
Intelligent technology
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ 
.
Fault in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake system only in a suitable
traffic situation. Do not put other road users in danger: risk of causing an
accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and select a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and re-
lieves the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake
firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
● If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the car has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler
or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. 
Electro-mechanical steering
Electro-mechanical power steering assists the driver when
steering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts electronically to the speed of the
car, torque and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off (for
instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more ef-
fort than normal will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages
 (in red) Faulty steering! To park the vehicle

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

226Intelligent technology
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver indication appears, the power
steering could be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist assistance.  (in yellow) Steering: System fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering could react with more difficultly
or more sensitivity than normal. In addition, when driving in a straight line
the steering wheel may be off-centre.
Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.  (in yellow) Steering lock: fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunctioning.
Go to a specialised workshop as soon as possible and have the fault re-
paired.
WARNING
Take it immediately to a specialised workshop and have the fault re-
paired: risk of accident!
Note
If a  red or  yellow warning lamp come on briefly, you can continue driv-
ing. 
Progressive steering
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the progressive steering can adapt
steering hardness to the driving conditions. Progressive steering only works
when the engine is running. In city traffic
there is no need to turn the wheel so much when parking, ma-
noeuvring or in tight turns.
On the road or on motorways, the progressive steering transmits, e.g., on
bends, a sportier, more direct and perceptibly more dynamic sensation to
the steering wheel 
Power Management This system helps to ensure reliable starting
The power management controls the distribution of electri-
cal energy and thus helps to ensure that there is always
enough power available to start the engine.
If a vehicle with a conventional electrical system is left parked for a long
time, the battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment (such as the electronic gearbox lock) continues to draw current
even when the ignition is off. In some cases there may not be enough power
available to start the engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy. This significantly improves relia-
bility when starting the engine, and also prolongs the useful life of the bat-
tery.
The main functions incorporated in the power management system are bat-
tery diagnosis , residual current management and dynamic power manage-
ment. 

266Wheels and tyres
–The tyre pressure should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
– Adjust tyre pressure to the load being carried by the vehicle.
– In vehicles with a tyre pressure indicator, save the pressure of
modified tyres ⇒ page 214, ⇒  page 265.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.
The useful life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure values are indicated on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly reduces the useful life of the tyres
and adversely affects vehicle performance and ride. Correct inflation pres-
sures are very important, especially at high speeds.
If you want a more comfortable ride, you can inflate tyres to the pressure
corresponding to the normal vehicle load (up to 3 people) if the vehicle is
carrying a normal load. If the vehicle is going to carry the maximum load,
the tyre pressure should be increased to maximum value indicated.
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle is car-
rying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifications for a max-
imum load.
Do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyre pressures: Keep the
spare wheel inflated to the highest pressure required for the road wheels.
In the case of a minimised temporary spare wheel (125/70 R16 or 125/70
R18) inflate to a pressure of 4.2 bar as indicated on the tyre pressure label
on the fuel tank flap. Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing tyres) all in-
crease tyre wear.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain circumstances
may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibrations in the
steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause exces-
sive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be reba-
lanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, you should check wheel
alignment at a SEAT Official Service.
WARNING
● Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle load
changes.
● A tyre with low air pressure has to flex a lot more when the vehicle is
heavily loaded or at high speeds, therefore causing overheating to occur.
Under these conditions, the tyre bead may be released or the tyre may
burst. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. 

286Emergencies
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
General information
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing away If you use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The tow rope must be taut before you drive off.
– Release the clutch very carefully when starting the vehicle
(manual gearbox), or accelerate gently (automatic gearbox).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn signals,
windscreen wipers and washers can be used. Please ensure
that the steering wheel is unlocked when you switch on the ig-
nition, and that it moves freely.
– Put the gearbox lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or move the
selector lever to position N (automatic gearbox).
– The brake servo only works when the engine is running. Consid-
erably more effort is required on the brake pedal when the en-
gine is switched off.
– Remember that the power steering only works when the ignition
is switched on and the vehicle is moving 1)
. Otherwise, consider-
ably more strength than usual will be required when steering. –
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all times.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing rings ⇒ page 287.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
WARNING
If the vehicle has no electrical power, the brake lights, turn signals and
all other lights will no longer function. Do not have the vehicle towed
away. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic transmission
the car may only be towed with the driven wheels lifted clear of the road, or
transported on a special car transporter or trailer. 
1)
Important: the battery must be correctly charged.

Index
A
ABSsee Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
ACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 radar sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Acoustic warnings Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
messages on the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
radar sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Special driving situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
switching off temporarily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Additional electrical appliances (efficiency pro- gramme) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Adjusting front head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Adjusting the head restraints Front head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Differences between front passenger frontairbag systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Air pressure (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Alcantara: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Anti-freeze protection Windscreen washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 95 see also Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . 87
Anti-theft alarm system Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 98
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Aspects to take into account before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ASR see Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Assistance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
ACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
monitoring system Front Assist . . . . . . . . . 202
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Assist systems Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Audible warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Auto Lock (central locking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Automatic car washes see Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Launch Control Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Manual release of selector lever . . . . . . . . 182
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 163
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Steering wheel with gearshift paddles . . . 178
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173, 178
B
Back support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
325
Index