2013 Seat Leon 5D display

191
Driver assistance systems
Warning and control lamps
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

A speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain distance with the ve-
hicle ahead is not enough.Brake! Use the foot brake!
Driver intervention necessary:
 The ACC is not currently availa-
blea)
.
With the vehicle stationary,
switch the engine off and back
on again. Check the radar sen-
sor visually (in case it is dirty,
has ice or has been knocked).
If it is still unavailable, refer to
a specialised workshop to
have the system inspected.

The ACC is active. No vehicle is
detected ahead. The set speed
remains constant.–

If the symbol is white: the ACC
is active. A vehicle in front has
been detected. The ACC adjusts
the speed and the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
–If the symbol is grey: the ACC is
not active. The system is
switched on, but it is not con-
trolling.
The ACC is active.–
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Some warning and control lamps will light up briefly when the ignition is
switched on to check certain functions. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in damage to the vehicle and serious in-
jury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messages.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they light up and the corresponding
messages may result in damage to the vehicle.
Note
When the ACC is connected, the instrument panel display messages may be
hidden by messages pertaining to other functions, such as an incoming
call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 131 On the front
bumper: radar sensor. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

192Driver assistance systems
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 131 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the
adaptive cruise control (ACC) does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display: ACC: Sensor without visibility!. If nec-
essary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the ACC will be automatically
available again. The message on the instrument panel display will go off
and the ACC can be switched on again.
ACC operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the radar sig-
nal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the presence
of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work sites).
The area ahead of and behind the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the likes, as this may have a negative
effect on ACC operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, ACC operation may be affected. This
is why structural modifications should only be assigned to specialised work-
shops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and ACC operation would be affected. This is why repair jobs
should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recommends visit-
ing a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the ACC. This will prevent possible damage. In this case
have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off.
● A radar sensor repair requires specialist knowledge and special tools.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
● Snow should be removed with a brush, while ice should be removed
with a solvent-free anti-ice aerosol. 

193
Driver assistance systems
Using the adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Fig. 132 On the left of
the steering column:
Third lever for using the
adaptive cruise control.
Fig. 133 On the left of
the steering column:
Third lever for using the
adaptive cruise control.
When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is switched on, the green control
lamp  comes on and the display shows the set speed and ACC status
⇒  Fig. 130. Conditions for the adaptive cruise control to be switched on
●
The selector lever should be turned to position D or S, or in the Tiptronic
selection gear. In case of manual gearbox, any forward gear should be en-
gaged, except first gear.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, if there is no set speed, you should
drive at less than 30 km/h (18 mph).
Speed control
When the ACC is switched on, speed can be programmed and adjusted. The
set speed may differ from the vehicle's actual speed if the distance is cur-
rently being controlled.
What functions can be used?
If you switch on adaptive cruise control you can programme the current
speed as “control speed”.
While driving, the control can be interrupted at any time and the speed
modified as well.
The following settings can also be made:
● Distance
● Driving programme
● Driving mode
Activating/Deactivating
Any speed can be set 1)
from 30 to 160 km/h (19 and 100 mph).
Switching on adaptive cruise control
● Pull the lever to position 1
⇒ Fig. 132. ACC standby
will appear on the
instrument panel display. 
1)
Speed limits are different in each country and depend on the unit shown on the speedome-
ter.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

194Driver assistance systems
Programming speed and switching on control
● To store the current speed press the button SET
⇒ Fig. 133.
● Automatic gearbox: to switch on stationary vehicle control, step on the
brake pedal.
Switching off the adaptive cruise control
● Move the lever to position 0
until it engages. The text
ACC: off will be
displayed.
Altering speed
● To increase or decrease speed, gradually briefly press the lever up/down
⇒ Fig. 133.
Any change in the stored speed is shown on the bottom left of the instru-
ment panel display.
Adjusting the distance level
The distance according to the speed of the vehicle in front can be adjusted
to 5 levels on the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 80.
When the road is wet a greater distance from the vehicle in front should be
selected than when the road is dry.
The following distances can be preselected:
● Very short
● Short
● Media
● Long
● Very long
The Easy Connect system can be used to adjust the level of distance appli-
cable when the ACC is switched on by means of the button 
and the func-
tion buttons  and Driver Assistance ⇒ page 80. Setting the driving programme
In vehicles with driving mode selection (SEAT Drive Mode), the profile selec-
ted may influence acceleration behaviour
⇒ page 211.
The following driving programmes can be selected:
● Normal
● Sport
● Eco
In vehicles without SEAT Drive Mode, acceleration behaviour can be influ-
enced by selecting a driving programme on the Easy Connect system using
button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assistance ⇒ page 80.
The following conditions may cause the ACC not to react:
● If the accelerator is pressed down.
● If there is no gear selected
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If several brake lights on the vehicle or trailer have electrical faults.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If you are driving at a speed above approx. 160 km/h (100 mph).
WARNING
There is danger of a rear-end collision if the minimum distance from the
vehicle ahead is exceeded and the speed difference between both vehi-
cles is so great that speed reduction by the ACC is insufficient. In this
case, brake immediately with the brake pedal.
● The ACC might not detect all situations correctly. 

196Driver assistance systems
Interrupting cruise control
Fig. 134 On the left of
the steering column:
Third lever for using the
adaptive cruise control.
Important: The adaptive cruise control is switched on.
Interrupting cruise control during driving
● Move the lever to position 3
. The driver message
ACC standby will be
displayed. or
● Brake.
● To return to the stored speed, turn the lever to position 2
.
Interrupting cruise control when the vehicle is stationary
Valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox:
● Move the lever to position 3
. The driver message
ACC standby will be
displayed.
● To resume adaptive cruise control, apply the foot brake and turn the lev-
er to position 2
.
WARNING
It is dangerous to switch on cruise control and resume the stored speed if
the road, traffic or weather conditions do not permit. Risk of accident!
 Setting the distance
Fig. 135 Control lever
for: Setting the distance
● To indicate the distance currently programmed, briefly press the rocker
switch ⇒ Fig. 135.
● To increase/reduce a level, press the rocker switch again to the right/
left. The display in the instrument panel modifies the distance between
both vehicles.
If the vehicle approaches another halted vehicle ahead of it, the adaptive
cruise control reduces the speed to match the other's and then controls the
adjusted distance. If the vehicle in front accelerates, the adaptive cruise
control will also accelerate, up to the speed you have programmed.
The greater the speed, the greater the distance in metres should be ⇒ 
.
We recommend the setting Distance 3.
WARNING
The driver is responsible for observing country-specific distance regula-
tions.


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

200Driver assistance systems
Overtaking
When the turn signal comes on before overtaking, the ACC accelerates the
vehicle automatically and thus reduces the distance between it and the ve-
hicle ahead.
When you move into the overtaking lane, if the ACC does not detect any ve-
hicle in front it accelerates until it reaches the stored speed and keeps it
constant.
The acceleration can be interrupted at any time by stepping on the brake
pedal or pulling back on the lever ⇒ page 193.
Driving through a bend
On entering or coming out of a bend, the radar sensor may no longer detect
the vehicle ahead of it or may react before a vehicle in the adjacent lane
⇒ Fig. 136 A. In such situations the vehicle may brake unnecessarily or may
cease to react with regard to the vehicle ahead. In this case, the driver has
to act by accelerating or interrupting the braking process by stepping on the
brake pedal or pulling the third lever backwards ⇒ page 193.
Driving in tunnels
When going through tunnels, the radar sensor function may be limited.
Switch off the ACC in tunnels.
Narrow vehicles or vehicles not driving straight
The radar sensor can only detect narrow vehicles or those that are not driv-
ing straight within its range ⇒ Fig. 136 B. This is particularly applicable to
narrow vehicles such as motorbikes. In these cases, brake yourself as nec-
essary.
Vehicles with loads and special accessories
The load and special accessories of other vehicles that jut out over the side,
backwards or forward may be outside the range of the ACC.
Switch off the ACC when driving behind vehicles with loads or special acces-
sories, as well as when overtaking these vehicles. In these cases, brake
yourself as necessary. Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lanes not far away from the vehicle can only be detected
when they fall within the range of the sensors. Consequently, the ACC will
take longer to react
⇒ Fig. 137 C. In these cases, brake yourself if necessary.
Stationary vehicles
During driving, the ACC does not detect stationary objects, such as the end
of a jam or damaged vehicles.
If a vehicle detected by ACC turns or moves over and there is another sta-
tionary vehicle in front of it, the ACC will not react ⇒ Fig. 137 D. In these ca-
ses, brake yourself if necessary.
Vehicles travelling in the opposite direction and vehicles changing lanes
The ACC does not react to vehicles approaching in the opposite direction or
vehicles changing lanes.
Metal objects
Metal objects, e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work sites, may
confuse the radar sensor and cause wrong reactions in the ACC.
Factors that may affect the operation of the radar sensor
If the operation of the radar sensor were affected by heavy rain, water mist,
snow or mud, the ACC is switched off temporarily. The relevant message ap-
pears on the instrument panel display. If necessary, clean the radar sensor.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the ACC will be automatically
available again. The message on the instrument panel display will go off
and the ACC can be switched on again.
In the event of a heavy reverse reflection of the radar signal, for example, in
a closed parking, ACC operation may be affected.
Trailer towing
When driving with a trailer, the ACC controls less dynamically. 

201
Driver assistance systems
Overheated brakes
If the brakes overheat, for example, after a sharp brake or in long and very
steep descents, the ACC may switch off temporarily. The relevant message
appears on the instrument panel display. In such cases, the cruise control
might not be switched on.
Once the brake temperature has come down sufficiently, the active cruise
control can be switched on again. The message will disappear from the in-
strument panel display. If the ACC not available message remains on for
quite some time, it means there is a fault. Visit a specialised workshop,
SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
WARNING
If the message ACC ready to start is shown on the instrument panel dis-
play and the vehicle ahead starts up, the vehicle will start automatically.
In this case, the radar sensor may not detect possible objects on the
road. This could cause an accident and serious injury.
● Before moving off, check that the road is clear. If necessary, apply the
foot brake.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications