2013 Seat Leon SC cruise control

188Driver assistance systems
Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot maintain a constant speed. Slow
the vehicle down using the brake pedal and reduce gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could affect the working order of the
CCS.
● If you press and maintain the accelerator pedal for a certain time, driv-
ing faster than the stored speed.
● If the dynamic driving control systems intervene (i.e. ASR or ESC).
● If the airbag is triggered. 

189
Driver assistance systems
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)*
Introduction
Fig. 129 Detection area
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an extension of vehicle cruise control (GRA)
⇒ 
.
The ACC function allows the driver to establish a cruising speed between 30
and 160 km/h (18 and 100 mph), as well as the time distance from the ve-
hicle ahead. The ACC function will adapt to the vehicle's adaptive cruise
speed at all times, maintaining a safety distance from the vehicle ahead.
The ACC function is based on a radar sensor that can measure the distance
to vehicles ahead.
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic gearbox, the ACC may brake it un-
til it stops completely if the vehicle ahead stops.
Request for driver intervention
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain limitations inherent in the sys-
tem. In other words, in certain circumstances the actual driver will have to
control speed and distance with regard to other vehicles. In this case, the instrument panel display
will tell the driver to intervene by
pressing the brake pedal, and a warning sound will go off ⇒ page 191.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Cruise control system (CCS) ⇒ page 184
● Front Assist ⇒ page 202
● Lane Assist ⇒ page 207
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot overcome the system's own
limitations or change the laws of physics. If used negligently or uninten-
tionally it may cause a serious accident and serious injury. The system is
not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Do not use the ACC in conditions of poor visibility, on steep roads,
with several bends or in slippery circumstances such as snow, ice, rain or
loose gravel or on flooded roads.
● Never use the ACC when driving off-road or on unpaved roads. The
ACC has only been designed for use on paved roads.
● The ACC does not react on approaching a stationary obstacle, such as
the end of a traffic jam or a broken-down vehicle or a vehicle stopped at
traffic lights.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed enough, apply the foot brake imme-
diately. 
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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.
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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. 

195
Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● “Stepping” on the accelerator may lead the ACC not to intervene to
brake. Acceleration by the driver takes priority over action by the active
cruise control.
● Always be prepared to use the brakes to halt the vehicle!
● Observe the provisions of the country in question regarding the mini-
mum obligatory distance between vehicles.
Note
● The stored speed is erased when the ignition or the ACC are switched
off.
● When the traction control system (ASR) is switched off or the ESC is acti-
vated in Sport* (⇒ page 79) mode, the ACC is switched off automatically.
● In vehicles with Start-Stop system, the engine switches off automatically
during the ACC halt phase and restarts automatically to begin driving. 
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic gearbox, the Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol (ACC) may brake it until it stops completely if the vehicle ahead stops.
The ACC will be available for a few seconds. The vehicle will restart autono-
mously if the vehicle ahead moves (assistant in line of traffic).
Disconnection criteria
The ACC will switch off if the driver steps on the brake pedal or the driver
door is opened. If the vehicle ahead stops for more than 3 seconds, the ACC will also switch
off for safety reasons.
In this case the driver should take over and apply the
foot brake.
In the latter case, when the ACC is switched off with the vehicle stationary,
the vehicle must be stopped by applying the foot brake; since the car, with
a gear engaged, even at idle speed, might move.
Restart the ACC manually.
The ACC can be switched on again by turning the lever to position 2
⇒ Fig. 134.
WARNING
Your vehicle can start up even if there is an obstacle between your own
and the one ahead. Risk of accident!
CAUTION
● If your vehicle with adaptive cruise control failed to start as expected,
even if the ACC available 1)
message is shown to the driver, you can start off
by briefly stepping on the accelerator.
● The Start-Stop system acts as usual when driving with adaptive cruise
control. 
1)
Not available for the versions of some countries.
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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. 
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