2013 Seat Leon SC trailer

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

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. 

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. 

206Driver assistance systems
WARNING
If the Front Assist is not switched off in the aforementioned situations,
accidents and serious injuries may be caused.
● Switch off the Front Assist in critical situations.

System limitations
The Front Assist Monitoring System has certain physical limitations inherent
in the system. Thus, for example, in certain circumstances some system re-
actions may be inappropriate or occur with delays as far as the driver is con-
cerned. Therefore, be on the lookout in case you have to intervene.
The following conditions may lead the Front Assist Monitoring System not
to react or react too late:
● When taking tight bends.
● If you step on the accelerator too hard
● If the Front Assist is switched off or damaged.
● If the ASR has been manually disconnected.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If several brake lights on the vehicle or trailer have electrical faults.
● If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g., rails on the road or the panels used on
work sites.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In snow or heavy rain.
● In the case of narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
● In the case of vehicles not driving straight.
● In the case of vehicles changing lanes. ●
In the case of vehicles approaching each other in the opposite direction.
● Loads and special accessories in other vehicles jutting out over the
sides, front or rear. 
City emergency braking function
Fig. 140 On the instru-
ment panel display: pre-
warning message
The City emergency braking function is part of the Front Assist Monitoring
System and is always active when this system is on.
Depending on the equipment, the City emergency braking function can be
switched on or off on the Easy Connect system using the button 
and the
function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80.
The City emergency braking function detects, at speeds between 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph) approx., the situation of the traffic in front
of the vehicle up to a distance of approx. 10 m.
If the system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front, the vehicle
prepares for a possible emergency braking ⇒ 
.

213
Driver assistance systems
● Your speed and driving style must always be adjusted to visibility,
weather, and traffic conditions.
● The eco mode is not available when towing a trailer. 
Tiredness detection (break
recommendation)* Introduction
The Tiredness detection informs the driver when their driving behaviour
shows signs of fatigue.
Additional information and warnings:
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Accessories, change a part, repairs and adjustments (information stored
in the control units) ⇒ page 272
WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Tiredness detection system tempt
you into taking any risks when driving. Take regular breaks, sufficient in
length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibility of driving to their full
capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of the driver in all circum-
stances. Consult the information in the section ⇒ page 214, System limi-
tations.
WARNING (Continued)
● In some situations the system may incorrectly interpret an intended
driving manoeuvre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the effect called microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary.
Note
● Tiredness detection has been developed for driving on motorways and
well paved roads only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop. 
Function and operation
Fig. 145 On the instru-
ment panel display:
Tiredness detection sym-
bol
Tiredness detection determines the driving behaviour of the driver when
starting a journey, making a calculation of tiredness. This is constantly com-
pared with the current driving behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a sound and an optic warning is
shown with a symbol and complementary message on the instrument panel 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

218Driver assistance systems
During parking, the parking system plus assists you visually and audibly
about obstacles detected in front and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 219.
WARNING
● Always pay attention (also when looking straight ahead) to traffic and
the vehicle surroundings. The assistance systems are not a replacement
for driver awareness. When inserting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar manoeuvres the driver always as-
sumes the responsibility.
● Take into account that the system is not always in conditions to rec-
ognise or represent certain surfaces, such as dress fabric: Risk of causing
an accident!
● The sensors and cameras have blind spots, making the detection of
people and objects impossible. Pay special attention to children and ani-
mals: Risk of causing an accident!
● Always keep visual control of the vehicle surroundings: use the rear
vision mirrors for additional help.
CAUTION
● Under certain circumstances, the system does not detect or display cer-
tain objects:
–Objects such as snow chains, trailer draw bars, bars or fences
– Objects that are located above the sensors, such as protrusions in a
wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or structures, such as wire mesh fences
or powder snow.
● When the vehicle approaches a low obstacle, it could disappear from
the angle of measurement. In this case, take into account that the system
will no longer warn about this obstacle.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator grille, bumper, wheel arch and ve-
hicle underbody can adjust the orientation of the sensors. This can affect
the parking aid function. Have the function checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Note
● In certain situations, the system can give a warning even though there is
no obstacle in the detected area, e.g:
–for roads with certain surfaces, or with long grass
– for external ultrasound sources, such as cleaning vehicles
– In downpours, intense snow or dense exhaust gases
● In order to familiarise yourself with the system, it is advised that you
practice parking in an area or car park that is free from traffic. There must be
good weather and light conditions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can be modified, in addition to the
indications ⇒ page 221.
● In vehicles without a driver information system, these parameters can be
modified in a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a trailer ⇒  page 221.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen shows a slight time delay.
● To ensure that the parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of ice and snow. 
Rear parking aid*
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant. Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
Make sure that the sensors are not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, given that this could affect the system operation. Cleaning instructions
⇒ page 239.
The approximate measurement range of the sensors is: 

221
Driver assistance systems
Adjusting the display and audible warnings
The settings for the display and audible warnings are con-
trolled via the Easy Connect*.
Requirements: the parking aid must be switched on.
– Select: button CAR
> control button Car* Systems > Driver assis-
tant > Parking aid ⇒  page 81.
Automatic activation 1)
 on – activates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220
 off – deactivates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220.
Front volume
Volume in the front and rear area.
Front sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the front area.
Rear volume
Volume in the rear area
Rear sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the rear area.
Adjust volume
With the parking aid switched on, the active audio/video source volume will
be reduced to the intensity of the selected setting.
You will hear a short test tone from the corresponding speaker each time
you make a new setting. Error messages
When the parking aid is activated or when switching it on, if a continuous
warning can be heard over several seconds (additionally, in the case of
Parking system plus the LED of the
 button flashes), there is a fault in the
system. If the fault does not disappear before switching off the ignition, the
next time the parking aid is switched on by engaging reverse gear the fault
will only be indicated with the flashing LED on the  button.
Parking system plus*
If there is a fault in a sensor, the symbol  is displayed on the Easy Con-
nect display in front of/behind the vehicle. If a rear sensor is faulty, only the
obstacles in the areas A
and B are displayed ⇒ Fig. 148. If a front sensor
is faulty, only the obstacles in the areas C and D are displayed.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay. 
Towing bracket
If the trailer power socket is occupied, the rear parking aid sensors will not
activate when reverse gear is engaged, or when the button  is pressed.
This function may not be covered under warranty if the towing bracket is not
factory-fitted. This causes the following limitations:
Parking system plus*
There will be no warning about the presence of obstacles in the rear area.
The monitoring in the front area remains active. The optical display changes
to towing mode. 
1)
available only with certain equipment - Radio Standard
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

222Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Description
The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces the tendency to skid and im-
proves the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC detects critical
handling situations, such as vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin
on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque. The warning lamp will flash on the instru-
ment panel when the ESC is intervening .
ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist system, the
traction control system (ASR), electronic differential lock (EDL), electronic
self-locking*, selective torque control* and tractor-trailer sway mitigation*.
ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle by changing the torque.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the vehicle
has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the vehicle even
when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal pulsate while the ABS is
working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the required braking distance. The brak-
ing force is automatically boosted if you press the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency. You must keep pressing the brake pedal until the danger has
passed. Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the car to start
moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. This function is available up to a speed
of around 100 km/h, 62 mph).
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle can still
be driven. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation*
If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control the following: Tractor-trailers
tend to sway. When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the vehicle and de-
tected by the ESC, it will automatically brake the towing vehicle within the
limits of the system and mitigate the sway. Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is
not available in all countries.
Electronic self-locking*/Selective torque control*
When driving around bends, an electronic self-locking intervenes. The front
wheel on the inside of the curve, or the two inside wheels, respectively, are
selectively braked as required. This minimises the traction of the front
wheels, allowing you to take bends with greater precision and neutrality. In
certain circumstances, where roads are wet or snow-covered, the respective
system may not intervene.
