2013 Seat Leon SC gearbox

180Driving
flash slowly depending on whether or not the vehicle has a driver
information system* 1)
.
– When the engine is running, switch off the traction control
(ASR) 1)
2)
.
– Move the selector lever to position “S” or tiptronic, or select the
driving mode Sport from the SEAT Drive Mode* ⇒ page 211.
– Press the brake pedal firmly with your left foot and hold it down
for at least one second.
– With your right foot, press the accelerator down to the full throt-
tle or kick-down position. The engine speed will stabilise at ap-
prox. 3200 rpm (petrol engine) or approx. 2000 rpm (diesel en-
gine).
– Take your left foot off the brake pedal.
WARNING
● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
● Only use the “Launch control programme” when road and traffic con-
ditions permit, and make sure the way in which you drive and accelerate
the vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other road users.
WARNING (Continued)
● Make sure that the ESC remains switched on. Please note that when
the ASR and ESC are deactivated, the wheels may start to spin, causing
the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of accident!
● After putting the vehicle into gear, the “sport” mode of the ESC
should be deactivated again by briefly pressing the 
OFF
button.
Note
● After using the “Launch control programme”, the gearbox temperature
may have increased considerably. In this case, the programme could be dis-
abled for several minutes. The programme can be used again after the cool-
ing phase.
● Accelerating with the “Launch control programme” places a heavy load
on all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and tear. 
Inertia mode
The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy of the vehicle to be
harnessed enabling certain stretches to be driven without using
the accelerator. This enables fuel to be saved. Use the inertia mode
to “let the vehicle roll” before, for example, arriving in a town.
Switching on inertia mode
Important: selector lever must be in position D, gradients below
12 %. 
1)
On vehicles with the driver information system, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability control deactivated (temporary) appears on the in-
strument panel to indicate the deactivation status.
2) Vehicles without driver information system: the warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with
driver information system: the warning lamp stays on.

181
Driving
– Select Eco mode ⇒ page 211 once in SEAT Drive Mode*.
– Take your foot off the accelerator.
The driver message Inertia will be displayed. At speeds higher
than 20 km/h (12 mph), the gearbox will automatically disengage
and the vehicle will roll freely, without the effect of the engine
brake. While the vehicle rolls, the engine runs at idling speed.
Stopping inertia mode
– Press the brake or the accelerator pedal.
To make use of the braking force and switch off the engine again,
simply press the brake pedal briefly.
Applying both the inertia mode (= prolonged section with less energy) and
the switching off using inertia (= shorter section without the need for fuel)
facilitates improved fuel consumption and emission balance.
WARNING
● If the inertia mode has been switched on, take into account, when ap-
proaching an obstacle and releasing the accelerator pedal, that the vehi-
cle will not decelerate in the usual manner: risk of accident!
● When using inertia mode while travelling down hills, the vehicle can
increase speed: risk of accident!
● If other users drive your vehicle, warn them about inertia mode.
Note
● Inertia mode is only available in eco driving mode (SEAT Drive Mode*).
● The driver message Inertia is only displayed with the current consump-
tion. In inertia mode the gear will no longer be displayed (for example: “E”
will appear in place of “E7”).
● On downhill sections with gradients above 15 %, the inertia mode will
automatically be switched off temporarily. 
Backup programme
A backup programme is in place if a fault should occur in the
control system.
If all the positions of the selector lever are shown over a light background
on the instrument panel display, there is a system fault and the automatic
gearbox will operate in with the backup programme. When the backup pro-
gramme is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle, however, at low
speeds and within a selected range of gears. In some cases driving in re-
verse gear may not be possible .
CAUTION
If the gearbox operates with the backup programme, take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired without delay. 
Clutch
 Clutch overheated! Stop the vehicle!
The clutch has overheated and could be damaged. In order to prevent the
temperature from increasing again and so that the clutch is cooled, stop the 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

182Driving
vehicle and wait for the gearbox to cool down with the selector lever in posi-
tion P and the engine running at idling speed. If the warning does not
switch off, do not continue driving. Seek specialist assistance. Failure to do
so could cause considerable damage to the gearbox. When the warning
switches off, the fault should be corrected by a specialised workshop with-
out delay. 
Faults in the gearbox
 Gearbox: Fault! Stop the vehicle and place the lever in the position P.
There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not
continue driving. Seek specialist assistance.  Overheated clutch! Stop the vehicle!
The clutch has overheated and could be damaged. Stop the vehicle and
wait for the gearbox to cool with the engine at idling speed and the selector
lever in position P. When the warning lamp and the driver message switch
off, have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay. If the
warning lamp and the driver message do not switch off, do not continue
driving. Seek specialist assistance.  Gearbox: System fault! You may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay.  Gearbox: System fault! You can continue driving with restrictions. Re-
verse gear disabled.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have the fault repaired with-
out delay.  Gearbox: System fault! You can continue driving in D until switching off
the engine Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away from moving traffic. Seek special-
ist assistance.
 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When the warning lamp switches off,
you can continue driving in a normal manner.  Gearbox: press the brake and engage a gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a high temperature, this driver
message will be displayed when the gearbox has cooled again. 
Manual release of the selector lever
The selector lever can be released manually if the electrical
power supply should fail.
Fig. 125 Selector lever:
manual release from po-
sition P
The manual release mechanism is located under the selector lever
console on the right side. Releasing the selector lever requires a 

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

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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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. 

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.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications