2013 Seat Leon SC engine overheat

67
Instruments and warning/control lamps
Trip recorder
Fig. 40 Instrument pan-
el: Odometer and reset
button
The distance covered is displayed in “kilometres” or miles “m”. It is possi-
ble to change the measurement units (kilometres “km”/miles “m”) in the
radio/Easy Connect*. Please refer to the Easy Connect* Instruction Manual
for more details.
Odometer/trip recorder
The odometer shows the total distance covered by the vehicle.
The trip recorder shows the distance that has been travelled since it was
last reset. It is used to measure short trips. The last digit of the trip recorder
indicates distances of 100 metres or tenths of a mile.
The trip recorder can be set to zero by pressing 0.0/SET

⇒  Fig. 40.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument panel, the letters DEF will appear in the
trip recorder display. Have the fault repaired immediately, as far as is possi-
ble. Fuel level
The display
6 ⇒ Fig. 38 only works when the ignition is switched on. When
the display reaches the reserve mark, the lower diode lights up in red and
the control lamp  appears ⇒ page 248. When the fuel level is very low,
the lower diode flashes in red.
The distance to empty fuel level is displayed on the instrument panel 3
⇒ Fig. 38.
The capacity of the fuel tank of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒ page 323.
In natural gas engines
The yellow warning lamp
 lights up when both fuel types (petrol and natu-
ral gas) have reached reserve level.
The green control lamp  comes on when the vehicle is working with natural
gas.
The green control lamp  switches off when the natural gas is exhausted.
The engine changes to operate with petrol.
Thing to note: If the vehicle is left parked for a long time immediately after
refuelling, the natural gas level indicator may not accurately indicate the
same level shown after refuelling when the vehicle is started up again. This
is not due to a leak in the system, but to a drop in pressure in the gas tank
for technical reasons after a cooling phase immediately after refuelling.
CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. In this way the unburned fuel can reach the exhaust system,
which could cause the catalytic converter to overheat resulting in damage. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

68Instruments and warning/control lamps
Coolant temperature gauge
For vehicles with no coolant temperature gauge, a control lamp appears for
high coolant temperatures  ⇒ page 257. Take into account the ⇒ .
The coolant temperature gauge 2
⇒ Fig. 38 only works when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine damage, please read the following
notes for the different temperature ranges.
Engine cold
If only the diodes in the lower part of the scale light up, this indicates that
the engine has not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high revs and
heavy acceleration and do not make the engine work hard.
Normal temperature
If in normal operations, the diodes light up until the central zone, it means
that the engine has reached operating temperature. At high outside temper-
atures and when making the engine work hard, the diodes may continue
lighting up and reach the upper zone. This is no cause for concern, provided
the control lamp  does not light up on the instrument panel digital dis-
play.
Heat range
When the diodes light up in the upper area of the display and the control
lamp appears  on the instrument panel display, the coolant temperature
is excessive ⇒ page 257.
CAUTION
● To ensure a long useful life for the engine, avoid high revs, driving at
high speed and making the engine work hard for approx. the first 15 mi-
nutes when the engine is cold. The phase until the engine is warm also de-
pends on the outside temperature. If necessary, use the engine oil tempera-
ture* as a guide ⇒ page 77
● Additional lights and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the
cooling effect of the coolant. At high outside temperatures and high engine
loads, there is a risk of the engine overheating.
● The front spoiler also ensures proper distribution of the cooling air when
the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can reduce the cooling
effect, which could cause the engine to overheat. Seek specialist assis-
tance. 
Gear-change indicator
This additional indicator function can help to save fuel.
Fig. 41 Instrument pan-
el: Gear-change indicator
(manual gearbox) 

167
Driving
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an audible warning.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. –
Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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

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 

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.


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