2013 Seat Leon SC towing

Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Running in the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Driving through flooded roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Installation of exhaust gas filtration systems . . . 230
Economic and ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Retrofitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care of vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care of the vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Windscreen washer reservoir and wiper blades . 262
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle 272
Accessories, replacement parts and repairs . . . . 272
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Radio transmitters and business equipment . . . 272
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 286
Fuses and bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Changing bulbs in headlight unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Changing bulb for front fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Changing tail light bulbs (on side panel) . . . . . . 299
Changing tail light bulbs (on rear lid) . . . . . . . . . 301
Changing number plate light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . 303
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Filling capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
4Table of Contents

69
Instruments and warning/control lamps
To familiarise yourself with the gear-change indicator, we recommend driv-
ing in the normal way to start with. A gear change will be recommended if
the gear you are in is not the most economical choice.
If no gear-change is recommended, you are already in the most economical
gear.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The following display symbols ⇒ Fig. 41 mean:
●  Change to a higher gear: The suggested gear appears to the right of
the current gear when a higher gear is recommended.
●  Change to a lower gear: The suggested gear appears to the left of the
current gear when a lower gear is recommended.
The gear recommendation may occasionally skip a gear (2nd  4th).
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox*
The display is only visible in tiptronic mode ⇒ page 178
The following display symbols mean:
●  Shifting up a gear
●  Shifting down a gear
CAUTION
The gear-change indicator is intended to help save fuel. It is not intended to
recommend the right gear for all driving situations. In certain situations, on-
ly the driver can choose the correct gear (for instance when overtaking, driv-
ing up a steep gradient or towing a trailer).
Note
The display disappears from the instrument panel when you press the
clutch pedal. Control lamps
Control and warning lamps
The control and warning lamps are indicators of warnings, ⇒ , faults ⇒ or certain functions. Some control and warning lamps come on when the ig-
nition is switched on, and switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
Depending on the model, additional text messages may be viewed on the
instrument panel display. These may be purely informative or they may be
advising of the need for action ⇒ page 61, Instruments.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the vehicle, instead of a warning
lamp, sometimes a symbol may be displayed on the instrument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
Red symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Central warning lamp: additional information
on the instrument panel display–

Symbol on the instrument panel display:
 Do not continue driving!
With the corresponding indication: door(s), rear
lid or bonnet open or not properly closed.⇒ page 87
⇒ page 100
⇒ page 251
Parking brake on.⇒ page 166
⇒ page 224

 Do not continue driving!
The brake fluid level is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

114Lights and visibility
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehi-
cle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example:
● reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,
● there is an emergency
● your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,
● you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. The two turn signal turn signal lamps   and the turn signal
lamp in the switch  will flash at the same time. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continuously at a speed of more than
80 km/h (50 mph), the brake light flashes several times per second to warn
vehicles driving behind. If you continue braking, the hazard warning lights
will come on automatically when the vehicle comes to a standstill. They
switch off automatically when the vehicle starts to move again.
WARNING
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!
Note
● The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a
long time, even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rel-
evant statutory requirements. 
Main beam assist*
Main beam assist (Light Assist)
The main beam assist begins operating (within the limits of the system and
depending on the environmental and traffic conditions) starting at a speed
of 60 km/h (37 mph), when it switches on automatically, and then deacti-
vates again below 30 km/h (18 mph) ⇒ 
. This is managed via a camera
situated on the base of the interior mirror.
The main beam assist generally detects illuminated areas and deactivates
the main beam when passing through a town, for example. 

169
Driving
countries with general speed limits, or if a particular speed should not be
exceeded when winter tyres are fitted etc.
Note
● Please bear in mind that, even with the speed warning function, it is still
important to keep an eye on the vehicle speed with the speedometer and to
observe the legal speed limits.
● The speed limit warning function in the version for several countries
warns you at a speed of 120 km/h (80 mph). This is a factory-set speed lim-
it. 
Setting speed limit warning
You can use the radio or the Easy Connect* to set, alter or
cancel the speed limit warning.
Vehicles with radio
– Select: SETUP
button > control button 
Driver assistant > Speed
warning.
Vehicles with Easy Connect
– Select: Systems control button or Vehicle systems > Driver assis-
tant > Speed warning.
The warning limit can be set from 30 to 240 km/h (20 to 150 mph). The ad-
justment is done in 10 km/h (mph) intervals. Start-Stop system*
Description and operation
The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and reduce CO 2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automatically switch off when the vehi-
cle stops, when stopping at traffic lights for example. The ignition remains
switched on during the stopping phase. The engine automatically switches
back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is automati-
cally activated.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fastened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more than 4 km/h since the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. The brake
servo and power steering functions will not be completely covered under
warranty. More force may also be needed to turn the steering wheel or to
brake. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal manner, there is a
greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could lock making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. 
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

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. 

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

217
Driver assistance systems
Wheel tread change
The wheel tread changes when:
● Tyre pressure is manually changed
● Tyre pressure is insufficient
● Tyre structure is damaged
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load
● The wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
heavy load)
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted
● The wheel on one axle is changed
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator  or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads, or when driving with snow chains). 
Calibrating the tyre monitoring indicator
Fig. 147 Glove compart-
ment: tyre control switch After changing the tyre pressure or replacing one or more wheels, the tyre
monitoring indicator must be recalibrated. Do the same, for example, when
the front and rear wheels are swapped.
●
Switch the ignition on.
● Store the new tyre pressure in the Easy Connect system with the button

and the function button Setup ⇒ page 80 or using the switch located in
the glove compartment* ⇒ Fig. 147.
When driving, the system self-calibrates the tyre pressure provided by the
driver and the wheels fitted. After a long journey with varied speeds the pro-
grammed values are collected and monitored.
With the wheels under very heavy loads, the tyre pressure must be in-
creased to the total recommended tyre pressure before the calibration
⇒ page 307.
Note
● The tyre monitoring indicator does not function when there is a fault in
the ESC or ABS ⇒ page 222.
● An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use be-
cause the chains increase the tread of the wheel. 
Parking aid General information
Various systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant that warns about obstacles lo-
cated behind the vehicle ⇒ page 218. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications