2013 Seat Leon Sportstourer battery

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. 

118Lights and visibility
WARNING
Heavy objects in the vehicle may mean that the headlights dazzle and
distract other drivers. This could result in a serious accident.
● Adjust the light beam to the vehicle load status so that it does not
blind other drivers.

Interior and reading lights 1)
Button/
Positioneffect
Switches interior lights off.
Switches interior lights on.

Switches door contact control on (central position).
The interior lights come on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ig-
nition.
The lights go off a few seconds after all the doors are closed,
the vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Turning the reading light on and off
Glove compartment and luggage compartment lighting*
When opening and closing the glove compartment on the front passenger
side and the rear lid, the respective light will automatically switch on and
off. Footwell lighting*
The lights in the footwell area below the dash (driver and front passenger
sides) will switch on when the doors are opened and will decrease in inten-
sity while driving. The intensity of these lights can be adjusted using the ra-
dio menu (see Easy Connect > Adjusting Lighting > Interior lighting
⇒ page 82).
Ambient light*
The ambient light in the door panel changes colour (white or red) depend-
ing on the driving mode. The intensity of these lights can be adjusted using
the radio menu (see Easy Connect > Adjusting Lights > Interior lighting
⇒  page 82).
Note
The reading lights switch off when the vehicle is locked using a key or after
several minutes if the key is removed from the ignition. This prevents the
battery from discharging. 
Sun protection equipment Introduction
WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their housing when not in use.

1)
Depending on the level of equipment fitted in the vehicle, LEDs can be used for the follow-
ing interior lights: front courtesy light, rear courtesy light, footwell light and sun visor light.

119
Lights and visibility
Sun visors
Fig. 68 Sun visor
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
● Lower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door ⇒ Fig. 68 1
.
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards.
Vanity mirror light
There may be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on the rear of the sun visor. When
the cover is opened 2
a light comes on.
The lamp goes out when the vanity mirror cover is closed or the sun visor is
pushed back up.
Note
The light above the sun visor automatically switches off after a few minutes
in certain conditions. This prevents the battery from discharging. Applies to the model: LEON ST
Sun blind*
The windows on the rear doors may be fitted with a sun
blind
Fig. 69 Rear window:
sun blind
Rear door sun blind*
– Pull out the blind and attach it to the hook at the top of the door
frame, in the centre ⇒ Fig. 69. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

136Seats and storage
In the centre console
–Remove the connector located in the centre console of the pow-
er socket ⇒ Fig. 87.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the power socket.
In the luggage compartment (valid only for the Leon ST model)
– Lift the power socket cover ⇒ Fig. 88.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the power socket.
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 volt power socket. The ap-
pliances connected to each power socket must not exceed a power rating of
120 Watt.
WARNING
The power socket works only when the ignition is on. Improper use may
cause serious injury or even fire. Children should therefore not be left in
the vehicle, unattended, if the button is also left behind. Otherwise there
is a possibility that they may be injured.
CAUTION
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge. Luggage compartment
General notes
WARNING
The Safe driving chapter contains important information, tips, sugges-
tions and warnings that you should read and observe for your own safety
and the safety of your passengers ⇒ page 7.


165
Driving
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly lock, making it impossible to
steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. This is par-
ticularly important if there are children in the vehicle, as they might oth-
erwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause injuries.
CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until
the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this
can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This will help avoid unnecessary
exhaust emissions.
Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to the position 1, turn the steer-
ing wheel to both sides to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and reconnected, the key must re-
main in the position 1
for around 5 seconds before starting up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). Next, the selector lever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1
⇒ Fig. 118.
Engaging the steering wheel lock
Important: selector lever (automatic gearbox*) must be in position
P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in position 1
⇒ Fig. 118
⇒ .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it engage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the steering lock engaged.
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.
● Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle,
even temporarily. This is particularly important if there are children in
the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or use
power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

166Driving
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
● After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It is also possible that the fan
turns itself on once more if the coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the en-
gine, the ignition remains switched on. Make sure that the ignition is
switched off before leaving the vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. 
Kick-down
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached. If the eco*
⇒ page 212 mode has been selected in SEAT Drive Mode*, and
the accelerator is pressed beyond a hard point, the engine power is auto-
matically controlled to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-down fea-
ture could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skid-
ding.
 Handbrake
Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 119 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ Fig. 119.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 119 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
. 

171
Driving
● The engine has not yet reached the minimum required temperature for
the Start-Stop mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air conditioner has not yet
been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is being turned.
● If there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication  is shown on the instrument panel display, and in addition,
the driver information system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-Stop mode can be interrupted in
the following situations: The engine restarts by itself without involvement
from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the value selected on the air condi-
tioner.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The brake has been pressed several times consecutively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption.
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the selector lever is placed in posi-
tion D, N or S after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must be driven at a
speed faster than 10 km/h (5 mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-Stop system
If you do not wish to use the system, you can switch it off
manually.
Fig. 120 Centre console:
Start-Stop system button
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop system, press the but-
ton 
. The button symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off.
Note
The system is automatically switched on each time the engine is deliberate-
ly stopped during a stopping phase. The engine will start automatically. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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