2014 Seat Leon 5D brake

Safety
Rear head restraints – The rear head restraints have 2 positions:
use and
non-use.
– One position for use (head restraint raised)
››

› Fig. 58. In this position, the head re-
str
aints are used normally, protecting pas-
sengers along with the rear seat belts.
– And one position for non-use (head re-
s

traint lowered).
– To fit the head restraints in position for use,
pull on the edges with both hands in the
direction of the arrow. WARNING
● Under no circumstances should the rear
passengers travel while the head restraints
are in the non-use position. See the warning
label located on the rear side fixed window
››› Fig. 59.
● Do not sw

ap the centre rear head restraint
with either of the outer seat rear head re-
straints. Risk of injury in case of an accident! CAUTION
Note the instructions on the adjustment of
the head restraints ››› page 107. Pedal area
Pedals –
Ensure that you can always press the accel-
erator, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired
to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unim-
paired to their initial positions.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened during the trip and do not obstruct
the pedals ››› .
Only use floor mats which leave the pedal
area free and can be secured to prevent them
from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor
mats from a specialised dealership. Fasten-
ers* for floor mats are fitted in the footwells.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must
be pressed down thoroughly in order to stop
the vehicle.
Wearing suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet
properly and give you a good feeling for the
pedals. WARNING
● Restricting pedal operation can lead to crit-
ical situations while driving. ●
Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor cov-
erings over the original floor mats. This
would reduce the pedal area and could ob-
struct the pedals. Risk of accident.
● Never place objects in the driver footwell.
An object could move into the pedal area and
impair pedal operation. In the event of a sud-
den driving or braking manoeuvre, you will
not be able to operate the brake, clutch or ac-
celerator pedal. Risk of accident! 42

Controls and displays
Operation
Controls and displays Overview Door handle
Central locking switch
. . . . . . . . . . . .85
Electric control to adjust exterior
mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Control lever for:
– Turn signals and main beam
headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
– Lane Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
– Main beam assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
– Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . .150
Depending on equipment fitted:
– Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . .150
Steering wheel with horn and – Driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
– On-board computer controls . . . .72
– Controls for radio, telephone,
navigation and speech dialogue
system ›››
Booklet Radio
– Paddle levers for tiptronic gear-
shift (automatic gearbox) . . . . . . .135
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Control lever for:
– Windscreen wipers and washer . .102
– Wipe and wash system . . . . . . . . . .102
– On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Depending on equipment fitted: ra-
dio or display for Easy Connect
(navigation, radio, TV/video) . . . . . .81
Depending on the equipment, but-
tons for:
– SEAT driving modes . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
– Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
– Park assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
– Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . .99
– Airbag off display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Depending on the equipment,
glove compartment with: . . . . . . . . .112
– CD player* and/or SD card*
››› Booklet Radio
– Multimedia interface* ››› Book-
let Radio
Tyre pressure switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
Front passenger airbag switch . . . .55
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . .50
Passenger seat heating control . . . .108
Storage compartment
Depending on equipment fitted,
gear lever or selector lever for:
– Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 –
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
Depending on the equipment, con-
trols for: – Heating and ventilation system or
manual air conditioner . . . . . . . . . .29, 28
– Automatic air conditioner . . . . . . .26
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Driver seat heating control . . . . . . . .108
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Adjustable steering column . . . . . . .14
Storage compartment
Bonnet lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . .100
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Note
● Some of the equipment listed in this sec-
tion is only fitted on certain models or are op-
tional extras.
● A separate Instructions Manual is enclosed
if the vehicle is equipped with a factory-fitted
radio, CD player, AUX IN connection or navi-
gation system.
● The arrangement of switches and controls
on right-hand drive models* may be slightly
different from the layout shown in ››› page 64.
However, the symbols used to identify the
controls are the same. 19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
65Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Lights and visibility
Hazard warning lights Fig. 99
Dash panel: switch for hazard warn-
ing lights. Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 15
The hazard warning lights are used to draw
the attention of other road users to your vehi-
cle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ››› .
3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. For a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear; for an automatic gearbox, move the gear
lever to P
. 6. Use the warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
The two turn signal turn signal lamps  
and the t

urn signal lamp in the switch  will
flash at the same time. The hazard warning
lights also work when the ignition is switch-
ed off.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continu-
ously 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 ve-
hicle breaks down. Always use the hazard
warning lights and a warning triangle to draw
the attention of other road users to your sta-
tionary 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 de-
scribed here is subject to the relevant statu-
tory requirements. Parking light
When the parking light is switched on, (right
or left turn signal), the front side light and
the rear light on the corresponding side of
the vehicle stay lit. The parking lights can on-
ly be activated with the ignition switched off
and the turn signal and main beam lever in
the central position, before being triggered.
Parking light on both sides With the ignition switched off and the light
switch in position 
, when locking the vehi-
cle from the outside, the parking lights on
both sides of the vehicle light up. In doing
so, only the side lights of both headlights
light up, and additionally the tail lights will
do so partially.
99
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Transport and practical equipment
WARNING
● The luggage compartment cover must al-
ways be fixed properly (risk of accident).
● The luggage compartment cover should not
be used as a storage shelf. Articles placed on
this cover could cause injury to vehicle occu-
pants in an accident or if the brakes are ap-
plied suddenly. Retractable rear shelf
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 120
In the luggage compartment: closing
the rear shelf. Fig. 121
In the luggage compartment: remov-
ing the rear shelf. Opening the rear shelf
● Press the release catch of the rear shelf
( press
) until it is released › ›› Fig. 120 1 . The
shelf will automatically move towards the
end and will retract completely.
Closing the rear shelf
● Pull the unfolded shelf evenly backwards.
Removing the rear shelf
● Press the support of the rear shelf
››› Fig. 121 1 in the direction of the arrow.
● Remove the rear shelf through the support
and upwards.
● The rear shelf can be stored under the lug-
gage compartment variable floor when the
latter is in the top position (except for vehi-
cles equipped with natural gas engine CNG)
››› page 116 . Fittin
g the r
ear shelf
● Place the rear shelf in the housing provided
in the left side cover.
● Engage the support of the rear shelf
››› Fig. 121 1 in the right housing.
● Check that the support ››› Fig. 121 1 is
properly engaged. WARNING
Animals, loose or unsecured or objects car-
ried on the rear shelf can cause serious injury
in case of sudden manoeuvring or braking or
in case of an accident.
● Do not leave hard, sharp or heavy objects
or in bags on the rear shelf.
● Never carry animals on the rear shelf. 115
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Driving
Driving Ignition lock Switching on the ignition and starting
the engine with the key Fig. 141
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 14
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer
than usual to start on cold days. Therefore
the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must re-
main pressed until the engine starts up. Dur-
ing preheating, the warning lamp  remains
lit.
The preheating time depends on the coolant
and exterior temperatures. With the engine at
operating temperature, or at outside temper-
atures above +8°C, the warning lamp  will light up for about one second. This means
that the engine starts
immediately.
If the engine does not immediately start up,
interrupt the starting process and try again
after 30 seconds. To start the engine again,
return the key to position 1 .
Start-Stop System*
If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on.
Automatic gearbox: before leaving the vehi-
cle, make sure that the ignition is switched
off and the selector lever is in position P.
Driv er me
ssages on the instrument panel
display
Press the clutch
This message appears on vehicles with a
manual gearbox if the driver tries to start the
engine without having the clutch pedal
pressed. The engine will only start if you
press the clutch pedal.
Press the brake
This message appears on vehicles with an
automatic gearbox if the driver tries to start
the engine without having the brake pedal
pressed. Select N or P
This message appears if you try to start or
stop the engine when the selector lever of
the automatic gearbox is not in position P or
N. The engine can only start or stop in certain
po
sitions.
Engage position P; the vehicle can move; doors
can only close in position P.
For safety reasons, this driver message ap-
pears and an audible warning sounds if the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not
in position P after you switch off the ignition.
P

ut the selector lever in position P, otherwise
the vehicle could roll away.
Gear change: selector lever in the drive
position! This driver message is displayed when the
selector lever is not in the position P when
the driver door i

s opened. Additionally, a
buzzer will sound. Put the selector lever in
position
P, otherwise the vehicle could roll
away.
Ignition is switched on
This driver message is displayed and a buz-
zer is sounded when the driver door is
opened with the ignition switched on. »
129
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as
the exhaust gases are poisonous. 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 idling it. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions. Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to
the position 1 , turn the steering 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 remain in the posi-
tion 1 for around 5 seconds before starting
up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: after
switching off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
lector 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. 141.
En g
aging the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remo

ve the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
››› Fig. 141
›
›› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered 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 steer-
ing 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 particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries. 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
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore 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 exposure to solar ra-
diation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition 130

Driving
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the
vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge.
Braking and parking
Using the handbrake Fig. 142
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away.
Always apply the handbrake when you leave
your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
››› Fig. 142 . R
el easing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 142 and guide the handbrake lever
down f

ully ››› .
Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake 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 vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● 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 al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Never leave a vehicle key in 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 to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the fr ont

wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
. »
131
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle 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 ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. Manual gearbox
Changing gears Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 24
In some countries the clutch pedal must be
fully pressed down for the engine to start. Selecting reverse gear
● Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle
is stopped.
Changing down gears
While driving, changing down a gear must al-
ways be done gradually, i.e. to the gear di-
rectly below and when the engine speed is
not too high ››› . Changing down while by-
passing one or various gears at high speeds
or at high engine speeds can damage the
clutch and the gearbox, even if the clutch
pedal remains depressed ››› .
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will
start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This is also the case
with the electro-mechanical parking brake
switched on.
● Never engage reverse gear when the vehi-
cle is moving. WARNING
If the gear is changed down inappropriately
by selecting a gear that is too low, you may
lose control of the vehicle, causing an acci-
dent and serious injuries. CAUTION
When travelling at high speeds or at high en-
gine speeds, selecting a gear that is too low can cause considerable damage to the clutch
and the gearbox. This can also occur if the
clutch pedal is pressed and held and it does
not engage.
CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature
wear, please observe the following:
● Do not rest your hand on the gear lever
while driving. The pressure applied by your
hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector
forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is complete-
ly stopped before engaging the reverse gear.
● Always press the clutch to the floor when
changing gears.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on
hills with the engine on. Automatic gearbox/DSG
automatic gearbox*
Introduction Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly controlled manual gearbox. Torque be-
tween the engine and the gearbox is trans-
mitted via two independent clutches. They re-
place the torque converter found on conven-
tional automatic gearboxes and allow for
132