2014 Seat Leon 5D air condition

Operation
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The braking force is
automatically boosted if you press the brake
pedal quickly in an emergency. You must
keep pressing the brake pedal until the dan-
ger 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 gra-
dient.
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 active
up to approximately 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The ve-
hicle 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 detected by the ESC, it will auto- matically 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 cer-
tain circumstances, where roads are wet or
snow-covered, the respective system may not
intervene.
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network.
The following actions control automatic brak-
ing during the accident:
●
When the driver presses the accelerator,
the automatic braking does not take place.
● When the braking pressure through press-
ing the brake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available
if ESC is malfunctioning. WARNING
● The ESC, ABS, ASR, EDL, electronic self-
locking differential or selective torque control
systems cannot exceed the limits imposed by
the laws of physics. Always bear this in mind,
especially on wet or slippery roads. If you no-
tice the systems cutting in, you should re-
duce your speed immediately to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not be encouraged
to take risks by the presence of more safety
systems. If you do, an accident may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk al-
ways increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDL, electronic
self-locking and selective torque control sys-
tems cannot prevent accidents: risk of acci-
dents! 144

Operation
Stability programme (ESC), including the ASR
function.
● The ASR and ESC function are reconnected
by pressing the button 
›
›› Fig. 146.
● OR
: activate or deactivate the ASR or ESC
function in the Easy Connect system by
means of the button  and the function
buttons Setup and
ESC System .
WARNING
You should switch on the ESC Sport mode on-
ly if the traffic conditions and your driving
ability allow you to do so safely: risk of skid-
ding!
● With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising
function will be limited to allow for a sportier
drive. The driving wheels could spin and the
vehicle could skid.
● If the ESC/ASR is deactivated, the vehicle
stabilisation function is not available. Note
If the ASR is disconnected or the ESC’s Sport
mode is selected, cruise control* will be
switched off. Brakes
New brake pads
For the first 400 km (250 miles), new brake
pads have not yet reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying
more pressure on the brake pedal. Avoid
overloading the brakes while running them
in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the
brake pads depends
a great deal on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is operated. This is
a particular problem in urban traffic and
short stretches, or with very sporty driving.
Depending on the speed, the braking force,
and the environmental conditions (for exam-
ple, the temperature, air humidity, etc.)
noises may be produced on braking.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain situations (for example, on driving
through flooded areas, in severe downpours
or after washing the vehicle) the braking ac-
tion could be delayed if the discs and pads
are damp, or frozen in winter. In this case the
brakes should be “dried” by pressing the
brake pedal several times.
At high speed and with the windscreen wip-
ers activated, the brake pads will briefly
touch the brake discs. This takes place, al-
though unnoticeable to the driver, at regular
intervals to improve the response time of the
brakes when they are wet. The effectiveness of the brakes can also be
temporarily reduced if the vehicle is driven
for some distance without using the brakes
when there is a lot of salt on the road in win-
ter. The layer of salt that accumulates on the
discs and pads can be removed by gently ap-
plying the brakes a few times.
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
br ak

e circuits has failed. Drive immediately
to the nearest specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly
and remember that you will have to apply
more pressure on the brake pedal and allow
for longer stopping distances.
146

Driver assistance systems
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu-
id 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: there is
risk of causing an accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in
neutral, when the engine is stopped. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in an
accident.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes. 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 stopping 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 relieves the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at
intervals than to apply the brakes continu-
ously.
Note
● If the brake servo is out of action, for exam-
ple when the car is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal to make up for the lack of
servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with acces-
sories 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. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● doors closed,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S,
D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately
after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or use the hand brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want to prevent the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. » 147
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Driver assistance systems
Note
● You can control whether the engine should
switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the stopping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual gearbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
frequently for different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine
does not
sw
it ch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum 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 26.
● The park

ing aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-
ing 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 in-
formation system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the
value selected on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
›››  page 26.
● The brak

e 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 position 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
Fig. 147
Centre console: Start-Stop system
button If you do not wish to use the system, you can
switch it off manually.
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
system, press the button  . The button
symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off. »
149
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Note
The system is automatically switched on each
time the engine is deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically. Driver messages on the instrument
panel display
Start-Stop system deactivated. Start the
engine manually
This driver message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system cannot
restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.
Start-Stop system: Fault! Function not available
There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired.
Cruise control system (CCS)* How it works The cruise control system (CCS) is able to
maintain the set speed from 20 km/h (15
mph). The CSS only reduces vehicle speed by ceas-
ing to accelerate, not by actively braking the
vehicle
››› .
WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and severe injuries if it is not possible
to drive at a constant speed maintaining the
safety distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traf-
fic, if the distance from the vehicle in front is
insufficient, on steep roads, with several
bends or in slippery circumstances (snow,
ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or
on unpaved roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the vehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise
control system, turn it off every time you fin-
ish using it.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is
too high for the prevailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. The vehicle tends
to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle. Warning and control lamp
Fig. 148
Instrument panel display: CCS status
indications Control lamp
When the warning lamp  is lit, cruise con-
trol is active.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status

Fig. 148:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small figures.
A 150

Operation
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
overcome the system's inherent limitations
or change the laws of physics. If used negli-
gently or involuntarily, it may cause serious
accidents and injuries. The system is not a re-
placement for driver awareness.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicle in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Do not use the ACC when visibility is bad,
on steep roads, with several bends or in slip-
pery 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 been de-
signed for use on paved roads only.
● The ACC does not react on approaching a
fixed obstacle, such as the tail of a traffic
jam, a damaged vehicle or a vehicle stopped
at the traffic lights.
● The ACC does not react to people or animal
or vehicles crossing your path or which ap-
proach you head-on in the same lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-
ly, brake the vehicle immediately by applying
the pedal.
● If you are driving using the spare wheel,
the ACC system could automatically switch
off during the journey. Switch off the system
when starting off. ●
If the vehicle continues to move involuntar-
ily after a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.
● If the dash panel displays a driver interven-
tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.
● The driv er shou
ld be ready to accelerate or
brake by him/herself at all times. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is damaged, disconnect the ACC. This will
avoid possible damage. If this occurs have it
adjusted. ● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
ist knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. Note
● If the ACC system does not work as descri-
bed in this chapter, do not use it until it has
been checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose.
● Maximum speed with the ACC activated is
limited to 160 km/h (100 mph).
● When the ACC is switched on, strange
noises may be heard during automatic brak-
ing cause by the braking system. Messages on display, control and
warning lamps
Fig. 150
On the instrument panel display: (A)
ACC temporarily inactive, vehicle detected in
front, temporary distance adjusted. (B) ACC
active, vehicle detected in front, temporary
distance adjusted. Status display
Indications on the display
››› Fig. 150 :
V ehic

le in front, the ACC is inactive.
1 152

Driver assistance systems
Interrupting control Fig. 154
On the left of the steering column:
third lever for operating the Adaptive Cruise
Control. Important: the ACC is active.
Interrupting control during driving
● Move the lever to the position 3 . The
ACC
standby message is displayed to the driver.
or
● Br ak
e.
● To resume the programmed speed, turn the
lever to position 2 .
Interrupt speed control with the vehicle
stationary
Applies to vehicles with automatic gearbox:
● Move the lever to the position 3 . The
ACC
standby message is displayed to the driver. ●
To r
esume control, apply the brake and turn
the lever to position 2 .
WARNING
It is dangerous to activate control and resume
the programmed speed if the road, traffic or
weather conditions do not permit this. Risk of
accident! Setting the distance
Fig. 155
Control lever for: setting the dis-
tance. ●
To display the distance currently program-
med, briefly press the rocking button
››› Fig. 155
.
● To inc

rease/reduce the distance one level,
press the rocking button again towards the
left/right. The instrument panel display
modifies the distance between both vehicles. If the vehicle approaches another vehicle de-
tected in front of it, the ACC reduces the
speed accordingly and then controls the ad-
justed distance. If the vehicle detected in
front accelerates, the adaptive cruise control
will also accelerate up to the target speed
programmed at most.
The greater the speed, the greater the dis-
tance in metres should be
››› . We recom-
mend the setting Distance 3
. WARNING
With regard to distance setting, the driver is
responsible for observing country-specific
legislation. Message texts
 ACC not available
The system can no longer continue to guar-
antee safe vehicle detection and will be de-
activated. The sensor has lost its setting or is
damaged. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired.
»
157
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Automatic braking
If the driver also fails to react to the pre-warn-
ing, the system may brake the vehicle auto-
matically, by progressively increasing braking
effect driving at a speed of between approxi-
mately 5 km/h (3 mph) and 210 km/h
(130 mph). By reducing speed in case of a
possible collision, the system may contribute
to reducing the consequences of an accident.
Front assist
If the Front Assist notices that the driver is
not braking sufficiently in case of a collision
hazard, the system can increase braking ef-
fect and thus avert the collision when driving
at a speed of between approximately 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph). Front as-
sist only acts while the brake pedal is press-
ed down hard. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Front Assist
cannot change the laws of physics. The driver
is always responsible for braking in time. If
the Front Assist issues a warning, then, de-
pending on the traffic circumstances, you
must brake immediately or dodge the obsta-
cle.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicle in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist alone cannot avoid acci-
dents and serious injuries. ●
In complex driving situations, the Front As-
sist may issue unnecessary warnings and in-
tervene unnecessarily in braking, such as in
traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is im-
paired, for example, by dirt or because the ra-
dar sensor has lost its settings, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and inter-
vene inopportunely in the braking.
● During driving, the Front Assist does not re-
act to people or animals or vehicles crossing
your path or which approach you head-on in
the same lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take
over the control of the vehicle. Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking,
the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions by the Front Assist
on the brakes may be interrupted by pressing
the clutch, accelerator or moving the wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as descri-
bed in this chapter (e.g. in intervenes several
times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the
system checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership. On-screen warning lamps and
messages
Fig. 158
On the instrument panel display:
Warning indications. Distance warning
If the safe distance with regard to the vehicle
in front is exceeded, the relevant warning will
appear on the instrument panel display
.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 71. Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the indi-
cations on the instrument panel screen may
be concealed by warnings from other func-
tions, such as an incoming call. 162