2014 Seat Leon 5D engine

Driver assistance systems
●
Accelerate with caution on slippery surfa-
ces (for example, icy or snow-covered). De-
spite the control systems, the driven wheels
could spin, affecting the stability of the vehi-
cle: risk of accident! Note
● The ABS and ASR will only operate correctly
if the four wheels have identical tyres. Any
differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this is not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems
can make noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, or  alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 71. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
Fig. 146
Centre console: Button for switching
on/off the ESC and ASR The ESC is switched on automatically when
the engine is started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR and ESC function should only be
switched off in situations in which traction is
insufficient, among others:
●
When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that are not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then switch the ASR and ESC function back
on.
Depending on finishes and versions, it is
possible either to disconnect only the ASR or
else activate ESC Sport mode.
ESC in “Sport” mode
Sport mode can be connected via the Easy
Connect ››› page 81 system menu. The ability
of the E
SC to stabilise the vehicle is limited;
the traction control system (ASR) becomes
disabled ››› .
The control lamp  lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system*, the driver
will be shown the electronic stability control
(ESC) option: sport. Warning! Limited stability.
Disable ESC “Sport” mode
Through the Easy Connect system menu
››› page 81 . The warning lamp
 w
i
ll switchoff. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem*, the driver will be shown the
electronic
stability control (ESC) option: on.
Disable ASR
The Easy Connect system is used to switch off
the ASR ››› page 81. The traction control sys-
tem w

ill be disabled.
The control lamp  lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is disabled.
Activate ASR
The Easy Connect system ››› page 81 is used
to switch on the ASR. The traction control sys-
tem will be enabled.
The control lamp  switches off. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that ASR is enabled.
Disconnection of the ESC
In some versions of the model, besides the
traction control system (ASR), the electronic
stability programme (ESC) can also be
switched off.
● Press the button  ››› Fig. 146 for approxi-
mat

ely 1 second to switch off the ASR func-
tion.
● Press the button  ››› Fig. 146
for approxi-
mately 3 seconds to switch off the Electronic »
145
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

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

Operation
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tell you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Start-Stop system*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce CO
2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode ● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more
than 4 km/h (2 mph) since the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer. 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 lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop system is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 149. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
switched off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 149. Stop/Start the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play. –
When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
di s
play.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine will start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the
automatic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.
148

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

Driver assistance systems
Distance margin selected, the ACC is in-
active.
Vehicle detected in front. The ACC is ac-
tive.
Adjustment of the temporary distance
from the vehicle in front with a program-
med speed.
Temporary distance adjustment from the
vehicle in front with a programmed
speed.
Warning and control lamps
››› in Control and warning lamps on
page 71 . The speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain the distance from the vehi-
cle in front is not sufficient.
Brake! apply the foot brake! Driver intervention prompt.

The ACC is not currently available.
a)
With the vehicle stationary, switch off the engine and
start it up again. Check the radar sensor visually for dirt,
ice or knocks. If it is still unavailable, refer to a special-
ised workshop to have the system inspected.
a)
The symbol on the instrument panels with colour display is in
colour. 
The ACC is active.
No vehicle is detected in front. The programmed speed
remains constant.2
3
4
5 
If the symbol is white: the ACC is ac-
tive.
A vehicle in front has been detected. The ACC adjusts
speed and distance from the vehicle in front. 
If the symbol is grey: the ACC is not
active.
The system is switched on, but is not adjusting.


The ACC is active.
Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly when the ignition is switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 71. Note
When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the instrument panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call. Radar sensor
Fig. 151
On the front bumper: radar sensor. A radar sensor is installed on the front bump-
er to determine the traffic situation
››› Fig. 151 1 . This sensor can detect vehi-
cles in front up to a distance of approximately
120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired
by dirt, mud or snow, or by environmental in-
fluences such as rain or mist. In this case the
adaptive cruise control (ACC) does not work.
The instrument panel displays the following
message: ACC: No sensor vision! If necessary
clean the radar sensor ››› .
When the radar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the ACC will automatically be
available again. The message on the instru-
ment panel screen will switch off and the ACC
will be reactivated again. »
153
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
The following conditions may lead the ACC
not to react:
● If the accelerator is pressed.
● If there is no gear engaged.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If the driver is not wearing his/her seat
belt.
● If several brake lights of the vehicle or elec-
trically connected trailer are damaged.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● Driving faster than 160 km/h (100 mph). WARNING
There is a danger of rear collision when the
minimum distance to the vehicle in front is
exceeded and the speed difference between
both vehicles is so great that a speed reduc-
tion by the ACC will not suffice. In this case
the brake pedal should be applied immedi-
ately.
● The ACC may not be able to detect all situa-
tions properly.
● “Stepping” on the accelerator may cause
the ACC not to intervene in braking. Driver
braking will have priority over intervention by
the speed control or adaptive cruise control.
● Always be ready to use the brakes!
● Observe country-specific provisions gov-
erning obligatory minimum distances be-
tween vehicles. Note
● The programmed speed is erased once the
ignition or the ACC are switched off.
● When the traction control system (ASR) is
deactivated during acceleration or else the
ESC is activated in Sport* Mode ( ››› page 81),
the ACC switches off automatically.
● In vehicles with the Start-Stop system, the
engine switches off automatically during the
ACC stopping phase and restarts automatical-
ly to begin driving. Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbox, the ACC can brake the vehicle until
it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.
The ACC will still be available for a few sec-
onds. The vehicle will restart by itself if the
vehicle in front moves (traffic jam assistant).
Disconnection criteria
The ACC will switch off if the driver applies
the brake pedal or the driver's door is
opened.
If the vehicle in front remains stationary for
more than 3 seconds, the ACC will also
switch off for safety reasons.
In this case the
driver should take control and apply the
brake. In the latter case, when the ACC is switched
off with the vehicle stationary, the vehicle
has to be braked by the pedal, since al-
though the car is idling it can move, as there
is a gear engaged.
Restarting the vehicle with the ACC manually
The ACC can be activated again by moving
the lever to position
2
››› Fig. 154 . WARNING
Your vehicle can start up even if there is an
obstacle between your vehicle and the vehi-
cle detected in front. Risk of accident! CAUTION
● If your vehicle with ACC does not start up
as expected, you can drive off by briefly step-
ping on the accelerator.
● The Start-Stop system usually acts if you
are driving with ACC. 156

Operation
 ACC: currently not available. No sensor
v i
sion

ACC and Front Assist: currently not
available. No sensor vision
This message will be displayed to the driver if
the radar sensor's vision is impaired due, for
example, to leaves, snow, heavy fog or dirt.
Clean the sensor.
 ACC: currently not available. Gradient too
st

eep
The maximum road slope has been excee-
ded, hence safe ACC operation cannot be
guaranteed. The ACC cannot be switched on.
 ACC: only available in D, S or M
Select the D/S or M position on the selector
lever.
 ACC: parking brake applied
The ACC is deactivated if the parking brake is
applied. The ACC is available once again after
the parking brake is released.
 ACC: currently not available. Intervention
of stability control
The message for the driver is displayed when
the electronic stability control (ESC) inter-
venes. In this case, the ACC is automatically
switched off.  ACC: Take action!
The message for the driver is displayed if,
when the vehicle starts up on a hill with a
mild slope, the vehicle rolls back even al-
though the ACC is activated. Apply the brake
to stop the vehicle from moving/colliding
with another vehicle.
 ACC: speed limit
The mes

sage for the driver is displayed if, in
vehicles with manual gearbox, the current
speed is too low for the ACC mode.
The speed to be stored must be at least 30
km/h. The cruise control system switches off
if the speed falls below 20 km/h.
 ACC: available as of the 2nd gear
The ACC is operational as of the 2nd gear
(manual gearbox).
 ACC: engine speed
The message for the driver is displayed if,
when the AAC accelerates or brakes, the driv-
er does not shift up or down a gear in time,
which means exceeding or not reaching the
permissible engine speed. The AAC switches
itself off. A buzzer warning is heard.
 ACC: clutch pressed
Vehicles with a manual gearbox: pressing the
clutch pedal for longer abandons control
mode.   
Three white dots appear if a setting made
with the control lever cannot be performed.
For example, if when the vehicle is stationary
the ACC cannot be activated because the
driver is not wearing the seat belt.
Door open
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: the ACC
cannot be activated with the vehicle station-
ary and the door open.
Deactivating the Adaptive Cruise
Control ACC temporarily in certain
situations In the following situations the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) should be deactivated
due to the system's limitations
››› :
● When changing lanes, on tight bends and
roundabouts, in acceleration and decelera-
tion lanes on motorways or in sections with
road works to prevent involuntary accelera-
tion to reach the programmed speed.
● When going through a tunnel, as operation
could be affected.
● On roads with several lanes, when other ve-
hicles are driving more slowly in the overtak-
ing lane. In this case, slower vehicles will be
overtaken on the right.
158