2015 Seat Leon 5D light

Driving
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driv
in
gFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and we
ar t

o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*

››› table on page 2
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
 page 32.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine br
ak

ing effect, reducing wear on the
brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for e
xample, at level crossings
and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel
efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions. »
177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
especially on wet or slippery roads. If you no-
tice the sy
s
tems 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-
way
s 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!
● 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 w i

ll 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 mak
e noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp  lights up
, or  alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 108. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
Fig. 190
Centre console: Button for switching
on/off the E
SC

and ASR The ESC is switched on automatically when
the en
gine i
s

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 ar
e not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then switc
h 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 110 system menu. The ac-
tion of the ESC and the ASR is limited ››› .
The c ontr
o

l 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 110. The warning lamp  will switch
off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem*, the driver will be shown the elec-
tronic stability control (ESC)
option: on.
Disable ASR
The Easy Connect system is used to switch off
the ASR ››› page 110. The traction control sys-
tem will 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 110 is used
to switch on the ASR. The traction control sys-
tem will be enabled.
180

Driver assistance systems
The control lamp  swit
c hes 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. 190 for approxi-
mately 1 second to switch off the ASR func-
tion.
● Press the button  ›››
Fig. 190 for approxi-
mately 3 seconds to switch off the Electronic
Stability programme (ESC), including the ASR
function.
● The ASR and ESC function are reconnected
by pr
essing the button  ››› Fig. 190.
● OR: activate or deactivate the ASR or ESC
fu
nction in the Easy Connect system by
means of the button  and the function
b utt
on

s Setup and
E
SC
System .
WARNING
You should switch on the ESC Sport mode on-
ly if the tr

affic conditions and your driving
ability allow you to do so safely: risk of skid-
ding!
● With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising
function w
ill be limited to allow for a sportier
drive. The driving wheels could spin and the
vehicle could “skid”. ●
If the E SC/ASR i

s deactivated, the vehicle
stabilisation function is not available. Note
If the ASR is disconnected or the ESC’s Sport
mode i s sel

ected, cruise control* will be
switched off. Brakes
New brake pads
F
or the fir
s

t 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 cert

ain 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
››› .
»
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
●
When fo l
lowing 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. Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
c an t el

l you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Start-Stop system*
D e
s

cription and operation 

›› ›

table on page 2
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 mu s

t have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more
than 4 km/h (2 mph) sinc
e the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer. WARNING
● Never sw it

ch 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 vehic
le 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 sys
tem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 185. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
swit c

hed off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 185. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and r

elease 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 wil

l 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 k

eep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wi

ll start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the auto-
matic 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. »
183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
If the selector lever is placed in position R
durin g the s
t
opping 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. Note
● You c an c

ontrol 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 stop
ping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual g
earbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
f

or different reasons. The engine does not switch off
Befor

e the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum required t
emperature for the Start-Stop
mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air
conditioner ha
s not yet been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
 page 45.
● The parking 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.
● In the CUPRA version with automatic gear-
box, when it i
s in Tiptronic mode or in its
sports driving position ( S).
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 s

topping 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 select
ed on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
 page 45.
● The brake has been pressed several times
consec
utively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption. Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
select or l

ever 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. 184

Operation
Several warning and indication lamps light
up f or a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds.
Displayed on the CCS screen
Status Fig. 192:
CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small figures.
System error. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is
empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is
displayed in large figures. WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and sev

ere 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 dis
tance 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 unpav
ed roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance
to the v
ehicles ahead in line with visibility, A
B
C
D weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic
s

ituation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise
contro
l 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 pr
evailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot
maintain a c
onstant speed. The vehicle tends
to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 109. Operating the cruise control system*
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 40
The value indicated in the table in brackets
(in mph, miles per hour) only refers to instru-
ment panels with indications in miles.
Changing gear in CCS mode
The CCS decelerates as soon as the clutch
pedal is pressed, intervening again automati-
cally after a gear is engaged. Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travel

ling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:
● If the system detects a fault that could af-
fect the w
orking order of the CCS.
● If you press and maintain the accelerator
pedal f
or a certain time, driving faster than
the stored speed.
● If the dynamic driving control systems in-
terv
ene (e.g. ASR or ESC).
● If the airbag is triggered.
186

Driver assistance systems
Adaptive Cruise Control ACC* Intr oduction Fig. 193
Detection area. 

›› ›
table on page 2
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an exten-
sion of the normal cruise control system
(CCS) ››› .
The A C
C

function allows the driver to estab-
lish a cruise speed of between 30 and 160
km/h (18 and 100 mph), as well as the tem-
porary distance required with regard to the
vehicle in front. The ACC function will adapt
the vehicle's cruise speed at all times, main-
taining a safe distance with the vehicle in
front.
The ACC function is based on a radar sensor
that can measure the distance to the vehicles
in front. If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbo

x, the ACC can brake the vehicle until
it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.
Driver intervention prompt
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain
limitations inherent in the system. In other
words, in certain circumstances the driver will
have to adjust speed him or herself, as well
as the distance from other vehicles.
In this case, the instrument panel screen will
warn you to intervene by applying the brake
and a warning tone will be heard
››› page 188. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
ov er

come 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
vehicl
e 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 r
oads, 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 unpav
ed roads. The ACC has been de-
signed for use on paved roads only. ●
The AC C

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 vehic
les crossing your path or which ap-
proach you head-on in the same lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-
ly, brak
e 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 af
ter a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.
● If the dash panel displays a driv
er interven-
tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.
● The driver should be ready to accelerate or
brake b
y him/herself at all times. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d

amaged, 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. » 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
The ACC is active.
No vehicle is detected in front. The programmed speed
remains constant.

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 indication lamps will light
up briefly
when the ignition i
s

switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Warning
and indication l amp
s on page 109. Note
When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the ins trument

panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call. Radar sensor
Fig. 195
On the front bumper: radar sensor. A radar sensor is installed on the front bump-
er t
o det
ermine the tr

affic situation
››› Fig. 195 1 . This sensor can detect vehi-
c l
e

s 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 r a
d

ar 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.
ACC operation may be affected by a strong ra-
dar reverse reflection. This may occur, for ex- ample, in a closed car park or due to the
presenc

e of metallic objects (e.g. rails on the
road or sheets used in road works).
The area in front of and around the radar sen-
sor should not be covered with adhesives,
additional or similar headlights, as this may
negatively affect ACC operation.
If structural modifications are made to the ve-
hicle, for example, if the suspension is low-
ered or the front spoiler is modified, ACC op-
eration may be affected. So structural modifi-
cations should only be made by specialised
workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this purpose.
If work is done incorrectly on the front of the
vehicle, the radar sensor could be damaged
or lose its settings, and ACC operation may
be affected. So repair work should only be
made by specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is d

amaged or has lost its settings, dis-
connect the ACC. This will avoid possible
damage. If this occurs have it adjusted.
● The sensor may become damaged or lose
its settin
gs when knocked, for example, dur-
ing a parking manoeuvre. This may compro-
mise the system's efficacy or disconnect it. » 189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety