2015 Seat Leon 5D brakes

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

Operation
Fault in the brake system
If the br
ak
e pedal travel should ever increase
suddenly, this may mean that one of the two
brake 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.
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
● App ly

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 en
gine is stopped. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in an
accident.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes. CAUTION
● Never l et

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 br ak

e 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 s
uch 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
E
SC.
The hi l

l 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-
prox

imately 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 f
or 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 y

ou 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 u
se the hand brake immediately.182

Driver assistance systems
Programme speed and activate control
● Press the S
ET
› ››
Fig. 197
b utton to pro-
gramme current speed.
● Automatic gearbox: apply the brake pedal
to activat
e control with the vehicle stationary.
Deactivating the ACC
● Move the lever to position 0 until it en-
g ag
e

s. The text ACC: off appears.
Altering speed
● To increase or reduce speed step by step,
pres
s the lever up/down briefly ››› Fig. 197.
Any modification to the programmed speed
is shown on the bottom left part of the instru-
ment panel display.
Adjusting distance level
The distance according to speed with regard
to the vehicle in front can be controlled on
the Easy Connect system on 5 levels
›››  page 28.
In wet road conditions, you should always set
a larger distance with regard to the vehicle in
front than when driving in dry conditions.
The following distances can be preselected:
● Very short
● Short
● Media ●
Long
● V

ery long
You can u
se the Easy Connect system to ad-
just the level of distance that should be ad-
justed when the ACC is switched on with the
button  and the function buttons
 and
Driv er a
s

sistance
› ››
 p
age 28.
Adju
sting the driving programme
In vehicles with driving profile selection
(SEAT Drive Profile), the profile selected can
influence acceleration behaviour
››› page 204.
The following driving programmes items can
be selected:
● Normal
● Sport
● Eco
In vehic
les without driving profile selection,
acceleration behaviour can be influenced by
selecting a driving programme on the Easy
Connect system by means of the button  and the function buttons
 and
Driv er a
s

sistance
› ›
›
 page 28.
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 sev

eral 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 dis t

ance 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 pr
operly.
● “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 ob
ligatory minimum distances be-
tween vehicles. Note
● The progr ammed s

peed is erased once the
ignition or the ACC are switched off. » 191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
 A CC: Take action!
The me s
sage 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 message 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 Con-
trol
ACC temporarily in certain situa-
tions In the following situations the Adaptive
C
rui
se C

ontrol (ACC) should be deactivated
due to the system's limitations ››› :
● When changing lanes, on tight bends and
r ou
nd

abouts, 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
coul
d be affected.
● On roads with several lanes, when other ve-
hicle
s are driving more slowly in the overtak-
ing lane. In this case, slower vehicles will be
overtaken on the right. ●
In case of
heavy rain, snow or spray, as the
vehicle in front might not be detected proper-
ly or, in certain circumstances, might not be
detected at all. WARNING
If the ACC does not switch off in the situa-
tions de

scribed, serious accidents and inju-
ries may occur.
● Always switch off the ACC in critical situa-
tions. Note
If you do not switch off the ACC in the afore-
mentioned sit uation

s, you may commit a le-
gal offence. 194

Operation
driver has to intervene by accelerating or in-
t erruptin
g the br
aking process by applying
the brake or pushing the third lever back-
wards ››› page 190.
Driving in tunnels
When driving through tunnels the radar sen-
sor may be limited. Switch off the ACC in tun-
nels.
Narrow or misaligned vehicles
The radar sensor can only detect narrow or
misaligned vehicles when they are within
range ››› Fig. 200 B. This applies particularly
to narrow vehicles such as motorbikes. In
these cases, you should brake as necessary.
Vehicles with special loads and accessories
Special loads and accessories of other vehi-
cles that jut out over the sides, backwards or
over the top may be out of the ACC's range.
Switch off the ACC when driving behind vehi-
cles with special loads and accessories or
when overtaking them. In these cases, you
should brake as necessary.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lanes a short distance
away from your own can only be detected
when they are within range of the sensors.
Consequently, the ACC will take longer to re- act
››› Fig. 201 C. In these cases, you should
brake as necessary.
Stationary vehicles
The ACC does not detect stationary objects
while driving, such as traffic tails or damaged
vehicles.
If a vehicle detected by the ACC turns or
moves over and there is a stationary vehicle
in front of it, the ACC will not react to it
››› Fig. 201 D. In these cases, you should
brake as necessary.
Vehicles driving in the opposite direction
and vehicles crossing your path
The ACC does not react to vehicles approach-
ing from the opposite direction or vehicles
crossing your path.
Metal objects
Metal objects, e.g. rails on the road or sheets
used in road works, can confuse the radar
sensor and cause the ACC to react wrongly.
Factors that may affect how the radar sensor
operates
If laser sensor operation is impaired, due to
heavy rain, spray, snow or mud, the ACC is
deactivated temporarily. The relevant text
message will appear in the dash panel dis-
play. If necessary, clean the radar sensor. When the radar sensor begins to operate
properly ag
ain, 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, for example in a closed
car park.
Trailer towing
When driving with trailer the ACC controls
less dynamically.
Overheated brakes
If the brakes overheat, for example after
abrupt braking or in long and steep slopes,
the ACC may be deactivated temporarily. The
relevant text message will appear in the dash
panel display. In this case, adaptive cruise
control cannot be activated.
Adaptive cruise control can be reactivated
once brake temperature has cooled suffi-
ciently. The message will disappear from the
instrument panel display. If the message ACC
not available remains on for quite a long
time it means that there is a fault. Contact a
specialised workshop. SEAT recommends vis-
iting a SEAT dealership.
196

Driver assistance systems
WARNING
If the message ACC ready to start ap-
pear s
on the instrument panel display and
the vehicle in front starts up, the vehicle will
start up automatically. In this case the radar
sensor may not detect obstacles on the road.
This could cause an accident and serious in-
juries.
● Before driving off, check that the road is
cle
ar. If necessary, apply the brake. Monitoring system Front As-
s
i
s

t*
Introduction 

›› ›

table on page 2
The Front Assist Monitoring system helps to
prevent rear collisions.
The Front Assist can warn the driver of colli-
sion hazards, prepare the vehicle for emer-
gency braking in case of danger, assist the
driver on braking and cause automatic brak-
ing.
The Front Assist is not a replacement for
driver awareness. Distance warning
If the sy
s

tem detects that safety is endan-
gered by the proximity of the vehicle in front,
it may warn the driver by means of a message
on the instrument panel when driving at a
speed of between approximately 60 km/h
(37 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph)
››› Fig. 202.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour.
Pre-warning
If the system detects a possible collision with
the vehicle in front, it may warn the driver by
means of an audible warning and an indica-
tion on the instrument panel when driving at
a speed of between approximately 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph)
››› Fig. 202.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour. At
the same time, the vehicle will prepare for a
possible emergency braking ››› .
C ritic
a

l warning
If the driver fails to react to the pre-warning,
the system may actively intervene in the
brakes when driving at a speed of between
approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph), generating a brief jolt
to warn of the imminent collision. Automatic braking
If the driver al

so 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 c

hange 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
vehicl
e 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 seriou
s injuries. » 197
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
City Emergency braking function Fig. 205
On the instrument panel display:
pr e-w
arnin
g message The City Emergency braking function is part
of
the Fr
ont

Assist monitoring and is active
whenever the system is switched on.
Depending on the equipment, the pre-warn-
ing function can be switched on or off in the
Easy Connect system with the button  and
the f u
nction b

uttons  and
Driv
er As
s ist›››
 pag
e 28.
The C ity Emergency braking function picks
up, at speeds between 5 km/h (3 mph) and
30 km/h (19 mph) approximately, the traffic
situation in front of the vehicle up to a dis-
tance of about 10 m. If the system detects a possible collision with
a v
ehic

le in front of it, the vehicle prepares
for a possible emergency braking ››› .
If the driv
er f

ails to react to a possible colli-
sion, the system may brake the vehicle auto-
matically, by progressively increasing braking
effect driving to reduce speed in the event of
a collision. The system can thus help to re-
duce the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by means of the City
Emergency braking function is displayed on
the instrument panel by means of the pre-
warning ››› Fig. 205 1)
. WARNING
The smart technology included in the City
Emerg ency

braking function cannot defy the
laws of physics. The driver is always respon-
sible for braking in time.
● 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.
● The City Emergency braking function alone
cannot pr
event accidents or serious injury.
● In complex driving situations, the City
Emergency
braking function may issue unnec-
essary warnings and intervene inopportunely in braking, such as in work areas or if there
are met
a

l rails.
● If the operation of the City Emergency brak-
ing fu
nction is impaired, for example, by dirt
or because the radar sensor has lost its set-
tings, the system may issue unnecessary
warnings and intervene inopportunely in the
braking.
● During driving, the City Emergency braking
function doe
s not react to people or animals
or vehicles crossing your path or which ap-
proach you head-on in the same lane. Note
● When the City Emer

gency braking function
causes a braking, the brake pedal is “hard-
er”.
● Automatic interventions on the brakes by
the City Emer
gency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch, accelera-
tor or moving the wheel.
● The City Emergency braking function can
brake the
vehicle until it stops completely.
However, the brake system does not halt the
vehicle permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inopportune intervenes occur,
switc
h off the Front Assist and with it the City
Emergency braking function. Take it to a spe-
cialised workshop, SEAT recommends visiting
a SEAT dealership. »1)
The symbol on the instrument panels with colour
dis p

lay is in colour. 201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Anti-theft alarm system When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
ger
ed when the el
ectrical connection be-
tween vehicle and trailer is interrupted.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 121.
Conditions for the integration of a trailer in
the anti-theft alarm system.
● The vehicle is factory-equipped with an an-
ti-theft al

arm system and a towing bracket
device.
● The trailer is connected electrically to the
tow
ing vehicle by the trailer connector.
● The electrical system of the vehicle and the
trail
er are prepared for operation.
● The vehicle is locked with the ignition key
and the anti-theft al
arm system is activated.CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear
LED lights ar

e not integrated in the anti-theft
alarm system. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar e. W

eight distribution
The weight di
stribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving in a low gear and high
engine speed, always monitor the coolant
temperature gauge ››› page 108. Electronic stability control*
The ESC* sys
tem helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking.
Retrofitting a towing bracket* Fig. 232
Attachment points for towing brack-
et . 228