2015 Seat Leon SC technical data

Intelligent technology
sportier, more direct and noticeably more dy-
n amic
driv
ing sensation.
Four-wheel drive 3
Valid for vehicles: with four-wheel drive

› ›

› table on page 2
On all-wheel drive models, the engine power
is distributed to all four wheels
General notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine
power is distributed to all four wheels. The
distribution of power is controlled automati-
cally according to your driving style and the
road conditions. Also see ›››
page 178, Brak-
ing and stability systems .
The all-wheel drive is specially designed to
complement the superior engine power. This
combination gives the vehicle exceptional
handling and performance capabilities, both
on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice. Even so (or per-
haps especially for this reason), it is impor-
tant to observe certain safety points ››› .
W int
er ty

res
Thanks to all-wheel drive, your vehicle will
have plenty of traction in winter conditions,
even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless,
we still recommend that winter tyres or all- season tyres be fitted on all
four wheels t
o
give even better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory,
this also applies to cars with four-wheel drive
›››  page 61.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four
tyres must have the same rolling circumfer-
ence. Also avoid using tyres with varying
tread depths ››› page 257.
Off-roader?
Your SEAT is not an off-road vehicle: it does
not have enough ground clearance to be
used as such. It is therefore best to avoid
rough tracks and uneven terrain as much as
possible. WARNING
● Ev en w

ith all-wheel drive, you should al-
ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Risk of accident!
● The braking capability of your vehicle is
limited by
the tyres' grip. It is therefore no
different from a car without four-wheel drive.
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on firm
or slippery roads just because the vehicle still has good acceleration in these condi-
tions. Ri
sk

of accident!
● On wet roads bear in mind that the front
wheels m
ay start to “aquaplane” and lose
contact with the road if the car is driven too
fast. If this should happen, there will be no
sudden increase in engine speed to warn the
driver, as occurs with a front-wheel drive car.
For this reason you should always choose a
driving speed suitable for the road condi-
tions. Risk of accident! Power Management
Thi s
sy

stem helps to ensure reliable
starting The power management controls the distribu-
tion of
el
ectric

al energy and thus helps to en-
sure that there is always enough power avail-
able to start the engine.
If a vehicle with a conventional electrical sys-
tem is left parked for a long time, the battery
will gradually lose its charge because certain
electrical devices, such as the electronic
gearbox lock continues to draw current even
when the ignition is off. In some cases there
may not be enough power available to start
the engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the »
239
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
When the engine is running
A lthough the alt
ern
ator generates electrical
power, the battery can still become dis-
charged while the vehicle is being driven.
This can occur when a lot of power is being
consumed but only a small amount supplied,
especially if the battery is not fully charged
initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the
system will then temporarily shut off the elec-
trical devices that are using a lot of power, or
reduce the current they are consuming. Heat-
ing systems in particular use a large amount
of electrical power. If you notice, for instance,
that the seat heating* or the rear window
heater is not working, they may have been
temporarily switched off or regulated to a
lower heat output. These systems will be
available again as soon as sufficient electri-
cal power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at a
slightly faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern. The increased idling speed allows the
alternator to meet the greater power require-
ment and charge the battery at the same
time. Checking and refilling levels
Fi l
lin
g the tank
Filling up Read the additional information carefully
›› ›

 page 51
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated cor-
rectly, it will switch itself off as soon as the
fuel tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more
fuel after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill
the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is giv-
en on a sticker on the inside of the fuel tank
flap. Further notes on fuel can be found at
››› page 243.
The capacity of your vehicle's fuel tank is giv-
en in ›››
 page 51.
Vehicles with natural gas engines and hy-
brids
Every 6 months it is necessary to run on pet-
rol until the control lamp switches off  and
then the tank must be refilled. This is neces-
sary to ensure that the system works proper-
ly, as well as the fuel quality required for driv-
ing with petrol. WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable and can cause seri-
ous b

urns and other injuries.
● Do not smoke when filling the fuel tank or a
canis
ter. Naked flames are forbidden in the
vicinity due to the risk of explosion.
● Observe legislation governing the use,
stor
age and carrying of a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle.
● For safety reasons we do not recommend
carry
ing a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
In an accident the canister could be damaged
and could leak.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, you have
to carr
y a spare fuel canister, please observe
the following points:
– Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister
if it is inside or on top of the vehicle. An
electrostatic charge could build up during
filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite.
Danger of explosion. Always place the
canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the filling nozzle as far as possible
into the spare fuel canister.
– If the spare fuel canister is made of met-
al, the filling nozzle must be in contact
with the canister during filling. This
helps prevent an electrostatic charge
building up.
– Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the
luggage compartment. Fuel vapour is ex-
plosive. Risk of fatal accident! » 241
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
Closing the fuel tank cap
● Check that the gas filler mouth retainer 2is not trapped with the filler nozzle. If neces-
s
ar
y
, place it in the filler mouth again.
● Insert the plug in the filler mouth.
● Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it
click
into place. WARNING
Natural gas is a highly explosive, easily flam-
mab l

e substance. Incorrect handling of the
natural gas can cause accidents serious
burns and other injuries.
● Before refuelling with natural gas, engage
the fillin
g mouth correctly. If you can smell
gas, stop refuelling immediately. WARNING
The vehicle is not prepared to use liquefied
nat ur

al gas (LNG), and this fuel must not be
added under any circumstances. Liquefied
natural gas can cause the natural gas tank to
explode, resulting in serious injury. Note
● The fil lin

g nozzles of natural gas pumps
can differ in the way they are operated. If you
do not know, ask a qualified employee at the
petrol station to do the refuelling.
● Noises heard when refuelling are normal
and do not indicat
e the presence of a fault in
the system. ●
The v ehic

le natural gas system is prepared
both for refuelling with a small compressor
(slow refuel) and a large compressor (fast re-
fuel) in natural gas service stations. Fuel
Ty pe

s of petrol The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the
fuel
t

ank flap.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con-
verter and must only be run on unleaded pet-
rol. The petrol must comply with European
Standard EN 228 or German standard DIN
51626-1 and must be unleaded. You can re-
fuel with a maximum ethanol proportion of
10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differenti-
ated by their octane rating (RON).
The following titles appear on the corre-
sponding adhesive on the fuel tank flap:
Super unleaded 95 octane or normal 91 oc-
tane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super 95 octane pet-
rol. If this is not available: normal 91 octane
petrol, with a slight decrease in power. Super unleaded petrol with a minimum of 95
octane
s
Y

ou should use super petrol with a minimum
of 95 octanes.
If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible.
Super unleaded 98 octane or super 95 oc-
tane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super plus 98 octane
petrol. If this is not available: super 95 oc-
tane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behav-
iour, power and service life of the engine.
This is why the petrol you use should carry
suitable additives already included by the
petrol industry, free of metals. These addi-
tives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from
building up in the engine.
If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tives is not available or engine problems »
243
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
by a specialised workshop. If water is allowed
to c
o
llect in the filter, this can cause engine
performance problems. Natural gas


›› ›

table on page 2
Natural gas
Natural gas can be compressed or in liquid
form, addition to others.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the result of
heavy cooling of natural gas. Therefore its
volume is considerably reduced compared
with compressed natural gas (CNG). In vehi-
cles with a natural gas engine, liquefied nat-
ural gas cannot be directly refilled, as the gas
would expand excessively in the vehicle gas
tank.
Therefore, vehicles with a natural gas engine
must only be refuelled using compressed
natural gas ››› .
Nat ur
a

l gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is divided into the groups H and
L depending on its quality.
Gas type H has a superior heating power and
inferior nitrogen and carbon dioxide content
than type L. The higher the heating power of the natural gas, the lower the consumption
wil

l be.
However, the heating power and the propor-
tion of nitrogen and carbon dioxide can fluc-
tuate within the quality groups. Therefore, ve-
hicle consumption can also vary when using
a single type of gas only.
The engine management automatically
adapts to the natural gas used according to
its quality. Therefore, different quality gases
can be mixed in the tank, without the need
for comprehensive draining before applying a
different quality gas.
Updated information relating to natural gas
quality is displayed on the instrument panel
›››  page 31.
Natural gas and safety
If you can smell gas or suspect that there is a
leak ››› :
● Stop the vehicle immediately.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the doors to appropriately ventilate
the v
ehic

le.
● Extinguish cigarettes immediately.
● Move away from the vehicle or switch off
obj
ects that may cause sparks or a fire.
● If you continue to smell gas, do not contin-
ue drivin g! ●
Seek s pec

ialist assistance. Have the fault
repaired. WARNING
Failure to act when you can smell gas in the
vehic l

e or when refuelling can cause serious
injuries.
● Carry out the necessary operations.
● Leave the danger zone.
● If necessary, warn the emergency services. WARNING
The vehicle is not prepared to use liquefied
nat ur

al gas (LNG) and this fuel must not be
added under any circumstances. Liquefied
natural gas can cause the natural gas tank to
explode, resulting in serious injury. Note
Have the natural gas system checked regular-
ly b y

a specialised workshop, according to
the Maintenance Programme. 245
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
●
Tak e c
are not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, ev
en when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury.
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pans
ion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a l
arge, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine com-
partment
while the engine is running, the ro-
tating components (for example, poly-V belt,
alternator, radiator fan) and the high voltage
ignition system are an additional hazard.
● Observe the following additional warnings
if work
on the fuel system or the electrical
system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguish-
er immediately available. CAUTION
When topping up fluids make sure the correct
fluid is p

ut into the correct filler opening, oth-
erwise this can cause serious malfunctions or
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle
re gu

larly so that any leaks are detected at an
early stage. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids in the area where it was parked, have
your vehicle inspected at the workshop. Note
In right-hand drive vehicles* some brake flu-
id re ser

voirs are on the other side of the en-
gine compartment ››› Fig. 234. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 13
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle.
Check that the windscreen wiper arms are
not unfolded. Otherwise the paint may be
damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the
driver door is open. WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or
drips of

coolant being released from the en-
gine compartment. Failure to comply could
result in burns. Wait until no steam or coolant
can be seen before opening the bonnet. Closing the bonnet
–
Slightly lift the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay before pressing it
bac k

into its support.
– Carefully close the bonnet.
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into
plac

e.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
cla

sp. Do not press down too hard ››› .
WARNING
● For s af

ety reasons the bonnet must always
be completely closed when the vehicle is
moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet,
always check that the locking element is
properly engaged. This is the case if the bon-
net is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely
secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. 247
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
Checking engine oil level Fig. 235
Engine oil dipstick. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 page 51
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of
the oil.
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operating t

emperature is reached and
then stop.
– Wait for about two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with
a cle

an cloth and insert it again, pushing it
in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil
level

››› Fig. 235. Top up with engine oil if
necessary. Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in whic

h the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil
consumption is likely to be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the en gine mu

st be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alwa
ys observe the safety warnings
››› page 246. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
st ar

t the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a Technical Service. Topping up engine oil
 Fig. 236
In the engine compartment: Engine
oi l
fi

ller cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 51
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings ››› in Work in the engine
c omp
ar

tment on page 246.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration ››› page 246.
Engine oil specification ›››
 page 52. WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
come s

into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. » 249
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
could d amage the engine. If there is no
c oo
lant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professio-
nal assistance ››› .
– If there is still some coolant in the expan-
sion t
ank, t

op up to the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant until the level becomes
stab

le.
– Screw the cap back on correctly.
Any lo
ss of coolant fluid normally indicates a
leak in the cooling system. Take the vehicle
straight to a specialised workshop to have
the cooling system examined. If there are no
leaks in the engine cooling system, a loss of
coolant can only occur if the coolant boils
and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating. WARNING
● The coo lin

g system is under pressure. Do
not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns!
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a
health h
azard. Therefore, the antifreeze
should be stored in the original container in a
safe place out of reach of children. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, ev
en when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au- tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury
. WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sys

tem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
additiv
e is correct with respect to the lowest
expected ambient temperature in the zone in
which the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low,
the cool
ant could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heat-
ing would not work either and inadequately
dressed passengers could die of cold. CAUTION
Do not top up the expansion tank with cool-
ant fluid if it

is empty! Air could enter the
cooling system. In this case, stop driving.
Seek specialist assistance. Otherwise, there
is a risk of engine damage. CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
with c oo

lants which are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing
severe damage to the engine and the engine
cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not pur-
ple b
ut is, for example, brown, this indicates that the G13 additive has been mixed with an
ina
dequat

e coolant. The coolant must be
changed as soon as possible if this is the
case! This could result in serious faults and
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the
en vir

onment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Top
pin

g up brake fluid Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 53
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX markings.
However, if the brake fluid level goes down
noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake
system. Seek specialist assistance. A warn-
ing light on the instrument panel display
monitors the brake fluid level ››› page 108. »
251
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Do not mi x
cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely c
ertain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage!
● Not having windscreen wiper fluid reduces
vis
ibility through the windscreen, and leads
to loss of visibility in headlights in models
with headlight washer. Battery
Gener a
l

informationRead the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 53.
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment and is almost maintenance-free. It is
checked as part of the Inspection Service.
Nevertheless, check the terminals are clean
and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in
exceptional cases. When the battery is dis- connected, some of the vehicle's functions
are “los

t” (››› table on page 253). These
functions will require resetting after the bat-
tery is reconnected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you
disconnect the battery Otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
FunctionReprogramming
One-touch function of
the electric windows››› page 126, One-touch
opening and closing*.
Remote control key
If the vehicle does not re-
spond to the key, they
should be synchronised
››› page 121.
Digital clock››› page 106.
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few me-
tres, the warning lamp goes
out again. If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The
v
ehic

le has a system for monitoring the
current consumption when the engine is left
unused for long periods of time ››› page 239.
Some functions, such as the interior lights, or
the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running
flat. These functions will come back on as
soon as the ignition is switched on and the
engine started. Winter conditions
During the w

inter, the starting power may be
reduced, and if necessary, the battery should
be charged ››› in Important safety warn-
in g
s

for handling a vehicle battery on
page 254
Important safety warnings for han-
dling a v
ehicle battery All work on batteries requires specialist
kno
wl
edg

e. Please refer to a SEAT Official
Service or a workshop specialising in batter-
ies: risk of burns or exploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to
change the fluid level of the battery. Other-
wise explosive gas is released from the bat-
tery that could cause an explosion. 
Wear eye protection.

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear
protective gloves and eye protection. In the event
of electrolyte splashes, rinse off with plenty of
water.

Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited.

The battery should only be charged in a well-ven-
tilated zone. Risk of explosion!

Keep children away from acid and batteries!»
253
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety