2016 Seat Leon 5D ESP

The essentials
How does the manual air conditioning work*? Fig. 56
In the centre console: Manual air condi-
tioning c ontr
ols To switch a specific function on, press the ap-
pr
opri
at

e button. Press the button again to
switch off the function. The LED on each control lights up to indicate
that the r
espective function of a control has
been switched on.
1TemperatureTurn the control to adjust the temperature
2FanSetting 0: blower and manual air conditioning switched off
Level 6: maximum fan level.
3Air distributionRotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to the desired area. 
Defrost functionThe airflow is directed at the windscreen. Air recirculation is automatically switched off or is not switched on. Increase the fan power to clear the
windscreen of condensation as soon as possible. To dehumidify the air, the cooling system will automatically switch on.

The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by the dash panel air vents.

Distribution of air towards the chest and the footwell area.»
47

The essentials
To switch a specific function on, press the ap-
pr opri
at
e button. Press the button again to
switch off the function. The LED on each control lights up to indicate
that the r
espective function of a control has
been switched on.
1TemperatureTurn the control to adjust the temperature. The temperature cannot be lower than that of the exterior air temperature, as this system cannot cool
or dehumidify the air
2FanSetting 0: blower, heating and fresh air systems switched off
Level 6: maximum fan level
3Air distributionRotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to the desired area. 
Defrost functionThe airflow is directed at the windscreen.

The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by the dash panel air vents.

Distribution of air towards the chest and the footwell area.

Air distribution towards the footwell.

Air distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.

Heated rear window: this only works when the engine is running and switches off automatically after a maximum of 10 minutes

Air recirculation
››› page 166  
Seat heating buttons

››› in Introduction on page 163
›››
page 163 49

The essentials
The level is measured using the dipstick loca-
t ed in the en
gine c
ompartment
›››  page 262.
The oil should leave a mark between zones A and
C . It should never exceed zone
A .
● Zone A : Do not add oil.
● Zone B : You can add oil but keep the level
in th at


zone.
● Zone C : Add oil up to zone
B .
T op
pin

g up engine oil
● Unscrew cap from oil filler opening.
● Add oil slowly.
● At the same time, check the level to ensure
you do not a
dd too much.
● When the oil level reaches at least zone B ,
u n
s

crew the engine oil filler cap carefully.
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecification
Petrol without flexible
service intervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible serv-
ice interval (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without
Particulate filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506 01/VW
507 00
Engine typeSpecification
Diesel. Particulate Filter
Engines (DPF).
With or without flexible
service interval (with
and without LongLife) a)VW 507 00
Natural gas enginesVW 502 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the
engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the
engine oil. The deterioration caused by these
additives is not covered by the warranty.

››› in Changing engine oil on page 266
››› page 264 Coolant
Fig. 61
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank

cap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
ar

tment ›››
 page 262.
When the engine is cold, replace the coolant
when the level is below .
Coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from
the factory with a specially treated mixture of
water and at least 40 % of the additive G13
(TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the
necessary frost protection down to -25°C
(-13°F) and protects the light alloy parts of
the engine cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and considerably rai-
ses the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the cooling system, the percentage
of additive must always be at least 40 %, » 51

The essentials
Emergencies F u
se
s
Fuse location Fig. 64
On the driver-side dash panel: fuse
bo x
c

over Fig. 65
In the engine compartment: fuse box
c o
v

er Underneath the instrument panel
The f
use bo

x is located behind the storage
compartment ››› Fig. 64.
In the engine compartment
Press the locking tabs to release the fuse box
cover ››› Fig. 65.
Identifying fuses situated below the dash
panel by colours
ColourAmp rating
Black1
Purple3
Light brown5
Brown7.5
Red10
Blue15
Yellow20
White or transparent25
Green30
Orange40 
››› in Introduction on page 91
›››
page 91 Replacing a blown fuse
Fig. 66
Image of a blown fuse Preparation
● Switch off the ignition, lights and all elec-
tric al
equipment

.
● Open the corresponding fuse box
›››
 page 92.
Identifying a blown fuse
A fuse is blown if its metal strip is ruptured
››› Fig. 66.
● Point a lamp at the fuse to see if it has
blown.
T

o replace a fuse
● Remove the fuse.
● Replace the blown fuse by one with an
identica
l amperage rating (same colour and
markings) and identical size. 54

The essentials
● Find the s up
por
t point on the strut (sunken
area) closest to the wheel to be changed
››› Fig. 73.
● Turn the jack*, located below the strut sup-
port point, t
o raise it until tab 1
› ››
Fig. 74
is
below the housing provided.
● Align the jack* so that tab 1 “grips” onto
the hou s
in

g provided on the strut and the
mobile base 2 is resting on the ground. The
b a
se p

late 2 should fall vertically with re-
s pect
t
o the support point 1 .
● Continue turning the jack* until the wheel
i s
s

lightly lifted off the ground. WARNING
● Mak e s

ure that the jack* remains stable. If
the surface is slippery or soft, the jack* could
slip or sink, respectively, with the resultant
risk of injury.
● Only raise the vehicle with the jack* sup-
plied by
the manufacturer. Other vehicles
could slip, with the consequent risk of injury.
● Only mount the jack* on the support points
designed f
or this purpose on the strut, and
always align the jack correctly. If you do not,
the jack* could slip as it does not have an ad-
equate grip on the vehicle: risk of injury!
● The height of the parked vehicle can
chan
ge as a result of variations in tempera-
ture and loading. CAUTION
The vehicle must not be raised on the cross-
bar . On

ly place the jack* on the points de-
signed for this purpose on the strut. Other-
wise, the vehicle may be damaged. Removing and fitting a wheel
Change the wheel after loosening the wheel
bolts
and r

aising the vehicle with the jack.
Taking off the wheel ● Unscrew the wheel bolts using the box
sp anner and p

lace them on a clean surface.
● Take off the wheel.
Putting on the s
pare wheel
When fitting tyres with a compulsory rotation
direction, observe the instructions in
››› page 59.
● Mount the wheel.
● Screw on the wheel bolts in position and
tighten them loosely
with a box spanner.
● Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack*.
● Tighten the wheel bolts in diagonal pairs
usin
g the wheel brace.
The wheel bolts should be clean and turn
easily. Before fitting the spare wheel, inspect
the wheel condition and hub mounting surfa- ces. These surfaces must be clean before fit-
ting the wheel.
T

yres with compulsory direction of ro-
tation A directional tread pattern can be identified
by
the arr

ows on the sidewall that point in
the direction of rotation. Always observe the
direction of rotation indicated when fitting
the wheel to guarantee optimum properties
of this type of tyres with regard to grip,
noises, wear and aquaplaning.
If it is absolutely necessary to fit the spare
tyre* against the direction of rotation, drive
with care as this means the tyre does not of-
fer optimum driving properties. This is of par-
ticular importance when the road surface is
wet.
To return to directional tread tires, replace
the punctured tyre as soon as possible and
restore the obligatory direction of rotation of
all tyres.
Subsequent work ●
Alloy wheels: rep
l
ace the wheel bolt caps.
● Plate wheels: rep l
ace the wheel hubcap
››› page 57. » 59

The essentials
● Ret
urn al
l tools to their proper storing loca-
tion.
● If the replaced wheel does not fit in the
spar
e wheel housing, store it safely in the
luggage compartment ›››
 page 151.
● Check the tyre pressure of the newly moun-
ted tyr
e as soon as possible.
● In vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure indi-
cator
, adjust the pressure and store the read-
ing in the radio/Easy Connect system*
›››  page 275.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts c
hecked as soon as possible with a tor-
que wrench (it should be 120 Nm). Mean-
while, drive carefully.
● Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as
poss
ible.
Snow chains Use Snow chains should only be used on the
fr
on
t

wheels.
Check that they are correctly seated after
driving for a few yards; correct the position if
necessary, in accordance with the manufac-
turer's fitting instructions. Keep your speed
below 50 km/h (30 mph). If there is a danger of being trapped despite
havin

g mounted the chains, it is best to disa-
ble the driving wheels (ASR) in the ESC
›››  page 178, Switching on/off the ESC
and ASR.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as
well as traction in winter conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only
be used with the following wheel rim/tyre
combination.
195/65 R15Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
205/55 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
225/45 R17Chains with links of maximum 9 mm
225/40 R18Chains with links of maximum 9 mm Remove wheel covers and any integral trim
rin
g bef
or

e fitting snow chains.
Remove the chains when roads are free of
snow. Driving characteristics worsen, and the
wheels become damaged quickly and may
even be rendered unusable. Emergency towing of the vehi-
cle
T

owing Fig. 75
Right side of the front bumper: tow-
line anc hor
ag

e screwed in. Fig. 76
Right side of the rear bumper: towline
anc hor
ag

e screwed in. 60

The essentials
Towline anchorages
Att ac
h the b
ar or rope to the towline ancho-
rages.
The towline anchorages are located under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment,
next to the vehicle tools ›››
 page 85.
Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection ››› Fig. 75 o ››› Fig. 76 and tighten
it with the wheel brace.
Tow rope or tow bar
The tow bar offers increased safety and a
lower risk of damage.
The tow rope is recommended when there is
no tow bar. It must be elastic so that it does
not damage the vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● The tow rope must be taut before you drive
off.
● Rel

ease the clutch very carefully when start-
ing the v
ehicle (manual gearbox), or acceler-
ate gently (automatic gearbox).
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
realise how difficult it is to tow a vehicle. In-
experienced drivers should not attempt to
tow. Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle
and take c

are to avoid jerking the tow rope.
When towing on an unpaved road, there is al-
ways a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
Switch on the ignition so that the turn sig-
nals, windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer can work. Ensure that the steering
wheel is unlocked and moves freely.
Place the gear lever in neutral on vehicles
with a manual gearbox. With an automatic
gearbox, place the lever in N.
To brake, press the brake pedal firmly. The
brake servo does not work when the engine
is switched off.
The power steering only works when the igni-
tion is switched on and the vehicle is moving,
provided that the battery is sufficiently charg-
ed. Otherwise, it will need more force.
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times.

››› in General information on page 88
››› page 88 Tow-starting
If the engine will not start, first try starting it
us
in

g the battery of another vehicle
››› page 61. You should only attempt to tow-
start a vehicle if charging the battery does
not work. This is done by leveraging wheel
movement.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol en-
gine, do not tow it more than a short dis-
tance, otherwise unburned fuel can enter the
catalytic converter.
● Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
● Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
● Switch the ignition on.
● Once both vehicles are moving, release the
clut c

h.
● As soon as the engine has started, press
the clutc
h and move the gear lever to neutral.
How to jump start Jump lea
ds The jump lead must have a sufficient wire
c
r
o

ss section.
If the engine fails to start because of a dis-
charged battery, the battery can be connec-
ted to the battery of another vehicle to start
the engine. » 61

Safe driving
Safety
Saf e driv
in
g
Safety first! WARNING
● This m

anual contains important informa-
tion about the operation of the vehicle, both
for the driver and the passengers. The other
sections of the on-board documentation also
contain further information that you should
be aware of for your own safety and for the
safety of your passengers.
● Ensure that the on-board documentation is
kept in the
vehicle at all times. This is espe-
cially important when lending or selling the
vehicle to another person. Advice about driving
B ef
or

e starting every trip For your own safety and the safety of your
p
a
s

sengers, always note the following points
before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn
signal

s are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure. –
Ensur
e that all windows provide a clear and
good view of the surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured
›››
page 151.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere
with the pedal

s.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mir-
rors

properly according to your size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear
seats alw

ays have the head restraints in
the in-use position ››› page 69.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head re-
straints

according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child
seats and pr
operly applied seat belts
››› page 82.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct
your pa

ssengers also to assume a proper
sitting position. ››› page 66.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your
pas

sengers also to fasten their seat belts
properly. ››› page 71.
What affects driving safety? As a driver, you are responsible for yourself
and
y
our p

assengers. When your concentra-
tion or driving safety is affected by any cir- cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as
others on the r

oad ››› , for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not
g et
di

stracted by passengers or telephone
calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is im-
paired (e.

g. by medication, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate
for ro

ad, traffic and weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take
break

s regularly - at least every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired
or stre

ssed. WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip,
the risk of

injury and accidents increases. Safety equipment
Never put your safety or the safety of your
p
a
s

sengers in danger. In the event of an acci-
dent, the safety equipment may reduce the
risk of injury. The following list includes most
of the safety equipment in your SEAT:
● three-point seat belts,
● belt tension limiters for the front and rear
side seats, »
65
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety