Opening and closing
The battery is located to the rear of the vehi-
c l
e k
ey, under a cover.
Changing the battery
● Unfold the vehicle key blade ›››
page 117.
● Remove the cover from the back of the ve-
hicle k
ey ››› Fig. 132 in the direction of the ar-
row ››› .
● Extract the battery from the compartment
u s
in
g a suitable thin object ››› Fig. 133.
● Place the new battery in the compartment
as sho
wn ››› Fig. 133, pressing in the oppo-
site direction to that shown by the arrow
››› .
● Fit the cover as shown ››
›
Fig. 132 , pressing
it onto the vehicle key casing in the opposite
direction to that shown by the arrow until it
clicks into place. CAUTION
● If the b att
ery is not changed correctly, the
vehicle key may be damaged.
● Use of unsuitable batteries may damage
the vehic
le key. For this reason, always re-
place the dead battery with another of the
same voltage, size and specifications.
● When fitting the battery, check that the po-
larity i
s correct. For the sake of the environment
Please dispose of your used batteries correct-
ly and w ith r
espect for the environment. Synchronising the vehicle key
If the button
is pressed frequently outside
of the v
ehicle range, it is possible that the ve-
hicle can no longer be locked or unlocked us-
ing the key. In this case, the key must be re-
synchronised as described below:
● Unfold the vehicle key blade ››
›
page 117.
● If necessary, remove the cover from the
driver door lev
er ›››
page 10.
● Press the button on the vehicle key. For
thi s, it
mu
st remain with the vehicle.
● Open the vehicle within one minute using
the key b
lade. The key has been synchron-
ised.
● If necessary, fit the cap. Childproof lock 3
Applies to vehicles with 5 doors: Fig. 134
Childproof lock on the left hand side
door . The childproof lock prevents the rear doors
fr
om bein
g opened fr
om the inside. This sys-
tem prevents minors from opening a door ac-
cidentally while the vehicle is running.
This function is independent of the vehicle
electronic opening and locking systems. It
only affects rear doors. It can only be activa-
ted and deactivated manually, as described
below:
Activating the childproof lock
– Unlock the vehicle and open the door in
which y
ou wish to activate the childproof
lock.
– With the door open, rotate the groove in
the door usin
g the ignition key, clockwise
for the left hand side doors ››› Fig. 134 and »
123
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
anti-clockwise for the right hand side
door s.
D e
activating the childproof lock
– Unlock the vehicle and open the door
whose chi
ldproof lock you want to deacti-
vate.
– With the door open, rotate the groove in
the door usin
g the ignition key, anti-clock-
wise for the left hand side doors ››› Fig. 134
and clockwise for the right hand side
doors.
Once the childproof lock is activated, the
door can only be opened from the outside.
The childproof lock can be activated or deac-
tivated by inserting the key in the groove
when the door is open, as described above.
Anti-theft alarm system* Des
cription The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to
br
e
ak
into the vehicle or steal it.
The anti-theft alarm is automatically turned
on when the vehicle is locked with the key.
● The turn signal light will flash twice on
opening and deactiv
ating the alarm. ●
The turn sign
al light will flash once on clos-
ing and activating the alarm.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The anti-theft alarm siren will be triggered for
about 30 seconds accompanied by sound
and optical (flashing) warning signals and
will be repeated about ten times when the
vehicle is locked and the following unauthor-
ised actions are attempted:
● Opening a door that is mechanically un-
locked u
sing the vehicle key without switch-
ing on the ignition in the next 15 seconds (in
certain markets, such as the Netherlands,
there is no 15 second waiting time and the
alarm is activated immediately on opening
the door).
● A door is opened.
● The bonnet is opened.
● The rear lid is opened.
● When the ignition is switched on with a
non-authorised k
ey.
● When the vehicle battery is disconnected.
● Movement inside the vehicle (in vehicles
with interior monit
oring ››› page 126).
● When the vehicle is towed (in vehicles with
anti-tow sy
stem ››› page 126).
● When the vehicle is raised (in vehicles with
anti-to w sy
stem ››› page 126). ●
When the v ehic
le is transported on a ferry
or by rail (vehicles with an anti-tow system or
vehicle interior monitoring ››› page 126).
● When a trailer connected to the anti-theft
alarm sys
tem is disconnected.
How to turn OFF the alarm
Unlock the vehicle with the unlocking button
on the key or turn on the ignition with a valid
key. Note
● Aft er 28 d
ays, the indicator light will be
switched off to prevent the battery from ex-
hausting if the vehicle has been left parked
for a long period of time. The alarm system
remains activated.
● If, after the audible warning goes off, an-
other monitored ar
ea is accessed (e.g. the
rear lid is opened after a door has been
opened), the alarm is triggered again.
● The anti-theft alarm is not activated when
the vehic
le is locked from within using the
central locking button .
● If the driver door is unlocked mechanically
with the k ey
, only the driver door is unlocked,
the rest of the doors remain locked. Only
when the ignition has been turned on will the
other doors be available - but not unlocked -
and the central locking button will be activa-
ted. 124
Operation
Adjusting the front head restraints Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 14
Adjust the head restraint ›››
page 14 so
that as far as possible the top of the head re-
straint is level with the top of your head.
When this is not possible, try to get as close
as possible to this position.
Adjusting the rear head restraints Fig. 146
Rear centre head restraint: release
point . When transporting people in the back seat,
p
l
ac
e the head restraints of the occupied
seats at a minimum of the next socket up
››› . Adjusting the head restraints
– To set the head restraint higher, grasp the
side
s
with both hands and move it up-
wards, until you see it engage.
– To set the head restraint lower down, press
the 1
› ››
Fig. 146
b
utton and move it
downwards.
Removing the head restraint
To remove the head restraint, the correspond-
ing backrest must be partially folded forward. – Unlock the backrest ›››
page 147.
– Move the head restraint upwards until it ar-
rives
to the top.
– Press button 1
› ›
› Fig. 146
, while simulta-
neously pressing on the security hole 2 ›››
Fig. 146 with a fl at
screwdriver a maxi-
mum of 5 mm wide, and remove the head
restraint.
– Move the backrest until it engages properly
›› ›
.
Fittin g the he
a
d restraint
To mount the external head restraints, the
corresponding backrest must be partially fol-
ded forward.
– Unlock the backrest ›››
page 147.
– Insert the head restraint bars into the
guides u
ntil they perceptibly engage. It should not be possible to remove the head
res
traint from the backrest.
– Move the backrest until it engages properly
›››
.
WARNING
● Ple a
se observe the general notes
››› page 69.
● Remove the rear head restraints only when
it is
necessary for the placement of a child
seat ››› page 82. After removing a child seat,
remount the head restraint immediately.
Travelling with the head restraints removed
or improperly adjusted increases the risk of
severe injuries. Seat functions
Intr oduction WARNING
Inappropriate use of the seat functions can
cau se sev
ere injuries.
● Assume the proper sitting position before
your trip and rem
ain in it throughout. This al-
so applies to the other occupants.
● Always keep hands, fingers, feet and other
part
s of the body away from the operating ra-
dius and the adjustment of seats. 144
Seats and head restraints
compartment will not fly forward through the
interior durin
g s
udden braking.CAUTION
● With the b ac
krest inclined there is a danger
of damaging the rear head restraints when
adjusting the front seats backwards.
● When folding the backrest forwards, make
sure t
o place the side seat belts in the trim
clip to prevent them from being damaged by
becoming trapped in the backrest lock. Folding down and lifting the rear seat
b
ac
k
rest 3 App
lies to the model: LEON ST Fig. 151
On the rear seat backrest: release
c at
c
h 1 ; red mark
2 . Fig. 152
In the luggage compartment: levers
for r emot
e release of the left part 1 and right
par t
2 of the rear seat backrest.
The rear seat backrest is split and each part
be lo
w
er
ed separately to extend the luggage
compartment.
When the rear seat backrest is lowered no-
body else can travel in the corresponding
seats (not even a child).
Lowering the rear seat backrest with the un-
lock button
● Lower the head restraint properly.
● Push the unlock button ›››
Fig. 151 1 for-
w ar
d
s and at the same time lift the backrest.
● The rear seat backrest is not engaged when
the red mark
ing of the button 2 is visible.
L o
w
ering the rear seat backrest with the re-
mote release lever
● Lower the head restraint properly. ●
Open the rear lid.
● P
ull the remote release lever of the left part
›››
Fig. 152 1 or right part
2 of the backrest
in the dir ection of
the arr
ow. The released
part of the rear seat backrest is folded auto-
matically down and forwards.
● If this occurs, close the rear lid.
The rear se
at backrest is not engaged when
the red marking of the button ››› Fig. 151 2 is visible.
F
o
l
ding up the rear seat backrest
● Lift the backrest and press it firmly into the
lock u
ntil it engages ››› .
● It should not be possible to see the red
m ark
of
the unlock button 2 .
● The backrest must be properly engaged. WARNING
Serious injuries can be caused if the rear seat
bac k
rest is lowered or lifted without due care
and attention.
● Never lower or lift the rear seat backrest
while driv
ing.
● Do no trap or damage the seat belt when
rais
ing the rear seat backrest.
● When lowering or lifting the rear seat back-
res
t, keep your hands, fingers, feet and other
body parts out of its path. » 147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
For the r e
ar seat belts to offer the necessa-
ry protection all the parts of the rear backrest
must be properly engaged. This is particular-
ly important in the case of the centre rear
seat. If someone is seated in a seat whose
backrest is not properly engaged they will fly
forward, along with the backrest, during an
accident or a sudden driving or braking ma-
noeuvre.
● A red signal on the button 2 warns that
the bac k
rest is not engaged. Always check
that the red marking is not visible when the
backrest is in the upright position.
● When the rear seat backrest is lowered or is
not properly
engaged nobody else can travel
in the corresponding seats (not even a child). CAUTION
Serious damage can be caused to the vehicle
and other ob j
ects if the rear seat backrest is
lowered or lifted without due care and atten-
tion.
● Before lowering the rear seat backrest, al-
way
s adjust the front seats so that neither
the head restraints nor the cushions of the
rear backrest can hit them. Transport and practical
equipment
St or
ag
e compartments
Storage areas under the front seats* Fig. 153
Storage compartment under the
fr ont
se
ats. There is a storage compartment with a cover
u
nder e
ac
h front seat.
The drawer* is opened by pulling on the han-
dle of the cover ››› Fig. 153.
To close the drawer, press the cover until it
locks into position. WARNING
● The dra w
ers will hold a maximum weight of
1.5 kg. ●
Do not driv e w
ith the drawer cover open.
There is an injury risk for passengers if the
cargo is released in case of sudden braking or
an accident. Folding table*
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 154
Left-hand front seat: folding table. –
To open the tray, open it up in the direction
of the arr
o
w ››› Fig. 154. WARNING
● The fo l
ding trays may not be folded down
whilst the vehicle is in motion and anyone is
seated on the second row of seats. There is a
risk of injury during a sudden braking ma-
noeuvre! The tray must therefore be closed
and properly secured whilst the vehicle is in
motion. 148
Transport and practical equipment
Storing objects Lo
a
ding the luggage compartment
›› ›
table on page 2
All luggage and other loose objects must be
safely secured in the luggage compartment.
Unsecured objects which shift back and forth
could impair the driving safety or driving
characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity. – Distribute the load evenly in the luggage
comp ar
tment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possi-
ble in the lug
gage compartment.
– Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening
rings
›››
page 157. WARNING
● Loo se lug
gage and other objects in the lug-
gage compartment could cause serious inju-
ries.
● Always stow objects in the luggage com-
partment
and secure them on the fastening
rings.
● Use suitable straps to secure heavy ob-
jects.
● D
uring sudden manoeuvres or accidents,
loose ob
jects can be thrown forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This in-
cr
e
ased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag. If this happens, objects may shoot out-
ward like a missile. Risk of fatal injury.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when tr
ansporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or
allo
wed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cia
lly when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehic
le. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle. Note
● Air cir c
ulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered. ●
Strap s
for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings are commercially available. Luggage compartment cover
3 Applies to the model: LEON/LEON SC
Fig. 159
In the luggage compartment: remov-
in g and in
s
talling the rear shelf. Fig. 160
In the luggage compartment: remov-
in g and in s
talling the rear shelf. » 151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
●
Vehic l
es with automatic gearbox: after
switching off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is
in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
lector lever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1›››
Fig. 186.
Eng agin
g the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
› ›
› Fig. 186
››› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gag
e.
P
ossible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. 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
, ther
e 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 suddenly lock, making it impossible
to steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you
leav
e the vehicle. This is particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries. CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high
loa d f
or a long time, there is a risk of heat
building up in the engine compartment after
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore you switch it off. Note
● Aft er the en
gine is switched off the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if
the ignition is switched off. It is also possible
that the fan turns itself on once more if the
coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment
or due to its prolonged exposure to solar ra-
diation. ●
If the v
ehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the vehi-
cle, otherwise the battery could discharge. Starter button*
Fig. 187
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: s
tarter button. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
ar
ter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats.
Opening the driver's door when exiting the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.
Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly push the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
»
169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
For vehicles with both manual and automatic
tr an
smi
ssion, the starter button text
START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
t
em is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.
Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is switched off automatically
after a certain time. If at that time the dipped
beam is on, the parking lights will stay on for
approx. 30 minutes. The side light can be
turned off by blocking the vehicle
››› page 116 or manually ››› page 131.
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat: ● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, keep the
vehicle key next to the right
trim of the steering column.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally. Emergency disconnection
If the engine doe
s not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds or pr
ess it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
● The engine turns off automatically.
En gine r
e
start feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:
● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal,
● the driver door is opened.
After aut
omatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
side light g
oes out. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s
ult in serious injury.
● When switching on the ignition, do not
pre
ss the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar
e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● Bef or
e leaving the vehicle, always discon-
nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel.
● If the vehicle is stationary for a long time
with the ignition on, the v
ehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine.
● In diesel vehicles, there may be a delay in
the engine st
arting if it requires preheating.170