2016 Seat Leon 5D warning

Operation
Safety lug
The s af
ety
lug B
› ››
Fig. 237
i
s used to hook
up the trailer's retainer cable.
On hooking it up to the safety lug, the retain-
er cable should have slack in all the trailer
positions with respect to the vehicle (sharp
bends, reverse gear, etc.).
Headlights
The front part of the vehicle may be raised
when the trailer is connected and the light
may dazzle the rest of the traffic.
Adapt the height of the headlights using the
headlight range rotary adjuster 1)
. WARNING
● Never u se the s

afety lug to tow!
● Adjust your speed to suit the road and traf-
fic condition
s.
● All work on the electrical system must be
carried out on
ly by specialised workshops.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electric
al connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources.
● After hooking up the trailer and connecting
the socket, c
heck that all the trailer's rear
lights are working properly. Note
● If ther e i

s any fault in the trailer's lighting,
check the fuses in the instrument panel fuse
box ›››
 page 54.
● The contact between the retainer cable and
the safety
lug may give rise to mechanical
wear in the lug's surface protection. This
wear will not prevent the safety lug from op-
erating properly or cause any fault and is ex-
cluded from the warranty.
● When connecting and disconnecting the
trail
er, the towing vehicle's handbrake
should be applied. Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
g
er
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 124.
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 trail
er is connected electrically to the
towing 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 distribution 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 1)
This does not apply for vehicles with bi-xenon
hea dlights.
242

Operation
tightened using a torque wrench, and a pow-
er soc k
et
must be connected to the vehicle
electrical system. This requires specialised
knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the eleva-
tion value and the att
achment points which
must be considered if you are retrofitting a
towing bracket. WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a spe-
ci a

lised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly instal-
led, there i
s a serious danger of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the tow
brack
et manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION
● If the po w

er socket is incorrectly installed,
this could cause damage to the vehicle elec-
trical system. Note
● SEA T r

ecommends that the towing hooks
be fitted at a specialised workshop. Consult
your SEAT dealer in case additional modifica-
tions to your vehicle are necessary.
● Due to the specific design of the exhaust,
the fitting of a c
onventional towing hook is
not recommended for some sportier versions.
Please consult your Technical Service. 244

Care and maintenance
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
Accessories, replacement parts and
repair work Always ask your dealer or specialist retailer
f
or a
dv

ice before purchasing accessories and
replacement parts.
Your vehicle is designed to offer a high
standard of active and passive safety. For this
reason, we recommend that you ask a SEAT
Official Service for advice before fitting ac-
cessories or replacement parts. Your SEAT Of-
ficial Service has the latest information from
the manufacturer and can recommend acces-
sories and replacement parts which are suita-
ble for your requirements. They can also an-
swer any questions you might have regarding
official regulations.
We recommend you to use only SEAT acces-
sories and Genuine SEAT parts ®
. SEAT has
tested these parts and accessories for suita-
bility, reliability and safety. SEAT Official
Services have the necessary experience and
facilities to ensure that the parts are installed
correctly and professionally. Any
retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect
on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv-
en, such as a cruise control system or elec-
tronically-controlled suspension, must be
approved for use in your vehicle and bear the
e mark (the European Union's authorisation
symbol).
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self (for instance a refrigerator box, laptop or
ventilator fan, etc.), they must bear the 
sign (manufacturer conformity declaration in
the European Union). WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders
or cup ho l

ders, should never be fitted on the
covers, or within the working range of the air-
bags. Otherwise, there is a danger of injury if
the airbag is triggered in an accident. Modifications
Modifications must always be carried out ac-
c
or
din

g to our specifications.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
components, software, wiring or data transfer
in the vehicle may cause malfunctioning. Due
to the way the electronic components are
linked together in networks, other indirect
systems may be affected by the faults. This
can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of components, and also invalidate your
vehicl

e registration documents.
You will appreciate that your SEAT dealership
cannot be held liable for any damage caused
by modifications and/or work performed in-
correctly.
We therefore recommend that all work should
be performed by a SEAT Official Service using
genuine SEAT parts ®
. WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other
work on

your vehicle can lead to malfunctions
and cause accidents. Radio transmitters and office equip-
ment
Radio transmitters (fixed installation)
An
y
r

etrofit installations of radio transmitters
in the vehicle require prior approval. SEAT
generally authorises in-vehicle installations
of approved types of radio transmitters provi-
ded that:
● The aerial is installed correctly.
● The aerial is installed on the exterior of the
vehicl
e (and shielded cables are used togeth-
er with non-reflective aerial trimming).
● The effective transmitting power does not
exc
eed 10 Watts at the aerial base. »
245
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
A SEAT Official Service and specialised work-
shop w i
l
l be able to inform you about options
for installing and operating radio transmitters
with a higher transmitting power.
Mobile radio transmitters
Commercial mobile telephones or radio
equipment might interfere with the electron-
ics of your vehicle and cause malfunctions.
This may be due to:
● No external aerial.
● External aerial incorrectly installed.
● Transmitting power more than 10 W.
You mus
t, therefore, do not operate portable
mobile telephones or radio equipment inside
the vehicle without a properly installed exter-
nal aerial ››› .
Pl e
a

se note also that the maximum range of
the equipment can only be achieved with an
external aerial.
Business equipment
Retrofit installation of business or private
equipment in the vehicle is permitted, provi-
ded the equipment cannot interfere with the
driver's immediate control of the vehicle and
that any such equipment carries the  mark.
Any retrofit equipment that could influence
the driver's control of the vehicle must have a
type approval for your vehicle and must carry
the e mark. WARNING
Mobile telephones or radio equipment which
is oper

ated inside the vehicle without a prop-
erly installed external aerial can create exces-
sive magnetic fields that could cause a health
hazard. Note
● The pos t

erior fitting of electric and elec-
tronic equipment in this vehicle affects its li-
cence and could lead to the withdrawal of the
vehicle registration document under certain
circumstances.
● Please use the mobile telephone/radio op-
erating in
structions. Care and cleaning
Gener a
l

information Regular and careful care helps to
maint
ain
the
value of the vehicle. This may also be one
of the requirements for upholding any war-
ranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint
defects.
SEAT Official Services and specialist retailers
carry stocks of suitable car care materials.
Please follow the instructions for use on the
packaging. WARNING
● Cle

aning products and other materials used
for car care can be damaging to your health if
misused.
● Always keep care products in a safe place,
out of the r
each of children. Failure to comply
could result in poisoning. For the sake of the environment
● If po s

sible, use environmentally friendly
products.
● The remains of car care products should not
be dispo
sed of with ordinary household
waste. Vehicle exterior care
W a
shin

g the vehicle The longer substances such as insects, bird
dr
op
pin

gs, resinous tree sap, road dirt, in-
dustrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and
other aggressive materials remain on the ve-
hicle, the more damage they do to the paint-
work. High temperatures (for instance due to
strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads
it is important to have the underside of the
vehicle washed thoroughly.
246

Care and maintenance
Automatic car washes
B ef
or
e going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and roof. If the vehicle has spe-
cial accessories such as spoilers or a roof
rack or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisa-
ble to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving
bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure
cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the
spraying distance. Do not hold the nozzle too
close to soft materials such as rubber hoses
or seals. The same applies to the parking aid
sensors*, which are located in the rear bump-
er.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt.
Stickers attached by the factory
Follow these directions to avoid damaging
the stickers:
● Do not use high pressure cleaners.
● To remove ice or snow from the stickers do
not use w
indow scrapers or ice scrapers. ●
Do not poli
sh the stickers.
● Do not use dirty cloths or sponges.
● Preferably wash using a soft sponge and
soft neutr
al soap.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove or brush using only slight pressure.
You should start on the roof and work down.
Special car soap should only be used for very
persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
● The v ehic

le should only be washed with the
ignition switched off. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the
inside of
wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter
season: w
ater and ice in the brake system
can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Do not w a

sh the vehicle in direct sunlight –
otherwise the paint can be damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household
spong
es or similar to clean insect remains.
This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from
the headlight
s at regular intervals, for in-
stance when filling the fuel tank. The head-
lights should only be washed with water, do
not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
● Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the
water out
in a direct stream. This could dam-
age the tyres even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wa
sh, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand,
always use the electrical power control. CAUTION
● Bef or

e washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please proceed as follows to lock
the wiper arms so that they are not moved to-
wards the top of the windscreen:
–the bonnet must be closed.
– switch the ignition on and off.
– press the windscreen wiper lever forward
briefly (windscreen washer function).
This will lock the wiper arms. » 247
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
Plastic parts Plastic parts are cleaned with a power wash-
er. If
thi
s is not sufficient, plastic parts
should only be treated with a special solvent-
free plastic cleaning agent . Do not use paint-
work cleaners, polishes or wax on plastic
parts.
Carbon parts The carbon parts on your vehicle have a pain-
t
ed s
ur

face. They do not need any special
care and are cleaned just like any other pain-
ted part ›››
page 246.
Paint damage Minor damage to the paint, such as scratches
or s
t
one c

hips, should be touched up without
delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suit-
able touch-up brushes or sprays for your car
can be obtained from a SEAT Official Service.
The number of the original paint finish on the
vehicle is given on the data sticker
››› page 281.
If corrosion is already visible it must be thor-
oughly removed by a specialised workshop. Windows Clear vision is an essential safety factor.
The wind
s

creen must not be cleaned with in-
sect remover or wax, otherwise the wind-
screen wipers will not function properly (jud-
dering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can
be removed with a window cleaning solution
or a silicone remover. Wax residue can only
be removed with a special cleaner. Your SEAT
Official Service will be able to provide you
with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the
inside at regular intervals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the
windows. Cloths used for waxing and polish-
ing contain residues that will cause smears
on the glass. WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the
wind s

creen. In bad visibility conditions (e.g.
in the rain, dark or with a low sun), these
coatings may cause dazzle: risk of accident!
Such coatings can also cause the windscreen
wiper blades to make noise. CAUTION
● Remo v

e snow and ice from windows and ex-
terior mirrors with a plastic scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass,
the sc
r

aper should only be pushed in one di-
rection and not moved to and fro.
● The heating element for the rear window is
located on the inner s
ide of the window. To
avoid damaging them, do not apply stickers
to these heating elements.
● Never use warm or hot water to remove
snow and ic
e from windows and mirrors. This
could cause the glass to crack! Wheels
The wheels require regular attention to pre-
ser
v
e their ap

pearance. It is important to re-
move road salt and brake dust by washing
the wheels at regular intervals, otherwise the
finish will be impaired.
After washing, the wheels should only be
cleaned with an "acid-free" cleaning agent
for alloy wheels. This is available from SEAT
Official Services and specialist retailers. Nev-
er leave the cleaning agent on the rims for
any longer than specified in the instructions
before rinsing it off. If the wheel cleaner fluid
contains acid it can attack the surfaces of the
wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should
not be used for maintaining the rims. If the
protective coating is damaged, e.g. by flying
stones, the damaged area should be re-
paired immediately. »
249
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheels that
wat er
, ice and road salt can impair the effec-
tiveness of the brakes; this can cause an acci-
dent. Exhaust tail pipe
It is important to remove road salt and brake
dus
t

by washing the wheels at regular inter-
vals, otherwise the exhaust tail pipe material
could be damaged. To remove impurities, do
not use rim, paint or chrome cleaners or oth-
er abrasive products. Clean the exhaust tail
pipes with cleaning products that are suita-
ble for stainless steel.
SEAT Official Services carry stocks of cleaning
products that have been tested and ap-
proved for use on your vehicle.
Caring for the vehicle interior Ra dio di

splay/Easy Connect* and con-
trol panel* The display can be cleaned with a soft cloth
and a pr
of
e

ssionally available “LCD cleaner”.
Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the
cleaning fluid. The Easy Connect control panel* should first
be cle

aned with a brush so that no dirt goes
into the device or between the keys and
housing. Next, we recommend cleaning the
Easy Connect control panel* using a cloth
dampened with water and washing-up liquid. CAUTION
● To av oid s

cratching the screen, do not wipe
the display with a dry cloth.
● To avoid damage, ensure that no liquid
goes
into the Easy Connect control panel*. Plastic and leatherette parts
Plastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned
w
ith a d
amp c

loth. If this is not sufficient,
plastic parts and leatherette should only be
treated with a special solvent-free plastic
cleaner.
Textile covers and trim parts Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door
trim) shou
l
d be c

leaned regularly with a vac-
uum cleaner. This will remove surface dirt
which could otherwise be rubbed into the
textile material during use. Do not use steam
cleaners, as the steam could carry the dirt
deeper into the textile material. Normal cleaning
We rec

ommend that you use a soft sponge or
a commercially available lint-free, micro-fibre
cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes
on floor coverings and mats, as other textile
surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use
a foam cleaner. Use a sponge to spread the
foam on the textile surface and to work it into
the material lightly. However, make sure that
the textile material does not become soaking
wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and ab-
sorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-fibre cloth) and
vacuum off any residue once the surface is
completely dry.
Cleaning stains
Treat drink stains (such as coffee or fruit
juice, etc.) with a cleaning solution for deli-
cate fabrics. This solution should be applied
with a sponge. If the stains are difficult to re-
move, a washing paste can be applied direct-
ly onto the stain and worked into the fabric.
The surface will then have to be wiped with
clear water to remove any residue left by the
paste. To do so, use a damp cloth or sponge
and then dab the stain with an absorbent
cloth.
Remove chocolate or make-up stains with a
cleaning paste (for e.g., soft soap). Then re-
move the soap with water (wet sponge).
250

Intelligent technology
CAUTION
● Do not u se so
lvents, wax polish, shoe
cream, stain removers, leather cleaning prod-
ucts or any similar products on Alcantara.
● To avoid damage, stubborn stains should
be remov
ed by a specialised workshop.
● On no account use brushes, hard sponges
or simil
ar utensils. Seat belts
–
Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild solution of soap
and w at
er

.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at reg-
ular int

ervals.
The retract function may not operate properly
in very dirty belts. Make sure that the inertia
reel seat belts are completely dry before al-
lowing them to retract. CAUTION
● Do not r emo

ve the seat belts from the vehi-
cle to clean them.
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the
seat belt
s, as this can damage the webbing.
Ensure that the seat belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
● If you find any damage to the belt webbing,
belt fitting
s, the belt retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a
spec
i

alised workshop. Intelligent technology
El ectr
omec
hanical steering Electro-mechanical power steering assists
the driver when s
t

eering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts
electronically to the speed of the car, torque
and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time
or the engine is switched off (for instance
when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort than normal
will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages  (in red) Faulty steering! To
park the vehicle
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist as-
sistance.  (in yellow) Steering: System
fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre. »
253Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety