Lights and visibility
Vanity mirror light
Ther e m
a
y be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on
the rear of the sun visor. When the cover is
opened 2 a light comes on.
The l amp g
oe
s out when the vanity mirror
cover is closed or the sun visor is pushed
back up. WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always store sun blinds and visors in their
hous in
g when not in use. Note
The light above the sun visor automatically
swit c
hes off after a few minutes in certain
conditions. This prevents the battery from
discharging. Sun blind*
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 142
Rear window: sun blind. Rear window sun blind*
– Pull out the visor and hook it into the hooks
in the c entr
e of
the top of the door frame
››› Fig. 142.
Windscreen wiper and window
wiper sys
tems
Window wiper lever Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 26 CAUTION
If the ignition is switched off with the wind-
sc r
een wipers active, they complete their wipe before returning to the rest position.
Ice, s
no
w and other obstacles on the wind-
screen may damage the wiper and the wind-
screen wiper motor.
● If necessary, remove snow and ice from the
winds
creen wipers before starting your jour-
ney.
● Carefully lift the frozen windscreen wipers
from the gla
ss. SEAT recommends a de-icer
spray for this operation.
● Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if
the winds
creen is dry. Cleaning with the
windscreen wipers while dry can cause dam-
age.
● In icy conditions, always check that the
wiper bl
ades are not frozen to the glass be-
fore using the wipers. In cold weather, it may
help to leave the vehicle parked with the wip-
ers in service position ›››
page 63. Note
● The wind s
creen and window wipers only
function when the ignition is switched on and
the bonnet or rear lid, respectively, are
closed.
● The interval wipe speed varies according to
the vehic
le speed. The faster the vehicle is
moving, the more often the windscreen is
cleaned.
● The rear wiper is automatically switched on
when the winds
creen wiper is on and the car
is in reverse gear. 139
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Lights and visibility
Rain sensor modified behaviour
P o
s
sible causes of faults and mistaken read-
ings on the sensitive surface ››› Fig. 144 of
the rain sensor include:
● Damaged blades: a film of water on the
damag
ed blades may lengthen the activation
time, reduce the washing intervals or result
in a fast and continuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger
the winds
creen wiper.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the
roa
ds may cause an extra long wipe when the
windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus
effect) or trac
es of detergent (car wash) may
reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or
make it react more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone
wil
l trigger a single wipe cycle with the rain
sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the
reduction in the sensitive surface area and
adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sen-
sor will vary with the size of the damage
caused by the stone. WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain
to sw it
ch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the w
indscreen obstructs visi-
bility. Note
● Cle
an the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 144 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a window c
leaner containing alcohol. Mirror
Anti-dazz l
e rear vision mirrors Your vehicle is fitted with an interior rear vi-
s
ion mirr
or w
ith a manual or automatic* con-
trol for anti-dazzle position.
Interior rear vision mirror with manual set-
ting for anti-dazzle position
– Position the small lever of the lower edge
of the mirror t
o face towards the rear. WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
re ar
vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This could cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs. If you
come into contact with this liquid, it must be
rinsed with large quantities of water. If neces-
sary, get medial help. CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
re ar
vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Clean it with a wet sponge as soon as possi-
ble. Note
● If the light inc
ident in the interior rear vi-
sion mirror is obstructed (e.g. with the sun
blind*), the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with
automatic setting will not operate perfectly.
● When the interior lights are on or reverse
gear en
gaged, the mirrors do not darken with
automatic adjustment for anti-dazzle posi-
tion. 141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
Air conditioning
Distributing a load
Di s
trib
ute loads uniformly and secure them
correctly ››› .
Chec k
att
achments
Once the cross bars and roof carrier system
have been installed, check the bolted con-
nections and attachments after a short jour-
ney and subsequently with a certain frequen-
cy. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load
can r e
sult in accidents and considerable vehi-
cle damage.
● Never exceed the maximum authorised
load on the r
oof and on the axles or the vehi-
cle's maximum authorised weight.
● Never exceed the load capacity of the cross
bars
and the roof carrier system, even if the
maximum authorised roof load has not been
reached.
● Secure heavy items as far forward as possi-
ble and di
stribute the vehicle load uniformly. WARNING
If the load is loose or not secured, it could fall
from the r oof
carrier system or cause acci-
dents and injuries.
● Always use belts or retaining straps that
are suit
able and in a good condition.
● Secure the load properly. Air conditioning
He atin
g,
ventilation and cool-
ing
Introduction Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 45
Viewing Climatronic information
On the screen of Climatronic control unit and
on the screen of the factory-fitted Easy Con-
nect system, the theoretical values of the
temperature zones are shown.
The unit of temperature measurement can be
changed in the Easy Connect system.
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with its activated
charcoal cartridge serves as a barrier against
impurities in the air taken into the vehicle in-
terior.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed
regularly so that air conditioner performance
is not adversely affected.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due
to use in areas with very high levels of air
pollution, the filter must be changed more
frequently than stated in the Service Sched-
ule. WARNING
Reduced visibility through the windows in-
cr e
ases the risk of serious accidents.
● Always ensure that all windows are free of
ice and sno
w, and that they are not fogged,
so as to maintain good visibility of everything
outside.
● The maximum heat output required to de-
fros
t windows as quickly as possible is only
available when the engine has reached its
normal running temperature. Only drive when
you have good visibility.
● Always ensure that you use the heating
syst
em, fresh air system, air conditioner and
the heated rear window to maintain good visi-
bility to the outside.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a
long period of time. If
the cooling system is
switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very
quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not requir
ed. WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and re-
duce driv er c
oncentration possibly resulting
in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or
use the air rec
irculation for long periods of
time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be
refreshed. » 163
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
CAUTION
● Swit c
h the air conditioner off if you think it
may be broken. This will avoid additional
damage. Have the air conditioner checked by
a specialised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require spe-
cia
list knowledge and special tools. SEAT rec-
ommends visiting a SEAT Official Service. Note
● When the coo lin
g system is turned off, air
coming from the outside will not be dried. To
prevent fogging of the windows, SEAT recom-
mends leaving the cooling system (compres-
sor) turned on. To do this, press the button . The button lamp should light up.
● The maximum heat output required to de-
fro s
t windows as quickly as possible is only
available when the engine has reached its
normal running temperature.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the
winds
creen free of snow, ice and leaves to en-
sure heating and cooling are not impaired,
and to prevent the windows from misting
over. Adjust using the Easy Connect sys-
t
em* 3 Applies to vehicles with a Media System
T ouc
h/Colour.
In the Easy Connect system it is also possible
to perform various adjustments to the Clima-
tronic.
Open the air conditioner menu
● Press the button of the Climatronic
contr o
ls.
● OR: press the MENU button in Easy Con-
nect .
W
ith the rotating switch select the air
conditioner menu and open it.
On the touch screen you can see and change
the current settings, for example, the temper-
ature set for the driver and passenger sides,
the air distribution and the fan speed. With
button the driver and passenger side
t emper
at
ures are synchronised ›››
Book-
let Media System Touch/Colour, chapter Air
conditioning.
To switch a function on or off, or to select a
submenu, you must press the corresponding
function button.
For more information about functions
››› page 110.
Func-
tion
buttonFunction
OFFSwitch off and switch on the Climatronic.
SETUP
The air conditioning settings submenu is
opened. It is possible to make the following
adjustments:
Function button Air conditioning profile
: to ad-
just the level of the fan in AUTO mode. You
can choose between low, medium and
high.
Function button Automatic air recirculation
to
switch on and off automatic air recircula-
tion ››› page 166.
BACK
function button to close the sub-
menu. Adjust using the Easy Connect sys-
t
em* 3 App
lies to vehicles with a Media System Plus/Navi
S
ystem.
In the Easy Connect system it is also possible
to perform various adjustments to the Clima-
tronic.
Open the air conditioner menu
● Press the button of the Climatronic
c ontr
o
ls.
On the top of the screen you can see and
change the current settings, such as, for ex-
ample, the temperature set for the driver side
164
Air conditioning
and for that of passenger. Temperatures up
t o +22 °C
(+72 °F) ar
e shown with blue ar-
rows, and temperatures over +22 °C (+72 °F)
with red arrows.
To switch a function on or off, or to select a
submenu, you must press the corresponding
function button.
Function buttonFunction
Air condi-
tioning pro- fileAdjust the fan level in AUTO mode. You
can choose between low, medium and
high.
OFFClimatronic is switched off.
ONClimatronic is switched on.
SETUP
The air conditioning settings submenu
is opened. It is possible to make the fol-
lowing adjustments:
Function button Air conditioning profile
: to
adjust the level of the fan in AUTO
mode. You can choose between low, me-
dium and high.
Function button Automatic air recirculation
to switch on and off automatic air recir-
culation
››› page 166.
BACK
function button to close the
submenu.
Function
buttonFunction
Automatic
supplemen-
tary heating
Activate/deactivate the automatic acti-
vation of the supplementary heating for
colder countries (only for engines with
supplementary heating). With the option
deactivated, depending on the outside
temperature the heating may need more
time than normal to reach a comfortable
temperature. Air conditioning user instructions
The interior cooling system only works when
the en
gine i
s
running and fan is switched on.
The air conditioner operates most effectively
with the windows and the panoramic sliding
sunroof closed. However, if the vehicle has
heated up after standing in the sun for some
time, the air inside can be cooled more quick-
ly by opening the windows and the panoram-
ic sliding sunroof briefly.
Climatronic: change the temperature unit on
the screen of the radio or on the factory-fit-
ted navigation system
Changing the temperature display from Cel-
sius to Fahrenheit on radio or on the factory-
fitted navigation system is done using the
menu on the instrument panel
››› page 30. The cooling system cannot be activated
If the air conditionin
g system cannot be
switched on, this may be caused by the fol-
lowing:
● The engine is not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioner fuse has blown.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
prox
imately +3°C (+38°F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been
temporari
ly switched off because the engine
coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner chec
ked by a specialised work-
shop.
Special Characteristics
If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak! Note
After starting the engine, any residual humid-
ity in the air c onditioner c
ould mist over the
windscreen. Switch on the defrost function as
soon as possible to clear the windscreen of
condensation. 165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Functioning mode of automatic air recircula-
tion (air c onditionin
g menu)
W
ith the automatic air recirculation mode ac-
tivated, the entry of fresh air into the cabin
interior is enabled. If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances
in the ambient air, air recirculation mode is
switched on automatically. When the level of
impurities drops to within a normal range, re-
circulation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.
The air recirculation will not connect auto-
matically in versions without humidity sensor
and in the following external conditions:
● The outside temperature is lower than +3°C
(+38°F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the
outside temper
ature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched off, the out-
side temper
ature is below +15°C (+59°F) and
the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Activation/deactivation of automatic air recir-
culation is done in the air conditioner menu,
under Configuration. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Intro-
duction on pag e 163
. ●
If the c oo
ling system is switched off and air
recirculation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not requir
ed. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
sw itc
hed on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
Climatronic: air recirculation mode is activa-
ted t o pr
event exhaust gas or unpleasant
odours from entering the vehicle interior
when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wiper is working. Driving
Ignition loc k
Sw it
ching the ignition on and starting
the engine with the key Fig. 186
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 24
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer
than usual to start on cold days. Therefore
the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must re-
main pressed until the engine starts up. Dur-
ing preheating, the warning lamp remains
lit.
The preheating time depends on the coolant
and exterior temperatures. With the engine at
operating temperature, or at outside temper-
atures above +8°C, the warning lamp will »
167
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