2017 Seat Leon SC towing

Emergencies
they should be changed if they are damaged,
or c l
e
aned if they are dirty ››› .
Dam ag
ed w
iper blades should be replaced
immediately. These are available from quali-
fied workshops. WARNING
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce
vi s

ibility and increase the risk of accident
and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn wind-
scr
een wiper blades or blades that no longer
clean the windscreen properly. CAUTION
● Damag ed or dir

ty windscreen wipers could
scratch the glass.
● If products containing solvents, rough
spong
es or sharp objects are used to clean
the blades, the graphite layer will be dam-
aged.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint
thinner or simil
ar products to clean the win-
dows.
● 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 72. CAUTION
● To pr ev

ent damage to the bonnet and the
wiper arms, only leave them in the service
position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper
arms. Towing or tow-starting
Genera l

information Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 69.
Tow-starting means starting the engine of
the vehicle while another pulls it.
Towing means one vehicle pulling another
that is not roadworthy.
If the vehicle comes with the Keyless Access
system, towing is only allowed with the igni-
tion on!
The vehicle battery drains if the vehicle is
towed with the engine switched off and the
ignition connected. Depending on the battery
charge status, the drop in voltage may be so
large, even after just a few minutes, that no
electrical device in the vehicle may work e.g.
the hazard warning lights. In vehicles with
the Keyless Access system, the steering
wheel could lock up. WARNING
If the vehicle has no electrical power, the
brak e light

s, turn signals and all other lights
will no longer function. Do not have the vehi-
cle towed away. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident. WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-start-
ing, f or e

xample, the towed vehicle can easily
be driven into the towing vehicle. CAUTION
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant
in the autom atic

transmission the car may
only be towed with the driven wheels lifted
clear of the road, or transported on a special
car transporter or trailer. CAUTION
Do not tow a vehicle for more than 50 m in at-
tempt t

o start it. There is risk of damage to
the catalytic converter. Note
● Ple a

se observe related legal requirements.
● Switch on the hazard warning lights of both
vehicl
es. However, observe any regulations
to the contrary. 98

Self-help
●
The to w r
ope must not be twisted. Other-
wise the front tow line anchorage could be
pulled off the vehicle. Indications for tow-starting
Vehicle's should not generally be tow-star-
ted.
The jump s

tart should be used instead
›››  page 70.
For technical reasons, towing the following
vehicles is not allowed:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is discharged, be-
cau se in

vehicles with the Keyless Access
locking and ignition system the steering re-
mains locked and the electronic parking
brake cannot be deactivated nor can the elec-
tronic lock of the steering column be re-
leased if they are activated.
● If the battery is flat, it is possible that the
engine contr
ol units may not operate correct-
ly.
However, if the vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (in the case of manual gearbox-
es):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights. ●
Once both v
ehicles are moving, release the
clutch.
● Once the engine starts, press the clutch
and diseng
age the gear to avoid colliding
with the towing vehicle. Note
The vehicle can only be tow-started if the
electr onic

parking brake and, if appropriate,
the electronic lock of the steering column are
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power sup-
ply or there is an electric system fault, the
engine must be tow-started to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and the electronic
lock of the steering column. Anchoring the front tow line
Fig. 98
Right side of the front bumper: tow-
line anc hor
ag

e screwed in. The front towline anchorage is only mounted
if
the
v

ehicle has to be towed. There is a cover with an opening into which
the towline anc

horage is screwed on the right
part of the front bumper.
– To open the cover, press the left side.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehi-
cle t

ool kit ››› page 95.
– Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection as

far as it will go ››› Fig. 98 and
tighten with the wheel brace.
After use, unscrew the towline anchorage
and fit the cover back on the bumper. Put the
towline anchorage back in the vehicle tool
kit. The towline anchorage should always be
kept in the vehicle.
99
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Emergencies
Rear towline anchorage Fig. 99
Right side of the rear bumper: cover-
c ap
. Fig. 100
Right side of the rear bumper: tow-
line anc hor
ag
e screwed in. The rear towline anchorage should only be
mou
nt
ed if

you wish to tow another vehicle. Vehicles with towline anchorage
On the right of the r

ear bumper there is a cov-
er which covers a threaded hole.
– Take the towline anchorage out of the vehi-
cle t

ool set ››› page 95.
– To open the cover, press the top right side
›››
Fig. 99.
– Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection as

far as it will go ››› Fig. 100
and tighten with the wheel brace.
After use, unscrew the towline anchorage
and put it back in the vehicle tool kit. Replace
the cover on the bumper. The towline anchor-
age should always be kept in the vehicle. WARNING
● If the t o

wline anchorage is not screwed in
as far as the stop, there is a risk of the screw
connection shearing off during towing (acci-
dent risk).
● If your car has a towing bracket, only use
speci
al towing ropes. Risk of accident! CAUTION
In vehicles fitted with a towing bracket, only
use s pec

ial tow bars to prevent damage to
the ball joint. These tow bars have been spe-
cially approved for use with towing brackets. Towing vehicles with a manual gear-
bo
x Towing is relatively straightforward.
Ple
a

se observe the relevant instructions
››› page 98.
The vehicle can be towed using a tow bar or
tow rope in the normal way, with all four
wheels on the road; it can also be towed with
either the front or rear wheels lifted off the
road. The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h
(30 mph).
Towing a vehicle equipped with auto-
matic g

earbox Certain restrictions must be observed when
t
o
w

ing your vehicle.
Please observe the relevant instructions
››› page 98.
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or
tow rope in the normal way, with all four
wheels on the ground. When doing so,
please note the following points:
● Make sure the selector l
ever is in the N po-
sition.
● The vehicle must not be towed faster than
50 km/h (30 mph).
● The vehicle must not be towed further than
50 km (30 mile
s). Reason: when the engine
100

Driving
CAUTION
● Never l et
the brakes “drag” by leaving your
foot on the pedal when it is not necessary to
brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient,
it is
advisable to reduce speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of engine braking
and relieves the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at
intervals than to apply the brakes continu-
ously. Note
● If the br ak

e servo is out of action, for exam-
ple when the car is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal to make up for the lack of
servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with acces-
sories s
uch as a front spoiler or wheel covers,
it is important that the flow of air to the front
wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the
brakes can overheat. Braking and stability systems
El ectr
onic

Stability Control (ESC)The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces
the t
endency
t

o skid and improves the stabil-
ity and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC detects critical handling situations, such as
vehicl

e understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin
on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehi-
cle by braking individual wheels or by reduc-
ing the engine torque. The warning lamp will
flash on the instrument panel when the ESC
is intervening .
ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the brake assist system, the traction
control system (ASR), electronic differential
lock (EDL), electronic self-locking*, selective
torque control* and tractor-trailer sway miti-
gation*. ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle
by changing the torque.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up un-
der braking until the vehicle has reached a
virtual standstill. You can continue to steer
the vehicle even when the brakes are on full.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake ped-
al pulsate while the ABS is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The braking force is
automatically boosted if you press the brake
pedal quickly in an emergency. You must
keep pressing the brake pedal until the dan-
ger has passed. Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of
wheelspin, the traction control
system reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. This helps the
car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gra-
dient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes
the spinning wheel and directs the power to
the other driven wheel. This function is active
up to approximately 100 km/h (62 mph).
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The ve-
hicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch
on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation*
If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control
the following: Tractor-trailers tend to sway.
When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the
vehicle and detected by the ESC, it will auto-
matically brake the towing vehicle within the
limits of the system and mitigate the sway.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is not available
in all countries.
Electronic torque management (XDS)
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
tial mechanism allows the outer wheel to turn »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Moving off uphill in vehicles with Hill start
a s
s
istant*
– Once you have engaged a gear, release the
footbr

ake and press the accelerator
››› page 190, Hill driving assistant .
Driving down hills: in some situations (on
mountain roads or when towing a trailer or
caravan) it can be advantageous to switch
temporarily to the manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted manually to suit the driving conditions
››› .
On l ev
el

ground it is sufficient to move the
selector lever to position P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the
selection lever into the P position. This
avoids overloading the locking mechanism
and it will be easier to move the selector lev-
er from position P. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Selector
lev er po
sitions on page 192.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use
the brake ped
al too often or for long periods.
Constant braking causes overheating in the
brakes. This could significantly reduce brak-
ing power, increase braking distance or even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always
hold the
vehicle with the footbrake or hand-
brake if you have to stop. CAUTION
● If y

ou stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not
attempt to stop it from rolling by depressing
the accelerator when a gear has been selec-
ted. This could cause overheating and dam-
age the automatic gearbox. Apply the hand-
brake firmly or press the brake pedal in order
to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector
lever in po
sition N with the engine switched
off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged
as it will not be lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic condi-
tions, suc
h as frequently starting, prolonged
“creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with
continuous stoppages, the gearbox could
overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and wait for the gearbox to cool
››› page 198. Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
c
el
er

ation to be reached.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down past the point of resistance at full throt-
tle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine
speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is
delayed until the engine reaches maximum
rpm. WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slip-
pery or w

et, the kick-down feature could
cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding. Launch control program
3 Valid for vehicles: with Launch-Control/6-Speed
D SG w

ith diesel engines superior to 125 kW and pet-
rol engines superior to 140 kW.
The Launch control programme enables maxi-
mum acceleration.
Important: the engine must have reached op-
erating temperature and the steering wheel
must not be turned.
The engine speed for launch-control is differ-
ent on petrol and diesel engines. To use the
launch-control you must disconnect the anti-
slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Con-
nect system menu ›››
page 120. The warning
lamp  will stay switched on or will flash
slowly depending on whether or not the vehi-
cle has a driver information system*.
On vehicles with the driver information sys-
tem, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability
control deactivated (temporary) ap-
pears on the instrument panel to indicate the
deactivation status. »
195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
Traffic sign detection system* 1)
Intr oduction The traffic sign detection system records the
st
and
ard traffic signs in front of the vehicle
with a camera located on the base of the in-
terior mirror and provides information about
speed limits and overtaking prohibitions.
Within its limitations, the system also dis-
plays additional signals, such as time-specif-
ic prohibitions, signs for vehicles towing trail-
ers ›››
page 246 or limitations that only apply
in the event of rain. Even on journeys without
signs, the system may display any applicable
speed limits.
In Germany, on motorways and vehicle roads,
besides speed limits and overtaking provi-
sions the system also displays the end of
prohibition signs. The valid speed limit at the
time in other countries is always shown. WARNING
The technology in the traffic sign detection
sys t

em cannot change the limits imposed by
the laws of physics and only works within the
system's limits. Do not let the extra conven-
ience afforded by the traffic sign detection
system tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. The system is not a replacement for
driver awareness. ●
Adapt

your speed and driving style to suit
visibility, weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
● Poor visibility, darkness, snow, rain and fog
may
lead to the system failing to display traf-
fic signs or not displaying them correctly.
● If the camera's field of vision is dirty, cov-
ered or dam
aged, system operation may be
impaired. WARNING
The driving recommendations and traffic indi-
c ation s

shown on the traffic sign detection
system may differ from the actual current
traffic situation.
● The system may not detect or correctly
show al
l the traffic signs.
● Traffic signs and traffic regulations have
priority ov
er the recommendations and dis-
plays provided by the system. Note
In order not to compromise the system's op-
eration, p l

ease take the following points into
account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the
camera and k
eep it in a clean state, without
snow or ice. ●
Do not c o

ver the field of vision of the cam-
era.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades
when required t
o avoid lines on the camera's
field of vision.
● Check that the windscreen is not damaged
in the area of
the camera's field of vision. Note
● The u se of out

dated maps on the naviga-
tion system may cause the system to show
traffic signs incorrectly.
● In the waypoints mode of the navigation
syst
em, the traffic sign detection system is
only partly available. 1)
System available depending on the country.
233
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driver assistance systems
signs in front of the vehicle. After checking
and ev aluatin
g the inf
ormation from the cam-
era, the navigation system and the current
vehicle data, up to three valid traffic signs
are displayed ››› Fig. 222 B in conjunction
with their corresponding additional signs.
The sign that is currently valid for the
driver is shown in the left side of the
screen For example, a maximum speed
limit of 130 km/h (100 mph)
››› Fig. 222 A.
A sign valid only in certain circum-
stances, e.g. 100 km/h (60 mph) is
shown second, together with the addi-
tional rain sign.
If the windscreen wiper is
working while you are driving, the signal
with the additional rain sign will be
shown first, on the left, as it is the one
that is applicable at the time.
A sign valid only with restrictions, e.g.
No overtaking at certain times, will be
displayed third ››› Fig. 222 C.
Speed warning
If the system detects that the permitted
speed is exceeded, it may warn the driver
with a “gong” and visually with a message
on the dash panel display.
The speed warning can be adjusted or deacti-
vated completely in the infotainment system
using the  button and the
S
ET
TINGS and
First:
Second:
Additional sign:
Third:
Driver Assistance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 33. The speed is adjusted in
steps of 5 km/h (3 mph) within a range of be-
tween 0 km/h (mph) and 20 km/h (12 mph)
above the maximum speed permitted.
Trailer mode
In vehicles equipped with a towing bracket
device from the factory and a trailer that is
electrically connected to the vehicle, it is pos-
sible to activate or deactivate the display of
specific traffic signs for vehicles with trailer,
such as speed limits or overtaking prohibi-
tions. Activation or deactivation is performed
on the infotainment system using the  button and the
S
ET
TINGS and
Driv er As
s

istance function buttons
› ›
›
 page 33.
For trailer mode, the display of speed limits
applicable to the type of trailer or to the legal
provisions can be adjusted. The speed is ad-
justed in steps of 10 km/h (5 mph) within a
range of between 60 km/h (40 mph) and
130 km/h (80 mph). If it is adjusted to a
speed greater than that which is permitted in
the country in question for driving with a
trailer, the system automatically displays the
usual speed limits, e.g. in Germany 80 km/h
(50 mph).
If the speed warning for the trailer is deacti-
vated, the system displays the speed limits
as if there were no trailer hitched. Limited operation
The traffic s

ign detection system has certain
limitations. The following cases may lead the
system to operate with limitations or not at
all:
● In the case of poor visibility, e.g. in snow,
rain, fog or int
ense mist.
● In cases of dazzling, e.g. caused by head-
on traffic or b
y the sun.
● When driving at high speeds.
● If the camera is covered or dirty.
● If the traffic signs are out of the camera's
field of
vision.
● If the traffic signs are partially or totally
cov
ered, e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or other ve-
hicles.
● In the case of traffic signs that do not fulfil
the regu
lations.
● In the case of damaged or bent traffic
signs.
● In the c

ase of variable messages on over-
head or g
antry signs (LED-based variable traf-
fic signs or other lighting units).
● If the maps on the navigation system are
not up-to-d
ate.
● In the case of adhesives affixed to vehicles
that depict
traffic signs, e.g. speed limits on
lorries.
235
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
The knock s
or damage on the radiator
grille, bumper, wheel arch and vehicle under-
body can adjust the orientation of the sen-
sors. This can affect the parking aid function.
Have the function checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
● In c ert

ain situations, the system can give a
warning even though there is no obstacle in
the detected area, e.g:
–with rough or cobbled floors or ground
with long grass;
– with external ultrasound sources, such as
cleaning vehicles or other vehicles;
– In downpours, intense snow or dense ex-
haust gases;
– if the registration plate (front or rear) is
not properly affixed to the bumper sur-
face;
– or in locations such as the brow of a hill.
● In order to guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultr
asound sensors clean, free
of snow or ice, and do not cover them with
adhesives or other objects.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment to c
lean the ultrasound sensors, apply
it directly only very briefly and always from a
distance of more than 10 cm.
● Retrofitting of accessories to the vehicle,
such a
s a bicycle rack, may interfere with the
operation of the Parking Aid. ●
In order t o f

amiliarise yourself with the sys-
tem, it is advised that you practice parking in
an area or car park that is free from traffic.
There must be good weather and light condi-
tions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can
be modified, in addition t
o the indications
››› page 241.
● In vehicles without a driv
er information
system, these parameters can be modified in
a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised
workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a
trail
er ››› page 242.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen
shows
a slight time delay. Rear parking aid*
The rear Parking Aid assists the driver in
p
ark
in

g by means of audible warning
sounds.
Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear
bumper. When the sensors detect an obsta-
cle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
Make particularly sure that the sensors are
not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, as this could affect the system's opera-
tion. Cleaning instructions ››› page 259. The approximate measurement range of the
rear sen

sors is:
side area0.60 m
central area1.60 m As you approach the obstacle, the time inter-
val
betw

een the audible warnings will be re-
duced. When you reach around 0.30 m the
warning will be constant: Do not continue to
move forward (or backward) ››› in General
inform ation on p

age 237, ››› in General in-
form ation on p
age 237 !
If you maintain separation from the obstacle,
the volume of the warning begins to reduce
after four seconds (does not affect the tone
of the constant warning).
Activating/Deactivating
When engaging reverse gear, the parking aid
is automatically switched on. This is con-
firmed with a short warning.
On disengaging reverse gear, the Parking Aid
system is disconnected immediately.
238