Seat Leon 5D 2005 Owner's manual
Page 111 of 280
Lights and visibility109
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Lights and visibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off 
 
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 72 to position 
.
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position 
.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position 0. Switching on the fog lights*
– Pull the switch out of position 
 or 
 to the first stop. The 
symbol 
 in the light switch lights up.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position 
 or 
 to the second stop 
⇒ . A warning lamp lights up in the control panel. 
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with no front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position 
 to the last stop. A warning lamp 
lights up in the instrument panel.
WARNING
Never drive with just the side lights on . Risk of accident. The side lights are 
not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other 
road users are able to see you. Always use your dipped headlights if it is 
dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•
The dipped beam headlights will only  work with the ignition on. The side 
lights come on automatically when the ignition is turned off.
•
If the lights are left on after the key  has been taken out of the ignition lock, 
a buzzer sounds when the driver door is opened. This is a reminder to switch 
off the lights.
Fig. 72  Detail of the dash 
panel: Switch for lights, 
fog lights and rear fog 
light
leon_ingles  Seite 109  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 112 of 280
Lights and visibility
110•
If the coming home* feature is activated, the acoustic signal for the 
dipped beam headlights will not sound, it will sound if the position lights are 
activated.
•
The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You 
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
•
If you are towing a trailer equipped with a rear fog light on a vehicle with 
a factory-fitted  towing bracket, the rear fog light on the car will automatically 
be switched off.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to  the relevant statutory 
requirements.
Automatic lightingActivation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will light  up.
When the switch is in this position,  as soon as visibility conditions are 
reduced, the lights are automaticall y activated. The indication “Auto”, 
changes to red.
Automatic lighting
If the automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped headlights are auto-
matically switched on by a light-sensitive sensor if you drive into a tunnel, for 
example.
The rain function switches on the headlights if the continuous wipe function 
is switched on for longer than 5 seconds. The dipped beam headlights are 
switched off if the continuous wipe or the intermittent wipe functions are 
switched off  for longer than 255  seconds.
WARNING
•
If automatic headlight control is switched on, the headlights will not be 
switched on in fog or heavy rain. Therefore, the dipped beam must be 
switched on.Note
•
For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is 
removed from the ignition, the acoustic signal will only sound if the light 
control is in the position
 or   if  the vehicle is not fitt ed with  the coming 
home function.
•
If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog 
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.
•
The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory 
requirements.
•
Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the sensor. This may 
cause disruptions or faults in the automatic lighting system.
Fig. 73  Automatic 
lighting
leon_ingles  Seite 110  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 113 of 280
Lights and visibility111
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Coming home / leaving home function*
After dark the area around the car is lit up with the aid of the 
coming home / leaving home function.Coming home function*
To activate the function
– Put the light switch into the position 
 or in the “Auto” position 
for those vehicles fitted with the automatic lighting function.
– Remove key from ignition switch.
To deactivate the function
–  Turn light swit ch to position 0.
When the system is activated and it is  dark, the coming home function will 
illuminate the vehicle and its surroundings by switching on the dipped head-
lights, rear lights and nu mber plate lights when the driver's door is opened.
While one of the doors or the tailgate are open, the dipped headlights, the 
rear lights and the registration plate  lighting remain on for about 90 seconds. 
If, before this time is up, all of the doors and the tailgate are closed, another 
40 seconds of lighting is given. However, if all of the doors and the tailgate 
are closed after the 90 seconds have passed, the system will be deactivated 
and the lights will not come on.
 If you wish to reactivate the system, you must start from the beginning.
The lighting time is defined at the time of manufacture.
Leaving home function*
The function is activated when the vehicle is unlocked using the remote 
control. In the dark, the leaving home function will light the dipped beam 
lights, the rear lights and the registration plate lighting for about 40 seconds.
Note
•
If the vehicle is used often during the night for short trips using the 
coming home function, this will place a heavy demand on the battery. To 
avoid this, make longer journeys whenever possible.
•
Observe all relevant statutory requirements when using the lighting 
systems described here.
•
For those vehicles fitted with the “Dot Matrix” display, the delay in turning 
off the headlights (about 40 seconds) can be adjusted using the “Configura-
tion, lights and visibility” menu.
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range controlInstrument and switch lighting 
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and 
switch lighting can be regulated to su it your requirements by turning the 
thumb wheel  ⇒fig. 74   .
Fig. 74  Detail of the dash 
panel: Regulation for 
instrument and switch 
illumination and head-
light range control
A1
A1
leon_ingles  Seite 111  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 114 of 280
Lights and visibility
112Headlight range control 
Using the electrical headlight range control,   you can adjust the headlight 
range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. In this way it is 
possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the same 
time, the driver has the best possible  lighting for the road ahead using the 
correct headlight settings.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on. 
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wheel down   from the basic setting  0.
Those vehicles fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights are fitted with an 
automatic headlight range system.Hazard warning lights 
 
The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of 
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down: 1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2.  Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒
.
3.  Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5.  On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic  move the selector lever to  P.
6.  Use the warning triangle to draw  the attention of other road users 
to your vehicle.
7.  Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for 
instance when:•
Reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
There is an emergency
•
Your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•
You are towing another vehicle or  your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are 
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps 
  and the 
indicator lamp in the switch 
 will flash at the same time. The hazard 
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always 
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention 
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
A2
A2A2
Fig. 75  Detail of the dash 
panel: Hazard warning 
light switch
leon_ingles  Seite 112  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 115 of 280
Lights and visibility113
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt 
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•
The battery will run down if the hazard  warning lights are left on for a long 
time, even if the ignition is switched off.
•
The use of the hazard warning lights d escribed here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Indicator and main beam headlight lever 
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the 
parking lights and the headlight flasher.
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following 
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up  ⇒fig. 76  to indicate  right, and 
all the way down   to indicate  left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up   or down   to the point where you incur  resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal will flash 
three times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position 
.
– Press the lever forward  ⇒fig. 76    to switch on the main 
beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flasher
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel   to operate the  flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch off the ignition and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-hand  parking lights respectively.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 76  Turn signal and 
main beam headlight 
lever
A1
A2A1
A2A3
A4
leon_ingles  Seite 113  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 116 of 280
Lights and visibility
114
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the 
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other 
drivers.
Note
•
 The  turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp 
 or  flashes in the combi-instrument. The 
warning lamp 
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a 
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb 
is defective, the warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn 
signal bulbs are damaged, warning lamp 
 does not light up. You should 
have the bulb replaced.
•
The main beam headlights  can only be switched on if the dipped beam 
headlights are already on. The warning lamp 
 then comes on in the combi-
instrument.
•
The headlight flasher  comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if 
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp 
 then comes on in the 
combi-instrument.
•
When the parking lights  are switched on, the headlight and the rear light 
on the corresponding side of the vehicle  light up. The parking lights will only 
work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on, a 
buzzer  gives an audible warning while the driver door is open.
•
If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the 
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds  when the driver door is opened. This 
is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave 
the parking light on.
Interior lightsFront interior light The switch  ⇒fig. 77  is used to select the following positions:
Courtesy light position 
Rocker switch in flat position (not activated). The interior lights are automat-
ically switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the 
ignition lock and turn off about 20 secon ds after the closure of the doors. The 
interior lights are switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition 
is switched on.
Interior light switched on 
Press  the switch  to  the position 
.
Interior light switched off O
Press the switch to the position O  ⇒fig. 77  .
Fig. 77  Detail of the roof: 
Front reading light
AA
leon_ingles  Seite 114  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 117 of 280
Lights and visibility115
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched off 
after approx. 10 minutes, providing the key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery discharging.Front reading lights Switching on the reading light 
Press the button   to switch on the reading light.
Switching off the reading lights 
Press the button   to switch off the reading light.
Rear interior and reading lights* The switch ⇒fig. 79   is used to select the following positions:
Interior light switched off 0
In switch position  ⇒fig. 79   , the interior and reading lights are switched 
off.
Switching on the reading light 
Turn the switch to position   (left reading light) or to position   (right 
reading light).
Courtesy light position 
Turn the control to position  . The interior lights are automatically switched 
on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the ignition lock. 
The light turns off about 20 seconds after the closure of the doors. The inte-
rior lights are switched off when the vehi cle is locked or when the ignition is 
switched on.
Fig. 78  Interior roof 
lining: Front lights
ABAB
Fig. 79  Detail of the roof: 
Rear interior light and 
reading lights
AC
A1A2
A4
A3
leon_ingles  Seite 115  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 118 of 280
Lights and visibility
116Interior lights or both reading lights switched on 
Turn the control to position  .
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, th e interior lights will be switched off 
after approx. 10 minutes, providing th e key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery discharging.VisibilitySun visorsThe sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of their 
mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned towards the doors 
⇒ fig. 80 . The make-up mirrors in the sun visors 
have covers. When you open the cover 
 a light* in the roof turns on.
The lamp* in the roof lining will go out when the vanity mirror cover is pushed 
back or the sun visor is pushed back up.
Note
The roof lamp* will turn off about 10  minutes following the removal of the 
ignition key. This prevents the battery discharging.Windscreen wipersFront windscreen wipers 
 
The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers 
and the automatic wash and wipe.
A5
Fig. 80  Sun visor on the 
driver side
A1
A2
Fig. 81  Windscreen wiper 
and windscreen wash 
lever
leon_ingles  Seite 116  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 119 of 280
Lights and visibility117
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The windscreen wiper lever  ⇒page 116, fig. 81  has the following 
positions:
Switching off the wipers
– Move the lever to position  .
Intermittent wipe 
– Move the lever up to position  .
– Move the control   to the left or right to set the length of the  intervals. Control to the left - longer wipe pause, control to the 
right - shorter wipe pauses. Four wiper interval stages can be set 
using switch  .
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position  .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position  .
Brief wipe
– Move the lever down to position   to give the windscreen a  brief 
wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the lever 
pressed down for longer than 2 seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position  . The wash  function will start immediately and the wipers will start with a 
slight delay. The wash and wipe r systems will function at the 
same time at speeds of over 120 km/h. – Then release the lever. The wipers will keep running for approxi-
mately four seconds.
Optional heated windscreen in the wiper blade* area
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heating 
the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to aid de-
icing in the zone.
This function is activated by turning the exterior heated rearview mirror* 
control forwards  ⇒page 122.
WARNING
•
Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.
•
In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless 
you have warmed the windscreen with  the heating and ventilation system. 
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure 
your view of the road.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 204.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the 
glass before using the wipers for the fi rst time. If you switch on the wipers 
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both 
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•
The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on 
and the bonnet is closed.
•
When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the 
lever is moved to the 0 position, they move to the rest position.
A0A1
AA
AA
A2A3A4
A5
leon_ingles  Seite 117  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12 
Page 120 of 280
Lights and visibility
118•
The next speed down will automatically be selected if speed   
⇒ page 116, fig. 81  or   is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed 
will be resumed when the vehicle starts again
•
The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once 
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated while the vehicle is in 
transit.
•
When the “intermittent wipe function” is on, the intervals are directly 
proportional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter 
the intervals.
•
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. 
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the 
obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.
•
Before removing any objects that may be trapped in the side areas of the 
windscreen, always move the wiper arms to the service position 
(horizontal).
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen 
wiper intervals, depending on the amount of rain.
A2
A3
Fig. 82  Rain sensor*Fig. 83  Windscreen wiper 
lever
leon_ingles  Seite 118  Donnerstag, 20. Oktober 2005  12:14 12