Seat Leon 5D 2005 Owner's manual
Page 121 of 280
Lights and visibility119
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Switching on the rain sensor
– Move the windscreen wiper lever into position    ⇒page 118, 
fig. 83
– Move the control   to the left or right to set the sensitivity of the  rain sensor. Switch to the right - high sensitivity. Switch to the 
right - low sensitivityThe rain sensor is part of the interval wipe function. You will have to switch 
the rain sensor back on if you switch off the ignition. This is done by switching 
the wiper intermittent function off and back on.
Note
•
Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the sensor. This may 
cause sensor disruption or faults.
Rear window wiper 
The windscreen wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper 
and the wash and wipe system for the rear window.Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position    ⇒fig. 84  . The wiper will 
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position   towards the steering wheel.  T h e  wi p e r  will  co n t i n u e  to  fun c t i o n  fo r  a  s h o r t  p e r i o d  i f  yo u  s wi tch  
off whilst the wipers are in motion.
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Fig. 84  Window wash and 
wipe lever: Rear window 
wiper
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Page 122 of 280
Lights and visibility
120
Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position    ⇒page 119, fig. 84 
. The wash function will start im mediately and the wiper will start 
with a slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function as 
long as you hold the lever in this position.
– Then release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4  seconds, and then in intervals again.
– Return the lever back to the rest position. The washer system  stops and the wipers function.
WARNING
•
A worn or dirty wiper blade will obstruct visibility and reduce safety.
•
Always note the corresponding warnings on  ⇒page 204, “Changing 
the front windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the glass 
before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper when the 
wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the wiper blade 
and the wiper motor.
Note
•
The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on 
and the tailgate is closed.
•
In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe.
Headlight washer system*
The headlight washers clea n the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen 
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering 
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped headlights or main 
beams are switched on. Clean off stubbo rn dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights at regular intervals, for in stance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•
To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the 
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer 
spray.
•
To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to 
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.
MirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the 
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at  the bottom edge of the mirror should 
be at the front. Pull the lever to the  back to select the anti-dazzle function.
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Page 123 of 280
Lights and visibility121
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function  can be switched on and off 
as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 85 . Warning lamp   goes out:
Switching on anti-dazzle function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 85 . Warning lamp  is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated ev ery time the ignition is switched on. 
The green indicator lamp lights  up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will darken  auto-
matically  according to the amount of light it receives (for example from the 
headlights of a vehicle behind). The anti-dazzle function is cancelled if 
reverse gear is engaged.
Note
•
The automatic anti-dazzle function will only work properly if the sun 
blind* for the rear window is retracted and there are no other objects 
preventing light from reac hing the interior mirror.
•
If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in 
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the anti-dazzle function from 
working well or even from working at all.
Exterior mirrors 
The exterior mirrors can be adjusted using the rotary knob in 
the centre console.Basic setting of exterior mirrors
1. Turn knob  ⇒fig. 86  to position  L ( left exterior mirror).
Fig. 85  Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
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AB
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Fig. 86  Exterior mirror 
control
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Lights and visibility
122
2.  Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
3.  Turn knob to position  R (right exterior mirror).
4.  Swivel the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a  good view to the rear of the car  ⇒.
Heating the exterior mirrors*
– Turn the knob forwards to the central position  ⇒page 121, 
fig. 86    so that the heated rear view mirrors warm up and the 
heated windscreen* in the wiper blade rest area is activated 
⇒ page 117.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
–  Turn the  control 
 ⇒ page  121, fig
 . 86  to pos ition 
 to fold in the 
ext
erior mirrors. You should always fold in the exterior mirrors if 
you are driving through an automa tic car wash. This will help 
prevent damage.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to another position to fold the exterior mirrors back  out  ⇒ .
Synchronised mirror adjustment
1. Turn the control to the position  L ( left exterior mirror ).
2.  Turn the rotary knob to position the mirror so that you have a  good view to the rear of the vehicle. The  right exterior mirror will 
be adjusted at the same time (synchronised).
WARNING
•
The rear view convex or aspheric mirror increase the field of vision 
however the objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you 
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when 
changing lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
•
If possible, use the interior mirror to estimate distances to vehicles 
behind you.
•
Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror 
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer 
needed. Fuel is wasted otherwise.
Note
•
If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be 
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
•
The following guideline applies to vehi cles with electric exterior mirrors: 
If the mirror housing is moved as a res ult of exterior force (e.g. knocked when 
parking the vehicle), the mi rrors must be folded in electrically to the final 
position. Do not readjust the mirror h ousing by hand, as this will interfere 
with the mirror adjuster function.
•
The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as 
described before.
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Page 125 of 280
Seats and stowage123
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Seats and stowageThe importance of correct seat adjustmentProper seat adjustment optimi ses the level of protection 
offered by seat belts and airbags.Your vehicle has five  passenger places, two individual front seats and three 
places on the rear seat. Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways to suit 
the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat position 
is very important for:•
fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
•
relaxed posture that does not cause drowsiness,
•
safe driving ⇒ page 7,
•
and to ensure that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum 
protection  ⇒page 19.
WARNING
•
If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they 
may sustain critical injuries.
•
Never transport more people than there are seats available in the 
vehicle.
•
Every occupant in the vehicle must  properly fasten and wear the seat 
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system  ⇒page 47, “Child safety”.
•
The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to body 
size and the seat belt must always be  properly adjusted to provide you and 
your passengers with optimum protection.
•
Always keep your feet in the foot well when the vehicle is moving; never 
rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This also 
applies to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an 
increased risk of injury in the event of a braking manoeuvre or an accident. 
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an incor-
rect sitting position.
•
It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance 
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Failure to respect 
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of 
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or 
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as great 
as possible.
•
Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is 
stationary. Otherwise your seat coul d move unexpectedly while the vehicle 
is moving. This could increase the risk  of an accident and therefore injury. 
In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting 
position. Risk of fatal accidents.
•
Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front 
passenger seat. When installing a child seat, observe the warning note in 
the  ⇒page 47, “Child safety”.WARNING (continued)
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Page 126 of 280
Seats and stowage
124Head restraintsCorrect adjustment of head restraints
Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of 
occupant protection and can redu ce the risk of injuries in 
most accident situations.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same 
level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same 
level as the top of your head and, as a very minimum at eye level 
⇒fig. 87 and  ⇒fig. 88 .Adjusting the head restraints  ⇒page 125.
WARNING
•
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted 
increases the risk of severe injuries.
•
Improperly adjusted head restraints could lead to death in the event of 
a collision or accident.
•
Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury 
during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.
•
The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the occu-
pant's size.
Fig. 87  Viewed from in 
front: Properly adjusted 
head restraints and 
proper belt adjustment
Fig. 88  Viewed from side: 
Properly adjusted head 
restraints and proper belt 
adjustment
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Seats and stowage125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Removing or adjusting head restraints
The head restraints can be adju sted by moving them up and 
down.Adjusting height (front seats)
– Press the button on the side  and pull upwards to the desired 
position.
– To lower the head restraint, press the button and push head  restraint downwards.
– Make sure that it engages securely into position.
Adjusting height (rear seats)
– Press the button on the side  and pull upwards to the desired 
position. – To lower the head restraint, press the button and push head 
restraint downwards.
– Make sure that the head restraint engages securely in one of its  positions.  ⇒page 14
Angle adjustment (front seats)
– Press the head restraint forward or back to the required position.
Removing the head restraint
– Push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
– Press the button  ⇒fig. 89  (arrow).
– Pull head restraint out of fitting without releasing the button.
Fitting the head restraint
– Insert the head restraint into the guides on the rear backrest.
– Push head restraint down.
– Adjust the head restraint to suit body size  ⇒page 14 and 
⇒ page 13.
WARNING
•
Never drive if the head restraints have been removed. Risk of injury.
•
Never drive if the head restraints are in an unsuitable position, there is 
a risk of serious injury.
•
After refitting the head restraint, you must always adjust it properly for 
height to achieve optimal protection.
•
Please observe the safety warnings  ⇒page 124, “Correct adjustment 
of head restraints”.
Fig. 89  Adjusting and 
removing the head 
restraints
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Page 128 of 280
Seats and stowage
126Front seatsAdjustment of the front seatsThe control elements in  ⇒fig. 90 are mirrored for the front right-
hand seat.
 Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the grip and move th e seat forwards or backwards.
– Then release the grip   and move the seat further until the  catch engages.
 Adjusting the seat height*
– Pull the lever up or push down (s everal times if necessary) from 
its home position. This adjusts the seat height in stages.  Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
 Adjusting the lumbar support*
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel to  adjust the lumbar support.
The backrest curvature of the cushioned area is determined by the settings 
made in the lumbar region. This supports the natural curvature of the spine 
very effectively.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in 
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting 
position. Risk of fatal accidents. Adju st the driver or front passenger seat 
only when the vehicle is stationary.
•
To reduce the risk of injury to th e driver and front passenger during 
sudden braking manoeuvres or an acci dent, never drive with the backrest 
tilted far to the rear. The maximum protection of the seat belt can be 
achieved only when the backrests are in  an upright position and the driver 
and front passenger have properly adjusted their seat belts. The further 
the backrests are tilted to the rear,  the greater the risk of injury due to 
improper positioning of the belt web!
•
Exercise caution when adjusting the seat height or forwards/back-
wards position. Injuries can be caused if the backrest is tilted without due 
care and attention.
Fig. 90  Front left seat 
controls
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Seats and stowage127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Heated seats* 
 
The front seat cushions and backrests can be heated electri-
cally.
– Turn the appropriate thumb wheel  ⇒fig. 91  to switch on the seat 
heating. The seat heating is switched off in the  0 position.The seat heating only works when the ignition is switched on. The left thumb 
wheel controls the left seat and the right thumb wheel the right seat.
Caution
To avoid damaging the heating elements, please do not kneel on the seat or 
apply sharp pressure at a single poin t to the seat cushion and backrest.
Rear seat benchFold down the seat back – Pull the release button on the backrest (sectioned backrest) 
forwards in the direction of the arrow
– Fold down the backrest . The rear head restraints may have to be  removed before folding the seat forwards if the front seats have 
been moved far back ⇒ page 125.
Fig. 91  Thumb wheel for 
the front seat heating
Fig. 92  Folding the seat 
backrests down
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Seats and stowage
128Folding up the seat back– Fold the backrest back and push the backrest firmly into the lock. 
The red marking should no longer be visible  ⇒fig. 93 .
WARNING
•
Please be careful when raising the backrest! Injuries can be caused if 
the backrest is tilted without due care and attention.
Stowage compartmentsStowage compartment on the front passenger sideThe compartment can be opened by pulling the lever  ⇒fig. 94 .
WARNING
Always keep the stowage compartment co ver closed while the vehicle is in 
motion to reduce the risk of injury during a sudden braking manoeuvre or 
in the event of an accident.The centre console with drinks holder 
The centre console has a drinks holder.
Fig. 93  Folding up the 
rear seat back
Fig. 94  Passenger side: 
Stowage compartment
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