ESP Seat Leon 5D 2006 User Guide
Page 47 of 292
Airbag system45
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Check that the warning lamp  in the dash panel does ⇒page 44, 
fig. 26  not  light up when the ignition is switched on  ⇒.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for the proper position of the key-operated 
switch. 
•
You should deactivate the front passenger airbag only if you have to use 
a rear-facing child seat in exceptional cases. ⇒ page 46, “Child safety”.
•
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the 
airbag off, an Authorised Service Centre must be consulted.
•
Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front 
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This 
represents a risk of fatal injuries to th e child! However, if it is necessary in 
exceptional circumstances to transport a child in a rear-facing child seat on 
the front passenger seat, you must always disable the front passenger 
airbag.
•
As soon as the child seat is no longer needed on the front passenger 
seat, enable the front passenger airbag again.
•
Only deactivate the passenger airbag when the ignition is off, other-
wise a fault may occur in the airbag system, this will create a danger that 
in case of an accident, the airbag do es not deploy properly or does not 
deploy at all.
•
When the passenger airbag is deactivated, if the warning lamp is not 
continuously lit up when the front passenger airbag is disabled, there may 
be a fault in the airbag system:
−Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified work-
shop.
− Do not use a child seat on the front passenger seat! The front 
passenger airbag could be triggered despite the fact that there is a fault 
in the system and, as a result, a child could sustain serious or fatal inju-
ries. −
It is not certain whether the fron t passenger airbag will deploy 
during an accident! Inform your passengers of this.
•
When using the ignition key to activate / deactivate the passenger front 
airbag, only the passenger front airbag  will be activated / deactivated. The 
side airbag and head airbag on the passenger side will remain active.WARNING (continued)
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Page 48 of 292
Child safety
46Child safetyBrief introductionIntroduction
Statistics show that children are generally safer on the rear 
seat than on the front passenger seat.We recommend that children under 12 years of age be transported on the rear 
seats. Children travelling on the rear seat must use a child restraint system or 
the seat belts provided, depending on their age, height and weight. For 
safety reasons, the child restraint system should be installed in the centre of 
the rear seat or behind the front passenger's seat.
The physical principles involved and the forces acting in a collision apply to 
children just as much as adults  ⇒page 21, “Why wear seat belts?”.
But unlike adults, children do not have fully developed muscle and bone 
structures. This means that children are subject to a greater risk of injury.
To reduce this risk, children must always use special child restraint systems 
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety products from the SEAT Genuine Acces-
sories Program including systems for all ages made by “Peke”
2).
These systems have been especially designed and approved, complying with 
the ECE-R44. regulation.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats. Always read and observe 
⇒ page 47. We recommend that you include the manu
facturer's directions for child seat 
use in the vehicle wallet and always keep them in the vehicle.
2)Not for all countries.
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Page 49 of 292
Child safety47
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Safety notes on using child seats
Proper use of child seats substantially reduces the risk of 
injury in an accident!As the driver, you are responsible for any children you transport in 
your vehicle.
– Protect your children by properly using appropriate child seats 
⇒page 48.
– Always ensure that the belt webbing is properly positioned  according to the instructions prov ided by the manufacturer of the 
child seat.
– When travelling, do not allow children to distract you from traffic.
– Take breaks regularly during long trips. Take a break at least  every two hours.
WARNING
•
Never install a child seat facing backwards (or rear-facing) on the front 
passenger seat unless the front passenger airbag has been disabled. This 
represents a risk of fatal injuries to the  child! However, if it is necessary, in 
exceptional cases, to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front 
passenger airbag must always be disabled  ⇒page 44, “Deactivating 
airbags*”. If the passenger seat has a  height adjustment option, move it to 
the highest position.
•
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the 
airbag off, an Authorised Service Centre must be consulted.
•
All passengers, especially children, must assume the proper sitting 
position and be properly belted in while travelling.
•
Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potentially 
fatal injuries to the child!
•
Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being properly 
secured, or to stand up or kneel on a  seat while travelling. In an accident, 
the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal injuries 
to themselves and other occupants.
•
If children assume an improper sitting position when the car is moving, 
they expose themselves to greater risk of injury during a sudden braking 
manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly the case if the child is trav-
elling on the front passenger seat and the airbag system is triggered in an 
accident; this could have consequences including serious injury or death.
•
A suitable child seat can protect your child!
•
Never leave a child unsupervised in a child seat or alone in the vehicle.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
•
Children who are less than 1.5 metres  tall must not wear a normal seat 
belt without a child restraint system, as this could cause injuries to the 
abdominal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an 
accident.
•
Do not allow the belt webbing to become twisted or jammed, or to rub 
on any sharp edges.
•
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor collision 
or sudden braking manoeuvres.
•
The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the belt web is 
properly positioned  ⇒page 24, “Seat belts”.
•
Only one child may occupy a child seat  ⇒page 48, “Child seats”.WARNING (continued)
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Page 57 of 292
Cockpit55
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Operating instructionsCockpitOverviewOverview of the instrument panel
This overview will help you to  familiarise yourself with the 
controls and displays.
Door release lever 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air vent
Lighting control for instrument and  control lighting   . . . . . . . . 
Headlight range control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Turn signal and main beam lever and cruise control system* . 
Instrument panel:
− Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Indication lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Horn (works only when the igni tion is on)/ and driver front 
airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen wiper and windscreen wash lever and operation of 
the multi-function display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Thumb wheel for left seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Controls for
− Heating* and ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Air conditioning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  −
Air conditioner*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio
Thumb wheel for right seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Glove compartment lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Gear selector lever
Cup holder compartment
Rotary control for adjustment of the exterior rear view mirrors  
Switches for
− Central locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handbrake
Indication lamp for deactivated  front passenger airbag  . . . . . 
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Handle for releasing the bonnet  . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Button for opening and closing the front windows  . . . . . . . . . 
Safety switch* for the rear windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Controls* for opening and closing the rear windows  . . . . . . . . 
Note
Some of the items of equipment listed here are fitted only on certain 
models/model years or are optional extras.
A1A2
111
A3A4
113
A5
113
A6 
115,165
A7
56
59
72
A8
30
A9
119, 61
A10
130
A11
140
142 145
A12A13
130
A14
30
A15
131
A16A17A18
124
A19
93
151 80
A20A21
44
A22A23
152
A24
198
A25
106
A26
106
A27
106
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Cockpit57
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Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Fuel gauge 
 and reserve indicator
Details of the instrument panel: Fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone  ⇒fig. 33  (arrow), the warning 
lamp will light and an acoustic signal will sound  reminding the driver to 
refuel . At this point there are still about 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following text appears in the instrument panel display
3)  PLEASE 
REFUEL *
Engine coolant temperature display 
 
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Needle in cold zone 
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads  ⇒fig. 34.
Needle in normal zone 
In normal driving conditions, the needle  should be in the middle section of 
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard, 
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern as long 
as the warning lamp does not light up  and no warning* text appears in the 
combi-instrument display.
Needle in warning zone 
The warning lamp*  ⇒page 72, fig. 46    will light up if the needle is in the 
warning zone. The following warning  appears in the instrument panel 
3)Depending on the model version
Fig. 33  Details of the 
instrument panel: Fuel 
gauge
Fig. 34  Details of the 
instrument panel: Engine 
coolant temperature 
gauge
AAABAC
A2
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Page 76 of 292
Cockpit
74
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your 
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
Fasten seat belts! ⇒page 19
Tyre pressure ⇒page 80
Engine fault (petrol engine) ⇒page 81
Glow plug system (diesel engine) 
Lit up:  Glow plug system switched on 
Flashing:  engine fault. ⇒
page 81
Airbag or belt tension device system fault or airbag disabled ⇒page 28
Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 81
Flashing:  electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) in opera-
tion, 
Lit up:  ESP fault or switched off ⇒
page 81
Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox) ⇒page 82
Electromechanical steering ⇒page 82
Brake pad wear indicator ⇒page 82
Door open indicator ⇒page 82
SAFE Electronic immobiliser ⇒page 83
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A15A16A17A17A18A19A20A21A22A23A24
WARNING (continued)
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Page 78 of 292
Cockpit
76First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal 
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity ⇒ .
WARNING
•
If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a 
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and 
place the warning triangle.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no 
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the 
engine and allow it to cool down. Alwa ys note the corresponding warnings 
⇒ page 198.
Rear fog light 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on 
. Further 
information  ⇒page 111.
Tu r n  si g nal s  
 
The warning lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left 
 or right 
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both  warning lamps will flash at the same time when the 
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice as fast. Further information on the turn signals 
⇒page 115.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashes when the turn signals are 
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The warning lamp 
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a 
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the 
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information  ⇒page 115.
Bulb defect 
The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp 
 lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting 
(e.g. left-hand main  beam) is defective.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
11):  MAIN 
BEAM LEFT DEFECT .
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Cockpit
78Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, add more engine oil  ⇒page 201.
The following text is displayed  in the instrument panel display
14): STOP 
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
 
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go  out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take  the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 169.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up. Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 198.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir  ⇒page 211, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear 
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break 
away. Risk of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop 
and have the fault corrected.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 172.
14)Depending on the model version.
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Cockpit
80Tyre pressure* 
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and uses this informa-
tion to compare the diameter of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the 
diameter of a wheel changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights 
. The wheel 
diameter changes when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with 
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
•
The wheel on one axle is changed. Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, 
the button 
⇒fig. 47 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on, until an 
acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or 
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value 
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor 
system button is pressed the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator 
 lights
If the tyre pressure of one wheel is much  lower than the value set by the driver 
then the indicator lights  ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest 
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and 
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check 
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre 
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in 
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or 
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator 
 lights after turning the 
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
Fig. 47  Centre console: 
tyre monitor system 
button
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Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Engine management 
 
This warning lamp monitors th e engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp  is working properly. It should go out 
when the engine has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light  up. Take the vehicle to an Authorised 
Service Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Glow plug system / Engine fault 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
when there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
15) : EXHAUST 
FUMES GO TO WORKSHOP!
Warning lamp 
 is lit:
if a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e. g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display:  EXHAUST 
FUMES GO TO WORKSHOP! .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation 
program.
This program includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a 
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
15)Depending on the model version.
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