ESP Seat Leon 5D 2006 Owner's Guide
Page 84 of 292
Cockpit
82•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP 
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp 
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, 
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. 
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then 
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully 
functional.
Operating the foot brake 
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is 
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the 
positions P  or N.Power steering system* 
For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on 
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine 
running. The warning light  only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanica l steering system if the lamp does not 
go out or light up, wh ils
 t the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may appear in 
two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indicates a 
minor fault. If it lights red, seek wo rkshop assistance immediately, if no 
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the  engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you 
will need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the 
steering assistance is reduced 
or has failed completely.
Brake pad wear indicator* 
As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
The information text displayed in the instrument panel display is
16): CHECK 
BRAKE PADS .
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the 
warning display 
 lights up.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate 
This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light 
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off 
about 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
16)Depending on the model version.
leon_ingles  Seite 82  Donner stag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 118 of 292
Lights and visibility
116
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 
several times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position 
.
– Press the lever forward  ⇒page 115, 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
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 switch ed 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 igni tion. 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.
A1
A2
A3
A4
leon_ingles  Seite 116  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 122 of 292
Lights and visibility
120Optional heated w indscreen in the wiper bl
 ade* area
In some c
ou
ntries 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 124.
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 209.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the 
glass before using the wipers for the first 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 work when the ignition is switched on.
•
In vehicles fitted with alarms and in certain versions, the windscreen 
wipers only operate when the ignition is on and the bonnet 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.
•
The next speed down will automatically be selected if speed   
⇒ page 119, 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 (automatic function). If the  windscreen wiper function is activated 
within three seconds of the automatic  function, a new cleaning cycle begins 
without performing the final wipe. To reactivate the “automatic” function the 
ignition must be turned off and on again.
•
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).
A2
A3
leon_ingles  Seite 120  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 124 of 292
Lights and visibility
122Rear 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  sh o r t  p e r i o d  i f  yo u  s wi tch  
off whilst the wipers are in motion. Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position   
⇒fig. 84 . The wash 
function will start immediately 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.
– Return the lever back to the rest position. 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 209, “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.
F i g .  8 4  W i n d o w  w a s h  a n d  
wipe lever: Rear window 
wiper
A6
A6
A7
leon_ingles  Seite 122  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 128 of 292
Seats and stowage
126Seats 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 vehicl e 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 46, “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 wh eel 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 could 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 chil d seat, observe the warning note in 
the  ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.WARNING (continued)
leon_ingles  Seite 126  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 135 of 292
Seats and stowage133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Caution
When driving, do not leave open cont ainers in the cup holders. The drink 
might be spilt on braking, for example, and could damage the vehicle.Stowage compartment with the CD charger*
The CD* loader is located under the front right hand seatTo access the loader
– Open the external cover by oper ating the button on this cover.
– Pull the sliding internal cover to the right.
– Press the “EJECT” button.
– To close the compartment, reverse the procedure.
WARNING
•
Do not close the external cover with the loader cover open.
Other stowage areasOther stowage areas can be found:•
in the centre console,
•
in the side trims of the luggage compartment,
The hooks for hanging are found on the pillar between the front and rear side 
windows.
WARNING
•
Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects could be 
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving (e.g. 
while accelerating, braking or cornering) and distract the driver. Risk of 
accident.
•
Ensure that no objects can fall from  the centre console or other stowage 
areas into the driver foot well while the vehicle is moving. In the event of a 
sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not  be able to use the brake, clutch or 
accelerator. Risk of accident.
•
Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view. 
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are  intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any hard, sharp or heavy objects in hanging 
articles of clothing. During sudden br aking manoeuvres or accidents, espe-
cially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure the 
vehicle occupants.
leon_ingles  Seite 133  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 140 of 292
Seats and stowage
138The fire extinguisher* is attached to the luggage compartment carpet by 
velcro.
Note
•
The first-aid kit and the fire extinguisher are  not part of the vehicle's 
standard equipment.
•  The first -aid  kit  must comp ly with legal requirements.
• Observe the expiry date of  th e contents of the first-aid kit. You should 
purchase a new first-aid kit as soon as possible after the shelf-life date of the 
first-aid kit has expired.
•
The fire extinguisher must comp ly with legal requirements.
•
Ensure that the fire extinguisher is fully functional. The fire extinguisher 
should, therefore, be checked regularly. The sticker on the fire extinguisher 
will inform you of the next date for checking.
•
Before acquiring accessories and emergency equipment see the instruc-
tions on ⇒ page 191.
Luggage compartmentStowing luggage
All luggage must be securely stowed.Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles 
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment 
as possible. – Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps 
on the fastening rings.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious 
injuries.
•
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and 
change the way the vehicle handles.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the 
passenger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.
•
Always store objects in the luggage compartment and secure with suit-
able straps. This is especially important for heavy objects.
•
When you transport heavy objects, always keep in mind that a change 
in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.
•
Please observe information on safe driving  ⇒page 7, “Safe driving”.Caution
Hard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating 
element in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered as 
this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle.
leon_ingles  Seite 138  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 141 of 292
Seats and stowage139
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Luggage compartment coverRemoving the cover
– Disengage the loops ⇒fig. 105   from the retaining pins  .
– Extract the cover from its slot, in its rest position and pull  outwards.
WARNING
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the luggage compartment cover, this 
will endanger the vehicle occupants in case of sudden braking.
Note
•
Ensure that, when placing items of clothing on the luggage compartment 
cover, rear visibility is not reduced.
Roof carrier*Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•
For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories approved by SEAT 
should be used.
•
It is imperative to precisely follow the fitting instructions included for the 
rack, taking special care when fitting the front bar in the holes designed for 
this and the rear bar between the marks on the upper part of the rear door 
frame while respecting the correct direction of travel indicated in the installa-
tion manual. Not following these instru ctions may lead to paintwork damage 
or marks on the bodywork.
•
Pay special attention to  the tightening torque of the attachment bolts and 
check them following a short journey.  If necessary, retighten the bolts and 
check them at regular intervals.
•
Distribute the load evenly. A maximum  load of 40 kg only is permitted for 
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly over 
the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire roof 
(including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should the 
total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical Data”.
•
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the 
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an 
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
•
For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere 
with the load on the roof  carrier system when opened.
Fig. 105  Luggage 
compartment cover
AB
AA
leon_ingles  Seite 139  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 148 of 292
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
146
The air conditioning system only works when the engine is running 
and the blower is switched on.
– Press the temperature control buttons  ⇒page 145, fig. 110   
or  in order  to adjust the temperature on the left -hand side or 
the right-hand side respectively.
– The functions will be switched on when the buttons are pressed.  When these functions are activate d, they are indicated in the 
display. Also, the de-icing and re ar heated window functions will 
turn on along with their corresponding yellow symbol. Press the 
button again to switch off the function.The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right sides of the 
vehicle interior.
Display of the selected interior temperature for the left side.
Button   – Manual air recirculation mode
Button   – Central air distribution
Button   – Downward air distribution
Button   – Upward air distribution
Display of the selected interior temperature for the right side.
Button   – defrost function for the windscreen. The air drawn in from 
outside the vehicle is directed at the windscreen. The air recirculation 
mode, if switched on, will be switched off as soon as the defrost function 
is switched on. At temperatures over 3°C, the air conditioning system will 
be switched on automatically and the blower speed will be increased by 
one level in order to dry the air. The button lights up yellow and the 
symbol appears in the display.
Button   – Rear window heating. The  heating will be switched off auto-
matically approximately  20 minutes after switching on. However, it may 
be turned off by pushing the button. Th e button lights up yellow and the 
symbol appears in the display.
Temperature selector for the left side  ⇒page 146 Blower control 
⇒page 147
Button   – Switches the 2C-Climatronic on and off  ⇒page 147
Button   – Automatic temperature, ventilation and air distribution 
control  ⇒page 146
Button   – Switches heating, ventilation and air-conditioning 
system off
Temperature selector for the right side  ⇒page 146
WARNING
For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation. 
This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with 
the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the 
anti-fog/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please observe the general notes  ⇒page 149.Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, airflow and distribution 
are automatically regulated so that a specified temperature is 
attained as quickly as possible and then maintained.The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right 
sides of the vehicle interior.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the button    ⇒page 145, fig. 110 . “AUTO” is shown 
on the display.
A9
A14
A1A2
A3
A4
A5
A6A7
A8
A9
A10A11
OFF
A12
AUTO
A13
ECON
A14
AUTO
leon_ingles  Seite 146  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13 
Page 153 of 292
Driving151
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest  ⇒page 150, 
fig. 113 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so th at it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you prop erly in the event of an accident. Make 
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the 
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on  the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works in 
conjunction with the ABS. Both warning la mps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you requ ire less traction, you can switch off 
the ESP by pressing button  ⇒fig. 114  .
For example:•
when driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 114  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
leon_ingles  Seite 151  Donnerstag, 24. August 2006  1:56 13