instrument panel Seat Leon 5D 2013 Owner's Guide

110Lights and visibility
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
Turn signal and main beam lever*
Fig. 64 Turn signal and
main beam lever
Move the lever to the required position: Right turn signal. Right-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 112.
Left turn signal. Left-hand parking light (ignition switched off)
⇒ page 112.
Main beam switched on ⇒ 
. The control lamp
 will light up on the
instrument panel.
Flashing the headlights. The flashed beam comes on if the lever is
pressed. The control lamp  will light up.
Push the lever all the way down to turn off the corresponding function.
Convenience turn signals
For the convenience turn signals, move the lever as far as possible upwards
or downwards and release the lever. The turn signal will flash three times.
The convenience turn signals are activated and deactivated in the Easy Con-
nect system via the 
key and the Setup function button ⇒ page 79.
In vehicles that do not have the corresponding menu, this function can be
deactivated in a specialised workshop.
WARNING
Improper or lack of use of the turn signals, or forgetting to deactivate
them can confuse other road users. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always give warning when you are going to change lane, overtake or
when turning, activating the turn signal in good time.
● As soon as you have finished changing lane, overtaking or turning,
switch the turn signal off.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the headlights may cause accidents and serious injury,
as the main beam may distract or dazzle other drivers. 
1
2
3
4

111
Lights and visibility
Note
● The turn signal only works when the ignition is switched on. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
● If a trailer turn signal malfunctions, the control lamp will stop flashing
(trailer turn signals) and the vehicle turn signal will flash at double speed.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. 
Turning lights on and off
Fig. 65 Dash panel:
Light switch
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
Turn the light switch to the required position ⇒ Fig. 65:
Symbolif the ignition is switched offwhen the ignition is on
Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights off.Light off, or daytime driving light
on.

The “Coming home” and
“Leaving home” guide lights
may be switched on.Automatic control of dipped
beam and daytime driving light.
Symbolif the ignition is switched offwhen the ignition is on
Side light on.Side light on.

Dipped beam off; if necessa-
ry, the side light comes on for
a time.Dipped beam switched on.
Fog lights
The warning lamps
 or  also show, on the light switch or instrument
panel, when the fog lights are on.
● Switching on the fog lights : pull the light switch to the first position,
from positions ,  or .
● Switching on the rear fog light : pull the light switch completely from
position ,  or .
● To switch off the fog lights, press the light switch or turn it to position .
Audible warnings to advise the driver that the lights have not been
switched off
If the key is not in the ignition and the driver door is open, an audible warn-
ing signal is heard in the following cases: This is a reminder to turn off the
lights.
● When the parking light is on ⇒ page 110.
● When the light switch is in position  or .
WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illumi-
nate the road ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see
you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility
is poor.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

112Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light
When the parking light is switched on, (right or left turn signal), the front
side light and the rear light on the corresponding side of the vehicle stay lit.
The parking lights can only be activated with the ignition switched off and
the turn signal and main beam lever in the central position, before being
triggered.
Parking light on both sides
With the ignition switched off and the light switch in position , when lock-
ing the vehicle from the outside, the parking lights on both sides of the ve-
hicle light up. In doing so, only the side lights of both headlights light up,
and additionally the tail lights will do so partially.
Daytime driving light*
The daytime driving lights consist of individual lights, integrated in the front
headlights. With the daylight driving lights on, only these lights switch on
⇒ 
.
The daytime driving lights switch on every time the ignition is switched on,
if the switch is in positions  or , according to the level of exterior light-
ing.
When the light switch is in position , a light sensor automatically
switches dipped beam on and off (including the control and instrument
lighting) or the daytime driving lights depending on the level of exterior
lighting.
Automatic dipped beam control 
The automatic dipped beam control is merely intended as an aid and is not
able to recognise all driving situations. When the light switch is in position 
, the vehicle lights and the instru-
ment panel and switch lighting switch on and off automatically in the fol-
lowing situations ⇒ 
:
Automatic switching on:Automatic switching off:The photo sensor detects darkness,
for example, when driving through a
tunnel.When adequate lighting is detected.
The rain sensor detects rain and ac-
tivates the windscreen wipers.When the windscreen wipers have
been inactive for a few minutes.
Cornering lights* 1)
When turning slowly or on very tight bends, the cornering lights are activa-
ted automatically. The cornering lights may be integrated in the fog lights
and are switched on only at speeds of less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
When reverse gear is engaged, the cornering lights on both sides of the ve-
hicle switch on, in order to better illuminate the area for parking.
Motorway lights*
The motorway light is available on vehicles equipped with full-LED lights.
The function is connected/disconnected via the corresponding Easy Con-
nect system menu.
● Activation: When going above 110 km/h (75 mph) for more than 30 sec-
onds, the dipped beam raises slightly to increase the distance of visibility of
the driver.
● Deactivation: When reducing the speed of the car below 100 km/h, the
dipped beam returns to its normal position. 
1)
This function is not available on vehicles equipped with full-LED headlights.

115
Lights and visibility
Switching the main beam assist on and off
effectuse
Activate: 
– Switch the ignition on and turn the light switch to position
.
– From the base position, move the main beam and turn signal
lever forwards ⇒ page 110. When the warning lamp  is dis-
played on the instrument panel display, the main beam assist is
switched on.
To
switch
system off:
– Switch off the ignition.
– OR: Turn the light switch to a different position to 
⇒ page 111.
– OR: with main beam on, move the main beam and turn signal
lever backwards.
– OR: Move the main beam and turn signal lever forwards to
manually switch main beam on. The main beam assist will then
be deactivated.
Malfunctions
The following conditions may prevent the main beam headlight control from
turning off the headlights in time or from turning off altogether:
● In poorly lit towns with highly reflective signs.
● Other insufficiently lit road users (such as pedestrians or cyclists).
● On tight bends and steep slopes (bumps) and when oncoming vehicles
are partially obscured.
● When the drivers of other oncoming vehicles (such as a truck) can see
over a guard rail in the centre of the road.
● If the camera is damaged or the power supply is cut off.
● In fog, snow and heavy rain.
● With dust and sand turbulence.
● With loose gravel in the field of vision of the camera.
● When the field of vision of the camera is misted up, dirty or covered by
stickers, snow, ice...
WARNING
The convenience features of the main beam assist should not encourage
the taking of risks. The system is not a replacement for driver concentra-
tion.
● You are always in control of the main beam and adapting it to the
light, visibility and traffic conditions.
● It is possible that the main beam headlight control does not recog-
nise all driving situations and is limited under certain circumstances.
● When the field of vision of the camera is dirty, covered or damaged,
operation of the main beam control may be affected. This also applies
when changes are made to the vehicle lighting system, for example, if
additional headlights are installed.
CAUTION
To avoid affecting the operation of the system, take the following points in-
to consideration:
● Clean the field of vision of the camera regularly and make sure it is free
of snow and ice.
● Do not cover the field of vision of the camera.
● Check that the windscreen is not damaged in the area of the field of vi-
sion of the camera.
Note
Main beam and headlight flasher can be turned on and off manually at any
time with the turn signal and main beam lever ⇒ page 110. 
Adjusting the headlights
The light beam of the dipped beam lights is asymmetric: the side of the
road on which you are driving is lit more intensely. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

117
Lights and visibility
Vehicle with halo-
gen headlightsIn the “Leaving Home” function, the daytime running
lights (DRL), the rear side lights and the licence plate
lights are switched on.
Vehicle with full-
LED headlightsIn the “Leaving Home” function, the dipped beams,
the daytime running lights (DRL), the rear side lights
and the licence plate lights are switched on.
Activation
● When the vehicle is unlocked using the remote control.
● The “Leaving Home” function is only activated when the rotary light
switch is in position  and the light sensor detects darkness.
Deactivation
● When the “Leaving Home” lights go out after the delay period (default:
30 sec.).
● When the vehicle is locked using the remote control.
● When the light control is switched into a position other than .
● With the ignition is switched on. 
Headlight range control, lighting of the instrument panel
and controls
Fig. 67 Next to the
steering wheel: Head-
light range control Lighting of the instrument panel and controls*
Depending on the model, lighting of the instrument panel and controls can
be adjusted in the Easy Connect system, using the button

and the func-
tion button SETUP ⇒ page 82.
Headlight range control
The headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 67 is modified according to the value of
the headlight beam and the vehicle load status. This offers the driver opti-
mum visibility and the headlights do not dazzle oncoming drivers ⇒ 
.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To reset, turn switch ⇒ Fig. 67:
ValueVehicle load status a)–Two front occupants, luggage compartment empty1All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty
2All seats occupied, luggage compartment full With trailer
and minimum drawbar load
3Driver only, luggage compartment full With trailer and
maximum drawbar load
a)
If the vehicle load does not correspond to those shown in the table, it is possible to select
intermediary positions.
Dynamic headlight range control
The control is not mounted in vehicles with dynamic headlight range con-
trol. The headlight range is automatically adjusted according to the vehicle
load status when the headlights are switched on.
Instrument panel lighting
In vehicles with the daytime driving light, the instrument panel lighting
switches on in dark conditions (for example, when passing through a tun-
nel). This reminds the driver to manually switch on the dipped beam, so
that the vehicle rear lights also switch on ⇒ page 112.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

164Driving
–Turn the ignition key to position 1
to switch off the ignition.
Preheating is produced in Diesel vehicles  when the ignition is
switched on.
Starting up the engine
– Manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all the way down and
move the gearbox lever into neutral.
– Automatic gearbox : Press the brake pedal and move the selec-
tor lever to position P or N.
– Turn the ignition key to position 3
. The key returns to position
2 automatically. Do not press the accelerator.
Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer than usual to start
on cold days. Therefore the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must remain pressed until the en-
gine starts up. During preheating, the warning lamp  remains lit.
The preheating time depends on the coolant and exterior tempera-
tures. When the engine is at operating temperature or at outside
temperatures above +8 °C (46 °F) the warning lamp  will only
light up for about one second. This means that the engine starts
immediately.
If the engine does not immediately start up, interrupt the starting process
and try again after 30 seconds. To start the engine again, return the key to
position 1
.
Start-Stop System*
If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the engine,
the ignition remains switched on.
Automatic gearbox: Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the ignition
is switched off and the selector lever is in position P. Driver messages on the instrument panel display
Press the clutch This message appears on vehicles with a manual gearbox if the driver tries
to start the engine without having the clutch pedal pressed. The engine will
only start if you press the clutch pedal.
Press the brake
This message appears on vehicles with an automatic gearbox if the driver
tries to start the engine without having the brake pedal pressed.
Select N or P
This message appears if you try to start or stop the engine when the selec-
tor lever of the automatic gearbox is not in position P or N. The engine can
only start or stop in these positions.
Engage position P; the vehicle can move; doors can only close in position P. For safety reasons, this driver message appears and an audible warning
sounds if the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not in position P af-
ter you switch off the ignition. Otherwise the vehicle could move.
Gear change: selector lever in the drive position!
This driver message is displayed and a buzzer is sounded when the selector
lever is not in the position P when the driver door is opened. Put the selec-
tor lever in position P; otherwise the vehicle can roll away.
Ignition is switched onThis driver message is displayed and a buzzer is sounded when the driver
door is opened with the ignition switched on. 

167
Driving
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an audible warning.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. –
Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

168Driving
Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to move off and upwards on a hill
when the vehicle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for approximately two seconds after
the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
lurching backwards when it is started. During these two seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal and accelerate without vehicle
moving and without having to use the handbrake, making start-up easier,
more comfortable and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● closed doors,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in neutral for manual gear
change and with the selector lever at positions S, D or R in vehicles with au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active in reversing uphill.
WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain condi-
tions. Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal
down for a few seconds before starting off.
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is
equipped with this system. 
Speed warning function Introduction
The speed warning function can help prevent you exceeding
a particular pre-set maximum speed.
The speed warning function will warn the driver if a pre-set maximum speed
is exceeded. The system gives an warning buzzer signal if the set speed is
exceeded by about 3 km/h. The warning lamp  and the driver message
Speed limit exceeded! will be displayed simultaneously on the instrument
panel display. The warning lamp  switches off when reducing speed be-
low the stored maximum limit.
You are recommended to store this speed limit warning if you always wish
to be reminded of a particular speed limit. This could be when driving in 

170Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle,
even temporarily. This is particularly important if there are children in
the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or use
power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-Stop system is switched off
when working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 171.
CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be switched off when driving through
flooded areas ⇒ page 171. 
Stop/Start the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel display.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the engine will start up again.
The warning lamp will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a stop and keep the
brake pedal pressed down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal the engine will start
up again. The warning lamp will switch off. Additional information related to the automatic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in the positions P, D, N and S, in
addition to when in manual mode. With the selector lever in position P, the
engine will also remain switched off when you take your foot off the brake
pedal. In order to start the engine up again the accelerator must be press-
ed, or another gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R during the stopping phase, the
engine will start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the engine from accidentally starting
when changing and passing by position R.
Note
● You can control whether the engine should switch off or not by reducing
or increasing the brake force applied. While the vehicle remains stopped,
the engine will not stop if the brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for example. As soon as strong pressure
is applied to the brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during the stopping phases the brake
pedal must remain depressed to prevent the vehicle from moving.
● If the engine stalls in vehicles with manual gearbox, it can be directly
started up again by immediately pressing the clutch pedal. 
General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode frequently for
different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system verifies whether certain conditions
are met. The engine does not switch off, in the following situations for ex-
ample: 

171
Driving
● The engine has not yet reached the minimum required temperature for
the Start-Stop mode.
● The interior temperature selected for the air conditioner has not yet
been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is being turned.
● If there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication  is shown on the instrument panel display, and in addition,
the driver information system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-Stop mode can be interrupted in
the following situations: The engine restarts by itself without involvement
from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the value selected on the air condi-
tioner.
● Defrost function button activated ⇒ page 154.
● The brake has been pressed several times consecutively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption.
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the selector lever is placed in posi-
tion D, N or S after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must be driven at a
speed faster than 10 km/h (5 mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-Stop system
If you do not wish to use the system, you can switch it off
manually.
Fig. 120 Centre console:
Start-Stop system button
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop system, press the but-
ton 
. The button symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off.
Note
The system is automatically switched on each time the engine is deliberate-
ly stopped during a stopping phase. The engine will start automatically. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications