Seat Leon Sportstourer 2013 Owner's manual

199
Driver assistance systems
Special driving situations
Fig. 136 (A) Vehicle on a
bend. (B) Motorcyclist
driving ahead out of
range of the radar sensor.
Fig. 137 (C) Other vehi-
cle changing lanes (D)
Vehicle turning and an-
other one stopped.
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has certain physical limitations inherent
in the system. For example, some of the ACC's reactions, in certain circum-
stances, may be unexpected or occur at the wrong time as far as the driver
is concerned. Therefore, be on the lookout in case you have to intervene.
For example, the following traffic situations call for the utmost attention:
Deceleration until the vehicle comes to a halt (only vehicles with automatic
gearbox)
If the vehicle in front reduces speed and stops, the ACC will do the same
with your own vehicle. After the vehicle has been stopped for approx. 3 sec-
onds, the system will warn the driver that he has to take control by means of
an acoustic and visual warning on the instrument panel.
Starting up after a halt phase (only vehicles with automatic gearbox)
After a halt phase, the ACC can start driving automatically as soon as the
vehicle ahead begins to move again. 
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200Driver assistance systems
Overtaking
When the turn signal comes on before overtaking, the ACC accelerates the
vehicle automatically and thus reduces the distance between it and the ve-
hicle ahead.
When you move into the overtaking lane, if the ACC does not detect any ve-
hicle in front it accelerates until it reaches the stored speed and keeps it
constant.
The acceleration can be interrupted at any time by stepping on the brake
pedal or pulling back on the lever ⇒ page 193.
Driving through a bend
On entering or coming out of a bend, the radar sensor may no longer detect
the vehicle ahead of it or may react before a vehicle in the adjacent lane
⇒ Fig. 136 A. In such situations the vehicle may brake unnecessarily or may
cease to react with regard to the vehicle ahead. In this case, the driver has
to act by accelerating or interrupting the braking process by stepping on the
brake pedal or pulling the third lever backwards ⇒ page 193.
Driving in tunnels
When going through tunnels, the radar sensor function may be limited.
Switch off the ACC in tunnels.
Narrow vehicles or vehicles not driving straight
The radar sensor can only detect narrow vehicles or those that are not driv-
ing straight within its range ⇒ Fig. 136 B. This is particularly applicable to
narrow vehicles such as motorbikes. In these cases, brake yourself as nec-
essary.
Vehicles with loads and special accessories
The load and special accessories of other vehicles that jut out over the side,
backwards or forward may be outside the range of the ACC.
Switch off the ACC when driving behind vehicles with loads or special acces-
sories, as well as when overtaking these vehicles. In these cases, brake
yourself as necessary. Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lanes not far away from the vehicle can only be detected
when they fall within the range of the sensors. Consequently, the ACC will
take longer to react
⇒ Fig. 137 C. In these cases, brake yourself if necessary.
Stationary vehicles
During driving, the ACC does not detect stationary objects, such as the end
of a jam or damaged vehicles.
If a vehicle detected by ACC turns or moves over and there is another sta-
tionary vehicle in front of it, the ACC will not react ⇒ Fig. 137 D. In these ca-
ses, brake yourself if necessary.
Vehicles travelling in the opposite direction and vehicles changing lanes
The ACC does not react to vehicles approaching in the opposite direction or
vehicles changing lanes.
Metal objects
Metal objects, e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work sites, may
confuse the radar sensor and cause wrong reactions in the ACC.
Factors that may affect the operation of the radar sensor
If the operation of the radar sensor were affected by heavy rain, water mist,
snow or mud, the ACC is switched off temporarily. The relevant message ap-
pears on the instrument panel display. If necessary, clean the radar sensor.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the ACC will be automatically
available again. The message on the instrument panel display will go off
and the ACC can be switched on again.
In the event of a heavy reverse reflection of the radar signal, for example, in
a closed parking, ACC operation may be affected.
Trailer towing
When driving with a trailer, the ACC controls less dynamically. 

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Driver assistance systems
Overheated brakes
If the brakes overheat, for example, after a sharp brake or in long and very
steep descents, the ACC may switch off temporarily. The relevant message
appears on the instrument panel display. In such cases, the cruise control
might not be switched on.
Once the brake temperature has come down sufficiently, the active cruise
control can be switched on again. The message will disappear from the in-
strument panel display. If the ACC not available message remains on for
quite some time, it means there is a fault. Visit a specialised workshop,
SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
WARNING
If the message ACC ready to start is shown on the instrument panel dis-
play and the vehicle ahead starts up, the vehicle will start automatically.
In this case, the radar sensor may not detect possible objects on the
road. This could cause an accident and serious injury.
● Before moving off, check that the road is clear. If necessary, apply the
foot brake.

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202Driver assistance systems
Monitoring system Front Assist*
Introduction
The Front Assist Monitoring System helps to avoid rear-end collisions.
The Front Assist can warn the driver in case of a collision hazard, prepare
the vehicle for emergency braking in the event of danger, assisting the driv-
er in braking and provoking automatic braking.
The Front Assist system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Cruise control system (CCS) ⇒ page 184
● Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ⇒ page 189
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
Distance warning
If the system detects that safety is compromised because you are driving
too close to the vehicle in front, it can warn the driver with an on-screen
message on the instrument panel when you are driving at a speed between
approx. 60 km/h (37 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138.
The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour.
Pre-warning
If the system detects a possible collision with the vehicle ahead, it can warn
the driver with a sound warning and a message on the instrument panel
display when driving at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h (18 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138. The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour. At the same time, the vehicle prepares for a possible emergency
braking ⇒ 
.
Critical warning
If the driver does not react to a pre-warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle when travelling at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph), causing a brief jolt to warn of an immi-
nent collision hazard.
Automatic braking
If the driver fails to react to a critical warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to reduce
speed when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h (3 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph). Reducing speed in the event of a possible collision,
the system can thus help to reduce the consequences of an accident.
Brake assist
If the Front Assist realises that the driver is not braking enough in the event
of a collision hazard, the system can increase braking pressure and thus
avert the collision when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph). Braking assistance only takes place
while the brake pedal is being pressed down hard.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Front Assist cannot change the laws of
physics. The driver is always responsible for braking in time. If the Front
Assist issues a warning, then, depending on traffic conditions, it is nec-
essary to brake immediately by applying the brake pedal or dodging the
obstacle.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist in itself cannot avoid accidents and serious injuries. 

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Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● In complex driving conditions, the Front Assist may unnecessarily
warn and act unintentionally on the brakes, such as, for example, in the
case of traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is impaired, for example, because
of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system may
issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle again.
Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking, the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the Front Assist braking may be interrupted
by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as described in this chapter (e.g. if it
intervenes several times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership. Warning lamps and messages on the display
Fig. 138 On the instrument panel display: Warning messages
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

Collision warning
a)
. The sys-
tem detects a possible colli-
sion with the vehicle in
front.Brake or change course! Use
the foot brake!
Safety distance warning
with the vehicle in front.Increase the safety dis-
tance!
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Distance warning
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the following warning ⇒ Fig. 138 
(magnified image).
Increase the distance! 
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204Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in an accident and injury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or on-screen messages.
Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the instrument panel display messages
pertaining to other functions may be hidden, such as an incoming call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 139 On the front
bumper: radar sensor.
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 139 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the Front Assist Monitoring system does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display:
Front Assist: Sensor without visibili-
ty!. If necessary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the Front Assist will be auto-
matically available again. The message will disappear from the instrument
panel display.
Front Assist operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the
radar signal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the
presence of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work
sites).
The area ahead of and around the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the like, as this may have a negative ef-
fect on Front Assist operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, Front Assist operation may be affec-
ted. This is why structural modifications should only be assigned to special-
ised workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and Front Assist operation would be affected. This is why re-
pair jobs should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the Front Assist. This will prevent possible damage. In
this case have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off. 

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Driver assistance systems
● A radar sensor repair requires specialist knowledge and special tools.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
● Snow should be removed with a brush, while ice should be removed
with a solvent-free anti-ice aerosol. 
Handling the Front Assist Monitoring system
The Front Assist Monitoring system is activated whenever the ignition is
switched on.
When the Front Assist is switched off, so are the pre-warning function and
distance warning.
SEAT recommends that the Front Assist always be activated. Exceptions
⇒  page 205, Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring System
in the following situations.
Switching the Front Assist warning system on and off
With the ignition on, the Front Assist can be switched on and off as follows:
● Select the corresponding menu option using the button for the driver as-
sist systems ⇒ page 75.
● OR: switch the Easy Connect system on or off using the button 
and
the function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80
Switching the pre-warning function on or off
The pre-warning function can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect sys-
tem using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ 
page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the pre-warning function always be switched on. Switching distance warning on or off
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the relevant warning. In such an eventuality, increase
the safety distance
⇒ table on page 203.
The distance warning can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect system
using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the distance warning always be switched on. 
Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring
System in the following situations
The Front Assist Monitoring System should be switched off in the following
situations due to the system's limitations ⇒ :
● When the vehicle is being towed.
● When the vehicle is on a roller test bed.
● When the radar sensor is damaged.
● If the radar sensor takes a big knock, for example, in a rear-end colli-
sion.
● If it intervenes several times unnecessarily.
● If the radar sensor is covered temporarily by an accessory such as an ad-
ditional headlight or the like.
● When the vehicle is to be loaded on a lorry, a ferry or train. 
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206Driver assistance systems
WARNING
If the Front Assist is not switched off in the aforementioned situations,
accidents and serious injuries may be caused.
● Switch off the Front Assist in critical situations.

System limitations
The Front Assist Monitoring System has certain physical limitations inherent
in the system. Thus, for example, in certain circumstances some system re-
actions may be inappropriate or occur with delays as far as the driver is con-
cerned. Therefore, be on the lookout in case you have to intervene.
The following conditions may lead the Front Assist Monitoring System not
to react or react too late:
● When taking tight bends.
● If you step on the accelerator too hard
● If the Front Assist is switched off or damaged.
● If the ASR has been manually disconnected.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If several brake lights on the vehicle or trailer have electrical faults.
● If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g., rails on the road or the panels used on
work sites.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In snow or heavy rain.
● In the case of narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
● In the case of vehicles not driving straight.
● In the case of vehicles changing lanes. ●
In the case of vehicles approaching each other in the opposite direction.
● Loads and special accessories in other vehicles jutting out over the
sides, front or rear. 
City emergency braking function
Fig. 140 On the instru-
ment panel display: pre-
warning message
The City emergency braking function is part of the Front Assist Monitoring
System and is always active when this system is on.
Depending on the equipment, the City emergency braking function can be
switched on or off on the Easy Connect system using the button 
and the
function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80.
The City emergency braking function detects, at speeds between 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph) approx., the situation of the traffic in front
of the vehicle up to a distance of approx. 10 m.
If the system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front, the vehicle
prepares for a possible emergency braking ⇒ 
.

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Driver assistance systems
If the driver does not react to a collision hazard, the system can automati-
cally brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to re-
duce speed in the event of a collision. The system can thus help to reduce
the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by the City emergency braking function is shown on
the instrument panel display by means of a pre-warning message
⇒ Fig. 140 1)
.
WARNING
The smart technology included in the City emergency braking function
cannot defy the laws of physics. The driver is always responsible for
braking in time.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The City emergency braking function alone cannot prevent accidents
or serious injury.
● In complex driving conditions, the City emergency braking function
may act on the brakes, for example, in areas with road works or metal
rails.
● If the City emergency braking function is impaired, for example, be-
cause of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The City emergency braking function does not react during driving to
people or animals or vehicles changing lane or approaching in the oppo-
site direction in the same lane.
Note
● When the City emergency braking function causes a braking, the brake
pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the City emergency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering
wheel.
● The City emergency braking function can decelerate the vehicle and
bring it to a standstill. However, the brake system does not halt the vehicle
permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inappropriate interventions take place, disconnect the Front
Assist and with it the City emergency braking function. Visit a specialised
workshop, SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
● If numerous unfounded interventions occur the City emergency braking
function may disconnect automatically 
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272 
1)
The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
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208Driver assistance systems
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Lane Assist system cannot change the
limits imposed by the laws of physics and by the very nature of the sys-
tem. Careless or uncontrolled use of the Lane Assist system may cause
accidents and injury. The system is not a replacement for driver aware-
ness.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so it can be turned at
any time.
● The Lane Assist system does not detect all road markings. The road
surfaces, road structures or objects in poor condition can be incorrectly
detected as road markings under certain circumstances by the Lane As-
sist system. In such situations, switch the Lane Assist system off imme-
diately.
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's surroundings.
● When the area of vision of the camera becomes dirty, covered or is
damaged, the Lane Assist system function can be affected.
CAUTION
In order to avoid influencing the operation of the system, the following
points must be taken into account:
● Regularly clean the area of vision of the camera and keep it in a clean
state, without snow or ice.
● Do not cover the area of vision of the camera.
● Check that the area of vision of the windscreen camera is not damaged.
Note
● The Lane Assist system has been exclusively developed for driving on
paved roads only.
● If the Lane Assist system does not work as described in this chapter, do
not use it and contact a specialised workshop.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop. 