Seat Leon 5D 2006 Maintenance programme
Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2006, Model line: Leon 5D, Model: Seat Leon 5D 2006Pages: 292, PDF Size: 8.86 MB
Page 151 of 292

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 149
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
General notesThe pollen filter
The pollution filter (a combined pa rticulate filter and activated carbon filter) 
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and 
pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work  with maximum efficiency, the pollen 
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high 
levels of air pollution, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch off the air condi-
tioner with button   to prevent further damage and have it checked by a 
qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and 
special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,  condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect 
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and 
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows misting over.
•
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is 
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with 
articles of clothing or other objects.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows 
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the sun has heated up the 
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for 
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the 
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a 
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
The air conditioning should be turned  on at least once a month, to lubri-
cate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling 
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to 
check the system.
ECON
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Driving
150DrivingSteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely 
adjusted to suit the driver.
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column  ⇒fig. 112  down 
⇒ .
– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is  set  ⇒fig. 113 .
– Then push the lever up again firmly  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Incorrect use of the steering column  adjustment function and an incor-
rect seating position can result in serious injury.
•
To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when 
the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident.
Fig. 112  Adjusting the 
steering wheel position
Fig. 113  Proper sitting 
position for driver
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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
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Driving
152•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for 
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer 
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. That is to say, 
these systems are not available while ESP is not activated.
When does the   button light up or flash?
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out again after 
about 2 seconds.
•
It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable 
driving condition.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot defy the laws of 
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet 
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driv ing, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 169, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In the position  ⇒fig. 115  the ignition and the engine are OFF and the 
steering may be locked.
For the Steering lock  to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering 
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the 
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the 
vehicle  ⇒ .
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system 
Turn the ignition key to this position an d let go of the key. If the key cannot be 
turned or is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the 
steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key 
turns freely.
Fig. 115  Ignition key 
positions
A0
A1
A0
A12
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Driving153
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in
 this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to 
the position  . The  repetitive start prevention lock  of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter motor  if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition 
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk 
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignit ion lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially 
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle.
•
They could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment 
such as the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started 
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can 
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when  the engine is stopped (ignition key 
position ).
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving 
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the 
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct 
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly  if you do not have a genuine SEAT 
key.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the  clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then 
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position  ⇒page 152.
A2A0
A2
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154
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to press the accelerator briefly.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 
10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not 
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked  ⇒page 232, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow  a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions  ⇒page 248, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by  running the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne utral position and depress the 
clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then 
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 152, fig. 115   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see  ⇒page 248.
A1A2
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Driving155
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the 
glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as  the glow plug warning lamp  ⇒page 81 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely ru n dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine af ter refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading th e engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or  towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒ page 248, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine  by  running the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 152, fig. 115   .After the engine is switched off the  radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
minutes, even if the ignition is switched of f. It is also possible that it will turn 
itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the 
elimination of built-up heat in the engine  compartment or if  this is heated due 
to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need 
more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you 
cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and 
serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed 
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
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156
CautionIf the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you 
should idle the engine for approx. 2 m inutes before you switch it off.Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearbox
Selecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the 
clutch right down.
– Place the gear lever into neutral gate and push the lever all the  way down.
– Slide the gearlever to the left, and then into the reverse position  shown on the gear lever.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When 
the engine is running, before engaging  this gear wait about 6 seconds with 
the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.
The reversing lights come on when the reverse gear is selected and the igni-
tion is on.
Fig. 116  Detail of the 
centre console: Shift 
diagram of a 5-speed 
manual gearbox
Fig. 117  Detail of the 
centre console: Shift 
diagram of a 6-speed 
manual gearbox
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Driving157
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a 
gear is engaged and the clutch released.
•
Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•
Do not rest your hand on the gear le ver when driving. The pressure of your 
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.
•
When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid 
unnecessary wear and damage.
•
Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear 
and damage to the clutch.
Automatic gearbox* / DSG automatic 
gearbox*Selector lever positionsSelector lever positions indicated on the cover
P Parking position (lever locked).
R Reverse position.
N Neutral position (lever loc ked). This position is similar to the neutral 
position for manual gearboxes).
D Drive position (economic driving program).
S Sports driving position.
+/- Tiptronic driving position (this program is similar to the operation of a 
manual gearbox).
Fig. 118  Section of 
centre console: selector 
lever on cars with an auto-
matic gearbox / direct 
shift gearbox
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Driving
158Driving programmes
The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox (DSG) has three 
programmes.Selecting the economic programme
– This programme selects a higher gear earlier rather than remain 
in a lower gear.
– Put the selector lever into position  D to drive forwards
– Put the selector lever into position  R to reverse. This position is 
shared by all programmes for reversing.
Selecting the sport programme
– Move the lever to position  S.If you select the sport programme,  S, the programme is designed for a sports 
mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine speeds to use  the full power of the engine. This pr
ogramme is not recommended for use on 
the motorway or in the city.
Selecting manual programme (tiptronic)
This programme allows the vehicle to be driven as if with a manual gearbox.
This programme may be accessed using the selector lever or from the 
steering wheel controls when t his option it is fitted ⇒page 161.
Selector lever locking
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged 
inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.Releasing the selector lever lock
–Start the vehicle.
Fig. 119  programme 
selection
Fig. 120  Deactivating the 
lock
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