warning Seat Leon 5D 2012 Owner's manual

185
Intelligent technology
Disable ASR
ASR can be disabled through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79 or by
pressing the  OFF
button. The traction control system will be disabled.
The control lamp  will light up. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that ASR is disabled.
In the following exceptional circumstances enabling the ESC Sport mode to
improve the traction of the wheels is tenable:
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
Activate ASR
ASR can be switched on through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79 or by
pressing the  OFF
button. The traction control system will be enabled.
The control lamp  switches off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that ASR is enabled.
WARNING
You should switch on the ESC Sport mode only if the traffic conditions
and your driving ability allow you to do so safely: risk of skidding!
● With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising function will be limited to al-
low for a sportier drive. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle
could skid.
Note
● ESC Sport mode cannot be activated if the cruise control* actively inter-
venes. Brakes
New brake pads
For the first 400 km (250 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached their
maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first. However, you can
compensate for the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pres-
sure on the brake pedal. Avoid overloading the brakes while running them
in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the
brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. This is a particular
problem in urban traffic and short stretches, or with very sporty driving.
Depending on the speed, the braking force, and the environmental condi-
tions (for example, the temperature, air humidity, etc.) noises may be pro-
duced on braking.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain situations (for example, on driving through flooded areas, in se-
vere downpours or after washing the vehicle) the braking action could be
delayed if the discs and pads are damp, or frozen in winter. In this case the
brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
At high speed and with the windscreen wipers activated, the brake pads will
briefly touch the brake discs. This takes place, although unnoticeable to the
driver, at regular intervals to improve the response time of the brakes when
they are wet.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. The layer of salt that accumulates on the discs
and pads can be removed by gently applying the brakes a few times. 
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186Intelligent technology
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ 
.
Fault in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake system only in a suitable
traffic situation. Do not put other road users in danger: risk of causing an
accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and select a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and re-
lieves the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake
firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
● If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the car has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler
or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. 
Electro-mechanical steering
Electro-mechanical power steering assists the driver when
steering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts electronically to the speed of the
car, torque and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off (for
instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more ef-
fort than normal will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages
 (in red) Faulty steering! To park the vehicle


187
Intelligent technology
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver indication appears, the power
steering could be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist assistance.  (in yellow) Steering: System fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering could react with more difficultly
or more sensitivity than normal. In addition, when driving in a straight line
the steering wheel may be off-centre.
Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.  (in yellow) Steering lock: fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunctioning.
Go to a specialised workshop as soon as possible and have the fault re-
paired.
WARNING
Take it immediately to a specialised workshop and have the fault re-
paired: risk of accident!
Note
If a  red or  yellow warning lamp come on briefly, you can continue driv-
ing. Power Management
This system helps to ensure reliable starting
The power management controls the distribution of electri-
cal energy and thus helps to ensure that there is always
enough power available to start the engine.
If a vehicle with a conventional electrical system is left parked for a long
time, the battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment (such as the electronic gearbox lock) continues to draw current
even when the ignition is off. In some cases there may not be enough power
available to start the engine.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy. This significantly improves relia-
bility when starting the engine, and also prolongs the useful life of the bat-
tery.
The main functions incorporated in the power management system are bat-
tery diagnosis , residual current management and dynamic power manage-
ment.
Battery diagnosis
The battery diagnosis function constantly registers the condition of the bat-
tery. Sensors detect the battery voltage, battery current and battery temper-
ature. This enables the system to calculate the current power level and
charge condition of the battery.
Residual current management
The residual current management reduces power consumption while the ve-
hicle is parked. It controls the supply of power to the various electrical com-
ponents while the ignition is switched off. The system takes the battery di-
agnosis data into consideration. 
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188Intelligent technology
Depending on the power level of the battery, the individual electrical com-
ponents are switched off one after the other to prevent the battery from los-
ing too much charge and to ensure that the engine can be started reliably.
Dynamic power management
While the vehicle is moving, this function distributes the available power to
the various electrical components and systems according to their require-
ments. The power management ensures that on-board systems do not con-
sume more electrical power than the alternator can supply, and thus main-
tains the maximum possible battery power level.
Note
● The power management system is not able to overcome the given physi-
cal limits. Please remember that the power and useful life of the battery are
limited.
● When there is a risk that the vehicle will not start, the alternator power
failure or low battery charge level warning lamp will be shown 
⇒ page 69. 
Note carefully
Starting ability has first priority. Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures all place a heavy load on the
battery. In these conditions a large amount of power is consumed, but only
a small amount is supplied. The situation is also critical if electrical equip-
ment is in use when the engine is not running. In this case power is con-
sumed when none is being generated.
In these situations you will be aware that the power management system is
intervening to control the distribution of electrical power. When the vehicle is parked for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of several days or weeks, the
power management will gradually shut off the on-board systems one by
one, or reduce the amount of current they are using. This limits the amount
of power consumed and helps to ensure reliable starting even after a long
period. Some convenience functions, such as remote vehicle opening, may
not be available under certain circumstances. These functions will be re-
stored when you switch on the ignition and start the engine.
With the engine switched off
For example, if you listen to the sound system with the engine switched off
the battery will run down.
If the energy consumption means there is a risk that the engine will not
start, a text will appear in vehicles with a driver information system*.
This driver indicator tells you that you must start the engine so that the bat-
tery can recharge.
When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical power, the battery can still be-
come discharged while the vehicle is being driven. This can occur when a
lot of power is being consumed but only a small amount supplied, especial-
ly if the battery is not fully charged initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the system will then temporarily
shut off the electrical components that are using a lot of power, or reduce
the current they are consuming. Heating systems in particular use a large
amount of electrical power. If you notice, for instance, that the seat heating*
or the heated rear window is not working, they may have been temporarily
switched off or regulated to a lower heat output. These systems will be
available again as soon as sufficient electrical power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at a slightly faster idling speed.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. The increased idling speed
allows the alternator to meet the greater power requirement and charge the
battery at the same time.


189
Intelligent technology
Information recorded in the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the con-
trol units supervise the correct performance of the exhaust gas system and
the airbag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units
are continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or devia-
tions from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Generally, the in-
strument panel warning lamps indicate whether there are any malfunctions.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
● Important data about the engine and gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Seat belt check
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle.
If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation, the system
may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the network operator.
Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with sufficient coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. There-
fore, in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information
about how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and airbag activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the
manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehi-
cle owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stor-
ed in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions,
such as the turn signal convenience mode, individual door opening and dis-
play indications can be modified using special equipment at the workshop.
If the convenience functions are reprogrammed, the Instruction Manual in-
formation and descriptions will not coincide with the modified functions.
Therefore, SEAT recommends that any changes are recorded in the “Other
workshop notes section” of the Service Plan.
You can find out about possible reprogramming at your SEAT Official Serv-
ice.
Event recorder
In the footwell on the driver side you will find the diagnostics connection
socket for reading the event recorder. The event recorder stores operating
data and data on the status of the electronic control units. The events re-
corder should only be read and deleted by a SEAT Official Service or special-
ised workshop.
WARNING
The diagnostics connection socket must not be used for private purpo-
ses. Improper use can cause malfunctions: risk of accident!

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190Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running in the engine
A new vehicle should be run in over a distance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For
the first 1000 km (600 miles) the engine speed should not exceed 2/3 of
the maximum permissible engine speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at
full throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From 1000 to 1500 km (600 to
1000 miles) you can gradually increase the engine rpm and road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate rate, es-
pecially when the engine is still cold: this will lead to less engine wear and
tear and will prolong its useful life.
You should also avoid driving with the engine speed too low. Change down
to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”. If the engine
revs too much, cut fuel injection to protect the engine. 
Driving through flooded roads
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed.
WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the braking effect can be
delayed slightly due to moisture build-up on the discs and brake pads.
Applying the brakes carefully several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect.
CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-Stop system* must be switch-
ed off ⇒ page 149.
Note
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or stop the engine in any sit-
uation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite direction may splash water
that could exceed the maximum permitted water height for your vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corrosion). 
Installation of exhaust gas filtration systems
Catalytic converter
Applies to vehicles with petrol engine: The vehicle must only be used with
unleaded petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will be irreparably dam-
aged. 

191
Driving and the environment
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregular supply of fuel can cause
faulty combustion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches the exhaust sys-
tem, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter
Applies to vehicles with diesel engine: The diesel particulate filter can filter
out almost all soot particles contained in the exhaust gas. In normal driving
conditions the filter is self-cleaning. The Diesel particulate filter is cleaned
automatically without need for indication by the warning lamp . This may
be noticed because the engine idle speed increases and an odour may be
detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be carried out (because only short
trips are taken, for example), soot will accumulate on the filter and the Die-
sel particulate filter warning lamp will  switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning process by driving in the following
manner: Drive for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum speed of 60 km/
h (40 mph) in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approx. 2000 rpm. The rise in temperature causes the soot on
the filter to burn. On completion of the cleaning the warning lamp will
switch off. If the warning lamp does switch off, go immediately to a special-
ised workshop to rectify the problem.
WARNING
● Because of the high temperatures which can occur in the exhaust gas
control system (catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter), do not
park the vehicle where the exhaust can come into contact with flamma-
ble materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at the forest edge). Fire haz-
ard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle around the area of the ex-
haust system: Fire hazard!
 Economic and ecological driving
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depends largely on driving style. Fuel consumption can be re-
duced by 10-15% with an economical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section gives you some tips on lessening
the impact on the environment and reducing your operating costs at the
same time.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume more fuel. If you think ahead
when driving, you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever
possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, with a
gear engaged (for instance
when you can see that the next traffic lights are red). This takes advantage
of the engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emis-
sions and fuel consumption will drop to zero due to the overrun fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in advance to a higher gear. Running
the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary amount of
fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second gear as soon as possible. In
any case, we recommend that you change to a higher gear upon reaching
2000 rpm or so. Choosing the right gear enables fuel savings. Select the
highest possible gear appropriate for the driving situation (the engine
should continue functioning with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and without reaching the “kick-
down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever possible. Fuel consumption, emis-
sion of harmful gases and noise pollution multiply disproportionately as
speed is increased. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

194Trailer
Trailer
Trailer towing What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult ⇒ page 196.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documentation or in ⇒ chap-
ter Technical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the
rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents. 

195
Trailer
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
if it obscures the number plate. 
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care. Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of
snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 69.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

196Trailer
Retrofitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 105 Attachment points for towing bracket
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket A
are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle
and including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
from 350 mm to 420 mm (fully loaded vehicle)
B
C
1040 mm
317 mm
339 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
● Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact a Technical Service to check
whether your cooling system needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle electri-
cal system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is a serious danger
of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
CAUTION
● If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle electrical system. 
D
EF