battery Seat Leon 5D 2012 User Guide

116Lights and visibility
Sun visors
Fig. 63 Sun visor
Options for adjusting driver and front passenger sun visors:
● Lower by unfolding towards the windscreen.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its mounting and turned towards the
door ⇒ Fig. 63 1
.
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, longitudinally backwards.
Vanity mirror light
There may be a vanity mirror, with a cover, on the rear of the sun visor. When
the cover is opened 2
a light comes on.
The lamp goes out when the vanity mirror cover is closed or the sun visor is
pushed back up.
Note
The light above the sun visor automatically switches off after a few minutes
in certain conditions. This prevents the battery from discharging. Windscreen wiper system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing wheels round
● Heating, ventilation, cooling
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
WARNING
If the water from the windscreen washer does not contain enough anti-
freeze, it may freeze on the windscreen, reducing forward visibility.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash/wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers. In cold weather, it may help to leave the vehi-
cle parked with the wipers in service position ⇒ page 119. 

129
Seats and storage
Power socket
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 volt power
socket.
Fig. 75 Centre console:
front/rear 12-volt power
socket
– Remove the connector located in the centre console of the pow-
er socket ⇒ Fig. 75.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the power socket.
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 volt power socket. The ap-
pliances connected to each power socket must not exceed a power rating of
120 Watt.
WARNING
The power socket works only when the ignition is on. Improper use may
cause serious injury or even fire. Children should therefore not be left in
the vehicle, unattended, if the button is also left behind. Otherwise there
is a possibility that they may be injured.
CAUTION
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge. 
Storage
Drink holders
Fig. 76 Centre console:
Front drink holders
Front drink holders
– Place drinks in the holder ⇒ Fig. 76. Placement of two drinks is
possible. There is also the possibility of placing larger plastic
bottles in the trims of the doors. 
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145
Driving
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.
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly lock, making it impossible to
steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. This is par-
ticularly important if there are children in the vehicle, as they might oth-
erwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause injuries.
CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until
the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this
can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This will help avoid unnecessary
exhaust emissions.
Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to the position 1, turn the steer-
ing wheel to both sides to release the steering lock.
● 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 lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and reconnected, the key must re-
main in the position 1
for around 5 seconds before starting up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). Next, the selector lever is locked. 
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146Driving
Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
–Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 0
.
Engaging the steering wheel lock
Important: selector lever (automatic gearbox*) must be in position
P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in position 1
⇒ Fig. 86 ⇒ .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it engage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the steering lock engaged.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. The brake
servo and power steering functions will not be completely covered under
warranty. More force may also be needed to turn the steering wheel or to
brake. As you cannot steer and brake in the normal manner, there is a
greater risk of accidents and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could lock making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle.
● 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.
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
● After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It is also possible that the fan
turns itself on once more if the coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the en-
gine, the ignition remains switched on. Make sure that the ignition is
switched off before leaving the vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. 
Kick-down
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached. If the eco*
⇒ page 172 mode has been selected in SEAT Drive Mode*, and
the accelerator is pressed beyond a hard point, the engine power is auto-
matically controlled to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-down fea-
ture could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skid-
ding.


151
Driving
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:
● 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 135.
● 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 135.
● 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. 
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163
Driving
 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When the warning lamp switches off,
you can continue driving in a normal manner.  Gearbox: press the brake and engage a gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a high temperature, this driver
message will be displayed when the gearbox has cooled again. 
Manual release of the selector lever
The selector lever can be released manually if the electrical
power supply should fail.
Fig. 93 Selector lever:
manual release from po-
sition P
The manual release mechanism is located under the selector lever
console on the right side. Releasing the selector lever requires a
certain degree of practical skill. We therefore advise you to obtain
professional assistance. A screwdriver will be needed to carry out the manual release. Use
the flat part of the screwdriver blade
⇒ page 232.
Removing the cover from the selector lever
– Apply the handbrake  ⇒ 
to ensure that the car does not
move.
– Carefully pull the corners of the selector lever boot and fold up
the selector lever boot (inside out) by hand.
Releasing the selector lever
– Using a screwdriver, press and hold the yellow unlocking tab
sideways ⇒ Fig. 93.
– Now press the interlock button on the selector lever A
and
move the selector lever to position N.
– After carrying out the manual release, attach the selector lever
boot on the gearbox console again.
If the power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and the vehi-
cle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be moved to po-
sition N. This is possible after operating the manual release mechanism.
WARNING
The selector lever may be moved out of position P only when the hand-
brake is firmly applied. If this does not work, secure the vehicle with the
brake pedal. On a slope the vehicle could otherwise start to move inad-
vertently after shifting the selector lever out of position P - accident risk!

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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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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.


209
Checking and refilling levels
Note
Diesel vehicles are fitted with a protective device that prevents the insertion
of the wrong fuel hose 1)
. It is only possible to refuel with Diesel nozzles.
● If the pump nozzle is worn, damaged, or if it is very small, it is possible
that it will not be able to open the protective device. Before trying to insert
the pump nozzle by turning it, try a different pump or request specialist
help.
● If you fill the tank from a reserve fuel canister, the protective device will
not open. One way to resolve this is to pour the fuel in very slowly. 
Bonnet
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment. Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the ignition key.
WARNING (Continued)
● Apply the handbrake.
● If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, place the lever in neutral; if it
has an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment, remember that, even when
the ignition is switched off, the radiator fan may start up automatically,
and therefore there is a risk of injury.
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine compartment while the engine
is running, the rotating components (for example, poly-V belt, alternator,
radiator fan) and the high voltage ignition system are an additional haz-
ard.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available. 
1)
according to the country
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217
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid
Fig. 111 Engine com-
partment: brake fluid res-
ervoir, lid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX markings.
However, if the brake fluid level goes down noticeably in a short time, or
drops below the MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. Seek
specialist assistance. A warning light on the instrument panel display moni-
tors the brake fluid level ⇒ page 69.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other side of
the engine compartment.
Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid should be replaced are listed
in the Service Plan. We recommend you have the brake fluid replaced at a
SEAT Official Service, during an Inspection Service.
WARNING
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. Risk of poisoning!
● If the brake fluid is left in the system for too long and the brakes are
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the brake system.
This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of
the vehicle. This may cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid should not come into contact with the vehicle paintwork, as it is
abrasive. 
Battery General information
The battery is located in the engine compartment and is almost mainte-
nance-free. It is checked as part of the Inspection Service. Nevertheless,
check the terminals are clean and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in exceptional cases. When the
battery is disconnected, some of the vehicles functions are "lost" ( ⇒ table
on page 218). These functions will require resetting after the battery is re-
connected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you disconnect the battery Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications