heating Seat Leon 5D 2012 User Guide

138Air conditioning
Control but-
tonAdditional information. Manual air conditioning system.
1 Temper-
ature
 ... Rotate the control to set the temperature accordingly.
2 Fan
Setting 0: fan and manual air conditioning switched off, level
6: maximum fan level
3 Air dis-
tributionRotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to the de-
sired area.

Defrost function. The airflow is directed at the windscreen. In
this position, air recirculation is automatically switched off or
is not switched on. Increase the fan power to clear the wind-
screen of condensation as soon as possible. To dehumidify
the air, the cooling system will automatically switch on.
The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by
the dash panel air vents.
Distribution of air towards the chest and the footwell area.
Air distribution towards the footwell.
Air distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.

Heated rear window: this only works when the engine is run-
ning and switches off automatically after a maximum of 10
minutes.
Air recirculation ⇒ page 141.
Control but- tonAdditional information. Manual air conditioning system.
 Buttons for seat heating ⇒ page 126.

Turn the control to the position   to make maximum
cooling capacity available. Air recirculation and the cooling
system are turned on automatically.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be refreshed.

Heating system and fresh air controls
Fig. 83 In the centre console: heating system and fresh air controls 

139
Air conditioning
Control but-
tonAdditional information. Heating and fresh air system
1 Temper-
ature
 ... Rotate the control to adjust the temperature accordingly. The
desired temperature for the interior cannot be lower than
that of the exterior air temperature, as the heating and fresh
air system cannot cool or dehumidify the air.
2 Fan
Setting 0: fan, heating and fresh air systems switched off,
level 6: maximum fan level.
3 Air dis-
tributionRotate the continuous control to direct the airflow to the de-
sired area.
The airflow is directed at the windscreen.
The air is directed at the chest of driver and passengers by
the dash panel air vents.
Distribution of air towards the chest and the footwell area.
Air distribution towards the footwell.
Air distribution towards the windscreen and the footwell.

Heated rear window: this only works when the engine is run-
ning and switches off automatically after a maximum of 10
minutes.
Air recirculation ⇒ page 141.
Setting for conditions of optimal visibility
● Disable air recirculation mode.
● Set the fan 2
to setting 1 or 2.
● Turn the temperature control 1 to the desired position. ●
Open and direct all the air outlets in the dash panel.
● Turn the air distribution control 3
to the desired position.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or use the air recirculation for
long periods of time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be refreshed.

Instructions for use of the air conditioner
The interior cooling system only works when the engine is running and fan
is switched on.
The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the pan-
oramic sliding sunroof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after
standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly
by opening the windows and the panoramic sliding sunroof briefly.
Setting for conditions of optimal visibility
When the air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air hu-
midity in the vehicle interior drop. Hence, when the outside air humidity is
high, the windows do not mist over and comfort for the vehicle occupants is
improved:
With manual air conditioning
● Switch off air recirculation.
● Set the fan to the required setting.
● Turn the temperature control to the centre position.
● Open and direct all the air outlets in the dash panel. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

140Air conditioning
● Turn the air distribution control to the required position.
● Press the button 
to switch on the cooling system. The button will
light up.
With Climatronic
● Press button 
.
● Set the temperature to +22 °C (+72 °F).
● Open and direct all the air outlets in the dash panel.
Climatronic: change the temperature unit on the screen of the radio or on
the factory-fitted navigation system
Changing the temperature display from Celsius to Fahrenheit on radio or on
the factory-fitted navigation system is done using the menu on the instru-
ment panel ⇒ page 73.
The cooling system cannot be activated
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on, this may be caused by
the following:
● The engine is not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioner fuse has blown.
● The outside temperature is lower than approximately +3 °C (+38 °F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been temporarily switched off be-
cause the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
Special Characteristics
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak!
Note
After starting the engine, any residual humidity in the air conditioner could
mist over the windscreen. Switch on the defrost function as soon as possi-
ble to clear the windscreen of condensation. 
Air vents
Fig. 84 On the dash panel: air vents Air vents
To ensure proper heating, cooling and ventilation in the vehicle interior, air
vents ⇒ Fig. 84 1
should remain open.
● Turn the corresponding thumbwheel (detail) in the required direction to
open and close the air vents. When the thumbwheel is in the  position, the
corresponding air vent is closed.
● Change the air direction using the ventilation grille lever. 

141
Air conditioning
There are other additional, non-adjustable air vents in the dash panel 2
, in
the footwell and in the rear area of the interior.
Note
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. Food, medicine and other heat or cold sensitive objects may be dam-
aged or made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents. 
Air recirculation
Basic points
Air recirculation:
Manual air recirculation (heating and fresh air system, manual
air conditioning).
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient air from entering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high, selecting manual air recircula-
tion mode for a short period refreshes the vehicle interior more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is switched off when the button
 is pressed or the air distributor turned to .
Switching on and switching off manual air recirculation with air conditioner
(manual) or with the heating and fresh air systems 
Activate: press the button  until the warning lamp lights up.
Deactivate: press the button  until all warning lamps switch off.
Switching on and off manual air recirculation with Climatronic 
Activate: press the * button until the warning lamp lights up.
Deactivate: press the * button until all warning lamps switch off. Functioning mode of manual air recirculation (air conditioning menu)
With the automatic air recirculation mode activated, the entry of fresh air in-
to the cabin interior is enabled. If the system detects a high concentration
of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recirculation mode is
switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to within a
normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is
not automatically switched on in the following ca-
ses of outside temperatures and conditions:
● The cooling system is switched on (the * button lamp is on) and the am-
bient temperature is below +3 ° C (+38 ° F).
● The cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temperature is below +10 °C (+50 °F).
● The cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below
+15 °C (+59 °F) and the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Activation/deactivation of automatic air recirculation is done in the air con-
ditioner menu, under Configuration.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
possibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh
the air inside the vehicle.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

144Driving
Ignition lock
Starting the engine with the ignition key
Switch on the ignition with the key in the ignition and start
the engine.
Fig. 86 Ignition key po-
sitions
Steering wheel lock
– To lock the steering wheel, remove the key from the ignition and
turn the wheel until it locks. In vehicles with the automatic gear-
box*, the selector lever must be in the position P in order to re-
move the key.
– To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key into the ignition
and simultaneously turn the key (in the direction of the arrow)
and the steering wheel.
Warning: If the steering wheel cannot be turned, this is because
the steering wheel lock is activated. Switching the ignition on/off, preheating
–
Turn the ignition key to position 2
to switch on the ignition.
– 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
.


157
Driving
Stopping/Parking
If the driver door is opened and the selector lever is not in position
P, the vehicle could move. Driver message:  Gear change: selector
lever in drive position! will be displayed. Additionally, a buzzer will sound.
– Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒ 
.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Move the selector lever to position P.
Holding the car on a hill
– Always apply the brake pedal firmly to prevent the vehicle from
“moving backwards; if necessary, apply the handbrake” ⇒ 
.
Do not try to stop the vehicle “rolling back” by increasing the
engine speed when a gear is engaged (pressing the accelera-
tor) ⇒ 
.
Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill start assistant*
– Apply the handbrake.
– Once you have engaged a gear press the accelerator carefully
and disengage the handbrake.
Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill start assistant*
– Once you have engaged a gear, release the footbrake and press
the accelerator ⇒ page 148, Hill hold assist*.
Driving down hills: In some situations (on mountain roads or when towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to the man-
ual gearbox programme so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit the driving conditions ⇒ 
. On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to position P. On
slopes, first engage the parking brake and then put the selection lever into
the P position. This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be
easier to move the selector lever from position P.
WARNING
● As a driver you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the handbrake and engage the parking
lock P.
● If the engine is running and a gear is engaged (D/S or R) or the vehi-
cle is in tiptronic mode, you will need to hold the car with the footbrake.
Otherwise, the car will creep forwards as the power transmission is not
fully interrupted even when the engine is idling.
● Take care not to accidentally press the accelerator pedal when the ve-
hicle is stopped. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) resulting in the risk
of an accident.
● While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the en-
gine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving: this could result
in an accident!
● Before you drive down a steep gradient, reduce your speed and use
tiptronic to select a low gear.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking causes overheating in the brakes.
This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking distance
or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always hold the vehicle with the
footbrake or handbrake if you have to stop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

158Driving
CAUTION
● If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not attempt to stop it from roll-
ing by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. This
could cause overheating and damage the automatic gearbox. Apply the
handbrake firmly or press the brake pedal in order to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector lever in position N with the
engine switched off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged as it will not be
lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged creeping of the vehicle, or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the automatic gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the
warning lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for
the gearbox to cool ⇒ page 162.
● In certain driving situations or traffic conditions, such as frequently
starting, prolonged creeping of the vehicle, or traffic jams with continuous
stoppages, the automatic gearbox could overheat causing damage! If the
warning lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and wait for
the gearbox to cool ⇒ page 162. 
Downhill speed control*
The downhill speed control function helps the driver when
driving down steep gradients.
Downhill speed control is activated when the selector lever is in D/S and
the driver applies the foot brake. The automatic gearbox automatically en-
gages a lower gear that is suitable for the slope. The downhill speed control
function attempts to maintain the speed at which the vehicle was travelling
when the foot brake was applied (subject to the laws of physics and techni-
cal drive limitations). It may be necessary to adjust the speed again using
the foot brake in certain situations. Given that the downhill speed control
can only change down to 3rd gear, on very steep descents the tiptronic mode may be required. In this case, manually reduce the tiptronic to 2nd or
1st gear to use the engine brake and reduce the charge on the brakes.
Downhill speed control is deactivated as soon as the road levels out again
or you press the accelerator pedal.
On vehicles with cruise control system* ⇒ 
page 164, downhill speed con-
trol is activated when you set a cruising speed.
WARNING
The downhill speed control cannot defy the laws of physics. Therefore,
speed cannot be maintained constant in all situations. Always be pre-
pared to use the brakes!


183
Intelligent technology
Practical Tips Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Description
EI ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces the tendency to skid and improves
the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. EI ESC detects critical handling
situations, such as vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin on the
driving wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels or by
reducing the engine torque. The warning lamp will flash on the instrument
panel when the ESC is intervening .
ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist system, the
traction control system (ASR), electronic differential lock (EDL), electronic
self-locking*, selective torque control* and tractor-trailer sway mitigation*.
ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle by changing the torque.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the vehicle
has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the vehicle even
when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal pulsate while the ABS is
working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the required braking distance. The brak-
ing force is automatically boosted if you press the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency. You must keep pressing the brake pedal until the danger has
passed. Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the car to start
moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. This function is available up to a speed
of around 100 km/h, 62 mph).
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle can still
be driven. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation*
If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control the following: Tractor-trailers
tend to sway. When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the vehicle and de-
tected by the ESC, it will automatically brake the towing vehicle within the
limits of the system and mitigate the sway. Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is
not available in all countries.
Electronic self-locking*/Selective torque control*
When driving around bends, an electronic self-locking intervenes. The front
wheel on the inside of the curve, or the two inside wheels, respectively, are
selectively braked as required. This minimises the traction of the front
wheels, allowing you to take bends with greater precision and neutrality. In
certain circumstances, where roads are wet or snow-covered, the respective
system may not intervene.

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.


192Driving and the environment
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling is automatically reduced. In ve-
hicles without the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off the engine, for
example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long peri-
ods of time. When an engine has reached operating temperature, and de-
pending on the cylinder capacity, keeping it off after about 5 seconds al-
ready saves more than the amount of fuel necessary for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even before the engine is started. A
well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as
well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their optimal operating
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate amount of fuel. The engine only
reaches its working temperature after about four kilometres (2.5 miles),
when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressures
⇒ page 223 to save fuel. If the pressure is below half bar, fuel consumption
may increase by 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation
also increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%. Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of
extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being transported.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, you
should remove it when not needed. This will save, at a speed of 100-120
km/h (60-75 mph), approximately 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby generating electricity. This implies
that any increase in power consumption also increases fuel consumption!
For this reason, switch off any unneeded consumption of electricity. Electri-
cal equipment which uses a lot of electricity includes the blower (at a high
setting), the rear window heating and the seat heating*. 
Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new SEAT.
Design measures for economical recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● Increased use of single-grade materials
● Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
● Nearly all materials used can be recycled
● Use of suitable plastics within the same system/set
● Recycled materials used in manufacture 