battery Seat Leon 5D 2012 Owner's Guide

218Checking and refilling levels
FunctionReprogrammingOne-touch function of the electric
windows⇒ page 101, One-touch opening and
closing*
Remote control keyIf the vehicle does not respond to the
key, they should be synchronised
⇒ page 90
Digital clock⇒ page 63
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few metres, the
warning lamp goes out again.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The vehicle has a system for monitoring the current consumption when the
engine is left unused for long periods of time ⇒ page 187. Some functions,
such as the interior lights, or the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running flat. These functions will come
back on as soon as the ignition is switched on and the engine started.
Winter conditions
During the winter, the starting power may be reduced, and if necessary, the
battery should be charged ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for handling a
vehicle battery on page 218 
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. Please refer to a SEAT
Official Service or a workshop specialising in batteries: risk of burns or ex-
ploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the fluid level of the
battery. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an ex-
plosion.
Wear eye protection.
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection. In the event of electrolyte splashes, rinse off
with plenty of water.
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited.
The battery should only be charged in a well-ventilated zone. Risk
of explosion!
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
● When repairing or working on the electrical system, proceed as fol-
lows:
● 1. Remove the key from the ignition. The negative cable on the bat-
tery must be disconnected.
● 2. When the repair is finished, reconnect the negative pole of the bat-
tery.
● Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never re-
verse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use damaged batteries. This could cause an explosion! Replace
a damaged battery immediately.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents. 

219
Checking and refilling levels
Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.
– Note the warnings ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for han-
dling a vehicle battery on page 218 and ⇒ .
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition key.
– Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 210.
– Open the battery cover.
– Connect the charger clamps as described to the positive pole of
the battery (+) and, exclusively to an earth on the bodywork
(–).
– Only use a charger which is compatible for use with 12 V nomi-
nal voltage batteries. The charge must not exceed a voltage of
15 V.
– Now connect the battery charger to the power socket and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger and
disconnect the power socket cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
– Replace the battery cover correctly.
– Close the bonnet ⇒ page 210.
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the manufac-
turer's instructions for using the battery charger.
WARNING
Never charge a battery that has frozen: replace battery! Failure to do so
may lead to an explosion.
Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the battery. 
Replacing the battery
The new battery should have the same specifications (am-
perage, load and voltage) as the used battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy ⇒ page 187. The power manage-
ment function ensures that the battery is charged much more efficiently
than on vehicles without a power management system. To maintain this
function after replacing the battery, we recommend that the replacement
battery used is of the same make and type as the original fitted battery. To
make proper use of the power management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to the power management mode at a
specialised workshop.
CAUTION
● Some vehicles, for example those with the Start-Stop system* are fitted
with a special battery (AGM-type or EFB-type battery). If any other type of
battery is fitted, the Start-Stop function may be considerably reduced and
the vehicle may not stop on repeated occasions.
● Make sure that the vent hose is always attached to the original opening
on the side of the battery. Gases or battery acid can otherwise escape and
possibly cause damage.
● The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

220Checking and refilling levels
● Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings lis-
ted under ⇒  page 218, Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle
battery.
● Do not forget to replace the battery coverings, where applicable. This
helps to protect against excess temperatures. This in turn extends the vehi-
cle service life.
For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead. They
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste. Make sure disconnected batteries cannot tip over.
Sulphuric acid could be spilt! 
Windscreen washer reservoir and wiper
blades
Windscreen washer
Fig. 112 Engine com-
partment: Windscreen
washer reservoir top The windscreen washer reservoir  contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen, the rear window and the headlight washer system* ⇒ Fig. 112. Res-
ervoir capacity: ⇒ page 276.
To prevent the nozzles from becoming blocked with chalk deposits, fill res-
ervoir with water with a low calcium content (distilled water). Always add
washer fluid to the water (with anti-freeze additive in winter).
CAUTION
● Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
● Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents as it
can damage the paintwork. 

241
Emergencies
– Take out the temporary spare wheel.
Chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary
spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the temporary spare wheel in place of one of the rear wheels. Fit the snow
chains on the rear wheel that you have removed and replace the punctured
front wheel with this wheel.
WARNING
● After fitting the temporary spare wheel, check the tyre pressures as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause an accident. The tyre pres-
sures are listed on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
● Do not drive at over 80 km/h (50 mph) when the temporary spare
wheel is fitted on the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering: risk of ac-
cident!
● Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at the same time,
risk of accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
 Jump starting
Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section.
If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with standard DIN 72553 (see cable manufactur-
er's instructions). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm 2
for petrol
engines and at least 35 mm 2
for diesel engines.
Note
● The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow
as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly connected to the on-board net-
work. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

242Emergencies
How to jump start: description
Fig. 126 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
without Start Stop sys-
tem
Fig. 127 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
with Start Stop system
Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒ 
.
2. For vehicles without Start-Stop system :–
Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 126.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal
–
of the vehicle providing assistance B ⇒ Fig. 126.
– Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
3. For vehicles with Start-Stop system :
– Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 127.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead X
to a suitable ground
terminal, a solid piece of metal in the engine block, or to the en-
gine block ⇒ Fig. 127.
– Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
4. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment. 

243
Emergencies
Starting
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling speed.
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait two or three minutes until the engine is “running”.
Removing the jump leads
7. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights (if they are switched on).
8. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehi- cle with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks
which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
9. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse or- der to the details given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒ page 209.
● The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the
flat battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, dan-
ger of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to
the negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery
could be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

244Emergencies
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
General information
Points to observe when tow-starting or towing away If you use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– The tow rope must be taut before you drive off.
– Release the clutch very carefully when starting the vehicle
(manual gearbox), or accelerate gently (automatic gearbox).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be used. Please en-
sure that the steering wheel is unlocked when you switch on the
ignition, and that it moves freely.
– Put the gearbox lever in neutral (manual gearbox) or move the
selector lever to position N (automatic gearbox).
– The brake servo only works when the engine is running. Consid-
erably more effort is required on the brake pedal when the en-
gine is switched off.
– Remember that the brake servo only works when the ignition is
switched on and the vehicle is moving 1)
. Otherwise, considera-
bly more strength than usual will be required when steering. –
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all times.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing rings ⇒ page 245.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
WARNING
If the vehicle has no electrical power, the brake lights, turn signals and
all other lights will no longer function. Do not have the vehicle towed
away. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
If there is no oil in the gearbox or no lubricant in the automatic transmission
the car may only be towed with the driven wheels lifted clear of the road, or
transported on a special car transporter or trailer. 
1)
Important: the battery must be correctly charged.

247
Emergencies
Tow-starting
As a general rule, tow-starting is not recommended.
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear before moving off.
– Press the clutch and hold the pedal down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts: press the clutch and put the gear
lever in neutral.
If the engine will not start, it is best to try starting it using the battery of an-
other vehicle ⇒ page 241 before attempting to tow start. You should only try
to tow-start the engine if jump starting is not successful. Tow-starting is an
attempt to start the engine via the movement of the wheels.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol engine, do not tow it more than a
short distance, otherwise sunburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and
cause damage.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting, as the towed vehicle can
easily be driven into the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not tow vehicles for more than 50 m. Risk of damage to the catalytic con-
verter. Towing vehicles with a manual gearbox
Towing is relatively straightforward.
Please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 244.
The vehicle can be towed using a tow bar or tow rope in the normal way,
with all four wheels on the road; it can also be towed with either the front or
rear wheels lifted off the road. The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h (30
mph). 
Towing a vehicle equipped with automatic gearbox
Certain restrictions must be observed when towing your ve-
hicle. Please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 244.
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow rope in the normal way, with
all four wheels on the ground. When doing so, please note the following
points:
● Make sure the selector lever is in the N position.
● The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
● The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km (30 miles). Reason:
when the engine is not running, the gearbox oil pump does not work and
the gearbox is not adequately lubricated for higher speeds or longer distan-
ces.
If the vehicle has to be towed with a breakdown truck, it must only be sus-
pended at the front wheels. Reason: the drive shafts are located on the front
wheels. If the car is towed with the rear wheels lifted off the road (I.e. travel-
ling backwards), the drive shafts also turn backwards. The planetary gears
in the automatic gearbox then turn at such high speeds that the gearbox
will be severely damaged in a short time. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

267
Technical specifications
Engine specifications
Checking fluid levels
From time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the ve-
hicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids, other-
wise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Fig. 152 Diagram for the location of the various elements Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath the cover)
Windscreen washer reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the compo-
nents mentioned above. These operations are described in ⇒ page 209.
1
23456
Overview
You will find further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the tech-
nical specifications as of
⇒ page 263. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

Index
A
ABSsee Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Acoustic parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Acoustic warnings Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Additional electrical appliances (efficiency pro- gramme) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Adjusting the head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Adjusting the head restraint Front head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Differences between front passenger frontairbag systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Knee airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Air pressure (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Alcantara: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Anti-dazzle rear vision mirrors
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Anti-freeze protection Windscreen washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 93 see also Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . 86
Anti-theft alarm system Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Tow-away protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 97
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Aspects to take into account before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ASR see Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Assistance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Assist systems Tyre monitoring indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Audible warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Auto Lock (central locking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Automatic car washes see Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic dipped beam control . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Backup programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Launch Control Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Manual release of selector lever . . . . . . . . 163
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 144
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Steering wheel with gearshift paddles . . . 159
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 159
B
Balanced (wheels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Charge Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Disconnecting/Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Bioethanol see Ethanol (fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
277
Index