belt Seat Leon 5D 2012 Owner's Guide

41
Airbag system
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag. 
Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
● If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at a greater risk of injury
if the side airbag system is triggered in an accident.
● In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
● Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in
the deployment space between them and the airbags, or allow children
or other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to
attach any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would im-
pair the protection offered by the side airbags.
● The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing.
Do not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
● Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon
the backrest bolster because the system may be damaged. In this case,
the side airbags would not be triggered.
WARNING (Continued)
● Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over seats
with side airbags unless the covers have been approved for use in your
vehicle. Because the airbag deploys from the side of the backrest, the
use of conventional seat covers would obstruct the side airbag, seriously
reducing the airbag's effectiveness.
● Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of
the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a specialised
workshop.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed.
● When children assume an incorrect sitting position, they expose
themselves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This
is particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger
seat and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have
critical consequences including serious injury or death ⇒ page 47.
● Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat)
should only be performed by a specialised workshop. Otherwise, faults
may occur during the airbag system operation.
● Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.
● The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in
the interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct operation of the side
and head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modi-
fied in any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged,
the airbag system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the
front door must be done in a specialised workshop.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

42Airbag system
Curtain airbags*
Description of curtain airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
Fig. 25 Location of curtain airbagsThe curtain airbags are located on both sides in the interior above the doors
⇒ Fig. 25 and are identified with the text “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, the curtain airbag system gives the vehi-
cle occupants additional protection for the head and upper body in the
event of a severe side collision ⇒ page 43, Safety notes on the operation
of the curtain airbag system.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the vehicle occupants are
wearing their seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints
properly. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times, not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety
⇒ page 19, Brief introduction.
The main parts of the curtain airbag system are:
● an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit)
● the curtain airbags (airbags with gas generator) for the driver, front pas-
senger and passengers on the rear seats
● a control lamp  in the dash panel
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically.
The curtain airbag system will not be triggered if:
● the ignition is switched off
● there is a frontal collision
● there is a rear-end collision
● the vehicle turns over
● there is a minor side collision
WARNING
If a fault has occurred in the airbag system, have the system checked im-
mediately by a specialised workshop. Otherwise there is a danger that
during a collision, the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.

Operation of curtain airbags
Fully inflated airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury
in a side collision. During some side collisions the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact
side of the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 25. 

43
Airbag system
In certain types of accident the front, side and curtain airbags may be trig-
gered together.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant gas. In the
process, the curtain airbag covers the side windows and door pillars.
The airbags deploy extremely rapidly, within thousandths of a second, to
provide additional protection in the event of an accident. A fine dust may
develop when the airbag deploys. This is normal and it is not an indication
of fire in the vehicle.
The fully deployed airbags cushion the movement of the front occupants
and help to reduce the risk of injury to the upper body.
The special design of the airbag allows the controlled escape of the propel-
lant gas when an occupant puts pressure on the bag. Thus, the head and
chest are surrounded and protected by the airbag. 
Safety notes on the operation of the curtain airbag system
If you use airbags correctly, they can considerably reduce
the risk of injury in many kinds of accident.
WARNING
● In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
● For safety reasons, the curtain airbag must be disabled in those vehi-
cles fitted with a screen dividing the interior of the vehicle. See a Techni-
cal Service to make this adjustment.
WARNING (Continued)
● There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the oc-
cupants of the outer seats and the deployment space of the curtain air-
bags so that the curtain airbag can deploy without restriction and pro-
vide the greatest possible protection. Therefore, sun blinds which have
not been expressly approved for use in your vehicle may not be attached
to the side windows.
● The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing.
Do not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Please, do
not hang the clothes on coat hangers.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed.
● Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lin-
ing) should only be performed by a specialised workshop. Otherwise,
faults may occur during the airbag system operation.
● Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any
way.
● The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in
the interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct operation of the side
and head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modi-
fied in any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged,
the airbag system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the
front door must be done in a specialised workshop.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

47
Child safety
Child safety
Brief introduction Introduction
Statistics show that children are generally safer on the rear
seat than on the front passenger seat.For safety reasons we recommend that children under 12 years of age travel
on the rear seats. Depending on their age, height and weight, children trav-
elling on the rear seat must use a child seat or a seat belt. For safety rea-
sons, the child seat should be installed in the centre of the rear seat or be-
hind the front passenger seat.
The physical laws involved and the forces acting in a collision apply also to
children ⇒ page 21.
But unlike adults, children do not have fully developed muscle and bone
structures. This means that children are subject to a greater risk of injury.
To reduce this risk, children must always use special child restraint systems
when travelling in the vehicle.
We recommend the use of child safety products from the SEAT Original Ac-
cessories Programme, which includes systems for all ages made by
“Peke” 1)
.
These systems have been especially designed and approved, complying
with the ECE-R44. regulation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats. Always read and note
⇒ page 47.
We recommend you to always include the manufacturer's Child Seat Instruc-
tion Manual together with the on-board documentation.

Safety notes on using child seats
Proper use of child seats substantially reduces the risk of in-
jury in an accident!
As the driver, you are responsible for any children you transport in your vehi-
cle.
● Protect your children by properly using the appropriate child seats
⇒  page 49.
● Always ensure that the seat belt is properly positioned according to the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child seat.
● When travelling, do not allow children to distract you from traffic.
● Take breaks regularly during long trips. Take a break at least every two
hours. 
1)
Not for all countries
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

48Child safety
WARNING
● Never install a child seat facing backwards on the front passenger
seat unless the front passenger front airbag has been disabled. Risk of
potentially fatal injuries to the child! However, if it is necessary, in excep-
tional cases, to transport a child in the front passenger seat, the front
passenger front airbag must always be disabled ⇒ page 44. If the pas-
senger seat has a height adjustment option, move it to the highest, most
upright position. If you have a fixed seat, do not install any child restraint
system in this location.
● For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to deactivate
the airbag, the vehicle must be taken to a Technical Service.
● All vehicle occupants, especially children, must assume the proper
sitting position and be properly belted in while travelling.
● Never hold children or babies on your lap, this can result in potential-
ly fatal injuries to the child!
● Never allow a child to be transported in a vehicle without being prop-
erly secured, or to stand up or kneel on a seat while travelling. In an acci-
dent, the child could be flung through the vehicle, causing possibly fatal
injuries to themselves and to the other vehicle occupants.
● If children assume an improper sitting position when the vehicle is
moving, they expose themselves to greater risk of injury in the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident. This is particularly impor-
tant if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat and the airbag
system is triggered in an accident; as this could cause serious injury or
even death.
● A suitable child seat can protect your child!
● Never leave an unsupervised child alone on a child seat or in the vehi-
cle.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.WARNING (Continued)
● Children who are less than 1.5 metres tall must not wear a normal
seat belt without a child seat, as this could cause injuries to the abdomi-
nal and neck areas during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in an accident.
● Do not allow the seat belt to become twisted or jammed, or to rub on
any sharp edges.
● Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause injuries even in a minor colli-
sion or in sudden braking manoeuvres.
● The seat belt provides maximum protection only when the seat belt is
properly positioned ⇒ page 25, Seat belts.
● Only one child may occupy a child seat ⇒ page 49, Child seats.


49
Child safety
Child seats
Categorisation of child seats into groups
Use only child seats that are officially approved and suitable
for the child. Child seats are subject to the regulation ECE-R 44. ECE-R stands for: Eco-
nomic Commission for Europe Regulation
The child seats are grouped into 5 categories: Group 0: up to 10 kg
Group 0+: up to 13 kg
Group 1: from 9 to 18 kg
Group 2: from 15 to 25 kg
Group 3: from 22 to 36 kg
Child seats that have been tested and approved under the ECE R44 stand-
ard bear the test mark on the seat (the letter E in a circle with the test num-
ber below it). Group 0 and 0+ child seats
A suitable child seat and a correctly adjusted seat belt can
help you to protect your child.
Fig. 28 A group 0 rear-
facing child seat fitted on
the rear seat
Group 0: Infants up to 10 kg (approx. 9 months) must travel in the direction
opposite to travel ⇒ Fig. 28.
Group 0+: Infants up to 13 kg (approx. 18 months) must travel in the direc-
tion opposite to travel ⇒ Fig. 28.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats.
We recommend you to always include the manufacturer's Child Seat Instruc-
tion Manual together with the on-board documentation.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from the Original Accessories cata-
logue. These child seats have been designed and tested for use in SEAT ve-
hicles. You can find the right child seat for your model and age group at
SEAT dealers. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

50Child safety
WARNING
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of child seats ⇒ page 47.

Group 1 child seats
A suitable child seat and a correctly adjusted seat belt can
help you to protect your child.
Fig. 29 A category 1 for-
ward-facing child seat fit-
ted on the rear seat
Babies and young children between 9 and 18 kg can travel in the direction
of travel or in the reverse, depending on the seat type. For safety reasons it
is recommended that the child is transported in the direction opposite to
travel for as long as possible. Consult the instruction manual of the child
seat manufacturer for possible installation options.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats. We recommend you to always include the manufacturer's Child Seat Instruc-
tion Manual together with the on-board documentation.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from the
Original Accessories cata-
logue. These child seats have been designed and tested for use in SEAT ve-
hicles. You can find the right child seat for your model and age group at
SEAT dealers.
WARNING
Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the use
of child seats ⇒ page 47.

Group 2 and 3 child seats
A suitable child seat and a correctly adjusted seat belt can
help you to protect your child.
Fig. 30 Forward-facing
child seat installed on
rear seat 

51
Child safety
The child seats in groups 2 and 3 must be mounted in the direction of
movement and using the vehicle’s seatbelt.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe any statutory require-
ments when installing and using child seats.
We recommend you to always include the manufacturer's Child Seat Instruc-
tion Manual together with the on-board documentation.
SEAT recommends the use of child seats from the Original Accessories cata-
logue. These child seats have been designed and tested for use in SEAT ve-
hicles. You can find the right child seat for your model and age group at
SEAT dealers.
Group 2 child seats
Children under 7 years of age weighing between 15 and 25 kg are best pro-
tected by group 2 child seats together with properly adjusted seat belts.
Group 3 child seats
Children over 7 years of age weighing between 22 and 36 kg but less than
1.5 metres tall are best protected by child seats with head restraints togeth-
er with properly worn seat belts ⇒ Fig. 30.
WARNING
● The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie approximately on the cen-
tre of the shoulder, never across the neck or the arm. The seat belt must
lie close to the upper part of the body. The lap belt part must lie across
the pelvis, not across the stomach, and always fit closely. Pull the belt
tight if necessary to take up any slack ⇒ page 25, Seat belts.
● Read and always observe information and warnings concerning the
use of child seats ⇒ page 47.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

52Child safety
Securing child seats
Ways to secure a child seat
A child seat can be secured differently on the rear seat and
on the front passenger seat.
Fig. 31 On the rear seats: figure A shows the basic child restraint system mounting
using lower retaining rings and the upper retaining strap figure B shows the child re-
straint system mounting using the vehicle seat belt
You can secure a child seat to the rear seat or front passenger seat in the
following ways:
● Child seats in groups 0 to 3 can be secured with a seat belt.
● Child seats in groups 0, 0+ and 1 with the ISOFIX and Top Tether* sys-
tems can be secured without using the seatbelt, thanks to the ISOFIX and
Top Tether* securing rings ⇒ page 54.
● During installation of some models of group I, II and III car seats in the
rear seat, difficulty may arise in mounting the seat given that it comes into
contact with the head restraint. In this case adjust the height of the head restraint or remove it from the seat following the instructions in the corre-
sponding chapter ⇒ 
page 127. Once you remove the car seat, replace the
head restraint in its original position. 
Securing the child seat using the seat belt
The seat belt may be used to secure universal type child seats to the vehicle
seats marked with a U in the table below.
● If the front passenger seat lacks a height adjustment, child seats cannot
be mounted is this location.
Mass groupSeating positionFront passenger seatRear side seatRear centralseat
Group 0
to 10 kgU*UU
Group 0+ to 13 kgU*UU
Group I
9 to 18 kgU*UU
Group II
15 to 25 kgU*UU
Group III
22 to 36 kgU*UU
Suitable for universal restraint systems for use in this mass group.
Only compatible for models with adjustable seat height. Place seat in
the backmost highest position possible. 
U:
*:

55
Child safety
WARNING
● The securing rings are designed only for use with ISOFIX and Top
Tether* child seats.
● Never secure child seats that do not have the ISOFIX and Top Tether*
system, retaining belts or other objects to the securing rings – this could
result in potentially fatal injuries to the child!
● Ensure that the child seat is secured correctly using the “ISOFIX” and
Top Tether* securing rings.

ISOFIX child seat mounting system
Fig. 32 ISOFIX securing
rings
When removing or fitting the child seat, please be sure to follow
the manufacturer's instructions.
– Remove the protective caps of the “ISOFIX” rings by placing a
finger in the hole and pulling up ⇒ 
Fig. 32. –
Press the child seat onto the ISOFIX retaining rings until the
child seat can be heard to engage securely. If the child seat is
equipped with Toptether* anchor points, secure it to the corre-
spondent ring. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
– Do a test by pulling both sides of the car seat to ensure that it is
properly anchored.
Child seats with the ISOFIX and Top Tether* attachment system are available
from Technical Services. 
Top Tether retainer straps*
Some child restraint seats have a third Top Tether anchoring
point, apart from both “ISOFIX” anchoring points, which al-
low better child retention.
Fig. 33 Position of the
Top Tether rings on the
back of the rear seat 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications