sensor Seat Leon 5D 2013 Owner's Guide

203
Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● In complex driving conditions, the Front Assist may unnecessarily
warn and act unintentionally on the brakes, such as, for example, in the
case of traffic islands.
● If the operation of the Front Assist is impaired, for example, because
of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system may
issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The ACC does not react during driving to people or animals or vehi-
cles changing lane or approaching in the opposite direction in the same
lane.
● The driver must always be ready to take control of the vehicle again.
Note
● When the Front Assist causes a braking, the brake pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the Front Assist braking may be interrupted
by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering wheel.
● If the Front Assist does not work as described in this chapter (e.g. if it
intervenes several times unnecessarily), switch it off. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership. Warning lamps and messages on the display
Fig. 138 On the instrument panel display: Warning messages
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

Collision warning
a)
. The sys-
tem detects a possible colli-
sion with the vehicle in
front.Brake or change course! Use
the foot brake!
Safety distance warning
with the vehicle in front.Increase the safety dis-
tance!
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Distance warning
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the following warning ⇒ Fig. 138 
(magnified image).
Increase the distance! 
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204Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in an accident and injury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or on-screen messages.
Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the instrument panel display messages
pertaining to other functions may be hidden, such as an incoming call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 139 On the front
bumper: radar sensor.
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 139 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the Front Assist Monitoring system does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display:
Front Assist: Sensor without visibili-
ty!. If necessary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the Front Assist will be auto-
matically available again. The message will disappear from the instrument
panel display.
Front Assist operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the
radar signal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the
presence of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work
sites).
The area ahead of and around the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the like, as this may have a negative ef-
fect on Front Assist operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, Front Assist operation may be affec-
ted. This is why structural modifications should only be assigned to special-
ised workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and Front Assist operation would be affected. This is why re-
pair jobs should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the Front Assist. This will prevent possible damage. In
this case have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off. 

205
Driver assistance systems
● A radar sensor repair requires specialist knowledge and special tools.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
● Snow should be removed with a brush, while ice should be removed
with a solvent-free anti-ice aerosol. 
Handling the Front Assist Monitoring system
The Front Assist Monitoring system is activated whenever the ignition is
switched on.
When the Front Assist is switched off, so are the pre-warning function and
distance warning.
SEAT recommends that the Front Assist always be activated. Exceptions
⇒  page 205, Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring System
in the following situations.
Switching the Front Assist warning system on and off
With the ignition on, the Front Assist can be switched on and off as follows:
● Select the corresponding menu option using the button for the driver as-
sist systems ⇒ page 75.
● OR: switch the Easy Connect system on or off using the button 
and
the function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80
Switching the pre-warning function on or off
The pre-warning function can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect sys-
tem using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ 
page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the pre-warning function always be switched on. Switching distance warning on or off
If the safety distance with the vehicle ahead is exceeded, the instrument
panel display shows the relevant warning. In such an eventuality, increase
the safety distance
⇒ table on page 203.
The distance warning can be switched on or off on the Easy Connect system
using the button 
and the function buttons  and Driver Assist⇒ page 80.
The system maintains the setting the next time the ignition is switched on.
SEAT recommends that the distance warning always be switched on. 
Temporarily switching off the Front Assist Monitoring
System in the following situations
The Front Assist Monitoring System should be switched off in the following
situations due to the system's limitations ⇒ :
● When the vehicle is being towed.
● When the vehicle is on a roller test bed.
● When the radar sensor is damaged.
● If the radar sensor takes a big knock, for example, in a rear-end colli-
sion.
● If it intervenes several times unnecessarily.
● If the radar sensor is covered temporarily by an accessory such as an ad-
ditional headlight or the like.
● When the vehicle is to be loaded on a lorry, a ferry or train. 
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206Driver assistance systems
WARNING
If the Front Assist is not switched off in the aforementioned situations,
accidents and serious injuries may be caused.
● Switch off the Front Assist in critical situations.

System limitations
The Front Assist Monitoring System has certain physical limitations inherent
in the system. Thus, for example, in certain circumstances some system re-
actions may be inappropriate or occur with delays as far as the driver is con-
cerned. Therefore, be on the lookout in case you have to intervene.
The following conditions may lead the Front Assist Monitoring System not
to react or react too late:
● When taking tight bends.
● If you step on the accelerator too hard
● If the Front Assist is switched off or damaged.
● If the ASR has been manually disconnected.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If several brake lights on the vehicle or trailer have electrical faults.
● If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g., rails on the road or the panels used on
work sites.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In snow or heavy rain.
● In the case of narrow vehicles such as motorbikes.
● In the case of vehicles not driving straight.
● In the case of vehicles changing lanes. ●
In the case of vehicles approaching each other in the opposite direction.
● Loads and special accessories in other vehicles jutting out over the
sides, front or rear. 
City emergency braking function
Fig. 140 On the instru-
ment panel display: pre-
warning message
The City emergency braking function is part of the Front Assist Monitoring
System and is always active when this system is on.
Depending on the equipment, the City emergency braking function can be
switched on or off on the Easy Connect system using the button 
and the
function buttons  and Driver Assist ⇒ page 80.
The City emergency braking function detects, at speeds between 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph) approx., the situation of the traffic in front
of the vehicle up to a distance of approx. 10 m.
If the system detects a possible collision with a vehicle in front, the vehicle
prepares for a possible emergency braking ⇒ 
.

207
Driver assistance systems
If the driver does not react to a collision hazard, the system can automati-
cally brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to re-
duce speed in the event of a collision. The system can thus help to reduce
the consequences of an accident.
Status display
Automatic deceleration by the City emergency braking function is shown on
the instrument panel display by means of a pre-warning message
⇒ Fig. 140 1)
.
WARNING
The smart technology included in the City emergency braking function
cannot defy the laws of physics. The driver is always responsible for
braking in time.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The City emergency braking function alone cannot prevent accidents
or serious injury.
● In complex driving conditions, the City emergency braking function
may act on the brakes, for example, in areas with road works or metal
rails.
● If the City emergency braking function is impaired, for example, be-
cause of dirt or because the radar sensor has lost its setting, the system
may issue unnecessary warnings and act inappropriately on the brakes.
● The City emergency braking function does not react during driving to
people or animals or vehicles changing lane or approaching in the oppo-
site direction in the same lane.
Note
● When the City emergency braking function causes a braking, the brake
pedal is “harder”.
● Automatic interventions in the City emergency braking function may be
interrupted by pressing the clutch pedal, accelerator or moving the steering
wheel.
● The City emergency braking function can decelerate the vehicle and
bring it to a standstill. However, the brake system does not halt the vehicle
permanently. Use the foot brake!
● If several inappropriate interventions take place, disconnect the Front
Assist and with it the City emergency braking function. Visit a specialised
workshop, SEAT recommends a SEAT dealer.
● If numerous unfounded interventions occur the City emergency braking
function may disconnect automatically 
Lane Assist system* Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  page 73
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272 
1)
The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
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216Driver assistance systems
WARNING (Continued)
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause them damage and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate tyres to the correct pressure.
● Tyres with insufficient pressure are subjected to more flexing. Due to
this, the tyre could become excessively hot, causing tread separation
and also tyre blow-out.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, affecting vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialised workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Note
● If excessively low tyre pressure is detected with the ignition on, an audi-
ble warning will sound. In the event that there is a fault in the system, an
audible warning will sound.
● Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of time or driving in a sporty style
can temporarily deactivate the TPMS. The control lamp shows a fault, but
disappears when road conditions or the driving style change. 
Tyre monitoring indicator
Fig. 146 Instrument
panel: warning of loss of
tyre pressure
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this infor-
mation, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the rolling circum-
ference of one or more wheels has changed, the tyre monitoring indicator
will indicate this on the instrument panel through a warning lamp and a
warning to the driver ⇒ Fig. 146. When only one specific tyre is affected, its
position within the vehicle will be indicated.  Loss of pressure: Check left tyre pressure! 

218Driver assistance systems
During parking, the parking system plus assists you visually and audibly
about obstacles detected in front and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 219.
WARNING
● Always pay attention (also when looking straight ahead) to traffic and
the vehicle surroundings. The assistance systems are not a replacement
for driver awareness. When inserting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar manoeuvres the driver always as-
sumes the responsibility.
● Take into account that the system is not always in conditions to rec-
ognise or represent certain surfaces, such as dress fabric: Risk of causing
an accident!
● The sensors and cameras have blind spots, making the detection of
people and objects impossible. Pay special attention to children and ani-
mals: Risk of causing an accident!
● Always keep visual control of the vehicle surroundings: use the rear
vision mirrors for additional help.
CAUTION
● Under certain circumstances, the system does not detect or display cer-
tain objects:
–Objects such as snow chains, trailer draw bars, bars or fences
– Objects that are located above the sensors, such as protrusions in a
wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or structures, such as wire mesh fences
or powder snow.
● When the vehicle approaches a low obstacle, it could disappear from
the angle of measurement. In this case, take into account that the system
will no longer warn about this obstacle.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator grille, bumper, wheel arch and ve-
hicle underbody can adjust the orientation of the sensors. This can affect
the parking aid function. Have the function checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Note
● In certain situations, the system can give a warning even though there is
no obstacle in the detected area, e.g:
–for roads with certain surfaces, or with long grass
– for external ultrasound sources, such as cleaning vehicles
– In downpours, intense snow or dense exhaust gases
● In order to familiarise yourself with the system, it is advised that you
practice parking in an area or car park that is free from traffic. There must be
good weather and light conditions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can be modified, in addition to the
indications ⇒ page 221.
● In vehicles without a driver information system, these parameters can be
modified in a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a trailer ⇒  page 221.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen shows a slight time delay.
● To ensure that the parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of ice and snow. 
Rear parking aid*
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant. Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
Make sure that the sensors are not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, given that this could affect the system operation. Cleaning instructions
⇒ page 239.
The approximate measurement range of the sensors is: 

219
Driver assistance systems
rearside0.90 mcentre1.60 m
As you approach the obstacle, the time interval between the audible warn-
ings will be reduced. When you reach around 0.30 m the warning will be
constant: Do not continue to move forward (or backward) ⇒ 
in General
information on page 218, ⇒  in General information on page 218 !
If you maintain separation from the obstacle, the volume of the warning be-
gins to reduce after four seconds (does not affect the tone of the constant
warning).
Activate
When engaging reverse gear, the parking aid is automatically switched on.
This is confirmed with a short warning. 
Parking system plus*
Parking system plus assists you audibly and visually when
parking.
Fig. 148 Represented
area
There are sensors integrated in the front and rear bumpers. When the sen-
sors detect an obstacle, audible and visual warnings are given. Make sure that the sensors are not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, given that this could affect the system operation. Cleaning instructions
⇒ page 239.
The approximate measurement range of the sensors is:
1.20 m
0.90 m
1.60 m
0.90 m
As you approach the obstacle, the time interval between the audible warn-
ings will be reduced.
If you maintain separation from the obstacle, the volume of the warning be-
gins to reduce after four seconds (does not affect the tone of the constant
warning). 
Activating/Deactivating
Fig. 149 Centre console:
parking aid button 
A
BCD
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221
Driver assistance systems
Adjusting the display and audible warnings
The settings for the display and audible warnings are con-
trolled via the Easy Connect*.
Requirements: the parking aid must be switched on.
– Select: button CAR
> control button Car* Systems > Driver assis-
tant > Parking aid ⇒  page 81.
Automatic activation 1)
 on – activates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220
 off – deactivates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220.
Front volume
Volume in the front and rear area.
Front sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the front area.
Rear volume
Volume in the rear area
Rear sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the rear area.
Adjust volume
With the parking aid switched on, the active audio/video source volume will
be reduced to the intensity of the selected setting.
You will hear a short test tone from the corresponding speaker each time
you make a new setting. Error messages
When the parking aid is activated or when switching it on, if a continuous
warning can be heard over several seconds (additionally, in the case of
Parking system plus the LED of the
 button flashes), there is a fault in the
system. If the fault does not disappear before switching off the ignition, the
next time the parking aid is switched on by engaging reverse gear the fault
will only be indicated with the flashing LED on the  button.
Parking system plus*
If there is a fault in a sensor, the symbol  is displayed on the Easy Con-
nect display in front of/behind the vehicle. If a rear sensor is faulty, only the
obstacles in the areas A
and B are displayed ⇒ Fig. 148. If a front sensor
is faulty, only the obstacles in the areas C and D are displayed.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay. 
Towing bracket
If the trailer power socket is occupied, the rear parking aid sensors will not
activate when reverse gear is engaged, or when the button  is pressed.
This function may not be covered under warranty if the towing bracket is not
factory-fitted. This causes the following limitations:
Parking system plus*
There will be no warning about the presence of obstacles in the rear area.
The monitoring in the front area remains active. The optical display changes
to towing mode. 
1)
available only with certain equipment - Radio Standard
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227
Intelligent technology
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.
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. 
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