ESP Seat Leon 5D 2013 Service Manual

160Air conditioning
Air vents
Fig. 116 On the dash panel: air vents
Air vents
To ensure proper heating, cooling and ventilation in the vehicle interior, air
vents ⇒ Fig. 116 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.
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: 

163
Driving
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may cause the vehicle to stall in traffic and cause ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messages.
● Stop the vehicle at the next safe opportunity.
● If the vehicle breaks down or has to be parked for repair, always park
it a safe distance away from the road, switch on the hazard warning
lights, switch off the engine and take other relevant safety measures to
warn vehicles approaching from the rear.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they light up and the corresponding
messages may result in damage to the vehicle. Starting the engine with the ignition key
Switch on the ignition with the key in the ignition and start
the engine.
Fig. 118 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.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

176Driving
Note
● If the selector lever lock does not engage, there is a fault. The transmis-
sion is interrupted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving. Follow
the procedure below in order for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake pedal. Move the selector lev-
er to position P or N and subsequently engage a gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle does not move forwards or
back. Proceed to the next mode:
–When the vehicle does not move in the required direction, the system
may not have the gear range correctly engaged. Press the brake pedal
and engage the gear range again.
– If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a
system malfunction. Seek specialist assistance and have the system
checked. 
Driving tips
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehi-
cle moves.
The engine can only start with the selector lever in the position P or
N. At low temperatures, below -10 °C (50 °F), the engine can only
start with the selector lever in the position P.
Starting the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the button in the selector
lever handle), move the selector lever to the desired position,
for instance D ⇒  page 173, and release the interlock button. –
Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can
be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒ 
.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary (for in-
stance at traffic lights). Do not press the accelerator.
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. 

180Driving
flash slowly depending on whether or not the vehicle has a driver
information system* 1)
.
– When the engine is running, switch off the traction control
(ASR) 1)
2)
.
– Move the selector lever to position “S” or tiptronic, or select the
driving mode Sport from the SEAT Drive Mode* ⇒ page 211.
– Press the brake pedal firmly with your left foot and hold it down
for at least one second.
– With your right foot, press the accelerator down to the full throt-
tle or kick-down position. The engine speed will stabilise at ap-
prox. 3200 rpm (petrol engine) or approx. 2000 rpm (diesel en-
gine).
– Take your left foot off the brake pedal.
WARNING
● Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
● Only use the “Launch control programme” when road and traffic con-
ditions permit, and make sure the way in which you drive and accelerate
the vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other road users.
WARNING (Continued)
● Make sure that the ESC remains switched on. Please note that when
the ASR and ESC are deactivated, the wheels may start to spin, causing
the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of accident!
● After putting the vehicle into gear, the “sport” mode of the ESC
should be deactivated again by briefly pressing the 
OFF
button.
Note
● After using the “Launch control programme”, the gearbox temperature
may have increased considerably. In this case, the programme could be dis-
abled for several minutes. The programme can be used again after the cool-
ing phase.
● Accelerating with the “Launch control programme” places a heavy load
on all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and tear. 
Inertia mode
The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy of the vehicle to be
harnessed enabling certain stretches to be driven without using
the accelerator. This enables fuel to be saved. Use the inertia mode
to “let the vehicle roll” before, for example, arriving in a town.
Switching on inertia mode
Important: selector lever must be in position D, gradients below
12 %. 
1)
On vehicles with the driver information system, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability control deactivated (temporary) appears on the in-
strument panel to indicate the deactivation status.
2) Vehicles without driver information system: the warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with
driver information system: the warning lamp stays on.

191
Driver assistance systems
Warning and control lamps
Lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution

A speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain distance with the ve-
hicle ahead is not enough.Brake! Use the foot brake!
Driver intervention necessary:
 The ACC is not currently availa-
blea)
.
With the vehicle stationary,
switch the engine off and back
on again. Check the radar sen-
sor visually (in case it is dirty,
has ice or has been knocked).
If it is still unavailable, refer to
a specialised workshop to
have the system inspected.

The ACC is active. No vehicle is
detected ahead. The set speed
remains constant.–

If the symbol is white: the ACC
is active. A vehicle in front has
been detected. The ACC adjusts
the speed and the distance
from the vehicle ahead.
–If the symbol is grey: the ACC is
not active. The system is
switched on, but it is not con-
trolling.
The ACC is active.–
a) The symbol is in colour on the instrument panel with colour display.
Some warning and control lamps will light up briefly when the ignition is
switched on to check certain functions. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in damage to the vehicle and serious in-
jury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messages.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they light up and the corresponding
messages may result in damage to the vehicle.
Note
When the ACC is connected, the instrument panel display messages may be
hidden by messages pertaining to other functions, such as an incoming
call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 131 On the front
bumper: radar sensor. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

196Driver assistance systems
Interrupting cruise control
Fig. 134 On the left of
the steering column:
Third lever for using the
adaptive cruise control.
Important: The adaptive cruise control is switched on.
Interrupting cruise control during driving
● Move the lever to position 3
. The driver message
ACC standby will be
displayed. or
● Brake.
● To return to the stored speed, turn the lever to position 2
.
Interrupting cruise control when the vehicle is stationary
Valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox:
● Move the lever to position 3
. The driver message
ACC standby will be
displayed.
● To resume adaptive cruise control, apply the foot brake and turn the lev-
er to position 2
.
WARNING
It is dangerous to switch on cruise control and resume the stored speed if
the road, traffic or weather conditions do not permit. Risk of accident!
 Setting the distance
Fig. 135 Control lever
for: Setting the distance
● To indicate the distance currently programmed, briefly press the rocker
switch ⇒ Fig. 135.
● To increase/reduce a level, press the rocker switch again to the right/
left. The display in the instrument panel modifies the distance between
both vehicles.
If the vehicle approaches another halted vehicle ahead of it, the adaptive
cruise control reduces the speed to match the other's and then controls the
adjusted distance. If the vehicle in front accelerates, the adaptive cruise
control will also accelerate, up to the speed you have programmed.
The greater the speed, the greater the distance in metres should be ⇒ 
.
We recommend the setting Distance 3.
WARNING
The driver is responsible for observing country-specific distance regula-
tions.


202Driver assistance systems
Monitoring system Front Assist*
Introduction
The Front Assist Monitoring System helps to avoid rear-end collisions.
The Front Assist can warn the driver in case of a collision hazard, prepare
the vehicle for emergency braking in the event of danger, assisting the driv-
er in braking and provoking automatic braking.
The Front Assist system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 73
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Cruise control system (CCS) ⇒ page 184
● Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ⇒ page 189
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
Distance warning
If the system detects that safety is compromised because you are driving
too close to the vehicle in front, it can warn the driver with an on-screen
message on the instrument panel when you are driving at a speed between
approx. 60 km/h (37 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138.
The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour.
Pre-warning
If the system detects a possible collision with the vehicle ahead, it can warn
the driver with a sound warning and a message on the instrument panel
display when driving at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h (18 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph) ⇒ Fig. 138. The warning moment varies depending on traffic conditions and the driver's
behaviour. At the same time, the vehicle prepares for a possible emergency
braking ⇒ 
.
Critical warning
If the driver does not react to a pre-warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle when travelling at a speed of between approx. 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph), causing a brief jolt to warn of an immi-
nent collision hazard.
Automatic braking
If the driver fails to react to a critical warning, the system can automatically
brake the vehicle by progressively increasing braking pressure to reduce
speed when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h (3 mph) and
210 km/h (130 mph). Reducing speed in the event of a possible collision,
the system can thus help to reduce the consequences of an accident.
Brake assist
If the Front Assist realises that the driver is not braking enough in the event
of a collision hazard, the system can increase braking pressure and thus
avert the collision when travelling at a speed of between approx. 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 210 km/h (130 mph). Braking assistance only takes place
while the brake pedal is being pressed down hard.
WARNING
The intelligent technology in the Front Assist cannot change the laws of
physics. The driver is always responsible for braking in time. If the Front
Assist issues a warning, then, depending on traffic conditions, it is nec-
essary to brake immediately by applying the brake pedal or dodging the
obstacle.
● Always adapt speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead accord-
ing to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● The Front Assist in itself cannot avoid accidents and serious injuries. 

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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

211
Driver assistance systems
● When the system does not detect any clear and active steering move-
ment during a long period of time.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic driving styles.
● If a turn signal is activated.
● With the stability control system ESC in Sport mode.
Note
● Before starting a journey, verify that the field of vision of the camera is
not covered ⇒ Fig. 143.
● Always keep the field of vision of the camera clean. 
Switching off the Lane Assist system in the following
situations
Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system, switch it off in the following sit-
uations:
● When more attention is required of the driver
● When driving in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works
Note
The Lane Assist system deactivates when driving below 60 km/h (40 mph). SEAT Drive Modes*
Introduction
SEAT Drive Mode enables the driver to choose between four profiles or
modes, normal, sport, eco and individual , that modify the behaviour of vari-
ous vehicle functions, providing different driving experiences.
The profiles, normal, sport and eco are fixed. Individual can be configured
according to personal preferences. 
Description
Depending on the equipment fitted in the vehicle, SEAT Drive Mode can op-
erate on the following functions:
Engine
Depending on the profile selected, the engine responds more spontaneous-
ly or more in harmony with the movements of the accelerator. Additionally,
when eco mode is selected, the Start-stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
In vehicles with DQ transmission, the gear change points are modified to
position them in lower engine speed ranges ( eco) or higher (sport). Addi-
tionally, eco mode activates the Inertia function, enabling the consumption
to be further reduced.
In manual vehicles, eco mode causes the gear recommendation indications
that appear on the instrument panel to vary, facilitating more efficient driv-
ing.
Dynamic chassis control (DCC)
The DCC adapts the suspension continually during driving to the character-
istics of the road and to the driving situation according to the presettings. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications