tow Seat Leon 5D 2014 Owner's Guide

Operation
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken read-
ings on the sensitive surface ››› Fig. 104 of
the r ain sen
sor include:
● Damaged blades: a film of water on the
damaged blades may lengthen the activation
time, reduce the washing intervals or result
in a fast and continuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger
the windscreen wiper.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the
roads may cause an extra long wipe when the
windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus
effect) or traces of detergent (car wash) may
reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or
make it react more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone
will trigger a single wipe cycle with the rain
sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the
reduction in the sensitive surface area and
adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sen-
sor will vary with the size of the damage
caused by the stone. WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain
to switch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the windscreen obstructs visi-
bility. Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sen-
sor regularly and check the blades for dam-
age ››› Fig. 104 (arrow).
● To r
emove wax and coatings, we recom-
mend a window cleaner containing alcohol. Rear vision mirror
Anti-dazzle rear vision mirrors Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 13
Your vehicle is fitted with an interior rear vi-
sion mirror with a manual or automatic* con-
trol for anti-dazzle position.
Interior rear vision mirror with manual
setting for anti-dazzle position – Position the small lever of the lower edge
of the mirror to face towards the rear. WARNING
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
rear vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This could cause irritation to the
skin, eyes and respiratory organs. If you
come into contact with this liquid, it must be
rinsed with large quantities of water. If neces-
sary, get medial help. CAUTION
In the event that an automatic anti-dazzle
rear vision mirror breaks, an electrolyte fluid
may leak. This liquid attacks plastic surfaces.
Clean it with a wet sponge as soon as possi-
ble. Note
● If the light incident in the interior rear vi-
sion mirror is obstructed (e.g. with the sun
blind*, the anti-dazzle rear vision mirror with
automatic setting will not operate perfectly.
● When the interior lights are on or reverse
gear engaged, the rear vision mirrors do not
darken with automatic adjustment for anti-
dazzle position. Adjusting the exterior mirrors
Fig. 105
Driver door: control for the exterior
mirror. 104

Lights and visibility
Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 13
Synchronized regulation of the exterior
mirrors ● In the Settings - Convenience
menu, sel
ect
whether or not the exterior mirrors should
move in synchronisation.
● Turn the knob to position L 1)
.
● Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The
right exterior mirror will be adjusted at the
same time (synchronised).
● If necessary the right exterior mirror adjust-
ment may need correcting. turn the control to
position
R 1)
.
● In the Easy Connect system the exterior mir-
rors can be adjusted using the CAR button
and the function button SETUP .
Tilt function for front passenger exterior
mirror*
When parking backwards, and in order to be
able to see the kerb, the passenger side mir-
ror can be automatically tilted towards the
passenger to provide a better view of the
kerb. The control must be in the position R1)
for this feature to be operational.
The mirror returns to its original position as
soon as you drive forwards at over 15 km/h (10 mph) or switch off the ignition. It also re-
turns to its original position if the position of
the control is adjusted.
Storing the rear view mirror settings for the
tilt function
● Switch the ignition on.
● Access the Easy Connect system, Menu
CAR , function “Rear view mirrors and wind-
screen wipers” and select “lower when re-
versing” ››› page 81 .
● Sel ect

the R1)
position on the control.
● Select reverse gear.
● Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror
so that you can see, for example, the kerb
area well.
● Release the reverse gear.
● The adjusted position for the rear view mir-
ror is stored.
Fold in the exterior mirrors after parking
(convenience function)*
The Easy Connect system, Menu CAR , func-
tion “Rear view mirrors and windscreen wip-
ers” can be used to have the exterior mirrors
fold in when the vehicle is parked ››› page 81.
When the vehicle is locked with the remote
control, by pressing for more than approxi- mately 1 second the exterior mirrors are fol-
ded in automatically. When the vehicle is
opened with the remote control, the exterior
mirrors are deployed automatically. WARNING
Convex or wide-angle* exterior mirrors give a
larger field of vision. However, they make ob-
jects look smaller and further away than they
really are. If you use these mirrors to esti-
mate the distance to vehicles behind you
when changing lane, you could misjudge the
distance. Risk of accident! CAUTION
● If one of the mirror housings is knocked out
of position (e.g. when parking), the mirrors
must first be fully retracted with the electric
control. Do not readjust the mirror housing by
hand, as this will interfere with the mirror ad-
juster function.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand.
Always use the electrical power control. »1)
Regulation in right-hand drive vehicles is symmet-
rical. 105
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Storing objects Loading the luggage compartment All luggage and other loose objects must be
safely secured in the luggage compartment.
Unsecured objects which shift back and forth
could impair the driving safety or driving
characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage
compartment.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possi-
ble in the luggage compartment.
– Place the heavy objects first.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening
rings ›››
page 119 . WARNING
● Loose luggage and other objects in the lug-
gage compartment could cause serious inju-
ries.
● Always stow objects in the luggage com-
partment and secure them on the fastening
rings.
● Use suitable straps to secure heavy ob-
jects.
● During sudden manoeuvres or accidents,
loose objects can be thrown forward, injuring
vehicle occupants or passers-by. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag. If this happens, objects may shoot out-
ward like a missile. Risk of fatal injury.
●
Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when transporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or
allowed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehicle. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle. Note
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings are commercially available. Luggage compartment cover
3 Applies to the model: LEON/LEON SC
Fig. 119
Rear lid open with the luggage com-
partment cover. The luggage compartment cover blocks the
view into the luggage compartment.
Removing
– Remove the straps A and unfasten the
cover of the support B by pressing up-
wards in the direction of arrow 1 .
Fitting
– Insert the cover horizontally so that it coin-
cides with the “plate” on the axis of the
supports B and press down until it engag-
es.
– Attach the straps to the rear lid A
››› .
114

Transport and practical equipment
WARNING
● The luggage compartment cover must al-
ways be fixed properly (risk of accident).
● The luggage compartment cover should not
be used as a storage shelf. Articles placed on
this cover could cause injury to vehicle occu-
pants in an accident or if the brakes are ap-
plied suddenly. Retractable rear shelf
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 120
In the luggage compartment: closing
the rear shelf. Fig. 121
In the luggage compartment: remov-
ing the rear shelf. Opening the rear shelf
● Press the release catch of the rear shelf
( press
) until it is released › ›› Fig. 120 1 . The
shelf will automatically move towards the
end and will retract completely.
Closing the rear shelf
● Pull the unfolded shelf evenly backwards.
Removing the rear shelf
● Press the support of the rear shelf
››› Fig. 121 1 in the direction of the arrow.
● Remove the rear shelf through the support
and upwards.
● The rear shelf can be stored under the lug-
gage compartment variable floor when the
latter is in the top position (except for vehi-
cles equipped with natural gas engine CNG)
››› page 116 . Fittin
g the r
ear shelf
● Place the rear shelf in the housing provided
in the left side cover.
● Engage the support of the rear shelf
››› Fig. 121 1 in the right housing.
● Check that the support ››› Fig. 121 1 is
properly engaged. WARNING
Animals, loose or unsecured or objects car-
ried on the rear shelf can cause serious injury
in case of sudden manoeuvring or braking or
in case of an accident.
● Do not leave hard, sharp or heavy objects
or in bags on the rear shelf.
● Never carry animals on the rear shelf. 115
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Transport and practical equipment
Removing the net partition
● Fold the rear seat backrests forward.
● Press the left or right release catch
››› Fig. 125 in the direction of the arrow 1 .
● Remove the casing from the support in the
direction of the arrow ››› Fig. 125 2 .
Fitting the net partition
● Fold the rear seat backrests forward.
● Fit the casing in the right and left supports.
● Press the casing into the left and right sup-
ports in the opposite direction to the arrow
››› Fig. 125 2 until it engages.
The red markings on the release buttons
should no longer be visible. WARNING
● Always secure objects, even when the net
partition is properly assembled.
● There should be nobody behind the assem-
bled partition when the vehicle is moving. CAUTION
Incorrect handling of the net partition could
cause damage. ● Do not “release” the net partition when
lowering it, as the net and other vehicle parts
could be damaged. Roll down the net parti-
tion by hand. Use of the net partition with the rear
seat backrests lowered
3 Applies to the model: LEON ST
Fig. 126
Assembling the net partition in the
rear seat backrests. Fig. 127
In the luggage compartment: net
partition hooked into the rear seat backrests. Fitting the net partition
● Fold the rear seat backrests forward. ●
Remove the net partition from the side sup-
ports.
● Place the net casing in the rail slots in the
direction of the arrows ››› Fig. 126 1 .
● Push the casing towards the left side of the
vehicle in the direction of arrow ››› Fig. 126
2 and as far as it will go.
● Check that the net is secure.
Pulling out and securing the net partition
● Pull up handle ››› Fig. 127 2 to remove the
net from the casing ››› Fig. 127 4 .
● Hook in the net partition on the right side
››› Fig. 127 3 (magnified image).
● Hook in the net partition in the left side
housing ››› Fig. 127 1 pulling the rod.
The net partition is properly assembled when
the T-shaped ends are firmly secured in the
corresponding housings ››› Fig. 127 3 and
1 .
Retracting the net partition
● Remove the rod from the housings in the
trims of the roof side members.
● Roll up the net into the casing ››› Fig. 127
4 lowering it with your hand.
»
117Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
When accelerating, the gearbox automatical-
ly shifts up into the next gear shortly before
the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gear-
box will not shift down until there is no risk of
overrevving the engine.
When the kick-down feature is used, the
gearbox shifts down to a lower gear, depend-
ing on road speed and engine speed.
Driving tips The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly as the vehicle moves.
The engine can only start with the selector
lever in the position P or N. At low tempera-
tures, below -10°C (50°F), the engine can on-
ly 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 on the selector lever handle), move
the selector lever to the desired position,
for instance D
› ››
page 133, 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
briefly when stationary (for instance at traf-
fic 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. The driver message will be:  Gear
change: selector lever in the drive position!. 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 pre-
v ent

the vehicle from “moving backwards;
if necessary, apply the handbrake” ››› .
Do not
try to stop the vehicle “rolling back”
b

y increasing the engine speed when a
gear is engaged (pressing the accelerator)
››› .
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 with Hill start
assistant* – Once you have engaged a gear, release the
footbrake and press the accelerator
››› page 147, Hill driving assistant*.
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 manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted 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 lev-
er from position P. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Selector
lever positions on page 133.
● 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 136

Operation
– Take your left foot off the brake pedal. WARNING
● Always adapt your driving style to the traf-
fic conditions.
● Only use the launch control programme
when road and traffic conditions permit, and
make sure your manner of driving and accel-
erating the vehicle does not inconvenience or
endanger other road users.
● 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 acci-
dent!
● After putting the vehicle into gear, the
“sport” mode of the ESC should be deactiva-
ted again by briefly pressing the OFF but-
ton. Note
● After using the Launch control programme,
the temperature in the gearbox may have in-
creased considerably. In this case, the pro-
gramme could be disabled for several mi-
nutes. The programme can be used again af-
ter the cooling phase.
● Accelerating with the Launch control pro-
gramme places a heavy load on all parts of
the vehicle. This can result in increased wear
and tear. Downhill speed control*
The downhill speed control function helps
the driver when driving down steep gradi-
ents.
Downhill speed control is activated when the
selector lever is in D/S and the driver applies
the foot brake. The automatic gearbox auto-
matically engages a lower gear that is suita-
ble 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 technical drive limitations). It
may be necessary to adjust the speed again
using the foot brake in certain situations. Giv-
en that the downhill speed control can only
change down to 3rd gear, on very steep de-
scents 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 150 , downhill speed control is acti-
v at
ed 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 prepared to use the brakes!
Inertia mode
The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy
of the vehicle to be harnessed enabling cer-
tain 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 %.
–
Select, in SEAT Drive Profile*, Eco mode
››› page 169 .
– Tak

e your foot off the accelerator.
The driver message Inertia will be displayed.
At speeds higher than 20 km/h (12 mph), the
gearbox will automatically disengage and the
vehicle will roll freely, without the effect of
the engine brake. While the vehicle rolls, the
engine runs at idling speed.
Stopping inertia mode
– Press the brake or the accelerator pedal.
To make use of the braking force and switch
off the engine again, simply press the brake
pedal briefly.
138

Operation
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The braking force is
automatically boosted if you press the brake
pedal quickly in an emergency. You must
keep pressing the brake pedal until the dan-
ger 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 gra-
dient.
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 active
up to approximately 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The ve-
hicle 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 detected by the ESC, it will auto- matically 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 cer-
tain circumstances, where roads are wet or
snow-covered, the respective system may not
intervene.
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network.
The following actions control automatic brak-
ing during the accident:
●
When the driver presses the accelerator,
the automatic braking does not take place.
● When the braking pressure through press-
ing the brake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available
if ESC is malfunctioning. WARNING
● The ESC, ABS, ASR, EDL, electronic self-
locking differential or selective torque control
systems cannot exceed the limits imposed by
the laws of physics. Always bear this in mind,
especially on wet or slippery roads. If you no-
tice the systems cutting in, you should re-
duce your speed immediately to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not be encouraged
to take risks by the presence of more safety
systems. If you do, an accident may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk al-
ways increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDL, electronic
self-locking and selective torque control sys-
tems cannot prevent accidents: risk of acci-
dents! 144

Driver assistance systems
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu-
id level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you
apply to the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running. WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake
system only in a suitable traffic situation. Do
not put other road users in danger: there is
risk of causing an accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in
neutral, when the engine is stopped. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in an
accident.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes. CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your
foot on the pedal when it is not necessary to
brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient,
it is advisable to reduce speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at
intervals than to apply the brakes continu-
ously.
Note
● If the brake servo is out of action, for exam-
ple when the car is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal to make up for the lack of
servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with acces-
sories such as a front spoiler or wheel covers,
it is important that the flow of air to the front
wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the
brakes can overheat. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● doors closed,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S,
D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately
after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or use the hand brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want to prevent the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. » 147
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Operation
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tell you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. Start-Stop system*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce CO
2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode ● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The vehicle must have travelled at more
than 4 km/h (2 mph) since the last stop.
● The vehicle cannot be towing a trailer. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop system is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 149. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
switched off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 149. Stop/Start the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play. –
When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
di s
play.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine will start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the
automatic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.
148