wheel Seat Leon SC 2013 Owner's Guide

122Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper functions
Windscreen wiper performance in different situations:If the vehicle is at a stand-
still:The activated position provisionally changes
to the previous position.
During the automatic wipe:
The air conditioner comes on for approxi-
mately 30 seconds in air recirculation mode
to prevent the smell of the windscreen wash-
er fluid entering the inside the vehicle.
For the interval wipe:The intervals between wipes vary according
to the speed of the vehicle. The higher the
vehicle speed the shorter the intervals.
Heated windscreen washer jets
The heating only thaws the frozen jets, it does not thaw the water in the
washer hoses. The heated windscreen washer jets automatically adjust the
heat depending on the ambient temperature, when the ignition is switched
on.
Headlight wash/wipe system
The headlight washers/wipers clean the headlight lenses.
After the ignition is switched on, the first and every fifth time the wind-
screen washer is switched on, the headlights are also washed. Therefore,
the windscreen wiper lever should be pulled towards the steering wheel
when the dipped beam or main beam are on. Any incrusted dirt (such as in-
sects) should be cleaned regularly (e.g. when refuelling).
To ensure the headlight washers work correctly in winter, any snow which
has got into the bumper jet supports should be cleaned away. If necessary,
remove snow with an anti-icing spray.
Note
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen.
The wiper will stop moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the ob-
stacle and switch the wiper back on again. 
Windscreen wipers service position
Fig. 71 Wipers in service
position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ Fig. 71. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed
as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed ⇒ page 251.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly ⇒ Fig. 70 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. Using the windscreen wiper
lever, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position. 

129
Seats and storage
Front seats
Manual seat adjustment
Fig. 77 Front seats:
manual seat adjustment
Fig. 78 Front seats: lever
for folding the backrest
(3-door vehicles)
Adjusting the seat forward/backward: pull the lever and move the seat
forwards or backwards.
Raise/lower the seat: Pull/push the lever.
Backrest lower/raise: turn the hand wheel.
1
23
Adjusting the lumbar support* : press the button in the corresponding
position.
Folding the seat backrest (only 3-door vehicles): pull the lever and push
the backrest forward.
WARNING
● Adjust the front seats only when the vehicle is stationary. Failure to
do so could result in an accident.
● Be careful when adjusting the seat height. Careless or uncontrolled
adjustment can cause injuries.
● The front seat backrests must not be reclined for driving. Otherwise,
seat belts and the airbag system might not protect as they should, with
the subsequent danger of injury.

Applies to the model: LEON ST
To lower the front passenger seat back*
Fig. 79 Passenger's
seat: lever for folding
down the backrest
The passenger's seat can be down to expand the luggage compartment
loading area. 
4
5
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

148Seats and storage
● Remove the hooks and the straps of the net bag from the fastening rings
and the hooks for hanging bags.
● Store the net bag in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Draw out the elastic net bag to secure it to the fastening rings. Once fas-
tened it remains taut. If the elastic net bag is hooked up and unhooked
wrongly, its hooks may cause injuries.
● Always ensure that the hooks do not suddenly release from the fas-
tening rings when hooking or unhooking them.
● When hooking or unhooking the hooks, protect your eyes and face to
prevent injury in case the hooks were suddenly released.
● Always hook up the net bag hooks in the described order. If a hook is
unexpectedly released, the risk of injury increases.

Applies to the model: LEON ST
Luggage compartment variable floor
Fig. 110 Luggage com-
partment variable floor:
positions
Fig. 111 Luggage com-
partment variable floor:
tilted slots
Variable floor in the high position
● Lift up the floor using handle
⇒ Fig. 110 A
and pull backwards on it un-
til the front of the floor has passed the supports B.
● Push the floor forwards over them until it engages with the rear seats
and then lower the floor with handle A
.
Variable floor in the low position
● Lift up the floor using handle
⇒ Fig. 110 A
and pull backwards on it un-
til the front of the floor has fully passed supports B.
● Match the front part with the slots in the bottom of the supports and
slide the floor forwards until it engages with the rear seat backrests and
then lower the floor with handle A
.
Variable floor in the tilted position
With the variable floor in the tilted position you can access the spare
wheel /anti-puncture kit area.
● Lift up the variable floor using handle
⇒ Fig. 110 A
and pull backwards
on it until the front of the floor has passed the tilted slots ⇒ Fig. 111 C.
● Slide the floor through the slots with the help of handle A until it en-
gages with the rear seat backrests and the floor is resting in the slots. 

150Seats and storage
Roof carrier
Introduction
The vehicle roof has been designed to optimise aerodynamics. This is why it
is not possible to mount cross bars or conventional roof carrier systems in
the roof's rain channels.
Given that the rain channels have been incorporated into the roof for aero-
dynamic reasons, only SEAT-approved cross bars and roof carrier systems
can be used.
Cases in which the cross bars and roof carrier systems should be
dismounted
● When they are no longer needed.
● When the vehicle is to be washed in a car wash.
● When the vehicle height exceeds the maximum height, for example, in a
garage.
Additional information and warnings:
● Lights ⇒ page 109
● Storing objects ⇒ page 17
● Driving ecologically ⇒ page 231
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 265
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 272
WARNING
Transporting heavy or bulky loads on the roof carrier system affects car
handling due to the shift in the centre of gravity and increased air resist-
ance.
● It is important to always use belts or retaining straps that are suita-
ble and in good condition to secure loads.
● A bulky, heavy, long or flat load has a negative effect on aerodynam-
ics and on the vehicle's centre of gravity and driving behaviour.
● Avoid sudden braking and other brusque manoeuvres.
● Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
CAUTION
● Remove the cross bars and the roof carrier system before entering a car
wash.
● The height of your vehicle increases with the installation of the cross
bars and roof carrier system and with the load secured on them. To do so,
make sure that vehicle height does not exceed the height limit when going
through underpasses or garage doors.
● The cross bars, roof carrier system and load on them should not inter-
fere with the roof antenna or hamper the panoramic sliding roof and the
⇒  page 106 rear lid.
● On opening the rear lid, make sure that it does not bump into the roof
load.
For the sake of the environment
Fitting the cross bars and roof carrier system increases fuel consumption
due to greater aerodynamic resistance. 

151
Seats and storage
Applies to the model: LEON ST
Securing the cross bars and roof carrier system
Fig. 112 Roof side bar:
areas for securing cross
bars.
The cross bars are the basis of a series of special roof carrier systems. For
safety reasons, specific systems must be used to safely transport luggage,
bicycles, skis, surf boards or boats on the roof. You can purchase suitable
accessories at SEAT authorised services.
Securing the cross bars and roof carrier system
Always secure the cross bars and roof carrier system. Always refer to the as-
sembly instructions for the cross bars and roof carrier system in question.
The cross bars are fitted to the roof's side bars. The distance between the
cross bars ⇒ Fig. 112 A
should be between 70 and 80 cm. The distance
from the rear cross bar B to the roof antenna should be at least 20 cm.
Once the cross bars have been properly fitted, the roof carrier system
should be secured to them according to the corresponding instructions.
WARNING
Failure to secure the cross bars and roof carrier system properly may lead
the whole system to become detached from the roof and cause an acci-
dent and injury.
● Always take the manufacturer assembly instructions into account.
● Only use cross bars and a roof carrier system that are in good condi-
tion and properly secured.
● Always fit the cross bars and roof carrier system properly.
● Check the threaded joints and attachments before driving and if nec-
essary tighten them after you have travelled a short distance. On long
journeys, check the threaded joints and attachments whenever you take
a rest.
● Always fit the special roof carrier systems correctly for wheels, skis
and surfboards, etc.
● Do not try to change or repair the cross bars or roof carrier system.
Note
Always read the assembly instructions for the cross bars and roof carrier
system carefully and keep them in the vehicle at all times. 
Loading the roof carrier system
Loads can only be secured safely if the cross bars and the roof carrier sys-
tem have been fitted properly ⇒ .
Maximum authorised roof load
The maximum authorised roof load is 75 kg. This figure is the result of add-
ing the weight of the roof carrier system, the cross bars and the roof load
⇒ 
. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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: 

162Driving
Driving
SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 117 Lever in the
lower left side of the
steering column
– Press the lever 1
⇒ Fig. 117 down ⇒ 
–
Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Move the lever up, applying pressure until the close position is
reached.
WARNING
● Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving, as this could cause an accident.
● Move the lever up firmly so the steering wheel position does not acci-
dentally change during driving. risk of accident!
● Make sure you are capable of reaching and firmly holding the upper
part of the steering wheel while your back remains well supported by the
backrest: risk of accident!

Ignition lock Warning and control lamps
Lights upPossible causeSolution

Preheating of the diesel en-
gine before starting the en-
gine⇒ page 164
Foot not on the brake pedal.Press the brake model to start the
engine.
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. 

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

165
Driving
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly lock, making it impossible to
steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. This is par-
ticularly important if there are children in the vehicle, as they might oth-
erwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause injuries.
CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until
the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this
can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running it with the car stationary. You should
drive off as soon as you start the engine. This will help avoid unnecessary
exhaust emissions.
Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to the position 1, turn the steer-
ing wheel to both sides to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve lifters. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and reconnected, the key must re-
main in the position 1
for around 5 seconds before starting up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). Next, the selector lever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1
⇒ Fig. 118.
Engaging the steering wheel lock
Important: selector lever (automatic gearbox*) must be in position
P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in position 1
⇒ Fig. 118
⇒ .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it engage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the steering lock engaged.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. The brake
servo and power steering functions will not be completely covered 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 steering could lock making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle.
● Always take the ignition key with you whenever you leave the vehicle,
even temporarily. This is particularly important if there are children in
the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or use
power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

166Driving
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
● After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It is also possible that the fan
turns itself on once more if the coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop system* switches off the en-
gine, the ignition remains switched on. Make sure that the ignition is
switched off before leaving the vehicle, otherwise the battery could dis-
charge. 
Kick-down
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be
reached. If the eco*
⇒ page 212 mode has been selected in SEAT Drive Mode*, and
the accelerator is pressed beyond a hard point, the engine power is auto-
matically controlled to give your vehicle maximum acceleration.
WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slippery or wet, the kick-down fea-
ture could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skid-
ding.
 Handbrake
Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 119 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ Fig. 119.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 119 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
. 