Seat Leon. Service Manual - part 12

Driving

Changing gear manually with the selector
lever
It is possible to change to tiptronic mode,
both when the vehicle is stopped and while
driving.

–

To switch to tiptronic mode, move the se-
lector lever from position D/S to the right.
As soon as the change is made the selector
level will be shown in the position 

M

 on the

instrument panel display (for example 

M4

means that the fourth gear is engaged).

–

Move the selector lever forwards 

+

 to se-

lect a higher gear 

››› 

Fig. 192

.

–

Move the selector lever backwards 

–

 to

select a lower gear.

Changing gear manually with the gearshift
paddles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the
selector lever is in the position D/S or 

M

.

–

Press the gearshift paddle 

+

 to select a

higher gear 

››› 

Fig. 193

.

–

Press the gearshift paddle 

–

 to select a

lower gear.

–

With the selector lever in position D/S, if no
paddle is operated during a short period of
time, the gearbox control system switches
back to automatic mode. To switch to per-
manent manual gear change using the
gearshift paddles, move the selector lever
from position D/S to the right.

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
over-revving 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 180

, 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-
vent 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 accelerator)

››› 

.

Moving off uphill in vehicles without Hill
start assistant*

–

Apply the handbrake.

»

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–

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 179, 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 181

.

●

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
brakes. This could significantly reduce brak-

ing power, increase braking distance or even
result in the total failure of the brake system.

●

To avoid rolling back on gradients always

hold the vehicle with the footbrake or hand-
brake if you have to stop.

CAUTION

●

If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not

attempt to stop it from rolling by depressing
the accelerator when a gear has been selec-
ted. This could cause overheating and dam-
age the automatic gearbox. Apply the hand-
brake firmly or press the brake pedal in order
to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.

●

If you allow the car to roll with the selector

lever in position N with the engine switched
off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged
as it will not be lubricated.

●

In certain driving situations or traffic condi-

tions, such as frequently starting, prolonged
“creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with
continuous stoppages, the gearbox could
overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and wait for the gearbox to cool

››› 

page 187

.

Kick-down feature

The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
celeration to be reached.

When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down past the point of resistance at full throt-
tle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine
speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is
delayed until the engine reaches maximum
rpm.

WARNING

Please note that if the road surface is slip-
pery or wet, the kick-down feature could
cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.

Launch control programme

3

 Valid for vehicles: with Launch-Control/6-Speed

DSG with diesel engines superior to 125 kW and pet-
rol engines superior to 140 kW.

The Launch control programme enables maxi-
mum acceleration.

Important: the engine must have reached op-
erating temperature and the steering wheel
must not be turned.

The engine speed for launch-control is differ-
ent on petrol and diesel engines. To use the
launch-control you must disconnect the anti-
slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Con-
nect system menu 

››› 

page 110

. The warning

lamp  will stay switched on or will flash
slowly depending on whether or not the vehi-
cle has a driver information system*.

184

Driving

On vehicles with the driver information sys-
tem, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message 

Stability

control deactivated

 (temporary) ap-

pears on the instrument panel to indicate the
deactivation status.

–

When the engine is running, switch off the
traction control (ASR)

1)

.

–

Turn the selector lever to the position “S”
or tiptronic, or else select the 

sport

 driv-

ing mode from the SEAT Drive Profile*

››› 

page 219

.

–

Press the brake pedal firmly with your left
foot and hold it down for at least one sec-
ond.

–

With your right foot, press the accelerator
down to the full throttle or kick-down posi-
tion. The engine speed will stabilise at
about 

3,200 rpm (petrol engine) or about

2,000 rpm (diesel engine).

–

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 195

, downhill speed control is acti-

vated when you set a cruising speed.

»

1)

Vehicles without driver information system: the

warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with driver in-
formation system: the warning lamp stays on.

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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 219

.

–

Take your foot off the accelerator.

The driver message 

Inertia

 will be dis-

played. At speeds higher than 20 km/h (12
mph), the gearbox will automatically disen-
gage and the vehicle will roll freely, without
the effect of the engine brake. While the vehi-
cle 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.

Applying both the 

inertia mode (= prolonged

section with less energy) and the 

switching

off using inertia (= shorter section without
the need for fuel) facilitates improved fuel
consumption and emission balance.

WARNING

●

If the inertia mode has been switched on,

take into account, when approaching an ob-
stacle and releasing the accelerator pedal,
that the vehicle will not decelerate in the usu-
al manner: risk of accident!

●

When using inertia mode while travelling

down hills, the vehicle can increase speed:
risk of accident!

●

If other users drive your vehicle, warn them

about inertia mode.

Note

●

Inertia mode is only available in eco (SEAT

Drive Profile*) driving mode.

●

The driver message Inertia is only dis-

played with the current consumption. In iner-
tia mode the gear will no longer be displayed
(for example “E” will appear instead of “E7”).

●

On downhill sections with gradients above

15 %, the inertia mode will automatically be
switched off temporarily.

Backup programme

A backup programme is in place if a fault
should occur in the control system.

If all the positions of the selector lever are
shown over a light background on the instru-
ment panel display, there is a system fault
and the automatic gearbox will operate in
with the backup programme. When the back-
up programme is activated, it is possible to
drive the vehicle, however, at low speeds and
within a selected range of gears. In some ca-
ses 

driving in reverse gear may not be possi-

ble.

CAUTION

If the gearbox operates with the backup pro-
gramme, take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired without
delay.

Clutch



 Clutch overheating! Please

stop!

The clutch has overheated and could be dam-
aged. Stop the vehicle and wait for the gear-
box to cool with the engine at idling speed
and the selector lever in position P. When the
warning lamp and the driver message switch
off, have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. If the warning lamp

186

Driving

and the driver message do not switch off, do
not continue driving. Seek specialist assis-
tance.

Gearbox malfunctions



 Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-

hicle and place the lever in the
position P.

There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

may continue driving.

Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled

Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine

Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance.



 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your

driving accordingly

Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner.



 Gearbox: press the brake and

engage a gear again.

If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.

Run-in and economical driving

Running-in the engine

A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
tance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For the first
1,000 km the engine speed should not ex-
ceed 2/3 of the maximum permissible engine
speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at full
throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From
1000 to 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles) you
can gradually increase the engine rpm and
road speed.

During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bed-
ded down.

How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate
rate, especially when the engine is still cold:
this will lead to less engine wear and tear
and will prolong its useful life.

You should also avoid driving with the engine
speed too low. Change down to a lower gear
when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine.

Environmental compatibility

Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.

Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling

●

Joints and connections designed for easy

dismantling

●

Modular construction to facilitate disman-

tling

●

Increased use of single-grade materials.

●

Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in

accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.

Choice of materials

●

Use of recycled materials.

»

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●

Use of compatible plastics in the same part

if its components are not easily separated.

●

Use of recycled materials and/or materials

originating from renewable sources.

●

Reduction of volatile components, includ-

ing odour, in plastic materials.

●

Use of CFC-free coolants.

Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.

Manufacturing methods

●

Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the

protective wax for cavities.

●

Use of plastic film as protection during ve-

hicle transport.

●

Use of solvent-free adhesives.

●

Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-

tems.

●

Recycling and energy recovery from resi-

dues (RDF).

●

Improvement in the quality of waste water.

●

Use of systems for the recovery of residual

heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).

●

The use of water-soluble paints.

Economical and environmentally-
friendly driving

Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.

Active cylinder management (ACT

®

)*



 

››› 

table on page 2

Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT

®

) may automati-

cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display 

››› 



page 31

.

Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a 

gear engaged (for in-

stance when you can see that the next traffic

lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the
brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.

Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.

Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).

Automatic gearbox: accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.

Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.

Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without

188

Driving

the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings
and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.

The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.

Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of 

improved fuel

efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.

Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal 

operating temperature in

order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.

A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
turn to a normal level.

Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures 

››› 

page 272

 to save fuel. If

the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation 

also increa-

ses tyre wear and impairs handling.

Do not use 

winter tyres all year round as they

increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of 

extra weight will in-

crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.

Since the luggage rack increases the 

aerody-

namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. At speeds of 100-120
km/h (62-75 mph), this will save 12% of fuel.

Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off

any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at
a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat heating*.

Engine management and ex-
haust gas purification system

Introduction

WARNING

●

Because of the high temperatures which

can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!

●

Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle

around the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard!

Note

While the control lamps , ,  or  re-
main lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power.

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Catalytic converter

3

 Applies to vehicles with petrol engine

The vehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.

Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.

Diesel particulate filter

3

 Applies to vehicles with diesel engine

The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.

If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will  switch on.

Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear

(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.

Engine management* 

This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement system for petrol engines.

The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.

If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.

Emission control system* 

Control lamp  flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.

The control lamp  lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.

Engine pre-heating/fault system* 

The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow plugs are preheating the diesel engine.

The control lamp  lights up
If the control lamp  lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.

Control lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.

190

Driver assistance systems

Driving tips

Driving through flooded roads

To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing through water, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:

●

The water should never come above the

lower edge of the bodywork.

●

Drive at pedestrian speed.

WARNING

After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc., the braking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect.

CAUTION

●

Driving through flooded areas may severely

damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system.

●

Whenever driving through water, the Start-

Stop system* must be switched off

››› 

page 191

.

Note

●

Check the depth of the water before enter-

ing the flooded zone.

●

Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or

stop the engine in any situation.

●

Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite

direction may splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.

●

Avoid driving through salt water (corro-

sion).

Driver assistance systems

Start-Stop system*

Description and operation



 

››› 

table on page 2

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.

»

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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 193

.

CAUTION

The Start-Stop system must always be
switched off when driving through flooded
areas 

››› 

page 193

.

Stopping/Starting 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
display.

–

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 auto-
matic 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.

Note

●

You can control whether the engine should

switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.

●

In vehicles with manual gearbox, during

the stopping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.

●

If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-

ual gearbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal.

General notes

The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
frequently for different reasons.

The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine 

does not switch off, in the following

situations for example:

●

The engine has not yet reached the mini-

mum required temperature for the Start-Stop
mode.

192

Driver assistance systems

●

The interior temperature selected for the air

conditioner has not yet been reached.

●

The interior temperature is very high/low.

●

Defrost function button activated

››› 



page 45

.

●

The parking aid* is switched on.

●

The battery is very low.

●

The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-

ing turned.

●

If there is a danger of misting.

●

After engaging reverse gear.

●

In case of a very steep gradient.

●

In the CUPRA version with automatic gear-

box, when it is in Tiptronic mode or in its
sports driving position (

S

).

The indication  is shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, .

The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.

●

The interior temperature differs from the

value selected on the air conditioner.

●

Defrost function button activated

››› 



page 45

.

●

The brake has been pressed several times

consecutively.

●

The battery is too low.

●

High power consumption.

Note

In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
selector lever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped.

Manually switching on/off the Start-
Stop system

Fig. 194 

Centre console: Start-Stop system

button

If you do not wish to use the system, you can
switch it off manually.

–

To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
system, press the button 



. The button

symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off.

Note

The system is automatically switched on each
time the engine is deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically.

Driver messages on the instrument
panel display

Start-Stop system deactivated.
Start the engine manually

This driver message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system 

cannot

restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.

Start-Stop system: Fault! Func-
tion not available

There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired.

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Auto Hold Function*

Description and operation

Fig. 195 

In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: Auto Hold function button.

The control light of the  

››› 

Fig. 195

 button

remains on when the Auto Hold function is
connected.

Once connected, the Auto Hold function as-
sists the driver in keeping the vehicle station-
ary at repeated intervals or for a certain peri-
od of time with the engine running, for exam-
ple, when going up a slope, when stopped at
traffic lights or in heavy traffic with intermit-
tent stops.

When connected, the Auto Hold function au-
tomatically prevents the vehicle from rolling
when stationary without pressing the brake
pedal.

After detecting that the vehicle is stationary
and the brake pedal has been released, the
Auto Hold function holds the vehicle. The
driver can lift their foot off the brake pedal.

When the driver touches the accelerator ped-
al or accelerates slightly to continue driving,
the Auto Hold function releases the brake.
The vehicle moves according to the slope of
the road.

If the vehicle is stationary and one of the con-
ditions required by the Auto Hold function is
impaired, it disconnects itself and the but-
ton's control light goes out 

››› 

Fig. 195

. The

electronic parking brake connects automati-
cally, if necessary, to park the vehicle safe-
ly 

››› 

.

Conditions for keeping the vehicle stationary
with the Auto Hold function

●

The driver door must be closed.

●

The driver's seat belt must be fastened.

●

The engine is running.

Switching the Auto Hold function on and off
Press the button  

››› 

. The control lamp on

the button goes out when the Auto Hold func-
tion is switched off.

Automatically engaging and disengaging the
Auto Hold function
If the Auto Hold function was switched on
with the  button before disengaging the ig-
nition, the function will remain on after the
ignition is re-engaged.

If the Auto Hold function was not switched
on, it will automatically remain off next time
the ignition is engaged.

The Auto Hold function is automatically
switched on if the following conditions are
met:

All conditions must be met at the same time

››› 

:

 

Manual gearbox

Automatic gearbox

1.

The vehicle is kept 

stationary with the brake ped-

al on a flat surface or on a slope.

2.

The engine rotates “correctly”.

 

Upon pressing the
clutch and accelerating
at the same time, the
brake releases gradu-
ally.

Upon accelerating, the
brake releases gradu-
ally.

194

Driver assistance systems

The Auto Hold function is automatically
turned off if the following conditions are
met:

 

Manual gearbox

Automatic gearbox

1.

If any of the conditions mentioned on

››› 

page 194, Conditions for keeping the vehicle

stationary with the Auto Hold function

 are no lon-

ger met.

2.

If the engine is running irregularly or an anomaly

is detected.

3.

If the engine is turned

off or stalls.

If the engine is switch-

ed off.

4.

The clutch and the ac-

celerator are pressed at

the same time.

If the accelerator is

pressed.

5.

 

If any of the tyres has

only minimal contact

with the ground, e.g. in

the case of axle articu-

lation.

WARNING

The smart technology incorporated into the
Auto Hold function cannot defy the laws of
physics; it only works within the limits of the
system. The greater convenience provided by
the Auto Hold function should never tempt
you to take any risk that may compromise
safety.

●

Never leave the vehicle running and with

the Auto Hold function switched on.

●

The Auto Hold function cannot always keep

the vehicle stationary uphill or downhill or
stop it sufficiently, for example, on slippery
or frozen surfaces.

Note

Before entering a car wash, always switch off
the Auto Hold function, because if the elec-
tronic parking brake is automatically connec-
ted, it may cause damage.

Cruise control system (CCS)*

Operation

Fig. 196 

Instrument panel display: CCS status

indications

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 39

The cruise control system (CCS) is able to
maintain the set speed from 20 km/h (15
mph).

The CSS only reduces vehicle speed by ceas-
ing to accelerate, not by actively braking the
vehicle 

››› 

.

Control lamp
When the warning lamp  is lit, cruise con-
trol is active.

Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.

Displayed on the CCS screen
Status 

Fig. 196

:

CCS temporarily switched off. The set
speed is displayed in small figures.
System error. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
CCS switched on. The speed memory is
empty.
The CCS is switched on. The set speed is
displayed in large figures.

»

A

B

C

D

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WARNING

Use of the cruise control could cause acci-
dents and severe injuries if it is not possible
to drive at a constant speed maintaining the
safety distance.

●

Do not use the cruise control in heavy traf-

fic, if the distance from the vehicle in front is
insufficient, on steep roads, with several
bends or in slippery circumstances (snow,
ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded roads.

●

Never use the CCS when driving off-road or

on unpaved roads.

●

Always adapt your speed and the distance

to the vehicles ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation.

●

To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise

control system, turn it off every time you fin-
ish using it.

●

It is dangerous to use a set speed which is

too high for the prevailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.

●

When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot

maintain a constant speed. The vehicle tends
to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Warning

and control lamps on page 109

.

Operating the cruise control system*

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 39

The value indicated in the table in brackets
(in mph, miles per hour) only refers to instru-
ment panels with indications in miles.

Changing gear in CCS mode
The CCS decelerates as soon as the clutch
pedal is pressed, intervening again automati-
cally after a gear is engaged.

Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot
maintain a constant speed. Slow the vehicle
down using the brake pedal and reduce
gears if required.

Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched
off automatically or temporarily:

●

If the system detects a fault that could af-

fect the working order of the CCS.

●

If you press and maintain the accelerator

pedal for a certain time, driving faster than
the stored speed.

●

If the dynamic driving control systems in-

tervene (e.g. ASR or ESC).

●

If the airbag is triggered.

Adaptive Cruise Control ACC*

Introduction

Fig. 197 

Detection area.



 

››› 

table on page 2

The adaptive cruise control (ACC) 

is an exten-

sion of the normal cruise control system
(CCS) 

››› 

.

The ACC function allows the driver to estab-
lish a cruise speed of between 30 and 210
km/h (18 and 150 mph), as well as the tem-
porary distance required with regard to the
vehicle in front. The ACC function will adapt
the vehicle's cruise speed at all times, main-
taining a safe distance with the vehicle in
front.

The ACC function is based on a radar sensor
that can measure the distance to the vehicles
in front.

196

Driver assistance systems

If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbox, the ACC can brake the vehicle 

until

it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.

Driver intervention prompt
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain
limitations inherent in the system. In other
words, in certain circumstances the driver will
have to adjust speed him or herself, as well
as the distance from other vehicles.

In this case, the instrument panel screen will
warn you to intervene by applying the brake
and a warning tone will be heard

››› 

page 198

.

WARNING

The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
overcome the system's inherent limitations
or change the laws of physics. If used negli-
gently or involuntarily, it may cause serious
accidents and injuries. The system is not a re-
placement for driver awareness.

●

Adapt your speed and safe distance to the

vehicle in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

●

Do not use the ACC when visibility is bad,

on steep roads, with several bends or in slip-
pery circumstances such as snow, ice, rain or
loose gravel, or on flooded roads.

●

Never use the ACC when driving off-road or

on unpaved roads. The ACC has been de-
signed for use on paved roads only.

●

The ACC does not react on approaching a

fixed obstacle, such as the tail of a traffic
jam, a damaged vehicle or a vehicle stopped
at the traffic lights.

●

The ACC only reacts to people if a pedes-

trian monitoring system is available. In addi-
tion, the system does not react to animals or
vehicles crossing your path or approaching
head-on down the same lane.

●

If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-

ly, brake the vehicle immediately by applying
the pedal.

●

If you are driving using the spare wheel,

the ACC system could automatically switch
off during the journey. Switch off the system
when starting off.

●

If the vehicle continues to move involuntar-

ily after a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.

●

If the dash panel displays a driver interven-

tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.

●

The driver should be ready to accelerate or

brake by him/herself at all times.

CAUTION

If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor is damaged, disconnect the ACC. This will
avoid possible damage. If this occurs have it
adjusted.

●

Repairs to the radar sensor require special-

ist knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose.

Note

●

If the ACC system does not work as descri-

bed in this chapter, do not use it until it has
been checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose.

●

Maximum speed with the ACC activated is

limited to 210 km/h (150 mph).

●

When the ACC is switched on, strange

noises may be heard during automatic brak-
ing cause by the braking system.

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Indications on the display, warning
and control lamps

Fig. 198 

On the instrument panel display: (A)

ACC temporarily inactive, vehicle detected in
front, temporary distance adjusted. (B) ACC
active, vehicle detected in front, temporary
distance adjusted.

Status display
Indications on the display 

››› 

Fig. 198

:

Vehicle in front, the ACC is inactive.

1

Distance margin selected, the ACC is in-
active.
Vehicle detected in front. The ACC is ac-
tive.
Adjustment of the temporary distance
from the vehicle in front with a program-
med speed.
Temporary distance adjustment from the
vehicle in front with a programmed
speed.

Warning and control lamps

››› 

 in Warning and control lamps on

page 109

.



The speed reduction by the ACC to
maintain the distance from the vehi-
cle in front is not sufficient.

Brake! apply the foot brake! Driver intervention prompt.



The ACC is not currently available.

a)

With the vehicle stationary, switch off the engine and
start it up again. Check the radar sensor visually for dirt,
ice or knocks. If it is still unavailable, refer to a special-
ised workshop to have the system inspected.

a)

The symbol on the instrument panels with colour display is in

colour.

2

3

4

5



The ACC is active.

No vehicle is detected in front. The programmed speed
remains constant.



If the symbol is white: the ACC is ac-
tive.

A vehicle in front has been detected. The ACC adjusts
speed and distance from the vehicle in front.



If the symbol is grey: the ACC is not
active.

The system is switched on, but is not adjusting.



It lights up green

The ACC is active.

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 seconds.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Warning

and control lamps on page 109

.

Note

When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the instrument panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call.

198