Seat Leon (2022 year). Manual in english

Driving

●

Always be ready to use the brakes your-

self!

●

The automatic braking intervention will

end after approximately 1.5 seconds. After-
wards, brake the vehicle yourself.

Parking aid parking and ma-
noeuvring (ParkPilot)

Introduction

These assist systems help you when parking
and manoeuvring:

–

Plus Parking Aid

›››

page 287

. It is an as-

sist system that provides a visual and audio
warning of obstacles detected in

front

and

behind

the vehicle .

–

Rear Parking Aid

›››

page 290

. This is an

assistant that gives an audio warning of ob-
jects detected

behind

the vehicle.

WARNING

●

Always pay attention, by looking directly,

to traffic and the area around the vehicle.
Assistance systems are not a replacement
for driver awareness. Responsibility always
lies with the driver.

●

The sensors have blind spots in which ob-

stacles and people are not detected. Pay
special attention to children and animals.

●

Always keep visual control of the sur-

roundings: use the mirrors for additional
help.

CAUTION

Parking distance warning system functions
can be affected by different factors that
can cause damage:

●

Under certain circumstances, the system

does not detect or display certain objects:

–

Chains, trailer draw bars, bars, fences,
posts and thin trees.

–

Objects that are located above the
sensors, such as protrusions in a wall.

–

Objects with certain surfaces or struc-
tures, such as wire mesh fences or pow-
der snow.

●

Certain surfaces of objects and gar-

ments do not reflect the ultrasound sen-
sors' signals. The system cannot detect
these objects or people wearing such
clothes correctly.

●

Sensor signals may be affected by exter-

nal sound sources. This may prevent them
from detecting people or objects.

●

If the system warns you of the proximity

of a low obstacle, please note that after
being detected by the system, the obstacle
in question may disappear from the meas-
urement sensors as the vehicle moves clos-
er, and the system will no longer warn of its
presence. In certain circumstances, ob-

jects such as high kerbs that could damage
the underside of the vehicle are not detec-
ted.

●

If the parking distance warning system is

ignored, the vehicle could suffer considera-
ble damage.

●

Damage to the radiator grille, bumper,

wheel arch and vehicle underbody can
modify the orientation of the sensors. This
can affect the parking aid function. Have
the function checked by a specialised
workshop.

●

A number plate or number plate holder

with dimensions that exceed the space for
the number plate, or a cured or deformed
number plate can cause false detections or
a loss of visibility for the sensors.

Note

●

The display on the Infotainment system

screen shows a slight time delay.

●

In certain situations, the system can give

a warning even though there is no obstacle
in the detected area:

–

Rough or cobbled surfaces or surfaces
with long grass.

–

External ultrasound sources, such as
other vehicles equipped with ultra-
sound systems.

–

Heavy rain or snow, hail or dense ex-
haust gases.

286

Help with parking and manoeuvring

–

If the number plate is not properly se-
cured to the surface of the bumper.

–

Gradient changes.

●

In order to guarantee good operation,

keep the sensors clean, free of snow and
ice, and do not cover them with stickers or
other objects.

●

If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-

ment for cleaning, do not apply it directly,
unless you do so very briefly, and always
keep a distance of more than 10 cm away.

●

Fitting certain accessories to the front of

the vehicle, such as a plate holder with ad-
vertising, may interfere with the operation
of the Park Assist.

●

We recommend that you practice park-

ing in an area without traffic.

●

The volume and tone of the signals and

indications can be changed

›››

page 290

●

In vehicles

without

an infotainment sys-

tem, these parameters can be changed at
a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised
workshop.

●

Please observe information on towing a

trailer

›››

page 291

Parking System Plus

Description

Fig. 205

Parking aid view on the Infotainment

system display.

Parking aid plus

assists the driver by giving

visual and audio warnings about obstacles
detected in front of and behind the vehicle.

The bumpers are fitted with sensors. When an
obstacle is detected, it is indicated by audible
signals and in the Infotainment system

›››

Fig. 205

When moving close to an obstacle, it is possi-
ble to know if the obstacle is in front of the ve-
hicle or behind it by choosing different
sounds.

The approximate measurement range of the
sensors is:

1.20 m

0.60 m
1.60 m
0.60 m

As you approach the obstacle, the frequency
of the audible signals will increase. The signal
will sound continuously at around 0.30 m:
Stop!

If the separation is maintained, the warning
volume is reduced after about 2.5 seconds.

Parking Aid operation

Manually connecting and disconnecting
the parking aid

●

Press the function button



> Assistants >

Parking > Park distance control

Automatic connection of Parking Aid

●

Select reverse gear.

●

: if you drive forward at a speed of less

than 15 km/h (9 mph) and you encounter an
obstacle, it is detected when it is optically ap-
prox. less than 95 cm. away, or acoustically
approx. 50 cm. away. If the automatic con-
nection is activated, a reduced display is
shown.

●

: if the vehicle moves back a certain dis-

tance (between approx. 10 and 20 cm approx
depending on whether or not an obstacle is
detected)

287

Driving

Automatic disconnection of Parking Aid

●

Drive forward at 15 km/h (9 mph) or faster.

●

: press the

parking lock button on vehi-

cles with automatic transmission.

Temporary suppression of sound in Park-
ing Aid

●

Press the



function button.

●

: activate the electronic parking brake.

Change from reduced view to full view

●

Engage the reverse gear if your vehicle is

equipped with a reversing camera.

●

: press the car icon on the reduced view.

●

: if the vehicle moves back a certain dis-

tance (between approx. 10 and 20 cm approx
depending on whether or not an obstacle is
detected).

Switch to the reverse assist image (Rear
View Camera “RVC”)

●

Select reverse gear.

●

: press the

RVC

button on the infotain-

ment system display.

A short confirmation signal will be heard and
the button symbol will light up when the sys-
tem is switched on.

Automatic activation

When the

Plus Parking Aid

connects auto-

matically, a diagram of the vehicle and the
segments will appear on screen. This function
will be available unless the user has deacti-
vated it.

It only operates every time the speed is re-
duced below 15 km/h (9 mph) for the first
time.

If disabled using the button



in the infotain-

ment system (



> Assistants > Parking >

Park distance control

) to be automatically

activated again, one of the following actions
must be taken:

●

Switch off the ignition and switch it on

again.

●

: drive forward at over 15 km/h (9 mph)

approx.

●

: activate or deactivate the parking lock

button

●

: switch the automatic activation on and

off in the Infotainment system.

Automatic activation of the park assist can be
switched on and off in the infotainment sys-
tem

›››

page 93

●

Switch the ignition on.

●

Press the function button



> Assistants >

Parking > Park distance control

●

Select

Automatic activation

. If the box is

checked



, the function will be switched on.

If activated automatically, an audible sound
warning will only be given when obstacles in
front are at a distance of less than 50 cm. ap-
prox.

CAUTION

The automatic connection of the Parking
Aid only works when you are driving slowly.
If driving style is not adapted to the circum-
stances, an accident and serious injury or
damage may be caused.

The RVC button will only be displayed when re-

verse gear is engaged.

288

Help with parking and manoeuvring

Visual indication segments

Fig. 206

Parking aid view on the Infotainment

system display.

The optical indication of the segments works
as follows:

White and segments:

the obstacle is

more than approx. 30 cm away from the
path or in the direction opposite to trav-
el. They are also displayed when the
electronic parking brake is activated.

Yellow segments:

the obstacles lie on

the vehicle’s path and are at a distance
of less than approx. 30 cm away.

Red segments:

obstacles are less than

approx. 30 cm away.

A wake will indicate the anticipated forward
or backward trajectory, depending on the en-
gaged gear.

–

If an obstacle is located in the vehicle’s way,
the corresponding audible warning will
sound.

When the penultimate segment is displayed,
the vehicle has reached the collision zone. In
the collision zone, the obstacles are repre-
sented in red (including those out of the
path). Stop the vehicle!

›››

›››

Setting the indications and audio
signals

The indications and acoustic signals are set
in the Infotainment system: function button



> Assistants > Parking > Park distance con-
trol

Setup

Automatic activa-
tion

On/off

Front volume

Volume in the front and rear
area.

Rear volume

Volume in the rear area.

Adjust volume

When the parking aid is
switched on, the volume of

the audio source will be re-
duced, depending on the se-
lected option.

Error messages

If a an error or fault message appears on the
instrument cluster in Park Assist, there is a
fault.

If the fault doesn't disappear before discon-
necting the ignition, it will not be indicated
next time the parking aid is connected.

If a rear sensor is faulty, only the obstacles in
the areas

and

are displayed

›››

Fig. 205

. If a front sensor is faulty, only the

obstacles in the areas

and

will be dis-

played. Symbol



is displayed.

We recommend taking the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop to have the fault repaired.

Trailer mode

On vehicles with a factory-mounted trailer
hook, when the trailer is connected, the rear
sensors will not activate when reverse gear is
engaged or button



is pressed in the Info-

tainment system (



> Assistants > Parking >

Park distance control

). Therefore, any ob-

jects behind or to the side of the vehicle will
not be indicated on the screen and no audio
signals will sound.

The screen will only display objects detected
at the front, and the vehicle's trajectory will
be hidden.

289

Driving

Manoeuvre braking function

The emergency braking function is used to
minimise damage in the event of a collision.

Depending on the equipment, if the Parking
Aid is active, the braking while manoeuvring
function activates emergency braking when it
detects an obstacle in the vehicle’s path that
could cause a collision, driving forwards or in
reverse.

The function will not brake if the Parking Aid is
activated automatically. For the system to
operate, manoeuvring speed must be be-
tween 3 and 8 km/h for both the front and
rear zones.

Following an intervention, the braking while
manoeuvring function will be inactive in the
same direction of travel for 5 metres. Once
the gear is changed, or the selector lever’s
position is changed, the function will be ac-
tive again. The Parking Aid’s limitations apply.

The braking while manoeuvring function is set
in the Infotainment system: function button



> Assistants > Parking > Park distance con-
trol

Temporary suppression of emergency
braking

●

When the function is deactivated with the

Braking while manoeuvring

button that ap-

pears on the

Parking aid

screen of the Info-

tainment system.

●

Whenever any of the car doors, rear lid or

bonnet are opened.

Rear parking aid

Description

The

rear parking aid

is an optical and audi-

ble assistant that warns of obstacles located

behind

the vehicle.

There are sensors integrated in the rear
bumper. When they detect an obstacle, you
are alerted by audible and visible warnings
on the Infotainment system.

Make particularly sure that the sensors are
not covered by adhesives, residues, dirt and
the like, as this could affect the system's op-
eration. Cleaning instructions

›››

page 359

The approximate measurement range of the
rear sensors is:

●

Side area: 0.60 m

●

Central area: 1.60 m

As you approach the obstacle, the frequency
of the audible signals will increase. The signal
will sound continuously at around 0.30 m:
Stop!

›››

in Introduction on page 286

›››

in Introduction on page 286

If the separation is maintained, the warning
volume is reduced after about 2.5 seconds.

Parking Aid connection

●

Select reverse gear.

Parking Aid disconnection

●

Drive forward at 15 km/h (9 mph) or faster.

●

: set the selector lever or

, or press

the parking lock button

on vehicles with au-

tomatic transmission.

Setting the indications and audio signals

The indications and acoustic signals are set
in the Infotainment system: function button



> Assistants > Parking > Parking assistant

Settings

Rear volume

Volume in the rear area.

Adjust volume

When the parking aid is
switched on, the volume of
the audio source will be re-

duced, depending on the se-
lected option.

Error messages

If a an error or fault message appears on the
instrument cluster in Park Assist, there is a
fault.

If the fault doesn't disappear before discon-
necting the ignition, it will not be indicated
next time the parking aid is connected.

290

Help with parking and manoeuvring

We recommend taking the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop to have the fault repaired.

Towing device

In vehicles equipped with a towing bracket
device from the factory, when the trailer is
connected, the parking aid will not be activa-
ted when reverse gear is engaged.

Reverse Assist (Rear View
Camera)

Operating and safety warnings

WARNING

●

The reverse assist does not make it possi-

ble to precisely calculate the distance from
obstacles and nor can it overcome the sys-
tem's own limits, hence its negligent use
may cause serious accidents and injuries if
used without due care. The driver should be
aware of his/her surroundings at all times
to ensure safe driving.

●

The camera lens expands and distorts

the field of view and displays the objects
on the screen in a way that is different from
reality. Distance perception is also distor-
ted.

●

Due to the screen resolution or light con-

ditions, some items may be blurry or not
displayed at all. Take care with thin posts,

fences, railings or trees that might not be
seen on the screen and could damage the
vehicle.

●

The reverse assist has blind spots where

it cannot see people or objects. Monitor the
vehicle's surrounding area at all times.

●

The system is not a replacement for driv-

er awareness. Supervise the parking ma-
noeuvre and the vehicle's surrounding area
at all times.

●

Do not be distracted from the traffic by

looking at the screen.

●

The images are only two-dimensional.

Protruding objects or holes in the road, for
example, are more difficult to detect or
may not be seen at all.

●

Vehicle load modifies the representation

of the guide lines. The width represented
by the lines decreases with vehicle load.
Pay special attention to the surroundings
when the inside of the vehicle of the lug-
gage compartment are loaded.

●

In the following situations, objects or oth-

er vehicles appear to be further away or
closer than they actually are. Pay special
attention:

–

If moving from a flat surface to a slope
and vice-versa.

–

If the vehicle is heavily loaded.

–

When the vehicle approaches objects
that are not on the ground surface or
that protrude from it. These objects

may be outside the camera angle when
reversing.

Note

●

It is important to take great care and pay

special attention if the driver is not familiar
with the system.

●

The reverse assist reference lines disap-

pear when the rear lid is open.

Introduction

A camera fitted to the rear bumper assists the
driver when parking or driving in reverse

›››

page 242

The camera image is viewed together with
orientation lines projected on the Infotain-
ment system screen. Part of the bumper can
be seen at the bottom, which can be used by
the driver as a reference point.

Reverse assist modes

Depending on the equipment, the following
modes are available:

●

Angle parking

: reverse parking perpendic-

ular to the road.

●

Assistance function for hitching a trailer

helps to hitch a trailer.

291

Driving

●

Cross traffic

: traffic is monitored in a trans-

verse direction.

Connecting and disconnecting

Connect the reverse assist

●

Select reverse gear.

●

OR:

in the infotainment system select



Assistants > Parking > Park distance con-
trol

Disconnect the reverse assist

Drive forward at least 15 km/h (9 mph).

Shown on the display

The system’s functions and representations
may vary depending on the equipment.

The assistant's image view changes when the
factory-fitted tow hitch is electronically con-
nected to a trailer

›››

page 300

Reverse assist functions and symbols

When the reverse assist is connected, you
can make adjustments using the function but-
tons. Some adjustments are equipment-de-
pendent.

Exit the current display



Switch to angle parking

›››

page 293

Switch to the trailer hitching assistance
function
Switch to cross traffic

Adjust the display: brightness, contrast
and colour.

Switch to park assist

›››

page 286

Display/hide the parking aid view

Guide lines

Green horizontal lines: extension of the vehi-
cle.

Yellow lines: vehicle path depending on the
steering angle.

Assistance function for hitching a trailer

On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing de-
vice, this function can be used to move the
vehicle close to a tow bar.

Auxiliary lines are shown in the infotainment
system.

Green lines: distance to the tow hitch. The
distance between the lines is approx. 0.25 m

Orange line: precalculated direction of the
tow hitch depending on steering wheel rota-
tion.











Cross traffic

This visualization helps to monitor traffic be-
hind the vehicle and can be used, for exam-
ple, when exiting garages or narrow exits.

Requirements

To park with reverse assist, the following re-
quirements must be met:

●

Do not exceed a speed of approx.

15 km/h

(9 mph)

●

Parking space width:

vehicle width +

0.15 m

(without counting the mirrors).

To display a real image, the following require-
ments must be met:

●

The luggage compartment rear door is

closed.

●

The surroundings are on a flat surface.

●

The vehicle should not be loaded very

heavily at the rear.

292

Help with parking and manoeuvring

Parallel parking

Fig. 207

Display on the Infotainment system

screen.: parking with reverse assist.

Key to the

Fig. 207

Finding a parking space
Go to the selected parking space
Centre the vehicle inside the parking
space
Road
Parking space
Lateral boundary of the parking space
Rear boundary of the parking space







Parking

●

In the infotainment system select



> Assis-

tants > Parking > Park distance control

be-

fore passing in front of the selected parking
space.

●

With reverse assist connected and in work-

ing order, press the function button



●

Place the vehicle in front of the parking

space

›››

Fig. 207



●

Reverse while turning the steering wheel so

that the yellow lines enter the parking space.
The green and yellow lines must match the
side boundary lines



●

Stop the vehicle when the red line has

reached the rear boundary



Troubleshooting

The system behaves differently than ex-
pected

There can be several causes:

●

The camera is dirty

›››

page 359

. In addi-

tion to dirt and snow, camera visibility can be
reduced by detergent residue or any type of
coating.

●

The system requirements must be met

›››

page 292

●

The camera is covered with water.

●

The factory-fitted towing bracket must not

be electrically connected to a trailer

›››

page 300

●

The vehicle has some type of damage in

the camera area, e.g. due to a parking im-
pact.

●

The field of view of the camera is blocked

by an accessory, e.g. a bicycle carrier sys-
tem.

●

Changes have been made to the paint in

the camera area, or structural modifications
have been made to a component such as the
running gear.

Camera with no visibility, fault message,
the system disconnects

●

Clean the camera or remove possible ad-

hesives or accessories from it

›››

page 359

●

Check for visible damage.

Possible solution

●

Temporarily disconnect the system.

●

Check if one of the causes indicated above

has occurred.

●

Once the source of the problem has been

eliminated, the system may be reconnected.

●

If the system still behaves unpredictably,

have it checked by a specialised workshop.

293

Driving

Towing bracket device

Trailer mode

Introduction

Take into account country-specific regula-
tions about driving with a trailer and the use
of a towing bracket.

The vehicle has been developed primarily for
carrying people, although it can also be used
to tow a trailer if fitted with the corresponding
technical equipment. This additional load has
an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
and vehicle performance and in some cases
can reduce the service intervals.

Driving with a trailer requires more force from
the vehicle, and thus more concentration
from the driver.

In winter, winter tyres should be fitted on both
the vehicle

and

the trailer.

Maximum vertical load technically permit-
ted on the coupling device

The

maximum

technical permitted vertical

load of the trailer's towing bracket on the
hook of the tow-bar is

80 kg

Vehicles with the Start-Stop system

If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing
bracket or one that is retrofitted by SEAT, the

Start-Stop system operates as normal. No
special characteristics need to be taken into
account.

If the system does not recognise the trailer or
the trailer bracket has not been retrofitted by
SEAT, the Start-Stop system must be discon-
nected by pressing the corresponding button
in the lower part of the centre console before
driving with the trailer, and it should remain
off for the rest of the journey

›››

Vehicles with driving profile selection

If you are going to be towing a trailer, the use
of the

Eco

driving profile is not recommen-

ded. You are advised to select another of the
available driving profiles before beginning to
drive with a trailer.

Trailer weight/drawbar load

Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maximum
permitted trailer weight, you can then climb
correspondingly steeper slopes.

The maximum trailer weights listed are only
applicable for

altitudes

up to 1000 m above

sea level. Since higher altitude decreases en-
gine performance and the ability to climb
slopes, the tow load decreases proportional-
ly. The weight of the vehicle and trailer com-
bination must be reduced by 10% for every
1000 m of altitude. When possible, operate
the trailer with the maximum

authorised

drawbar load

on the ball joint of the towing

bracket, but

do not exceed

the specified lim-

it.

WARNING

Never use the trailer to transport people,
since it would put their life in danger and is
also prohibited.

WARNING

Undue use of the towing bracket may
cause injury and accidents.

●

Only use the towing bracket if it is in a

perfect state of repair and is properly se-
cured.

●

Never modify or repair the towing bracket

in any way.

●

In order to reduce the danger of injury in

the event of rear-end collisions and to
avoid injury to pedestrians and cyclists
when parking the vehicle, cover or remove
the tow hook when you are not using a trail-
er.

●

According to EU regulation 2021_535 it is

not permitted to install a towing device that
completely or partially covers the rear
number plate.

●

Never fit a towing bracket “with weight

distribution” or “load compensation”. The
vehicle has not been designed for this type
of towing bracket. The towing bracket
could fail and the trailer could be released
from the vehicle.

294

Towing bracket device

WARNING

Driving with a trailer and transporting
heavy or large objects can affect driving
properties and even cause an accident.

●

Always secure the load properly using

belts or straps that are suitable and in
good condition.

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

times to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.

●

Trailers with a high centre of gravity are

more likely to overturn than those with a
low one.

●

Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.

●

Take great care when overtaking.

●

Reduce speed immediately if you notice

that the trailer is swaying, however slightly.

●

Never drive at more than 80 km/h

(50 mph) when towing a trailer (or at more
than 100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional cir-
cumstances). This also applies in countries
where driving at higher speeds is permit-
ted. Take into account the speed limit for
vehicles with trailers in the corresponding
country, as it could be less than the speed
limit for vehicles without a trailer.

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

WARNING

If the towing bracket has been retrofitted
by a non-SEAT workshop, the Start-Stop

system must be disconnected manually
whenever driving with a trailer. Otherwise
the brake system could be damaged and
could consequently cause a serious acci-
dent or injury.

●

Always disconnect the Start-Stop system

manually when using a towing bracket that
has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop.

Note

●

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-

ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm

›››

page 99

. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could

cause the alarm to go off.

●

Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's

first 1000 km

›››

page 236

●

If a removable and retractable tow hook

is fitted, it should not be mounted when not
in use. In the event of a rear-end collision,
the damage to the vehicle could be greater
if the tow hook is fitted.

●

Some retrofitted towing brackets cover

the rear towing eye. In these cases, the
towing eye should not be used for tow-
starting or for towing other vehicles. For
this reason, if the vehicle has been retrofit-
ted with a towing bracket, always keep the
tow hook in the vehicle when you remove it.

Technical requirements

Vehicles that are

factory-mounted

with a

towing device meet all the technical and le-
gal requirements for driving with a trailer

›››

page 300

If the

vehicle is retrofitted

with a towing

bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for
the maximum authorised load of the trailer
that is to be towed may be fitted. The towing
bracket must be suitable for the vehicle and
the trailer and must be properly secured to
the vehicle's chassis. Only use a towing
bracket that has been authorised by SEAT for
this vehicle. Always check and take into ac-
count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-
structions.

Towing bracket fitted on the bumper

Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to
the area where the bumper is mounted. The
towing bracket should not impair the bum-
per's function. Do not make modifications or
repairs to the exhaust system or the brake
system. Make regular checks to ensure that
the towing bracket is secure.

Engine cooling system

Driving with a trailer increases the load on the
engine and cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem should have sufficient coolant and be
prepared for the additional effort involved in
driving with a trailer.

295

Driving

Trailer brakes

If the trailer has its own brake system, please
take the relevant legal requirements into ac-
count. Never connect the trailer's brake sys-
tem to the vehicle's brake system.

Tow cable

Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer

›››

page 296

Trailer tail lights

The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations

›››

page 296

Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle's electric system. If you are not
sure that the trailer's electrical connection is
correct, have it checked by a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this.

Exterior mirrors

If you cannot see the area behind the trailer
with the exterior mirrors of the towing vehicle,
additional mirrors will have to be installed in
accordance with the regulations of the coun-
try in question. The exterior mirrors should be
adjusted before you start driving and must
provide a sufficient field of vision at the rear.

WARNING

If the towing bracket is wrongly fitted or is
not the right one, the trailer could become

detached from the vehicle and cause seri-
ous injury.

CAUTION

●

If the rear lights of the trailer are not cor-

rectly connected, the vehicle's electronic
system may be damaged.

●

If the trailer absorbs excessive electric

current, the vehicle's electronic system
may be damaged.

●

Never connect the trailer's electric sys-

tem directly to the electrical connections
of the tail lights or any other power sour-
ces. Only use the connections intended for
providing electric current to the trailer.

Hitching and connecting a trailer

Fig. 208

Schematic representation: assign-

ment of the pins of the trailer's electrical sock-

et.

Meaning

Left turn signal

Rear fog light

Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Right turn signal

Rear light, right

Brake lights

Rear light, left

Reverse lights

Permanent live

Live charge cable

Earth for pin 10

Unassigned

Earth for pin 9

Power socket for trailer

The vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the connection between the trailer
and the vehicle. With the engine running,
electrical devices on the trailer receive power
from the electrical connection (pin 9 and pin
10 of the trailer power socket).

If the system detects that a trailer has been
connected, the consumers on the trailer will
receive electricity through this connection
(pins 9 and 10). Pin 9 has a permanent live.

296

Towing bracket device

This powers, for example, the trailer's interior
lighting. Electrical devices such as a fridge in
a caravan

only

receive electrical power if the

engine is running (through pin 10).

To avoid overloading the electrical system,
you cannot connect the ground wires of pin
3 , pin 11 or pin 13 to each other.

If the trailer has a

7-contact connector

, you

will need to use an adapter cable. In this case
the function corresponding to pin 10 will not
be available.

Tow cable

The tow rope must always be securely fixed
to the towing vehicle and loose enough so
that the vehicle can handle turns smoothly.
However, make sure that the cable does not
rub on the ground while driving.

Trailer tail lights

Always check the trailer's rear lights to ensure
they are working correctly and that they
comply with the relevant safety regulations. If
you connect the trailer to the factory-moun-
ted system, when you turn on the rear fog
lamp, the fog lamp of the towing vehicle will
turn off to turn on the trailer fog lamp.

Include in the anti-theft alarm

The trailer is included in the anti-theft system
if the following conditions are met:

●

If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an

anti-theft alarm and towing bracket.

●

If the trailer is electrically connected to the

towing vehicle through the trailer power sock-
et.

●

If the electrical systems of the vehicle and

trailer are in perfect condition and have no
faults or damage.

●

If the vehicle is locked with the key and the

anti-theft alarm is activated.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
gered if the electrical connection with the
trailer is cut off.

Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always
turn off the anti-theft alarm. Otherwise, the tilt
sensor could cause the alarm to go off.

Trailers with LED tail lights

For technical reasons, trailers fitted with LED
rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.

When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not go off when the electrical connection
with the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with
light-emitting diodes.

WARNING

If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
connected, it may lead to an excessive
amount of current supplied to the trailer,
which can cause abnormalities in the entire

vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-
dents and serious injuries.

●

Ensure that any repairs that need to be

carried out on the electrical system are
carried out by a specialised workshop.

●

Never connect the trailer's electric sys-

tem directly to the electrical connections
of the tail lights or any other power sour-
ces.

WARNING

Contact between the pins of the trailer
power socket can cause short circuits,
overloading of the electrical system or fail-
ure of the lighting system, and consequent-
ly can cause accidents and serious injuries.

●

Never connect the pins of the trailer pow-

er socket to each other.

●

Make sure any work on bent pins is car-

ried out by a specialised workshop.

CAUTION

Do not leave the trailer connected to the
vehicle when parked; place it on its support
wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or
falls due, for example, to a variation of the
load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will
be placed on the towing bracket and the
trailer, and both the vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.

297

Driving

Note

●

In case of anomalies in the electrical sys-

tems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as in
the anti-theft alarm system, have them in-
spected by a specialised workshop.

●

If the trailer accessories consume energy

through the power socket to the trailer and
the engine is turned off, the battery will dis-
charge.

●

If the 12-volt vehicle battery is running

low, the electrical connection with the trail-
er will be automatically cut off.

Trailer loading

Technically permissible maximum trailer
weight and vertical load on the coupling
device

The technically permissible maximum trailer
weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow

›››

. The vertical load on the coupling is ex-

erted vertically from above on the hook of the
towing bracket.

The information on the maximum trailer
weight and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice contained in the type plate of the towing
bracket are experimental values only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which
may be

lower

than these figures, are given in

the vehicle documentation. The information in

the vehicle documentation takes precedence
at all times.

To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-
mends making the most of the maximum

ver-

tical load

technically permissible on the

coupling device

›››

page 294

. An insufficient

vertical load has a negative influence on the
behaviour of both the vehicle and trailer.

The vertical load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-
pacity.

Gross combination weight of the towing
vehicle and trailer

The gross combination weight is the actual
weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual
weight of the loaded trailer.

In some countries trailers are classified into
distinct categories. SEAT recommends ob-
taining information from a specialised work-
shop regarding which type of trailer is most
suitable for your vehicle.

Trailer loading

The weight of the towing vehicle and trailer
must be balanced. In order to do this, the
load must be as close as possible to the max-
imum vertical load technically permissible on
the coupling point, and it must be evenly dis-
tributed between the back and front of the
trailer:

●

Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy

objects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.

●

Secure the trailer load properly.

Tyre pressure

Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-
cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.

When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres of the
towing vehicle with the maximum allowable
pressure

›››

page 347

WARNING

If the maximum permissible axle weight, the
maximum load technically permissible on
the coupling point, the maximum author-
ised vehicle weight or the gross combina-
tion weight of the towing vehicle and trailer
are exceeded, accidents and serious inju-
ries may occur.

●

Never exceed the values indicated!

●

The actual weight on the front and rear

axles must never exceed the maximum per-
missible axle weight. The weight on the
front and rear axles must never exceed the
maximum permissible weight.

WARNING

A shift in weight could jeopardize the stabil-
ity and security of the towing vehicle and

298

Towing bracket device

trailer, which could lead to accidents and
serious injuries.

●

Always load the trailer correctly.

●

Always secure the load properly using

belts or straps that are suitable and in
good condition.

Driving with a trailer

Adjusting the headlights

The front part of the vehicle may be raised
when the trailer is connected and the light
may dazzle the rest of the traffic.

Specific features of driving with a trailer

●

If your trailer has an

overrun brake

, brake

gently at first

and then rapidly. This will pre-

vent the jerking that can be caused by the
locking of trailer wheels.

●

Due to the gross combination weight of the

towing vehicle and trailer, the braking dis-
tance increases.

●

When going down a slope, go into a lower

gear (if using a manual gearbox or the tip-
tronic automatic gearbox mode) to take ad-
vantage of the braking power provided by the
engine. Otherwise, the braking system could
overheat and even fail.

●

The trailer weight, as well as the gross com-

bination weight of the towing vehicle and

trailer, change the centre of gravity and the
properties of the vehicle.

●

If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer

is loaded, then the load distribution is incor-
rect. Under these conditions, drive slowly and
with extra caution.

Hill starts with a trailer

Depending on the slope of the hill and the
combination weight of the towing vehicle and
trailer, the vehicle might start rolling back-
wards slightly when you first start up.

For hill-starting with a trailer, do the following:

●

Press and hold the brake pedal.

●

Press the



button once to disconnect the

electronic parking brake

›››

page 272

●

If the vehicle is equipped with a manual

gearbox, push the clutch pedal all the way
down.

●

Engage first gear or set the gear selector

switch to the

D/S

position.

●

Pull out the



button and hold it in that po-

sition to immobilise the towing vehicle and
trailer with the electronic parking brake.

●

Release the brake pedal.

●

Start driving slowly. To do this, in the case of

a manual gearbox, slowly release the clutch
pedal.

●

Do not release the



button until the en-

gine has sufficient power to start driving.

WARNING

If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may
lead to loss of control of the vehicle and
serious injury.

●

Driving with a trailer and transporting

heavy or large objects will change the ve-
hicle handling and braking distances.

●

Always drive cautiously and carefully.

Brake earlier than usual.

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

times to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. Slow down, especially
when driving down hills or slopes.

●

Accelerate with particular care and cau-

tion. Avoid sudden braking and manoeu-
vres.

●

Take great care when overtaking. Reduce

speed immediately if you notice that the
trailer is swaying, however slightly.

●

Never attempt to “straighten” the towing

vehicle and trailer while accelerating.

●

Take into account the speed limit for vehi-

cles with a trailer, as it could be lower than
for vehicles without a trailer.

Stabilisation of the towing vehicle
and trailer combination

The stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer
combination is an additional function of the
electronic stability control (ESC).

299

Driving

If the system detects that the trailer is weav-
ing, it intervenes to reduce the swaying of the
trailer.

Vehicle and trailer combination stabilisa-
tion requirements

●

The vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow-

ing bracket or has been retro-fitted with a
compatible towing bracket.

●

The ESC and the TCS are switched on. The

control lamp





is not lit up on the instru-

ment cluster.

●

The trailer is connected to the towing vehi-

cle through the trailer power socket.

●

The vehicle is travelling at over 60 km/h

(approx. 37 mph).

●

The maximum vertical load technically per-

missible is not being exceeded on the cou-
pling device.

●

The trailer has a rigid draw bar.

●

If the trailer has brakes, it must be equipped

with a mechanical overrun brake.

WARNING

The enhanced safety provided by the elec-
tric stability control of the vehicle and trail-
er should not lead you to take any risks that
could compromise your safety.

●

Adapt your speed and driving style at all

times to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.

●

Accelerate with caution when the road is

slippery.

●

When adjusting any settings, stop accel-

erating.

WARNING

The electric stability control for the vehicle
and trailer may not correctly detect all
driving conditions.

●

When the ESC is switched off, the stabili-

sation of the towing vehicle and trailer is al-
so switched off.

●

The stability system does not always de-

tect light trailers, so it may not stabilise
these correctly.

●

When driving on surfaces with poor grip,

the trailer can even

interfere

with the sta-

bility system.

●

Trailers with a high centre of gravity can

tip over without having previously weaved.

●

If a trailer is not attached, but a connec-

tor is plugged into the power socket (e.g.
installation of a bicycle rack with lights),
repeated automatic braking may occur in
extreme driving conditions.

Electrically unlocking trailer
hook

Description

Fig. 209

On the left side of the luggage com-

partment: button for unlocking the tow hook.

The towing bracket’s hook is located in the
bumper. Tow hooks for electrical unlocking
cannot be removed.

There should be no person, animal or object
in the path of the tow hook

›››

Unlocking the tow hook and removing it

●

Stop the vehicle and connect the electronic

parking brake

›››

page 272

●

Switch off the engine.

●

Open the rear lid.

●

Pull the

›››

Fig. 209

button briefly. The tow

hook unlocks electrically and automatically

300

Towing bracket device

turns outwards. The button's control lamp
flashes.

●

Finish remove the tow hook by hand until

you feel and hear that it has engaged and
the control lamp on the button stays on.

●

Close the rear lid.

●

Hitching and connecting a trailer

›››

page 296

Retracting the tow hook

●

Stop the vehicle and apply the electronic

parking brake.

●

Switch off the engine.

●

Unhook the trailer and interrupt the electri-

cal connection between it and the vehicle. If
you are using an adapter, remove it from the
trailer's power socket.

●

Open the rear lid.

●

Pull the

›››

Fig. 209

button briefly. The tow

hook unlocks electrically.

●

Turn the tow hook under the bumper with

your hand until you feel and hear that it en-
gages and the control lamp on the button re-
mains on continuously.

●

Close the rear lid.

The control lamp



●

If the warning light on the button

›››

Fig. 209



flashes

, this means that the

tow hook has not been attached properly or
is damaged

›››

●

If the warning lamp

›››

Fig. 209



remains

with the rear lid open, the tow hook is cor-

rectly in place both when extracted and
when covered.

The control light of the lamp switches off ap-
proximately 1 minute after closing the read lid.

WARNING

Undue use of the towing bracket may
cause injury and accidents.

●

Only use the tow hook if it is properly en-

gaged.

●

Always ensure that no person, animal or

object is to be found in the path of the tow
hook.

●

Never use a tool or instrument while the

tow hook is moving.

●

Never press the

›››

Fig. 209

button when

there is a trailer hooked to the vehicle or
when a carrier system or other accessories
are mounted on the tow hook.

●

If the tow hook is not attached properly,

do not use it. Instead, go to a specialised
workshop and have the towing bracket
checked.

●

If you detect any fault in the electrical

system or in the towing bracket, contact a
specialised workshop and ask them to
check it.

●

If the ball has a diameter of less than 49

mm at any one point, do not use the towing
bracket under any circumstances.

CAUTION

If you clean the vehicle with high-pressure
or steam devices, do not point the jet di-
rectly towards the retractable tow hook or
the trailer power socket, as this may dam-
age the joints or remove the grease neces-
sary for lubrication.

Note

At extremely low temperatures, the tow
hook may be impossible to operate. In this
case, place the vehicle in a warmer loca-
tion (for example, a garage).

Fitting a bicycle carrier on the re-
tractable towbar

The maximum allowed weight of the carrier
system, including the load, is

75 kg

. The carri-

er system should not protrude more than 700
mm backwards from the spherical head. On-
ly carrier systems on which up to 3 bikes can
be mounted are allowed. Heavier bicycles
must be mounted as close to the vehicle as
possible (tow hook).

WARNING

The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bi-
cycle rack mounted on the tow hook can
cause accidents and injury.

301

Seat Leon (2022 year). Manual in english - page 18