Seat Leon. Service Manual - part 11

Driving

Functioning mode of automatic air recircula-
tion (air conditioning menu)
With the automatic air recirculation mode ac-
tivated, the entry of fresh air into 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, re-
circulation mode is switched off.

The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.

The air recirculation will 

not connect auto-

matically in versions without humidity sensor
and in the following external conditions:

●

The outside temperature is lower than +3°C

(+38°F).

●

The cooling system is switched off and the

outside temperature is below +10°C (+50°F).

●

The cooling system is switched off, the out-

side temperature is below +15°C (+59°F) and
the windscreen wipers are switched on.

Activation/deactivation of automatic air recir-
culation is done in the air conditioner menu,
under Configuration.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Intro-

duction on page 163

.

●

If the cooling system is switched off and air

recirculation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.

●

Switch air recirculation mode off when it is

not required.

CAUTION

Do not smoke when air recirculation is
switched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell.

Note

Climatronic: air recirculation mode is activa-
ted to prevent exhaust gas or unpleasant
odours from entering the vehicle interior
when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wiper is working.

Driving

Ignition lock

Switching the ignition on and starting
the engine with the key

Fig. 186 

Ignition key positions.

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 24

Diesel engines can take a few seconds longer
than usual to start on cold days. Therefore
the clutch pedal (manual gearbox) or the
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) must re-
main pressed until the engine starts up. Dur-
ing preheating, the warning lamp  remains
lit.

The preheating time depends on the coolant
and exterior temperatures. With the engine at
operating temperature, or at outside temper-
atures above +8°C, the warning lamp  will

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light up for about one second. This means
that the engine starts immediately.

If the engine does not immediately start up,
interrupt the starting process and try again
after 30 seconds. To start the engine again,
return the key to position 

1

.

Start-Stop System*
If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on.

Automatic gearbox: before leaving the vehi-
cle, make sure that the ignition is switched
off and the selector lever is in position 

P.

Driver messages on the instrument panel
display

Press the clutch

This message appears on vehicles with a
manual gearbox if the driver tries to start the
engine without having the clutch pedal
pressed. The engine will only start if you
press the clutch pedal.

Press the brake

This message appears on vehicles with an
automatic gearbox if the driver tries to start
the engine without having the brake pedal
pressed.

Select N or P

This message appears if you try to start or
stop the engine when the selector lever of
the automatic gearbox is not in position 

P or

N. The engine can only start or stop in certain
positions.

Engage position P; the vehicle
can move; doors can only close in
position P.

For safety reasons, this driver message ap-
pears and an audible warning sounds if the
selector lever of the automatic gearbox is not
in position 

P after you switch off the ignition.

Put the selector lever in position 

P, otherwise

the vehicle could roll away.

Gear change: selector lever in
the drive position!

This driver message is displayed when the
selector lever is not in the position 

P when

the driver door is opened. Additionally, a
buzzer will sound. Put the selector lever in
position 

P, otherwise the vehicle could roll

away.

Ignition is switched on

This driver message is displayed and a buz-
zer is sounded when the driver door is
opened with the ignition switched on.

WARNING

●

Never run the engine in confined spaces, as

the exhaust gases are poisonous.

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 idling it. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions.

Note

●

If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to

the position 

1

, turn the steering 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 remain in the posi-
tion 

1

 for around 5 seconds before starting

up.

168

Driving

●

Vehicles with automatic gearbox: after

switching off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is
in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
lector 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. 186

.

Engaging the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position 

P.

–

Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 

1

 

››› 

Fig. 186

 

››› 

.

–

Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gage.

Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged.

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 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 particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries.

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
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore 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 exposure to solar ra-
diation.

●

If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop

system* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the vehi-
cle, otherwise the battery could discharge.

Starter button*

Fig. 187 

In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: starter button.

The vehicle engine can be started with a
starter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats.

Opening the driver's door 

when exiting the

vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.

Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly push the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal 

››› 

.

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For vehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text

START ENGINE STOP

 flashes like a heartbeat

when the system is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.

Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is switched off automatically
after a certain time. If at that time the dipped
beam is on, the parking lights will stay on for
approx. 30 minutes. The side light can be
turned off by blocking the vehicle

››› 

page 116

 or manually 

››› 

page 131

.

Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat:

●

Immediately after pushing the starter but-

ton, keep the vehicle key next to the right
trim of the steering column.

●

The ignition connects and the engine starts

automatically.

Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:

●

Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-

onds or press it once for more than 1 sec-
ond 

››› 

.

●

The engine turns off automatically.

Engine restart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.

After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.

Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:

●

The driver's seat belt is not fastened,

●

the driver does not step on any pedal,

●

the driver door is opened.

After automatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam  is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks

the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
side light goes out.

WARNING

Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
result in serious injury.

●

When switching on the ignition, do not

press the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately.

WARNING

If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due care, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.

●

Never leave any key inside the vehicle

when exiting. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows).

Note

●

Before leaving the vehicle, always discon-

nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel.

●

If the vehicle is stationary for a long time

with the ignition on, the vehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine.

●

In diesel vehicles, there may be a delay in

the engine starting if it requires preheating.

170

Driving

●

If during the STOP phase you press the

START ENGINE STOP

 button, the ignition is

switched off and the button flashes.

●

If the indication “Start-Stop system deacti-

vated: Start the engine manually” is dis-
played on the dash panel display, the

START ENGINE STOP

 button will blink.

Starting the engine

3

 Valid for vehicles: with starter button.

Step

Starting the engine with the starter but-
ton 

››› 

page 169.

1.

Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5 is
performed.

1a.

In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press and
hold the clutch down until the engine starts.

2.

Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector
lever in position 

P or N.

3.

Briefly press the starter button 

››› 

Fig. 187

 with-

out pressing the accelerator. For the engine to
start there must be a valid key in the vehicle.
After starting the engine, the light of the

START ENGINE STOP

 button changes to a fixed

light indicating that the engine has started.

4.

If the engine does not start, stop and wait for
approx. 1 minute before trying again. If neces-
sary, perform an emergency start 

››› 

page 170

.

5.

Disconnect the electronic parking brake when
you are about to start driving 

››› 

page 172

.

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, especially if a gear or gear range is en-
gaged. The vehicle could then suddenly move
or something strange could happen that
would cause damage, fire or serious injury.

WARNING

Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sudden increase in the engine speed.

●

Never use sprays to cold start the engine.

CAUTION

●

The starter motor or the engine may be

damaged if you try to start the engine while
driving or if you restart it immediately after
switching it off.

●

If the engine is cold, avoid high engine

speeds, pushing the engine too hard and rap-
id acceleration.

●

Do not start the engine by pushing the ve-

hicle or towing it. Unburnt fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and damage it.

Note

●

Do not wait until the engine warms up with

the vehicle stationary; if you have good visi-
bility through the windows, start driving im-
mediately. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emis-
sions.

●

Electrical components with a high power

consumption are switched off temporarily
when the engine starts.

●

When starting with a cold engine, noise

levels may briefly increase. This is quite nor-
mal, and no cause for concern.

●

When the outside temperature is below

+5°C (+41°F), if the engine is diesel, some
smoke may appear under the vehicle when
the fuel-operated auxiliary heater is on.

Stopping the engine

3

 Valid for vehicles: with starter button.

Step

Switch off the engine with the starter
button 

››› 

page 169.

1.

Stop the vehicle completely 

››› 

.

2.

Press and hold the brake pedal until the step
4 is performed.

3.

If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place
the selector lever in position 

P.

4.

Connect the electronic parking brake

››› 

page 172

.

5.

Briefly press the start-up button 

››› 

Fig. 187

.

The 

START ENGINE STOP

 button blinks again. If

the engine fails to switch off, perform an emer-
gency disconnect 

››› 

page 170

.

6.

If the vehicle is equipped with a manual gear-
box, put it into 1st or reverse.

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WARNING

Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is moving. This could cause loss of control of
the vehicle, accidents and serious injury.

●

The airbags and belt tensioners do not

work when the ignition is switched off.

●

The brake servo does not work with the en-

gine off. Therefore, you need to press the
break pedal harder to brake the vehicle.

●

Power steering does not work when the en-

gine is not running. You need more strength
to steer when the engine is switched off.

●

If the ignition is switched off, the steering

column could be locked, making it impossible
to control the vehicle.

CAUTION

If the engine is made to work hard for a long
time, it may overheat after being switched
off. To prevent damage to the engine before
switching it off, leave it idle for approx. 2 mi-
nutes in neutral.

Note

After switching off the engine, the cooling fan
may continue to operate in the engine com-
partment for a few more minutes, even with
the ignition off. The radiator fan is automati-
cally switched off.

“My Beat” Function

For vehicles with a convenience key there is
the “My Beat” function. This feature provides
an additional indication of the vehicle igni-
tion system.

When accessing the vehicle, e.g. by opening
the doors with the remote control, the

START ENGINE STOP

 button flashes, drawing at-

tention to the relevant starter system button.

Upon switching the ignition on/off, the light
of the 

START ENGINE STOP

 button flashes. With

the engine switched off, after a few seconds,
the 

STOP ENGINE START

 button stops flashing

and goes out.

With the engine running, the

START ENGINE STOP

 button light stays on, indi-

cating that the engine is running. Upon
switching the ignition off with the

START ENGINE STOP

 button, it starts flashing

again.

In vehicles 

with the Start-Stop system, the

“My Beat” function also offers additional in-
formation:

●

When the engine stops during the Stop

phase, the light of the 

START ENGINE STOP

 but-

ton stays on, since, even though the engine
is off, the Start-Stop system is active.

●

When the engine cannot be stated again

with the Start-Stop system, 

››› 

page 191

, and

needs to be started manually, the

START ENGINE STOP

 button flashes to indicate

this fact.

Braking and parking

Electronic parking brake*

Fig. 188 

In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: electronic parking brake button.

The electronic parking brake replaces the
handbrake.

Activating the electronic parking brake
The electronic parking brake can be activated
whenever the vehicle is at a standstill, even
when the ignition is switched off. Activate it
whenever you leave or park the vehicle.

●

Pull and hold the  

››› 

Fig. 188

 button.

●

The parking brake is activated when the

control light of the 

››› 

Fig. 188

 button (arrow)

172

Driving

and the red  control light of the display in
the dash panel are on.

●

Release the button.

Releasing the electronic parking brake

●

Switch the ignition on.

●

Press the button  

››› 

Fig. 188

. At the same

time step hard on the brake pedal or, if the
engine is running, press the accelerator ped-
al slightly.

●

The control light of the 

››› 

Fig. 188

 button

(arrow) and the red  control light of the dis-
play in the dash panel go out.

Automatic release of the electronic parking
brake on starting the engine
The electronic parking brake is automatically
switched off when starting if, after the driv-
er's door is closed and the driver's seat belt
fastened, 

any of the following situations take

place:

●

On vehicles with an automatic gearbox: A

gear range is engaged or the vehicle is
switched to another one and the accelerator
pedal is lightly pressed.

●

In vehicles with a manual gearbox: The

clutch pedal is pressed fully before starting
off and the accelerator is pedal lightly press-
ed.

●

To facilitate certain manoeuvres there are

exceptions that allow the automatic parking

brake to be released without the driver's seat
belt being fastened.

The parking brake can be prevented from be-
ing automatically released by continuously
pulling up the  

››› 

Fig. 188

 switch when

starting off.

The electronic parking brake is not discon-
nected until the  button is released. This
can facilitate starting off when a heavy load
is towed 

››› 

page 234

.

Automatic activation of the electronic park-
ing brake when exiting the vehicle incorrect-
ly
In vehicles with automatic transmission, the
electronic parking brake is activated auto-
matically when exiting the vehicle incorrectly
if:

●

The selector lever is in the 

D/S or R posi-

tion or in the Tiptronic selection track.

●

AND: the vehicle is stationary.

●

AND: the driver door is open.

Emergency braking function
Only use the emergency brake function if you
are unable to stop the vehicle with the foot
brake 

››› 

.

●

Pull and hold the  

››› 

Fig. 188

 button in

this position to 

forcefully stop the vehicle. At

the same time, an acoustic warning can be
heard.

●

To stop the braking process, release the



button or press the accelerator.

WARNING

The improper use of the electronic parking
brake can cause accidents and serious injury.

●

Never use the electronic parking brake to

stop the vehicle, unless it is an emergency.
The braking distance can be much longer. Al-
ways use the foot brake.

●

Never accelerate from the engine when a

gear range or a gear is engaged and the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move, even
if the electronic parking brake is activated.

CAUTION

To prevent the vehicle from unintentionally
moving when parking it, first apply the elec-
tronic parking brake and then remove your
foot from the brake pedal.

Note

●

In vehicles with a manual gearbox, releas-

ing the clutch and accelerating at the same
time automatically disconnects the electronic
parking brake.

●

If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be

possible to disconnect the electronic parking
brake. Use the jump-start 

››› 



page 61

.

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●

When the electronic parking brake is ap-

plied or released, noises may be heard.

●

The system performs automatic and audi-

ble tests sporadically in the parked vehicle if
some time elapses without the electronic
parking brake being used.

Using the handbrake

Fig. 189 

Handbrake between the front seats.

The handbrake should be applied firmly to
prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away.

Always apply the handbrake when you leave
your vehicle and when you park.

Applying the handbrake

–

Pull the handbrake lever up firmly

››› 

Fig. 189

.

Releasing the handbrake

–

Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow

››› 

Fig. 189

 and guide the handbrake lever

down fully 

››› 

.

Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged 

››› 

.

The handbrake warning lamp 



 lights up

when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released.

If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with
the handbrake on, the following message*
will appear on the instrument panel: 

HAND-

BRAKE ON.

 You will also hear an audible

warning.

WARNING

●

Never use the handbrake to stop the vehi-

cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!

●

If the handbrake is only partially released,

this will cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads.

CAUTION

Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well.

Parking

The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.

Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:

–

Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.

–

Apply the handbrake.

–

Put it in 1st gear.

–

Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.

–

Never leave a vehicle key in the vehicle.

Additional notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.

●

If the vehicle is parked facing 

downhill,

turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb.

●

If the vehicle is parked facing 

uphill, turn

the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.

174

Driving

●

Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the

handbrake firmly and putting it in 1st gear.

WARNING

●

Take measures to reduce the risk of injury

when you leave your vehicle unattended.

●

Never park where the hot exhaust system

could ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.

●

Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in

the vehicle when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.

●

Never leave children alone in the vehicle.

They could set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.

●

Depending on weather conditions, it may

become extremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal.

Brakes

New brake pads
For the first 400 km (250 miles), new brake
pads have not yet reached their maximum
braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first. However, you can compensate for the
slightly reduced braking effect by applying

more pressure on the brake pedal. Avoid
overloading the brakes while running them
in.

Wear
The rate of wear on the 

brake pads depends

a great deal on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is operated. This is
a particular problem in urban traffic and
short stretches, or with very sporty driving.

Depending on the speed, the braking force
and the environmental conditions (for exam-
ple, the temperature, air humidity, etc.)
noises may be produced on braking.

Wet roads or road salt
In certain situations (for example, on driving
through flooded areas, in severe downpours
or after washing the vehicle) the braking ac-
tion could be delayed if the discs and pads
are damp, or frozen in winter. In this case the
brakes should be “dried” by pressing the
brake pedal several times.

At high speed and with the windscreen wip-
ers activated, the brake pads will briefly
touch the brake discs. This takes place, al-
though unnoticeable to the driver, at regular
intervals to improve the response time of the
brakes when they are wet.

The effectiveness of the brakes can also be
temporarily reduced if the vehicle is driven
for some distance without using the brakes

when there is a lot of salt on the road in win-
ter. The layer of salt that accumulates on the
discs and pads can be removed by gently ap-
plying the brakes a few times.

Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to
form on the discs and dirt to build up on the
brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently
or the brakes are not used very often.

If the brakes are not used frequently, or if
rust has formed on the disks, it is advisable
to clean off the pads and disks by braking
firmly a few times at a moderately high speed

››› 

.

Fault in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase
suddenly, this may mean that one of the two
brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately
to the nearest specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly
and remember that you will have to apply
more pressure on the brake pedal and allow
for longer stopping distances.

Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu-
id level is monitored electronically.

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Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you
apply to the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running.

WARNING

●

Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake

system only in a suitable traffic situation. Do
not put other road users in danger: there is
risk of causing an accident.

●

Ensure the vehicle does not move while in

neutral, when the engine is stopped. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in an
accident.

●

If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is

subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.

CAUTION

●

Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your

foot on the pedal when it is not necessary to
brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances and greater wear.

●

Before driving down a long, steep gradient,

it is advisable to reduce speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of engine braking
and relieves the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at
intervals than to apply the brakes continu-
ously.

Note

●

If the brake servo is out of action, for exam-

ple when the car is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal to make up for the lack of
servo assistance.

●

If you wish to equip the vehicle with acces-

sories such as a front spoiler or wheel covers,
it is important that the flow of air to the front
wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the
brakes can overheat.

Braking and stability systems

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces
the tendency to skid and improves the stabil-
ity and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC
detects critical handling situations, such as
vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin
on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehi-
cle by braking individual wheels or by reduc-
ing the engine torque. The warning lamp will
flash on the instrument panel when the ESC
is intervening .

ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system
(ABS), the brake assist system, the traction
control system (ASR), electronic differential
lock (EDL), electronic self-locking*, selective
torque control* and tractor-trailer sway miti-

gation*. ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle
by changing the torque.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up un-
der braking until the vehicle has reached a
virtual standstill. You can continue to steer
the vehicle even when the brakes are on full.
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake ped-
al pulsate while the ABS is working.

Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The braking force is
automatically boosted if you press the brake
pedal quickly in an emergency. You must
keep pressing the brake pedal until the dan-
ger has passed.

Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control
system reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. This helps the
car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gra-
dient.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes
the spinning wheel and directs the power to
the other driven wheel. This function is active
up to approximately 100 km/h (62 mph).

176

Driving

To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel
from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-
cally if subjected to excessive loads. The ve-
hicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch
on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.

Tractor-trailer sway mitigation*
If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control
the following: Tractor-trailers tend to sway.
When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the
vehicle and detected by the ESC, it will auto-
matically brake the towing vehicle within the
limits of the system and mitigate the sway.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is not available
in all countries.

Electronic torque management (XDS)
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
tial mechanism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er wheel) receives less drive torque than the
inner wheel. This may mean that in certain
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel is too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.

The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.

Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.

The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected, or the ESC in
Sport mode or disconnected.

Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.

The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network

The following actions control automatic brak-
ing during the accident:

●

When the driver presses the accelerator,

the automatic braking does not take place.

●

When the braking pressure through press-

ing the brake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.

●

Multi-collision braking will not be available

if ESC is malfunctioning.

WARNING

●

The ESC, ABS, ASR, EDL, electronic self-

locking differential or selective torque control
systems cannot exceed the limits imposed by
the laws of physics. Always bear this in mind,
especially on wet or slippery roads. If you no-
tice the systems cutting in, you should re-
duce your speed immediately to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not be encouraged
to take risks by the presence of more safety
systems. If you do, an accident may occur.

●

Please remember that the accident risk al-

ways increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDL, electronic
self-locking and selective torque control sys-
tems cannot prevent accidents: risk of acci-
dents!

●

Accelerate with caution on slippery surfa-

ces (for example, icy or snow-covered). De-
spite the control systems, the driven wheels
could spin, affecting the stability of the vehi-
cle: risk of accident!

Note

●

The ABS and ASR will only operate correctly

if the four wheels have identical tyres. Any
differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this is not desired.

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●

The regulating processes of the systems

can make noises when they intervene.

●

If the warning lamp  lights up, or  alter-

natively, there could be a fault 

››› 

page 109

.

Switching on/off the ESC and ASR

Fig. 190 

Centre console: Button for switching

on/off the ESC and ASR

The ESC is switched on automatically when
the engine is started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.

The ASR and ESC function should only be
switched off in situations in which traction is
insufficient, among others:

●

When driving in deep snow or on surfaces

that are not very firm.

●

To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.

Then switch the ASR and ESC function back
on.

Depending on finishes and versions, it is
possible either to disconnect only the ASR or
else activate ESC Sport mode.

ESC in “Sport” mode
Sport mode can be connected via the Easy
Connect 

››› 

page 110

 system menu. The ac-

tion of the ESC and the ASR is limited 

››› 

.

The control lamp  lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system*, the driver
will be shown the 

electronic stability

control (ESC) option: sport.
Warning! Limited stability.

Disable ESC “Sport” mode
Through the Easy Connect system menu

››› 

page 110

. The warning lamp  will switch

off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem*, the driver will be shown the 

elec-

tronic stability control (ESC)
option: on.

Disable ASR
The Easy Connect system menu is used to
switch off the ASR 

››› 

page 110

. The traction

control system will be disabled.

The control lamp  lights up. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that 

ASR is disabled

.

Activate ASR
The Easy Connect system menu 

››› 

page 110

is used to switch on the ASR. The traction
control system will be enabled.

The control lamp  switches off. For vehicles
with a driver information system* the driver
will be informed that 

ASR is enabled

.

Disconnection of the ESC
In some versions of the model, besides the
traction control system (ASR), the electronic
stability programme (ESC) can also be
switched off.

●

Press the button  

››› 

Fig. 190

 for approxi-

mately 1 second to switch off the ASR func-
tion.

●

Press the button  

››› 

Fig. 190

 for approxi-

mately 3 seconds to switch off the Electronic
Stability programme (ESC), including the ASR
function.

●

The ASR and ESC function are reconnected

by pressing the button  

››› 

Fig. 190

.

●

OR: activate or deactivate the ASR or ESC

function in the Easy Connect system by
means of the button 



 and the function

buttons 

SETUP

 and 

ESC System

.

WARNING

You should switch on the ESC Sport mode on-
ly if the traffic conditions and your driving

178

Driving

ability allow you to do so safely: risk of
skidding!

●

With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising

function will be limited to allow for a sportier
drive. The driving wheels could spin and the
vehicle could “skid”.

●

If the ESC/ASR is deactivated, the vehicle

stabilisation function is not available.

Note

If the ASR is disconnected or the ESC’s Sport
mode is selected, cruise control* will be
switched off.

Hill driving assistant

The hill driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.

The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,
making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.

These are the basic operation conditions:

●

being on a ramp or hill/slope,

●

doors closed,

●

vehicle completely stationary,

●

engine running and foot on the brake,

●

besides having a gear engaged or being in

neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position 

S, D or R for an au-

tomatic gearbox.

This system is also active when reversing up-
hill.

WARNING

●

If you do not start the vehicle immediately

after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.

●

If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-

al or use the hand brake immediately.

●

When following a line of traffic uphill, if you

want to prevent the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off.

Note

The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tell you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system.

Manual gearbox

Changing gear

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 42

In some countries the clutch pedal must be
fully pressed down for the engine to start.

Selecting reverse gear

●

Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle

is stopped.

Changing down gears
While driving, changing down a gear must al-
ways be done gradually, i.e. to the gear di-
rectly below and when the engine speed is
not too high 

››› 

. Changing down while by-

passing one or various gears at high speeds
or at high engine speeds can damage the
clutch and the gearbox, even if the clutch
pedal remains depressed 

››› 

.

WARNING

When the engine is running, the vehicle will
start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released. This is also the case
with the electronic parking brake switched
on.

●

Never engage reverse gear when the vehi-

cle is moving.

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WARNING

If the gear is changed down inappropriately
by selecting a gear that is too low, you may
lose control of the vehicle, causing an acci-
dent and serious injuries.

CAUTION

When travelling at high speeds or at high en-
gine speeds, selecting a gear that is too low
can cause considerable damage to the clutch
and the gearbox. This can also occur if the
clutch pedal is pressed and held and it does
not engage.

CAUTION

To prevent damage and avoid premature
wear, please observe the following:

●

Do not rest your hand on the gear lever

while driving. The pressure applied by your
hand is transmitted to the gearbox selector
forks.

●

Always ensure that the vehicle is complete-

ly stopped before engaging the reverse gear.

●

Always press the clutch to the floor when

changing gears.

●

Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on

hills with the engine on.

Automatic gearbox/DSG auto-
matic gearbox*

Introduction



 

››› 

table on page 2

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly controlled manual gearbox. Torque be-
tween the engine and the gearbox is trans-
mitted via two independent clutches. They re-
place the torque converter found on conven-
tional automatic gearboxes and allow for
smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the ve-
hicle.

The 

tiptronic system allows the driver to

change gears manually if desired

››› 

page 182, Changing gears in tiptronic

mode*

.

Selector lever positions

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 43

The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.

P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when
the vehicle is stationary 

››› 

.

The interlock button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
multaneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P.

R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling

››› 

.

To move the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the same time the brake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on.

N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.

D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport mode (S). To select Sport mode (S),
move the selector lever backwards. Moving
the lever again will select normal mode (D).

180

Driving

The selected driving mode is shown on the
instrument panel display.

In 

normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-

ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).

Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.

Press the brake pedal to move the selector
lever from N to D/S when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or at speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)

››› 

.

Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode

››› 

page 182

, in order to manually select gear

ratios to suit the driving conditions.

WARNING

●

Take care not to accidentally press the ac-

celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.

●

Never move the selector lever to R or P

when driving. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.

●

With selector lever in any position (except

P) the vehicle must always be held with the

foot brake when the engine is running. This is
because an automatic gearbox still transmits
power even at idling speed, and the vehicle
tends to “creep”. The accelerator pedal must
on no account be pressed inadvertently when
a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.

●

While you are selecting a gear and the vehi-

cle is stopped with the engine running, do
not accelerate. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.

●

As a driver you should never leave your ve-

hicle if the engine is running and a gear is en-
gaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while
the engine is running, you must apply the
handbrake and engage the parking lock (P).

●

To avoid accidents, apply the handbrake

and put the selector lever in position P before
opening the bonnet and working on the vehi-
cle with the engine running. Please always
observe the important safety warnings

››› 

page 262, Work in the engine compart-

ment

.

Note

●

If the selector lever is moved accidentally

to N when driving, release the accelerator and
let the engine speed drop to idling before se-
lecting gear range D or S again.

●

Should the power supply to the selector

lever be interrupted in position P, the selector

lever will be locked. If this should happen the
manual release can be used 

››› 



page 43

.

Selector lever lock

Fig. 191 

Selector lever lock.

The selector lever lock prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, so that the ve-
hicle is not set in motion unintentionally.

The selector lever lock is released as follows:

–

Switch the ignition on.

–

Press the brake pedal and at the same time
press in the interlock button.

Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition switched on, the selector
lever is locked in the positions P and N. The
brake pedal must be pressed to release the
lever while pressing the release button if the
selector lever is in the position P. As a

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Operation

reminder for the driver, with the lever in posi-
tions P or N the following message will be
shown on the display:

When stationary, apply footbrake
while selecting a gear.

Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary and at speeds of up to 5 km/h
(3 mph). At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph)
the lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to rock the
vehicle “backwards and forwards” if it is
stuck. The selector lever lock engages auto-
matically if the brake pedal is not depressed
and the lever is in position N for more than
about two seconds.

Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever
handle prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging certain gears. Press the button in
to disengage the selector lever lock. The se-
lector lever positions in which the interlock
button has to be pressed are shown in the il-
lustration, highlighted in colour 

››› 

Fig. 191

.

Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the
key may be removed only if the gear selector

is in position P. While the key is not in the ig-
nition, the selector lever is locked in position
P.

Note

●

If the selector lever lock does not engage,

there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:

–

With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.

–

With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.

●

Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle

does not move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:

–

When the vehicle does not move in the
required direction, the system may not
have the gear range correctly engaged.
Press the brake pedal and engage the
gear range again.

–

If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked.

Changing gears in tiptronic mode*

Fig. 192 

Centre console: changing gear with

tiptronic

Fig. 193 

Steering wheel: automatic gearbox

levers

The tiptronic gives the driver the option to
change gears manually.

182