Get Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

Driving 157

Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

Starting

The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components

with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.

Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to

position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents

possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.

WARNING

• The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle

comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately

blocked- Risk of accident!

• Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,

even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disabled

people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the

engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-

quently resulting in an accident.

• Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical

system, such as the electric window. This could result in serious injury.

Caution

The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key

position ).

Electronic immobiliser

The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving

the vehicle.

Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-

matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.

The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the

key out of the ignition lock.

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct code.

Note

A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.

Starting and stopping the engine

Starting petrol engines

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with

its correct code.

– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the

clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter

to turn the engine on.

– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 156 position.

– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter

motor must not run on with the engine.

After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the

accelerator.

When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few

seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.

This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.

leon_ingles Seite 157 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Driving158

If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after

10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start,

the fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 239, “Fuses”.

WARNING

• Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The

exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless

poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of

consciousness. It can also cause death.

• Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.

• Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine

to run at high revs. Risk of injury.

Caution

• When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at

full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.

• The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start

the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

• Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you

should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow

the instructions ⇒ page 253, “Jump-starting”.

For the sake of the environment

Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.

You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine

reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.

Starting diesel engines

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with

its correct code.

– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the

clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter

to turn the engine on.

– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.

– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 156, fig. 118 . The

indication lamp

 will light for engine pre-heating.

– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position to

start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.

– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter

motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.

When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few

seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.

This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.

If there are problems starting the engine, see ⇒ page 253.

Glow plug system for the diesel engine

To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major

electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.

Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒ page 76 goes out.

Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry

If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal

(up to one minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is

because the system must eliminate air first.

leon_ingles Seite 158 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Driving 159

Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

WARNING

• Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The

exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless

poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of

consciousness. It can also cause death.

• Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.

• Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine

to run at high revs. Risk of injury.

Caution

• When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at

full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.

• The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start

the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

• Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you

should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow

the instructions ⇒ page 253, “Jump-starting”.

For the sake of the environment

Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.

You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine

reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.

Switching the engine off

– Stop the engine.

– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 156, fig. 118 .

After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10

minutes. 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 compart-

ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.

WARNING

• Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.

• The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the

engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake

operation cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may

exist.

• The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed

from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.

Caution

If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-

heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you

should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.

leon_ingles Seite 159 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

Driving -> Starting and stopping the engine for Your Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

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