Get If and when -> Towing and tow-starting Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

If and when256

Towing and tow-starting

Tow-star ting

The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.

We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting

is preferable ⇒ page 253.

However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:

– Engage the 2

or the 3

gear.

– Keep the clutch pressed down.

– Switch the ignition on.

– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.

– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear

lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing

vehicle.

WARNING

The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed

can easily collide with the towing vehicle.

Caution

When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

Comments

Please observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:

Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle

– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate

gradually.

– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-

matic vehicle, accelerate gently.

– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not

working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you

would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.

Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle

– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.

Tow-rope or tow-bar

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a

tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.

A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.

It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic

material.

Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a

towing bracket.

Driving style

Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both

drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-

enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.

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If and when 257

Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the

tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-

loading and damaging the anchorage points.

The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the

steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,

horn, windscreen wipers and washers.

As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must apply

considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.

As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you

will need more strength to steer than you normally would.

Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox

• Put the selector lever into position “N”.

• Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.

• Do not tow further than 50 km.

• If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front

wheels raised.

Note

• Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.

• Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe

any regulations to the contrary.

• For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be

tow-started.

• If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,

you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.

• If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be

raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.

• The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The

vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be

carried out by a qualified person.

• The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the

notes on ⇒ page 256.

Trailer eyes

Fig. 177 The front right

section of the vehicle:

Fitting the front towing

eye

Fig. 178 Fitting the

towing eye to the rear of

the vehicle

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If and when258

Fitting the towing eye

– Take the towing ring from the onboard tool set.

– Pull the lower front cover down and leave the cover hanging on

the vehicle.

– Remove the cover of the screw hole, insert a screwdriver into the

lower slot and lever gently.

– Screw the towing eye as shown by the arrow anti-clockwise to the

limit position in the front ⇒ page 257, fig. 177 or rear

⇒ page 257, fig. 178 threaded hole.

leon_ingles Seite 258 Montag, 26. Januar 2009 4:29 16

If and when -> Towing and tow-starting for Your Seat Leon 4 Door Second Generation (2007-2011)

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