Fig. 119 In the lower part of the centre console: start button.

The engine of your Seat Leon can be started effortlessly using the convenient engine start button (Press & Drive system). For this operation to succeed, a valid, authorized vehicle key must be present inside the passenger compartment.

Opening the driver's door when exiting the vehicle automatically activates the electronic steering column lock if the ignition is switched off. For models equipped with an automatic transmission, the steering column will only lock securely if the parking lock position P has been engaged.

Switching the ignition on/off

If you want to switch on only the ignition system without actually cranking or starting the engine:

• Vehicles with a manual gearbox: briefly press the start button once without stepping on either the brake or the clutch pedal.
• Vehicles with an automatic gearbox: briefly press the start button once without stepping on the brake pedal.

The text or symbol on the start button flashes rhythmically like a heartbeat when the vehicle system is primed and preset for switching the ignition on and off.

Automatic ignition disconnection

When your Seat Leon detects that there is no longer a driver present after the engine has been turned off, the ignition will automatically switch itself off after a certain period of time to conserve power.

If the dipped beam headlights happen to be switched on at that moment, the side lights will remain illuminated for approximately 30 minutes. You can turn off these side lights immediately simply by locking the vehicle from the outside.

Automatic deactivation of the ignition on vehicles with the Start-Stop system

The ignition is switched off automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and automatic engine shutdown is active, provided that:

• the driver's seat belt is unfastened,
• the driver does not step on any of the pedals,
• the driver's door is opened.

After the ignition is turned off automatically, if the dipped beam headlights remain switched on, the side light will stay lit for approximately 30 minutes (provided the 12-volt battery has enough remaining charge). If you lock the vehicle or manually switch off the light switch, the side light will go out immediately.

Switching off the ignition when leaving the vehicle, with hybrid drive

If you forget to switch off the ignition while operating a plug-in hybrid Seat Leon in E-MODE, the system will automatically power down the ignition a certain time after the journey concludes to prevent completely draining the 12-volt vehicle battery.

Function "My Beat"

For Seat Leon models equipped with a convenience key, the innovative "My Beat" function provides an intuitive visual indication of the vehicle's ignition and engine status.

As soon as you enter the vehicle, the engine start button ››› Fig. 119 begins to pulse softly to draw your attention.

Whenever the ignition is toggled on or off, the engine start button illumination flashes in response.

Once the ignition is fully switched off, the backlighting on the start button extinguishes completely after a few seconds.

When the engine is running successfully, the light on the start button stays solidly illuminated, providing a clear visual confirmation that the engine is active.

The exact time that elapses between pressing the start button to fire up the engine and the button lighting changing from a flashing pattern to a steady glow depends on specific engine displacement and size characteristics.

When you use the start button to shut down the engine, the button starts its pulsing flash cycle once again.

In vehicles featuring the Start-Stop system, the "My Beat" function delivers further detailed feedback:

• When the engine shuts down automatically during a routine stop phase, the light on the start button remains continuously lit because the Start-Stop system stays fully active even though fuel combustion is paused.
• When the engine cannot be restarted automatically by the Start-Stop system and requires manual intervention from the driver, the start button flashes to alert you to this situation.

Breath alcohol ignition interlock device (breathalyser)

Your Seat Leon is factory-prepared to accommodate the installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (breathalyser equipped with LIN communication protocol).

Once such a breath-testing device is installed, passing a mandatory breathalyser test will be required every time before the ignition of your Seat Leon can be successfully switched on.

Please note that certain general vehicle functionalities may be restricted or locked until the test is successfully completed.

WARNING When switching on the ignition, make sure not to depress the brake or clutch pedal; otherwise, the engine could start immediately and unexpectedly.

WARNING If vehicle keys are handled negligently or left unattended without due care, it can lead to severe accidents and serious injuries.

• Never leave any vehicle key inside the cabin when stepping away from your Seat Leon. Otherwise, an unattended child or unauthorized person could lock the doors, start the engine, switch on the ignition, or operate electrical equipment.

Note

• Before leaving your Seat Leon, always disconnect the ignition completely and pay attention to any guidance or advisory messages shown on the dash panel screen.
• If the vehicle is left stationary for an extended period with the engine turned off but the ignition left switched on, the 12-volt battery will discharge, which may eventually make it impossible to start the engine.
• In Seat Leon models equipped with a diesel engine, always wait until the glow plug pre-heating warning light goes out completely before attempting to crank or start the engine.
• If you press the button during an active STOP phase, the ignition will switch off and the push-button will begin flashing.
• If the instrument cluster display shows the warning message "Start-Stop system deactivated: Start the engine manually", the start button will flash to prompt your action.