Fig. 204 Left side of the luggage compartment: button to unlock the tow hitch.

The mechanical hook of the retractable towing device is neatly housed within the rear bumper structure when stowed and cannot be completely detached or separated from the vehicle.

Before operating the mechanism, ensure there are no people, children, pets, or physical obstructions in the movement path of the rotating tow hook.

Unlocking the tow hook and removing it

• Bring your Seat Leon to a complete stop and securely apply the electronic parking brake.
• Switch off the engine completely.
• Open the rear tailgate.
• Briefly pull the release button ››› Fig. 204. The tow hook will electronically unlock and automatically swing outward into position, while the control lamp on the button begins flashing.
• Manually guide and swing the tow hook fully into position until you feel and hear it mechanically lock and engage securely, at which point the button control lamp stops flashing and remains permanently lit.
• Close the rear tailgate.
• Proceed to hitch and connect your trailer.

Retracting the tow hook

• Stop the vehicle completely and apply the electronic parking brake.
• Switch off the engine.
• Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the electrical wiring harness from the vehicle power socket. If you were using a 7-pin adapter, remove it from the socket as well.
• Open the rear tailgate.
• Briefly pull the release button ››› Fig. 204 to electronically unlock the tow hook mechanism.
• Manually rotate and swing the tow hook backward underneath the bumper until you feel and hear it click into its stowed locked position, and the control lamp on the button stays lit continuously.
• Close the rear tailgate.

The button's control lamp

Flashing: This status indicates that the retractable tow hook has not yet engaged correctly into its final position or that a mechanical fault has been detected.

Remains on: If this light remains steadily illuminated while the rear tailgate is open, it confirms that the tow hook is securely and correctly locked in place, whether fully extended for towing or stowed away.

The button's indicator lamp will automatically switch off approximately 1 minute after closing the rear tailgate.

WARNING Improper operation, forced movement, or failure to lock the towing bracket correctly can cause severe mechanical failure, accidents, and personal injuries.

• Only use the tow hook if it is fully extended and properly locked into its mechanical engagement position.
• Always verify that no person, animal, or object is standing or positioned within the movement arc of the rotating tow hook.
• Never use hand tools, levers, or mechanical instruments to force the tow hook while it is electrically moving.
• Never press the release button ››› Fig. 204 when a trailer is physically hitched to the vehicle or when a carrier system (such as a bicycle rack) is mounted onto the tow hook.
• If the tow hook cannot be attached or locked properly, do not use it under any circumstances. Instead, visit a specialized workshop immediately to have the towing bracket inspected.
• If you detect any electrical malfunction or mechanical fault in the towing bracket system, contact an authorized specialist workshop for diagnostics and repair.
• If the spherical tow ball has worn down to a diameter of less than 49 mm at any measured point, do not use the towing bracket under any circumstances.

NOTICE When washing your Seat Leon using high-pressure washers or steam jet cleaning equipment, never direct the high-pressure water stream straight at the retractable tow hook mechanism or the trailer electrical socket, as this can force water past seals, damage internal joints, or wash away the essential lubricating grease.

Note During extreme sub-zero winter temperatures, accumulated ice and frost may prevent the tow hook from deploying or retracting. If this occurs, move the vehicle into a warmer sheltered location, such as a heated garage, to allow ice to melt before operating the mechanism.