Fig. 241 Hybrid vehicles (PHEV): location of the battery in the luggage compartment.

Access to the 12 volt battery

Depending on your powertrain configuration, the 12-volt battery in your Seat Leon is positioned either directly within the engine compartment (in conventional internal combustion and Mild Hybrid models) or tucked neatly beneath the luggage compartment floor (in PHEV plug-in hybrid variants).

Valid for conventional and Mild Hybrid vehicles:

• Open and securely raise the front bonnet ››› in Working in the engine compartment on page 344.
• Lift up the protective plastic cover panel shielding the front section of the battery.

Valid for hybrid vehicles (PHEV):

• Open the rear luggage compartment tailgate.
• Raise and secure the variable luggage compartment floor panel to gain access to the 12-volt battery housing cover.
• A suitable tool must be utilized to unlatch and carefully open or close the battery compartment cover.

Check the level

Fig. 242 Sight glass on the top of the 12 volt battery (schematic representation).

The condition and electrolyte level of the battery should be checked on a regular basis, especially in high-mileage vehicles, when operating in hot climatic countries, and as the battery ages over time.

• Inspect the color displayed within the optical sight glass indicator window located on top of the battery housing ››› Fig. 242.
• If any interfering air bubbles are trapped inside the viewing window, tap the glass gently with a finger until the bubbles disperse and a clear color reading appears.

The built-in "magic eye" indicator situated on the upper surface of the battery changes its visual color depending on the current charge state and internal electrolyte level of the unit.

The indicator can display two primary color states:

Yellow or colourless: The battery's internal electrolyte level is critically low. Take your Seat Leon to a specialized workshop immediately to have the 12-volt battery thoroughly checked and replaced if necessary.

Black: The battery's electrolyte level is within the correct normal range.