Leon owner’s manual inglés 1P0012003ee (07. 11) (GT9) leon

156
Air conditioning
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves
comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows
when the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
● The engine is not running.
● The 
AC
 button is disconnected.
● The outside temperature is below +3°C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with but-
ton 
AC
 to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised
workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop.
Note
● If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, 
condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a pud-
dle underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need
to suspect a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the
windows from misting over.
● The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with
items of clothing or other objects.
● The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* closed. However, if the temperature inside the vehi-
cle is excessive because of the sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by
opening the windows for a short time.
● Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into
the air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a
permanent unpleasant odour.
● It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to
check the system.


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157
Driving
Driving
Steering
Adjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 114  Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 115  Proper sitting
position for driver
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column 
⇒ fig. 114
 down 
⇒  .
– Adjust the steering wheel until the correct position is set
⇒ fig. 115
.
– Then push the lever up again firmly 
⇒  .
WARNING
●
Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an in-
correct seating position can result in serious injury.
●
To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only
when the vehicle is stationary.

Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications

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158
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
●
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of
at least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest 
⇒ fig. 115
. If
you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not protect you.
Risk of fatal injury.
●
If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The Au-
thorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
●
If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face,
the driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident.
Make sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
●
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold
the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner
(e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In
such cases, if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the
arms, hands and head.

Safety
Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP)*
The ESC (ESP) helps to make driving safer in certain critical
handling situations.
Fig. 116  Detailed view of
the centre console: ESC
(ESP) button
The Electronic Stability Control ESC (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system ASR (TCS). The ESC (ESP) function
works together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESC
(ESP) or ABS systems are faulty.
The ESC (ESP) is activated automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC (ESP) is always active, and cannot be deactivated. With the ESC
(ESP) switch it is only possible to deactivate the ASR (TCS).
The ASR (TCS) can be deactivated in those cases where wheel sliding is de-
sirable.
For example:


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