Seat Leon >> Starting diesel engines

The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct code.

– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position fig. 115 1. The indication lamp engine pre-heating. will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key  to position 2 to start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.

When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.

This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.

If there are problems starting the engine.

Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.

Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.

Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is because the system must eliminate air first.

WARNING

• Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness. It can also cause death.
• Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
• Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine to run at high revs. Risk of injury.

Caution
• When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
• The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately 50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
• Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instructions  “Jump-starting”.

For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.

You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.

    Starting petrol engines
    The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct code. – Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the s ...

    Switching off the engine
    – Stopping the engine. – Turn the ignition key to position  fig. 115 0. After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if the ignition is switched ...

    See also:

    Removing and fitting fresh air blower control unit - J126-
    Removal: Turn off the ignition and all electricity consumers. Vehicles without access and start authorisation system Remove ignition key, if fitted. Vehicles with access and start author ...