technical data Seat Ibiza SC 2009 Repair Manual
Page 123 of 257
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning121
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•If the function is not deactivated by pressing the button, this will deacti-
vate after approx. 20 min.Economic use of the air conditioningWhen the air conditioning is switched on, the compressor consumes engine 
power and has influence on fuel consumption. Consider the following points 
in order to have the system operating in the minimum possible time.
•If the vehicle interior has overheated due to an excessive solar radiation, 
it is best to open the windows or doors to allow the hot air to escape.•While in motion, the air conditioning should not be switched on if the 
windows or the sunroof are open.*
ClimatronicControl switchesThe air conditioning system only works when the engine is running 
and the blower is switched on.
Fig. 91  Climatronic controls on the instrument panel
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning123
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imate temperatures which may slightly 
vary depending on the outside condi-
tions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. To do it, it automatically regu-
lates the supplied air temperature, the blower speed and the air distribution. 
The system also considers the sunlight radiation, so there is no need for 
manual readjustment. Therefore,  automatic mode almost always provides 
the best comfort for the vehicle occupants throughout the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the 
buttons for the air distribution, blower or  . The temperature continues to 
self-regulate.
Manual mode
In manual mode the air temperature, flow, and the desired air 
distribution can be adjusted.Switching on manual mode
– Press one of the buttons  ⇒page 121, fig. 91    to   or press 
the blower control   and   down. The indicator is switched off 
.Te m p e r a t u r e
The passenger compartment temperature can be set between +18°C (64°F) 
and +29°C (86°F). These are approximate temperatures which may slightly 
vary depending on the outside conditions.
If a temperature below 18°C (64°F) is selected, the display switches to  LO In 
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature 
is not regulated. If a temperature above 29°C  (86°F) is selected, the display switches to 
HI In 
this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature 
is not controlled.
Blower
The blower can be adjusted with buttons   and    ⇒page 121, fig. 91. If 
the blower is off (level   is not shown on the screen) and button   is kept 
pressed down, the Climatronic switches off. Then  OFF is displayed on the 
screen.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons  ,   and  . It is also 
possible to open and close some of the air outlets separately.
Switching the air conditioning system on and off
Pressing the button   the air cooling system can be switched off in order to 
save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set temperature 
can then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
Air recirculation mode 
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from coming from the outside.– Press the button   to switch air recirculation mode on or off.  This is ON if the symbol 
 ⇒ page 121, fig. 91 is displayed on 
the screen.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from 
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in 
a traffic jam.
AC
A14
A16
A8
A9
A3
A8
A9
A1
A9
AC
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning125
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•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.•To ensure correct operation, the grilles on both sides of the screen must 
not be obstructed•When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a 
moment.
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Driving127
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SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works 
together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is 
only possible to switch TCS off.
When does the warning lamp light up or flash  ?•On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry 
out a function control.
•The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP 
or the TCS is activated. The warning lamp will light up slowly if the TCS is 
switched off.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.WARNING
•The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of 
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet 
roads and when towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 147, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Fig. 93  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the 
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒ page 128.
– Le t  go  o f  the  ig nit io n key  as  so on  as the  e ngin e  star t s; t he sta r ter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it 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 the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 205, “Fuses”.
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 more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 218, “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.
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After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
m i n u t e s .  I t  i s  a l s o  p o s si bl e  t ha t  t h e  fa n  tu r n s  i t s e l f  o n  o n ce  m o r e  i f  t h e  co o la n t  
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
•Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.•The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the 
engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake 
operation cannot be performed, risk  of accidents and serious injury may 
exist.•The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed 
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you 
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearboxEngaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the  clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position  shown on the gear stick.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When 
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds 
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
The reverse lights light up when the reverse gear is selected and the ignition 
is on.
Fig. 95  Centre Console: 
gear shift pattern of a 5-
speed manual gearbox
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If you select the sport programme, 
S, you will drive in a sporty mode, i.e. a 
programme in which shifts into high gears are postponed in order to use the 
full power of the engine.
Selector lever lock functions
The selector lever lock in positi on P or N prevents gears from 
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle 
to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down and at the same time, hold 
the selector lever lock on the left of the selector lever also 
pressed down.The warning lamp 
 on the dash panel lights up when the brake pedal 
should be applied. This is essential when the selector lever is taken from the 
P or N positions.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at 
s p e e d s  u p  t o  5  k m / h .  A t  h i g h e r  s p e e d s  t h e  s e le c to r  le v e r  l o ck  is  a u t o m a t i ca ll y  
unlocked in the  N position.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if it is moved quickly through position 
N  (e.g. when shifting from  R to D). This makes it possible, for instance, to 
“rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow or mud. The 
selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed 
and the lever is in position  N for more than about 1 second.
Fig. 97  Automatic 
gearbox
Fig. 98  Automatic 
gearbox: Dash panel 
display
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– With a selected gear, accelerate slowly and at the same time, 
release the handbrake.The steeper the slope, the lower the gear.required This increases the braking 
effect of the engine. For example, when driving down a very steep slope in 3rd 
gear. If the engine brake effect is not enough, the vehicle will speed up. The 
automatic gearbox automatically changes up to prevent the engine over-
revving. Use the foot brake to reduce speed and change into 3rd gear again 
using Tiptronic*  ⇒.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever 
from being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from positions 
P  or  N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position  P.
Warning lamp “Pressing brake pedal” 
When the warning lamp next to the selector lever lights up, press the brake 
pedal. This is necessary when the automatic gearbox selector lever is moved 
out of positions  P or  N. At the same time, a text message or the instructions 
to perform necessary operations may appear on the dash panel.
WARNING
•As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running 
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is 
running, you must apply the parking brake and engage parking lock P.•If the engine is running and D or R are engaged, you will need to hold 
vehicle stopped by depressing the brake pedal. The car would keep on 
creeping forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even 
when the engine is idling.•Never accelerate when changing gear or you may cause an accident.•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!•Before driving down a long, steep slop e, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change into a lower gear.
•If you stop the vehicle up hill, always hold the foot brake strongly 
depressed down to stop it from rolling back.•Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often 
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and 
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking 
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.•Never allow the car to roll down a mountain or a slope with the lever in 
the N or D position, regardless of whether the engine is running or not.Caution
•If you stop the vehicle up hills, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back 
by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. Otherwise, the 
automatic gearbox may overheat causing damage. Pull the handbrake up or 
fully depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.•If you allow the car to roll when the engine is not running, or with the 
selector lever in position N, a lack of lubrication in the automatic gearbox will 
damage it.WARNING (continued)
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Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel 
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒
page 136, fig. 101 are used in the normal or sport 
programme, the system switches temporarily to “Tiptronic” mode. To exit 
“Tiptronic” mode again, press the right paddle lever   towards the steering 
wheel for approximately one second. You will also leave “Tiptronic” mode if 
the paddle levers are not moved for a certain time.
Note
•The gear paddle levers on the steering wheel can be operated with the 
gear stick in any position and with the vehicle in motion.Selector lever positions
The selector lever positions and gears are shown on the dash 
panel screen.
Selector lever positions
The selected gear is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the 
instrument panel screen. The currently selected gear for the automatic 
gearbox will also be shown on the screen.
Tiptronic gear indicator
If the automatic gearbox is shifted manually, the selected gears are shown on 
the screen.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked 
mechanically.
Position P on the lever must only be selected if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position  P, the locking button in the selector lever 
handle must be pressed and the brak e pedal depressed at the same time 
when the ignition is switched on.
To put the selector lever in position  P, simply press the lock button down and, 
if necessary, depress the brake pedal down.
R -Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the 
engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position  R, press the lock button down and, at 
the same time, press the brake pedal down, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the ignition switched on the 
following occurs:•Reverse lights light up.•The air conditioning changes automatically the air recirculation mode.
+Fig. 102  Automatic 
gearbox: Display in the 
dash panel
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•Power assisted steering does not work  when the engine is not running. 
That is why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer 
the vehicle.•Never allow the car to roll downhill with the gear in “N”, regardless of 
whether the engine is running or not.Caution
If you allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off or with the 
selector lever in position “N”, take your foot off the accelerator and wait until 
the engine starts idling before returning to position “D”.Kickdown feature
The kickdown feature is designed to give maximum accelera-
tion.If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically 
changes down, depending on speed and e ngine speed, into a lower gear to 
take full advantage of give the vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum 
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road 
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.
•Be particularly careful when using the kickdown features on slippery 
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction and 
skid.•You should use the kickdown feature only when traffic and weather 
conditions allow it to be used safely.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the 
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 103  Handbrake 
between the front seats
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