check engine light Seat Ibiza SC 2012 Owner's manual
Page 6 of 280
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Accessories and spare parts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Technical modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . 184
Fitting a towing bracket*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Checking and refilling levels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Refuelling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
LPG system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Working in the engine compartment  . . . . . . . . . . 193
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Coolant  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades  . . . . 202
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
If and when  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle tools, spare wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)*  . . . . . . . . . 222
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Bulb change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Single headlight bulb change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Double headlight bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Changing the bulbs of AFS headlights  . . . . . . . . 235
Changing the fog light bulbs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Changing the rear, side and interior light bulbs  . 237
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Towing and tow-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Technical Specifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Description of specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Important information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Information on fuel consumption  . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Technical specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Petrol engine 1.2 44 kW (60 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Petrol engine 1.2 51 kW (70 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 63 kW (85 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . 254
Petrol engine/LPG 1.6 60 kW (81 PS)  . . . . . . . . . 255
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 77 kW (105 PS)  . . . . . . . . . 257
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 77 kW (105 PS) Start-Stop 258
Petrol engine 1.6 77 kW (105 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Petrol engine 1.4 110 kW (150 PS)  . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Petrol engine 1.4 132 kW (180 PS) - Cupra  . . . . . 261
Diesel engine 1.2 TDI CR 55 kW (75 PS) DPF
Start-Stop Ecomotive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Diesel engine 1.2 TDI CR 55 kW (75 PS) DPF . . . . 263
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 66 kW (90 PS) DPF . . . . 264
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) with/
without DPF  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI CR 105 kW (143 PS) DPF  . 266
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Index  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
4Table of Contents 
Page 58 of 280
56Cockpit
Rev counter
The rev counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
The start of the red zone  ⇒ Fig. 30 1
 indicates the maximum engine speed
operating at service temperature. However, it is advisable to change up into
a higher gear, move the selector lever to D or lift your foot off the accelerator
before the needle reaches the red zone.
CAUTION
To prevent possible engine malfunctions, the rev counter needle should not
reach the red zone. The start of the red zone on the dial is different for some
engine versions.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up into higher gears sooner, following the recommended gear in-
dications  ⇒ Fig. 33 will help you to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and
also engine noise. 
Speedometer
The speedometer is equipped with a digital odometer and a trip recorder, in
addition to a service intervals display.
During the running-in period, the instructions shown on  ⇒ page 167
should be followed. LPG system*
LPG gauge
Fig. 31  Instrument pan-
el: gas gauge.
LPG system filler level display
The LPG tank  ⇒ 
 in the spare wheel well has a capacity of 52.8 litres at an
outside temperature of 15°C  ⇒ page 189, Refuelling with LPG.
The charge level can be checked on the analogue gas gauge located on the
instrument panel  ⇒ Fig. 31. When the level reaches reserve, the gas reserve
warning lamp lights up and an audible warning is heard. Refill with LPG at
the earliest opportunity.
If, while driving in LPG mode, a sudden audible warning is heard and the
warning ERROR FUNC_ A GAS is displayed on the screen 1)
, it means that
there is a fault in the LPG system. Take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to check the LPG system. 
1)
Depending on the model version    
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66Cockpit
Overview of indicator and warning lamps (vehicles with
LPG)
The control lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.
Fig. 39  Instrument panel control and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
ItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther infor-
mation
1Green: LPG system connected⇒ page 142
2Yellow: Gas reserve warning light⇒ page 56
WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to pre-
vent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings  ⇒ page 193.
Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate control lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen. 
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning sym-
bols (priority 2) Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will
be accompanied by  three audible warnings. This is a  danger warning. Stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.    
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67
Cockpit
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
● Brake system symbol   with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol   with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol   with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by  one audible warning. Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2  warning messages will not be shown until all  Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text  PLEASE REFUEL. Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message
a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to a Technical Serv-
ice.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: Clean the air filter.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met.
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
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68Cockpit
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-
MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model. 
Engine management* 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Glow plug system/Engine fault* 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the diesel engine. It flashes if there is an engine
fault.
Control lamp   is lit
The control lamp   lights up while the glow plug system is preheating.
When the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight
away.
Control lamp   flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug system lamp will flash  . Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter*
If the lamp   lights up you should help the filter clean itself by driving in
the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gear-
box: S gear range) at a speed of 60  km/h (40 mph), with the engine running
at approximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is
burned. When cleaning is successful, the lamp turns off.
If the lamp   does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate filter
 , emission control system fault   and glow plugs ), take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop to repair the fault.  
Page 71 of 280
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Cockpit
WARNING
● Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain
and traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal ma-
noeuvres in surrounding traffic.
● The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high temper-
atures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.
Engine oil pressure  
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil
pressure is too low.
If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, add
more oil  ⇒ page 199.
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. Do
not even run the engine at idle speed! Obtain technical assistance.
Checking the oil level  
If the warning lamp is yellow   the engine oil level should be checked as
soon as possible. Top up the oil  ⇒ page 199 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
If the   yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you refuel. Bulb defect* 
The indicator lights up when a bulb is not functioning.
The   warning lamp lights up when there is a fault on the turn signals,
headlights, side lights and fog lights. 
Washer fluid 
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low. This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 202. 
Rear fog light* 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on  . For
further information see ⇒ page 97. 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*  
A control lamp monitors the ABS.
The control lamp   should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automat-
ic test sequence. 
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70Cockpit
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp   does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to  ⇒ page 163.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the tyre pressure control lamp will
also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp   lights up together with the brake warning lamp
 , this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible
fault in the brake system  ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 193, Working in the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp   should light up together with the
ABS warning lamp  , stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake
fluid level in the reservoir  ⇒ page 206, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid lev-
el has dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of acci-
dent. Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the
rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to
break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assis-
tance.
 Differential lock fault (EDL)*
The EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped
with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS control lamp  . Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see  ⇒ page 165, Electronic differential lock (EDL)*. 
Traction control system (ASR)*  / 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
There are two warning lamps for the traction control system:   and . Both
warning lamps light up together when the ignition is switched on and
should turn off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the time taken for the
function check.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. The warning lamp will also light up if a fault should occur in the
ABS because the ASR operates in conjunction with the ABS. For further in-
formation, see ⇒  page 162, Brakes
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected when pressing the   switch.
By pressing it again, the ASR function is reactivated and the warning lamp
switched off.    
Page 73 of 280
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Cockpit
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*  / 
There are two warning lamps for the Electronic stability con-
trol. The  lamp provides information concerning the func-
tion and the   provides information on the disconnection
status
Both warning lamps light up together when the ignition is switched on and
should turn off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the time taken for the
function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and ASR. It also includes emergency
braking assistance (BAS).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC is activated.
● It will light up continuously if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, it will also light up if a
fault should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp   lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESC.
In this case the ESC can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and
then on again. If the control lamp goes out, this means the system is fully
functional.
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected when pressing the   switch.Brake system* This warning lamp lights up if the brake fluid level is too low
or if there is a fault in the system.
This warning lamp 
 lights up if
● the brake fluid level is too low  ⇒ page 206.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driv-
ing, the brake fluid level  ⇒ page 206, Brake fluid in the reservoir is too
low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain techni-
cal assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp   lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause
the rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek tech-
nical assistance.
Cruise speed (Cruise control)* 
The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.
The warning lamp  lights up when the cruise control system is switched
on. For further information on the cruise control system, see  ⇒ page 158.
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74Cockpit
Emission control system*  
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Control lamp   flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
Control lamp   is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked. 
Coolant level* / temperature  
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
● The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
● The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, and
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒ 
 are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the warning light comes on,  stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down.  Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if
necessary  ⇒ page 224. If the control lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, 
stop
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact a Technical Service or a spe-
cialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the warning light comes on,  stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down  First check the coolant level. If the level of the cool-
ant is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant liquid  ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings  ⇒ page 193.
Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp   lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp   lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery.     
Page 134 of 280
132Air conditioning
● The outside temperature is below +3°C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because of an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a spe-
cialised workshop. 
Air recirculation  
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside.
When air recirculation mode is switched on (button  ⇒ Fig. 94 
 with warn-
ing lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle interior,
for example when passing through a tunnel or in a traffic jam.
When the outside temperature is low, air recirculation mode improves heat-
ing performance by heating air from the interior instead of cold air from the
outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air recirculation mode improves cool-
ing performance by cooling air from the interior instead of warm air from
outside.
For safety reasons, the air recirculation  should not be switched on when the
air distribution control is set to the windscreen setting  .
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioner is switched off, the windows can quickly
mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode switched on
for a long time (risk of accident).
Note
● When engaging reverse gear, the air recirculation is connected automat-
ically to prevent the entrance of exhaust gases in the vehicle on travelling
backwards. The control lamp on the button  
 does not light up.
● If the temperature control is turned to the coldest setting (blue point)
and the switch  AC
 is activated, the “Air recirculation” function is automati-
cally activated in order to cool the vehicle rapidly using less energy; its
function control lamp will light.
● If the function is not deactivated by pressing the button, this will deacti-
vate after approx. 20 min. 
Economic use of the air conditioning
When 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.*