check engine light Seat Ibiza ST 2011 User Guide

145
Driving
Starting and stopping the engine Starting 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 start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒ page 143.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds 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 sec-
onds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, the
fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 229, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous 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 fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 246, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

173
Driving and the environment
checked by an Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommen-
ded in the Service Plan.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case
the brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also ap-
plies when the brake pads have to be changed further on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of
transmission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.
WARNING (Continued)
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories
please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 189, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessa-
ry journeys.

Exhaust gas purification system Catalytic converter*
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages
the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine
oil ⇒ page 204, Topping up engine oil .
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒ page 246.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp
will light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 63. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the en-
vironment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

201
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 131 Bonnet opening
lever
Fig. 132 Bonnet support
rod
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are
in rest position. –
To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ fig. 131 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒ 
.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for
this in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
● Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bon-
net, then carefully open the bonnet.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 199.

Closing the bonnet
– Slightly raise the bonnet
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.
If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more
and let it fall as before. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

208Checking and refilling levels
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades
Topping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.
Fig. 136 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
The windscreen washer and the headlight washers are supplied with fluid
from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment. The
container holds approx. 2 litres; in vehicles with headlight washers* it holds
approx. 4.5 litres.
The tank is in the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We rec-
ommend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. Ap-
proved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must
be carried out cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 199.
CAUTION
● Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
● Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per in-
structions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes in
the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked. 

211
Checking and refilling levels
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒ fig. 139.
– Slide the blade adapter in the direction of the arrow and remove
the blade ⇒ fig. 139.
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– Place the blade as shown in the ⇒ fig. 140 and slide the adapt-
er along until it engages.
Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be replaced if damaged, or
cleaned if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a specialised workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.
CAUTION
● A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
● Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage. Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 141 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 256. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below
the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 63.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

214Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged. 
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. – Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ 
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 200
⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 213.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the
battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently
until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 256.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours: ●
Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a spe-
cialist workshop. 
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long peri-
ods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle,
the battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have
the vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be
re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety
specifications of your vehicle. 

222If and when
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. You can
then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use this
wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
● The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possi-
ble.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Higher speeds can cause an acci-
dent.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of ac-
cident.
● Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of
accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.

Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel)
is stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment. Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair
the puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The
kit will reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the
penetration of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possi-
ble with the sealing compound. Wheel change
Preparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch the engine off. Switch the hazard warning lights on and
place the warning triangles in position.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage the first gear , or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Switch on the hazard warning lights and place the warning triangles in
position. This is for your own safety and also warns other road users. 

230If and when
Note
● If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical sys-
tem must be checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another location in the electrical system.
● Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from
SEAT dealers. 
Fuses on left side of dash panel
Fuses
NumberConsumerAmps1Power steering/Engine operation/Flow meter7,5
2
Diagnostics/Heater/Autoclimate/Climatronic/
Electric anti-dazzle mirror/Navigator/Air condi-
tioning pressure switch/ Climate fan/AFS Control
unit/Coming home relay/Soundaktor/CCS
10
3Petrol engine control unit/Diesel engine control
unit/Relay coils/Engine operation/Bi-turbo fuel
control unit5
4ABS-ESP Control unit/RKA Switch/Gateway con-
trol unit/ESP Relay/Rotation sensor10
5Reverse light/Heating nozzles106Instrument panel57Retro fog light/Start-Stop relays7,5
8Paddle levers on steering wheel for automatic
gearbox2
9Headlight lever/Windscreen wiper switch1010BCM Electronic control unit power supply511Airbag control unit5
NumberConsumerAmps12Automatic gearbox/ LPG system1013Exterior mirror control514Left-hand AFS headlights1515Right-hand AFS headlights1516Vacant 17Number plate light518Clean pump7,519Electronic control unit520Indicators/Brake lights1521Lights control, instrument panel522Heated mirrors5
23Engine injection module/ Rain sensor/ Automat-
ic gear lever/ Main petrol relay7,5
24Luggage compartment light, interior light, glove
compartment light10
25Parking aid526Towing hook 27Headlight control528Lambda probe1029Vacuum pump/LPG power supply15, 20 a)
30Engine solenoid coils/Additional heating relay/
Pressure sensor/AKF Valve15
31Petrol engine operation/Glow plugs/Relay coil/
Electric fan/Secondary water pump relay10
32Engine control unit15, 20,
30 b)
33Clutch switch sensor/Additional heating relay
coil/ Servo sensor5
34Fuel control unit / Vacuum pump1535Vacant


233
If and when
Xenon 1)
/ adaptive headlights*
- D1S2)
- LED 3)
- LED 3)
- PY 21W
Fog lights - H11
WARNING
● Take particular care when working on components in the engine com-
partment if the engine is warm - risk of burns!
● Bulbs are highly sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
● The high voltage element of gas discharge bulbs* (xenon light) must
be handled correctly. Otherwise, there is a risk of death.
● When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on sharp
parts in the headlight housing.
CAUTION
● Remove the ignition key before working on the electric system. If not, a
short circuit could occur.
● Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.
Dipped and full beam
Position
DRL (day light)
Turn signals
Fog light/cornering
For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in the prop-
er manner.
Note
● Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog
lights, the tail lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This
has no influence on the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on
the lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly
be demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.
● Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not only in the inter-
est of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.
● Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new bulb.
● Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use a cloth
or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on the glass will va-
porise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb, they will be deposited
on the reflector and will impair its surface. 
1)
With these types of headlights, the user can replace the turn signal bulb. Replacement of
the dipped/main beam bulb must be done by a Technical Service, given that complex ele-
ments must be removed from the vehicle and the automatic control system that incorpo-
rates it must be reset.
2) The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5 times
more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circumstances,
there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
3) In the event that there is a fault in the LEDs, the complete headlight must be replaced.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Automatic speed dependent locking andunlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Locking system for involuntary unlocking . 81
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Central locking button Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Changing bulbs interior light and front reading lights . . . . 245
Changing gear see Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Changing gear in tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . 156
Changing rear lights on the tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
on the wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Changing single headlight bulbs Turn signal bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Changing the AFS headlight bulbs Xenon lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Changing the bulbs AFS headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
fog light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Luggage compartment light . . . . . . . . . . . 246
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Side turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Changing the main headlight bulb turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Changing the main headlight bulbs turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Changing the single headlight bulbs
Dipped/main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Side light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . 209
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 214
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Top Tether system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Climatronic automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Coming Home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compartment for on-board documentation . . 120
Control
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Coolant loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Coolant temperature Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Correct adjustment of front head restraints . . . 13
Correct sitting position Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cruise control Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Cruise speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
270 Index