engine Seat Ibiza 5D 2009 Service Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2009, Model line: Ibiza 5D, Model: Seat Ibiza 5D 2009Pages: 257, PDF Size: 6.5 MB
Page 141 of 257

Driving139
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmitted 
to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the 
N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function as 
a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the 
selector lever in position  N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes to a lower or higher gear, 
according to the engine requirements, driving style and speed. The braking 
effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the selector is 
in this position. The instrument panel screen displays the selected gear as 
well as the selector lever in position  D.
If position  N has been selected and you wish to select  D, you must press the 
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h.
S - Standard driving position (Sport programme)
When the selector lever is in position  S, it will automatically change up into a 
h igh er  gea r late r,  an d change  d own i nto a  low g ea r,  if  com pare d  wi th p osi ti on 
D . This way, it is possible to take full advantage of the engine reserve power, 
depending on the engine demand, driving style and speed. The braking 
effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited. On the instrument 
panel screen the selected gear is shown as well as the selector lever to posi-
tion  S.
To select gear range  S, press the lock button on the selector lever.
WARNING
If the vehicle moves with no control, an accident and serious injury may 
occur.•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 always apply the parking brake and engage parking lock 
P.
•If the engine is running and if D or R are engaged, you will need to hold 
the vehicle stopped by depressing footbrake down. The car would creep 
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 acci-
dent.•Before driving down a very steep slope, reduce your speed and shift to 
position 1st.•Always hold the vehicle on the foot brake if you stop uphill. Otherwise, 
the vehicle could roll 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 braking effect. This increases the braking 
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.WARNING
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. You could lose 
control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious injury.•The airbags and belt tensioners do  not work when the ignition is 
switched off.•The brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. You 
need more force to stop the vehicle.•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.WARNING (continued)
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Driving
140•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 en gine speed, into a lower gear to 
take full advantage of 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 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.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when 
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly  ⇒fig. 104 .
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the direc- tion of the arrow  ⇒fig. 104  and guide the handbrake lever down 
fully  ⇒ .
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 104  Handbrake 
between the front seats
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Driving141
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Always apply the handbrake 
firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒ .
The handbrake warning lamp 
 lights up when the handbrake is applied 
and the ignition is switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is 
released.
WARNING
•Never use the handbrake to stop the  vehicle when it is in motion. The 
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to 
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!•If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating, 
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an acci-
dent. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear 
should also be selected.Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the 
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected. – Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition lock. 
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle  ⇒ .
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started 
to roll.•If the vehicle is parked facing  downhill, turn the front wheels so that they 
point  towards the kerb .•If the vehicle is parked facing  uphill, turn the front wheels so that they 
point  away from the kerb .•Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and 
engaging first gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle 
unattended.•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable 
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is 
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and 
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an 
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.•Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle in 
motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever / 
selector lever.•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
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Page 144 of 257

Driving
142Hill-start assist*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESP.This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operating conditions: doors closed, brake pedal pressed 
down and vehicle in neutral. The system is activated on engaging gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is maintained 
for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when put into 
gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
•If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off the 
brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain conditions. 
Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.•If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake 
immediately.•When following a line of traffic uphill,  if you want to prevent the vehicle 
from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal down 
for a few seconds before starting off.Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is 
equipped with this system.
Acoustic parking aid system*Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an acoustic signal to warn of 
the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear 
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located 
on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at  approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle  a distance of:•side of the rear bumper: 0.6 m•middle of the rear bumper: 1.6 m
Activation
The system is activated by engaging reverse gear. A brief acoustic signal 
confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the 
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase 
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 30 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop 
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Models with a factory-fitted towing bracket: When the vehicle is less than 
0.35 m away from the obstacle, the warning tone is emitted continuously. The 
driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the 
system.
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Page 151 of 257

Intelligent technology149
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works 
only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has 
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to 
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so 
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably 
when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake servo is not working, for example when the vehicle is being 
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than 
normal.
Brake Assist System (BAS)*
The Brake Assist System function is only included in vehicles 
with ESP.In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force. 
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.
This is when the brake assist system comes into action. When pressing the 
brake pedal rapidly, the assistant interprets it as an emergency. It then very 
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated 
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system 
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
Warning lights automatic lighting
The brake lights flash automatically to indicate that the vehicle is braking 
suddenly or in an emergency situation. Where the emergency braking 
continues until the vehicle comes to a standstill, the warning lights will then 
come on and the brake lights will remain permanently on from that moment. 
The warning lights will automatically switch off when the vehicle begins to 
move again or when the "warning" light button is pressed.
WARNING
•The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep 
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery 
or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist 
system.
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Intelligent technology
150•The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and 
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is 
essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions. 
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when 
driving.
Anti-lock brake system and traction control 
ABSAnti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking 
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active 
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is 
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel. 
The driver is made aware of this control process by a  pulsating of the brake 
pedal  and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or 
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has inter-
vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed 
so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is 
retained as the wheels do not lock. However, ABS will not necessarily gu
arantee shorter braking distances in  all 
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel 
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery 
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is 
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce 
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the 
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.•The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted 
⇒ page 193.•If the running gear or brakes are modified, the effectiveness of the ABS 
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from 
spinning when the car is accelerating. The system always 
includes ABSDescription and operation of the traction control system during acceleration 
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel 
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the 
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in 
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology151
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
T h e  T C S  is  s w i tch e d  o n  a u t o m a t i ca ll y  w h e n  t h e  e n g i n e  is  s ta r t e d .  I f  n e ce s sa r y,  
it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the ESP button on the centre 
console.
When the TCS is switched off, the warning lamp flashes slowly. The TCS 
should normally be left switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circum-
stances, when the slipping of the wheels is required, can they be discon-
nected with the ESP button, for example.
•With compact temporary spare wheel.•When using the snow chains.•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces•When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS 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 TCS tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.•Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer 
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel 
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner 
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the 
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the 
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This 
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer 
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and 
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess 
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver's desired trajectory is 
much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active, 
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the 
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of  ABS, EDL and TCS.
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Intelligent technology
152Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the 
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them 
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being 
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable 
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front 
wheel on the outside of the turn.
WARNING
•It must be remembered that 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.Caution
•In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.•Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking 
⇒ page 150.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock  helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS 
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒ page 59.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by 
a slippery road surface on one side  of the vehicle. It does this by braking the 
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other 
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts 
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to 
function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not informed that 
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, 
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to 
spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.
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Intelligent technology153
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic 
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into taking 
any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL  ⇒page 170.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the 
car is accelerating  ⇒page 150.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
154Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be  gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is 
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption, 
reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect 
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. In case of a sharp braking, the 
braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with brake pads 
which have been run-in.
WARNING
•At first, new tyres do not give maximum grip, and require running-in. 
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.•New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction 
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity 
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by 
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad  wear. The rate 
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often 
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an 
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service 
Schedule.
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