light Seat Ibiza 5D 2011 Owner's Guide

66Cockpit
Glow plug system / Engine fault* 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp  is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter*

If the warning 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, with the engine running at ap-
proximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned.
When cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the warning lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (partic-
ulate filter  , emission control system fault  and glow plugs ), take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
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. The
engine must not even run 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. 

67
Cockpit
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 203 
Rear fog light* 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on . For
further information see ⇒ page 95. 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* 
A warning lamp monitors the ABS. The indicator 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. There is a fault in the ABS if:
●
The warning lamp  does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
● The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The warning 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 ESP* and the tyre pressure warning 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 194, Working in the engine compartment.
● If the brake 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 fluid level has drop-
ped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. Ob-
tain 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.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

68Cockpit
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with
an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning 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 (TCS)*  / 
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 TCS is on, and the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
TCS operates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see
⇒  page 162, Brakes
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the TCS OFF
switch.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switch-
ed off. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*  / 
There are two warning lamps for the electronic stability pro-
gramme. The  lamp provides information concerning the
function and the
 provides information on the disconnec-
tion 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 TCS. It also includes emergency
braking assistance (BAS).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● It flashes when the TCS/ESP is activated when driving.
● It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
● It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp  lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and
then on again. If the warning 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 TCS is disconnected after pressing the  switch.

69
Cockpit
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.Tyre pressure* 
Fig. 40 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre warning lamp 1)
compares wheel revolutions and with this informa-
tion, the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a
wheel changes, the tyre warning lamp  lights up. The wheel diameter
changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed. 
1)
Depending on the model version
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70Cockpit
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels,
the button ⇒  fig. 40 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on until an
acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre moni-
tor system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure warning lamp  lights up
If the tyre pressure of a wheel is much lower than the value set by the driver,
then the tyre pressure warning lamp ⇒ 
will light up.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up, reduce speed imme-
diately and avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible,
and check the tyre pressure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. For
this reason, tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (for example, when driving in a sports-
like manner, in winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre warning lamp
may light up or function incorrectly.
Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow warning lamp  lights up after
turning the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey. Speed selector lever lock* 
The brake pedal must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This
is necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions
P or N. 
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Moreover, a warn-
ing buzzer* is heard. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as pos-
sible ⇒ page 188. 
Indicates that the doors are open* 
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the tail-
gate is open. The warning light  should go off when all the doors are closed correctly. 
Tailgate open* 
The warning lamp  should switch off when the tailgate is fully closed. 

71
Cockpit
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.
The warning lamp  is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒ page 101. 
Electro-hydraulic steering* 
The level of steering assistance depends on the vehicle speed and on the
steering wheel turning speed.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
There is a fault in the electro-hydraulic steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. Take the vehicle to the
Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
Note
When towing the vehicle with the engine stopped or due to a fault in the
power steering, this will not operate. The vehicle can still be steered, but it
will require greater force to turn the steering wheel. Emission control system* 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning 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.
Warning 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. 
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72Cockpit
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance,
stop the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Service
Centre or a specialised 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 194.

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.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle opera-
tion.

Turn signals  
The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in op-
eration.
Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left  or right 
turn signal lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same time
when the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal.
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒ page 101. 
Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will
be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the igni-
tion lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: SAFE. The vehicle
cannot be started in this case 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

77
Unlocking and locking
Unlocking and locking
Central locking Description
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock
all doors by just pushing the button.Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:
● the key, by inserting it into the driver door lock and rotating it in the
opening direction. Depending on the vehicle version, either all doors will be
unlocked or only the driver door will be unlocked. All doors will be locked on
locking the vehicle using the key.
● the interior central locking button ⇒ page 80.
● the remote control, using the buttons on the key ⇒ page 83.
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety: “Safe*” security system
Selective unlocking system*
Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
Emergency unlocking system
-
-
-
-
-
WARNING
● Locking from the outside carelessly or without good visibility may
lead to bruising, particularly in the case of children.
● When locking a vehicle, never leave children unaccompanied inside,
as from the outside it will be difficult to provide assistance if required.
● Locking the doors prevents any intruder from getting in, for example
when stopped at traffic lights.
Note
For anti-theft security, only the driver door is fitted with a lock cylinder. 
Safe security system*
This is an anti-theft device that consists of a double lock for
the door locks and a disabling function for the luggage
compartment in order to prevent a forced entry (depending
on country). Activation
The “safe” system is activated when the vehicle is locked using the key or
the remote control.
To activate it with the key, rotate once it is inserted in the door lock cylinder
in the locking direction.
To activate the system using the remote control, press the lock button once 
on the remote. 
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79
Unlocking and locking
Activating the selective unlocking system*
With the door open, insert a key into the start cylinder and start the ignition.
Insert the other key into the driver door lock and turn in the opening direc-
tion for at least 3 seconds. The turn signals will flash twice.
Deactivating the selective unlocking system*
With the door open, insert a key into the start cylinder and start the ignition.
Insert the other key into the driver door lock and turn in the locking direc-
tion for at least 3 seconds. The turn signals will flash once. 
Involuntary unlocking
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional un-
locking of the vehicle. If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. 
Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking
system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehi-
cle from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).
Locking
The doors lock automatically after exceeding 15km/h. The tailgate locks au-
tomatically after exceeding 6 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and any of its doors open, when starting again and
exceeding the mentioned speed, all doors will lock again. Unlocking
On withdrawing the ignition key, the vehicle will returns to its status prior to
self-locking.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
Activating the system*
With the ignition on, press the locking key on the central locking system
within 3 to 10 seconds.
Deactivating the system*
With the ignition on, press the unlocking key on the central locking system
within 3 to 10 seconds.
In both cases, if the operation has been carried out correctly, the locking
lamp will flash

⇒ 
fig. 43.
WARNING
The door handles must not be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Note
If the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle is unlocked, ex-
cept for the luggage compartment. It is possible to lock the vehicle from in-
side with the central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on
again. 
Emergency unlocking system
If the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle is unlocked, ex-
cept for the luggage compartment. It is possible to lock the vehicle from 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

80Unlocking and locking
inside with the central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on
again. 
Central locking button*
The central lock button allows you to lock and unlock the ve-
hicle from the inside.
Fig. 43 Central locking
button
Locking the vehicle
– Press button 
⇒ fig. 43 ⇒ .
Unlocking the doors
– Press the button 
⇒ fig. 43.
The central lock button is still operative when the ignition is switched off.
Except when the Safe security system is activated. Please note the following if you lock your vehicle with the central lock but-
ton:
●
Locking the doors and tailgate prevents access from the outside (for
safety reasons, e.g. when stopped at a traffic light).
● The driver door cannot be locked. This avoids the user from forgetting
his key inside the vehicle.
● All doors can be locked separately from inside the vehicle. Do this by
pulling the door release lever once.
WARNING
● If the vehicle is locked, children and disabled people may be trapped
inside it.
● Repeated operation of central locking will prevent the central locking
button from working for a few seconds. Then, it can only be unlocked in
case it has been previously locked. After few seconds, the central locking
becomes operative again.
● The central locking button is not operative when the vehicle is locked
from the outside (with the remote control or the key).
Note
● Vehicle locked,  button.
● Vehicle unlocked,  button. 