Seat Ibiza 5D 2012 Owner's manual

99
Lights and visibility
● The rear fog light is so bright that it can dazzle drivers behind you. You
should use the rear fog light only when visibility is very poor.
● The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements. 
Automatic lighting*
Fig. 55 Automatic light-
ing
Activation
– Rotate the switch to the position “Auto”, this indication will
light up.
Deactivation
– Turn the light switch to 0.
Automatic lighting
If automatic headlight control is switched on, dipped beam headlights are
automatically switched on by a photosensor if you drive into a tunnel, for
example.
WARNING
● Even if the automatic headlight control is switched on, the dipped
beam headlights will not be switched on with fog. Therefore, the dipped
beam must be switched on manually.
Note
● For those vehicles with the automatic headlight system, when the key is
removed from the ignition, the audible warning will only sound if the light
knob is in position  or .
● If the daylight driving automatic light function is switched on, the fog
lights or rear fog light cannot be switched on in addition.
● The use of the lighting described here is subject to the relevant statutory
requirements.
● Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the sensor. This may
cause disruptions or faults in the automatic lighting system.
● The rain sensor switches on the dipped beam headlights when the wind-
screen wipers have been operating continuously for a few seconds and it
switches the lights off when the continuous or interval wipe is switched off
for some minutes. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

100Lights and visibility
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range control
Fig. 56 Dash panel: reg-
ulation for instrument
and switch lighting and
headlight range control
Instrument and switch lighting 1
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the thumb wheel
⇒ Fig. 56 1
.
Vehicles fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights are fitted with an auto-
matic headlight range system.
The instrument lighting (some dials and needles), the centre console light-
ing and the lighting of the displays are regulated by a photodiode incorpo-
rated in the instrument panel.
The instrument lighting (needles) is switched on when the ignition is on and
the light is off . The instrument lighting is dimmed automatically as the day-
light starts to fade. It goes out completely when the ambient light level is
very low. This function is intended to remind the driver to switch on the dip-
ped beam headlights in good time when light conditions become poor. Headlight range control
2
By using the electrical headlight range control, 2 you can adjust the head-
light range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. This way, it
is possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the
same time, by using the correct headlight settings, the driver has the best
possible lighting for the road ahead.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wheel down 2
from the basic setting
0.
Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) are equipped with dynamic
headlight range control . When you switch on the lights, their range regu-
lates itself according to the vehicle load.
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs do not have headlight range control. 
Daytime driving lights*
Daytime driving lights light up automatically when the igni-
tion is switched on (only with AFS headlights)
Daylight driving lights switch off automatically when the side lights are
switched on.
Activating daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (right
turn signal), press it backwards to flash position and hold in this position.
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are activated and
can be switched on.
Switching daytime lights off (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (left
turn signal), press it backwards to flash position and hold in this position. 

101
Lights and visibility
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are deactivated
and cannot be switched on.
Note
See legal requirements for each country. 
Adaptive headlights* (for driving round bends)
When driving around bends, the headlights will light the
most important areas of the road.
Fig. 57 Cornering light-
ing using adaptive head-
lights
This cornering light gives better illumination of the side of the road and the
corner area. The dynamic lighting is controlled automatically according to
speed and the steering wheel angle.
The two main headlights move at different angles to avoid that the front of
the vehicle is left completely in the dark.
Note
The system operates from a speed of about 10 km/h (6 mph). 
Fog lights with cornering function*
This is an additional light source to dipped beam headlights
to light up the road as a bend is taken.
The cornering light operates with the lights switched on and when driving at
less than 40 Km/h (25 mph). They light up when the steering wheel is
turned or the flashers are operated.
Forward gear
● If the steering wheel is turned to the right, or the right-hand turn signal
operated, the right-hand headlight lights up.
● If the steering wheel is turned to the left, or the left-hand flasher operat-
ed, the left-hand headlight lights up.
In reverse gear both headlights light up.
Note
When the fog lamps are on, the cornering function is activated and both
headlights are continuously on. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

102Lights and visibility
Coming/leaving Home function*
The Coming Home function is controlled manually. The Leav-
ing Home function is controlled with a photosensor.
If the Coming Home or Leaving Home function is connected, the front side
and dipped lights, the tail lights and the number plate light will light up to
provide assistance.
Coming home function
The Coming Home function is activated by switching off the ignition and
briefly flashing the lights. When the driver door is opened, the Coming
Home lighting comes on. If the driver door is already open when the lights
are flashed briefly, the Coming Home lighting comes on immediately.
When the last door of the vehicle or the rear lid is closed, the Coming Home
function starts and the switching off the headlights is delayed.
The Coming Home lighting switches off in the following cases:
● On completion of the time period established for the delay in switching
off the lights after all the vehicle doors and the rear lid have been closed.
● If, 30 seconds after being connected, any doors or the rear lid remain
open.
● If the light switch is turned to position .
● If the ignition is switched on.
Leaving home function
The Leaving Home function is activated when the vehicle is unlocked if:
● the light control is in position  and
● the photosensor detects “darkness”.
The Leaving Home lighting switches off in the following cases:
● If the time period for the delay in switching off the headlights has ended
● If the vehicle is locked again. ●
If the light switch is turned to position .
● If the ignition is switched on.
Note
● To activate the coming/leaving home function, the rotary light switch
must be in position  and the light sensor must detect darkness.
● If the ignition key is removed while the lights are on, and the lights are
flashed briefly and the driver door opened, no audible warning is heard, as
when the Coming Home function is on, the lights are automatically switched
off after a period of time (except when the light switch is in position  or
. 
Heated rear window 
Fig. 58 Centre console:
heated rear window
switch
The heated rear window only works when the engine is running. When it is
switched on, a lamp lights up on the switch.
After approx. 8 minutes, the heating device of the rear window switches off
automatically. 

103
Lights and visibility
For the sake of the environment
The heated rear window should be switched off as soon as the glass is dem-
isted. By saving electrical power you can also save fuel.
Note
To avoid possible damage to the battery, an automatic temporary discon-
nection of this function is possible, coming back on when normal operating
conditions are re-established. 
Hazard warning lights 
The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
Fig. 59 Dash panel: switch for hazard warning lights
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒ 
.3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic gear-
box, move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehi- cle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example:
● reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,
● there is an emergency
● your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,
● you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. The two turn signal turn signal lamps   and the turn signal
lamp in the switch  will flash at the same time. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire! 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

104Lights and visibility
Note
● The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a
long time, even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rel-
evant statutory requirements. 
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the park-
ing lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 60 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒ 
Fig. 60 1
to indicate right, and
all the way down 2 to indicate left. Signalling a lane change
–
Push the lever up 1
or down 2 to the point where you incur
resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding control lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position .
– Press the lever forward ⇒ Fig. 60 4
to switch on the main
beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head-
lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel 3
to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the turn signal lever up or down to turn the right or left-
hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers. 

105
Lights and visibility
Note
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel. The control
lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is de-
fective, the control lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal
bulbs are damaged, control lamp  does not light up. Change the bulb.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the instru-
ment panel.
● The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the
instrument panel.
● When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the tail light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will on-
ly work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on,
an audible warning will be emitted while the driver door is open.
● If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened.
This is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to
leave the parking light on. Interior lights
Front interior light
Fig. 61 Interior roof trim:
front interior lighting
The switch A

⇒  Fig. 61 is used to select the following positions:
Courtesy light position 
Sliding switch in central position The interior lighting is automatically
switched on when the vehicle is unlocked or the key removed from the igni-
tion. And turn off approx. 20 seconds after closing the doors. The interior
lights are switched off when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is
switched on.
Interior light switched on 
Move the knob to the position .
Interior light switched off O
Move the switch to position O ⇒ Fig. 61.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

106Lights and visibility
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched off
after approx. 10 minutes, providing the ignition key has been removed and
the courtesy light position selected. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. 
Front reading light*
Fig. 62 Front reading
light
Switching on the reading light 
Press the corresponding button B
⇒ Fig. 62 to switch on the reading light.
Switching the reading lights off 
Press the corresponding button to switch the reading light off. Luggage compartment light*
The light is activated when the rear lid is open, even when the ignition and
lights are turned off. For this reason, ensure that the rear lid is always
closed.

Glove compartment light
When opening the glove compartment on the passenger side, the glove
compartment light will automatically turn on and will turn off upon closure. 
Visibility Sun visors
Fig. 63 Sun visor on the
driver side 

107
Lights and visibility
The sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of
their central supports and turned towards the doors in the direction of the
arrow ⇒ Fig. 63. Never pull them downwards.
The driver sun visor has compartments for cards, and the passenger sun vi-
sor has a vanity mirror with a cover*.
Note
Incorrect use of the sun visors (e.g. pulling them downwards once they are
open) may result in broken hinges. This damage is not covered by the vehi-
cle warranty. 
Windscreen wipers
Front windscreen wipers 
The window wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers and
the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 64 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
leverThe window wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 64 has the following positions:
Switching off the windscreen wipers
–
Move the lever to position 0
.
Interval wipe
– Move the lever up to position 1
.
– Move the control A
to the left or right to set the length of the
wipe intervals. Control to the left: long intervals; control to the
right: short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set us-
ing switch A
.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position 4
to give the windscreen a
short wipe.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position 5
, the
windscreen washer is activated.
– Release the lever. The wipers-washers will keep running for ap-
proximately four seconds. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

108Lights and visibility
WARNING
● Worn and dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and safety levels while
driving.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash/wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation sys-
tem. The windscreen washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the wind-
screen and obscure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 205.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wind-
screen wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you
could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
● The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.
● The heat output of the heated jets* is controlled automatically when the
ignition is switched on, depending upon the outside temperature.
● In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will on-
ly work in interval/rain sensor mode when the ignition is on and the bonnet
closed.
● When the interval wipe function is on, the intervals are directly propor-
tional to the speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed the shorter the
intervals.
● If you stop the vehicle with the windscreen wiper in position 1 or 2, it
will automatically change to a lower speed. The set speed will be resumed
when the vehicle pulls away.
● The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds
once the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the
vehicle is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three seconds after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the
last wipe. For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition
off and then on again.

Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen
wiper intervals, depending on the amount of rain.
Fig. 65 Windscreen wip-
er lever
Switching on the rain sensor
– Move the windscreen wiper lever into position 1
⇒ Fig. 65.
– Move the control A
to the left or right to set the sensitivity of
the rain sensor. Control to the right: highly sensitive. Control to
the left: less sensitive.
The rain sensor is part of the interval wipe function. You will have to switch
the rain sensor back on if you switch off the ignition. This is done by switch-
ing the interval wipe function off and back on. 