gearbox Seat Ibiza SC 2011 User Guide

147
Driving
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehi-
cle moves.
Fig. 106 Automatic gear-
box
Starting
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position P or N.
Driving
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down.
– By holding the lock button (button on the left in the selector lev-
er), select R, or D.
– Release the lever and wait a little for the gearbox to engage the
gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒ 
.Stopping briefly
–
If stopping for a short time, keep the vehicle stationary by
pressing the foot brake hard to prevent the car moving back-
wards on a slope or “creeping” forwards, e.g. at traffic lights.
The selector lever does not need to be put into the positions P
or N.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a
standstill ⇒ 
.
– Apply the handbrake.
– By pressing the lock button down, move the selector lever to P
and release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position “D” to the right into the
tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– The brake must be always pressed down to prevent the vehicle
from “rolling backwards” ⇒ 
. Do not try to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards by increasing the engine speed while a
range of gears is selected.
Starting the vehicle up hills
– Apply the handbrake. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

148Driving
–With a selected gear, accelerate slowly and at the same time,
release the handbrake.
The steeper the slope, the lower the needed gear. This increases the brak-
ing effect of the engine. For example, when driving down a very steep slope
in third gear. If the engine brake effect is not enough, the vehicle will speed
up. The automatic gearbox automatically changes up to prevent the engine
over-revving. Use the foot brake to reduce speed and change into 3rd gear
again using tiptronic* ⇒ 
.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever
from being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from posi-
tions P or N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position
P.
Warning lamp “Pressing brake pedal” 
When the warning lamp next to the selector lever lights up, press the brake
pedal. This is necessary when the automatic gearbox selector lever is
moved out of positions P or N. At the same time, a text message or the in-
structions to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel.
WARNING
● As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the parking brake and put the selector
lever in position P.
● If the engine is running and D or R are engaged, you will need to hold
vehicle stopped by depressing the brake pedal. The car would keep on
creeping forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even
when the engine is idling.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never accelerate when moving the selector gear or you may cause an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
● Before driving down a long, steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change into a lower gear.
● If you stop the vehicle up hill, always hold the foot brake strongly de-
pressed down to stop it from rolling 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 brake effect. This increases the braking
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
● Never allow the car to roll down a mountain or a slope with the lever
in the N or D position, regardless of the engine is running or not.
CAUTION
● If you stop the vehicle up hills, do not attempt to stop it from rolling
back by depressing the accelerator when a gear has been selected. Other-
wise, the automatic gearbox may overheat causing damage. Pull the hand-
brake up or fully depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
away.
● If you allow the car to roll when the engine is not running, or with the
selector lever in position N, a lack of lubrication in the automatic gearbox
will damage it. 

149
Driving
Changing gear in tiptronic mode*
The tiptronic system allows the driver to select gears man-
ually
Fig. 107 Changing gear
with tiptronic
Fig. 108 Steering wheel
with paddle levers for au-
tomatic gearbox
General information about driving in tiptronic mode Changing gear in tiptronic mode
–
Press the selector lever from position D to the right into the tip-
tronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector forward + to change up into high
gears.
– Lightly press the selector lever backwards - to change down into
low gears.
Changing gear with the steering wheel paddle levers*
– Press the right paddle lever +
towards the steering wheel to
change up ⇒ fig. 108.
– Press the left paddle lever –
towards the steering wheel to
change down ⇒ fig. 108.
Using the paddle levers on the steering wheel, you can access manual driv-
ing mode regardless of the pre-selected driving mode.
General information about driving in tiptronic mode
When accelerating, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox goes
into a higher gear a little before the engine reaches its maximum permitted
revolutions.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox
will only change down when the engine cannot go over its maximum permit-
ted revolutions.
If tiptronic is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic
gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox is in third gear and selector lever position
D, tiptronic mode will then also be in third gear. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

150Driving
Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒ fig. 108 are used in the normal or sport programme,
the system switches temporarily to tiptronic mode. To exit “tiptronic” mode
again, press the right paddle lever +
towards the steering wheel for approx-
imately one second. You will also leave tiptronic mode if the paddle levers
are not moved for a certain time.
Note
● The gear paddle levers on the steering wheel can be operated with the
selector lever in any position and with the vehicle in motion. 
Selector lever positions
The selector lever positions and gears are shown on the in-
strument panel screen.
Fig. 109 Automatic
gearbox: Instrument
panel display Selector lever positions
The selected gear is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the
instrument panel screen. The currently selected gear for the automatic gear-
box will also be shown on the display.
Tiptronic gear indicator
If the automatic gearbox is shifted manually, the selected gears are shown
on the screen.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked me-
chanically.
Position P on the lever must only be selected if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position P, the locking button on the selector
lever handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same
time while the ignition is switched on.
To put the selector lever in position
P, simply press the lock button down
and, if necessary, depress the brake pedal down.
R - Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position R, press the lock button down and, at
the same time, press the brake pedal down, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the ignition switched on the follow-
ing occurs:
● Reverse lights light up.
● The air conditioner automatically changes the air recirculation mode. 

151
Driving
● The wiper starts if the windscreen washer is on.
● The parking distance warning system switches on.*
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmit-
ted 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
gear lever in position N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes to a lower or higher gear,
according to the engine's requirements, the 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 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 higher gear later, and change down into a low gear, if compared with posi-
tion 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 display the selected gear is shown as well as the selector
lever to position 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 run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must always apply the handbrake 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 moving the selector 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 first gear.
● Always hold the vehicle on the foot brake if you stop on hills. Other-
wise, 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 brake 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

152Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more
force to stop the vehicle.
● Power 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.
● Never allow the car to roll downhill with the selector lever in “N”, re-
gardless of 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 un-
til the engine starts idling before returning to position “D”. 
Kickdown feature
This feature allows maximum acceleration. If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically
changes down, depending on speed and engine speed, into a lower gear to
take full advantage of give 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 a 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.

Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 110 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats 

159
Driving
case, however, if the vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the
stored speed for longer than 5 minutes. The speed will have to be stored
again.
Cruise control is switched off if you reduce speed by depressing the brake
pedal. Reactivate the control by pressing once on the upper part of the rock-
er switch RES+ ⇒ fig. 113 B
.
WARNING
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

Switching off the system temporarily*
Fig. 114 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise con-
trol
The cruise control system will be switched off in the following situations:
● if the brake pedal is depressed,
● if the clutch pedal is depressed, ●
if the vehicle is accelerated to over 180 km/h,
● when the lever A
is moved in the direction of
OFF without fully being
engaged.
To resume cruise control, release the brake or clutch pedal or reduce the ve-
hicle speed to less than 180 km/h and press once on the upper part of the
rocker switch RES ⇒ fig. 114 B
.
WARNING
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

Completely switching off the system
Fig. 115 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise con-
trol
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The system is completely turned off by moving the control A
all the way to
the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is stationary, igni-
tion off. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Driving
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
To completely disengage the system, the selector lever must be placed in
one of the following positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehicle stopped and
the ignition turned off. 

169
Driving and the environment
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible,
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 56.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no un-
necessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof
rack even when it is not in use. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

216If 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. In the event of a punctured tyre, your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mo-
bility System.
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. 