Start stop Seat Ibiza ST 2011 Owner's Guide

149
Driving
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine hood must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating temperature
● The steering wheel must be straight.
● The vehicle must be on flat ground.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the con-
venience limits ( AC
button should be selected).
● The windscreen de-mist function must be off.
● If in an increase in airflow is not requested.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or LO.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the next start.
● The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and
the engine will automatically start:
● The vehicle starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.
● The battery has been discharged excessively.
● The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.
● The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the conven-
ience limits ( AC
button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3 presses. ●
Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.
● The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfil-
led.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and seri-
ous injury.
● 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.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (ford-
ing streams, etc.).
Note
● For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when
the engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the in-
strument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, it will not be possible to
start the vehicle again. To start the vehicle, straighten the steering wheel so
that it is turned less than 270°. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

150Driving
Activating and deactivating the Start-Stop function
Fig. 109 The Start-Stop
function button.
Every time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is au-
tomatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press the A
⇒ fig. 109 located in the centre console. When the
Start-Stop function is switched off, the indicator lamp comes
on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts im-
mediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press the A
⇒ fig. 109 located in the centre console. The indi-
cator lamp will turn off. Driver messages
Fig. 110 Display on the instrument panel during Start-Stop function operation.
When the engine is turned off by the Start-Stop function, this is displayed
on the instrument panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on, the  lamp will appear on the
instrument panel.
Note
There are different versions of the dash panel; the display of indications on
the screen may differ. 

151
Driving
Manual gearbox
Driving with a manual gearbox
Fig. 111 Centre Console:
gear shift pattern of a 5-
speed manual gearbox
Engaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press
the clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse posi-
tion shown on the gear lever.
Certain versions of the model may include a 6-speed manual gearbox, and
its diagram is shown on the gear lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox. The reverse lights light up when the reverse gear is selected and the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
● When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as
a gear is engaged and the clutch released.
● Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of
accident.
Note
● Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving. The pressure of
your hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.
● When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to
avoid unnecessary wear and damage.
● Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.
● Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal; although the pressure may
seem insignificant, it can cause the premature wear of the clutch plate. Use
the foot rest when you do not need to change gear. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

154Driving
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehi-
cle moves.
Fig. 115 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. 

158Driving
● 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. 

159
Driving
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. 119 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Driving
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
–Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 119.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ fig. 119 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
.
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent you from
driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition 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
accident. 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 brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. 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 se-
lecting first gear. 

161
Driving
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle 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.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Hill-start assist*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESP. This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal press-
ed down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging
gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is main-
tained for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when
putting 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 condi-
tions. 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 vehi-
cle 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 loca-
ted on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle at a distance of:
● side of the rear bumper: 0.6 m
● middle of the rear bumper: 1.6 m 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

162Driving
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the 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 rap-
idly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 30cm, 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 will sound continuously.
The driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the
system.
Provided that it is not in continuous mode, the tone on the parking aid sys-
tem stops when it detects a wall parallel to the vehicle.
Trailer towing
For vehicles factory-fitted with a towing bar, the parking aid system will not
be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer,
as the trailer's electric connector will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous beep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is en-
gaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as
soon as possible. If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking
aid loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean
and free of ice and snow.
WARNING
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
● Always look out for small children and animals because the system
will not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to
avoid accidents.
● The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.
CAUTION
● Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc)
may not always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging
the vehicle in such cases.
● In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be de-
tected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care
of this type of obstacle (corners, rectangular objects, etc.), as they can
cause damage to the vehicle.
● Be especially careful when manoeuvring into a corner between two per-
pendicular walls. Carefully watch the approach of the wall to the side of the
vehicle (using the mirrors).
● The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres. 

169
Intelligent technology
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessa-
ry, it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the ESP button on the centre
console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp  is lit. The TCS should normally be
left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels
is required, can they be disconnected using 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 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 fit-
ted 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, run-
ning gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect
the efficiency of the ABS and TCS. XDS*
Driveshaft differential
When 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 under-
steer or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and
correct this effect.
Through the ESP, the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteracting the
excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver's desired tra-
jectory 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 Stability Programme (ESP)* General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
The Electronic Stability Programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications