fuel Seat Ibiza ST 2012 User Guide

105
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

112Lights and visibility
Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.
The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the window wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
● To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.
● To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to
time, the headlight washers will be activated every three cycles. 
Rear view mirrors
Adjusting the rear view mirrors
Before beginning any journey, adjust the rear view mirrors for correct visibil-
ity. Interior rear vision mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear vision mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the rear vision
mirror should be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzle function.

Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and
off as desired.
Fig. 67 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior rear vision
mirror.
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 67. Control lamp B goes off.

114Lights and visibility
–The mirrors demist for some minutes to prevent draining the
battery.
– If necessary, press the button again to repeat the function.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated with temperatures
above 20°C.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
– Turn the control ⇒ Fig. 68 to position  to fold in the exterior
mirrors. You should always fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash. This will help prevent
damage.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the extended position*
– Turn the knob to position L or R to fold the exterior mirrors back
out ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision however the
objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you use these
mirrors to estimate the distance to vehicles behind you when changing
lane, you could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cles behind you.
● Make sure that you do not get your finger trapped between the mirror
and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of injury!
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer nee-
ded. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
● If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be ad-
justed by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
● In vehicles with electric exterior mirrors, the following points should be
observed: if, due to an external force (e.g. a knock while manoeuvring), the
adjustment of the mirror housing is altered, the mirror will have to be com-
pletely folded electrically. Do not readjust the rear vision mirror housing by
hand, as this will interfere with the mirror adjuster function.
● The rear view mirrors can be adjusted separately or simultaneously, as
described before.
● The fold-in function on the exterior mirrors is not active at speeds over
40 km/h (25 mph). 

129
Seats and storage compartments
Luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Loads in the luggage compartment should be safely se-
cured.
Fig. 93 Position heavy
items as far forward as
possible.
To maintain safe handling on the road, please observe the follow-
ing points:
– Distribute the load evenly.
– Position heavy items as far forward as possible ⇒ Fig. 93.
– Secure the load with a luggage net* or with non-elastic straps
secured to the fastening rings ⇒ page 130.
WARNING
● Unsecured objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly shift
and cause changes in the handling of the vehicle.
● In an accident or a sudden manoeuvre, loose objects in the passenger
compartment can be flung forward and might injure vehicle occupants.
● Always keep all objects in the luggage compartment and use appro-
priate grips to secure them, particularly in the case of heavy objects.
● When you transport heavy objects, always bear in mind that a change
of the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.
● Please refer to the notes on ⇒ page 7.
CAUTION
Make sure that no hard objects chafe against the wires of the heating ele-
ment in the rear window and damage them.
Note
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load. When necessary
check the tyre pressures on the label located on the inside fuel tank flap
⇒ page 217. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

139
Air conditioning
● The outside temperature is below +3°C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because of an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a spe-
cialised workshop. 
Air recirculation 
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside.
When air recirculation mode is switched on (button ⇒ Fig. 103 
with
warning lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle inte-
rior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in a traffic jam.
When the outside temperature is low, air recirculation mode improves heat-
ing performance by heating air from the interior instead of cold air from the
outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air recirculation mode improves cool-
ing performance by cooling air from the interior instead of warm air from
outside.
For safety reasons, the air recirculation should not be switched on when the
air distribution control is set to the windscreen setting .
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioner is switched off, the windows can quickly
mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode switched on
for a long time (risk of accident).
Note
● When engaging reverse gear, the air recirculation is connected automat-
ically to prevent the entrance of exhaust gases in the vehicle on travelling
backwards. The control lamp on the button 
does not light up.
● If the temperature control is turned to the coldest setting (blue point)
and the switch AC
is activated, the “Air recirculation” function is automati-
cally activated in order to cool the vehicle rapidly using less energy; its
function control lamp will light.
● If the function is not deactivated by pressing the button, this will deacti-
vate after approx. 20 min. 
Economic use of the air conditioning
When the air conditioning is switched on, the compressor consumes engine
power and has influence on fuel consumption. Consider the following
points in order to have the system operating in the minimum possible time.
● If the vehicle interior has overheated due to an excessive solar radiation,
it is best to open the windows or doors to allow the hot air to escape.
● While in motion, the air conditioning should not be switched on if the
windows or the sunroof are open.* 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

141
Air conditioning
Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, air flow and distribution
are automatically regulated so that a specified temperature
is attained as quickly as possible, and then maintained. Switching on automatic mode
– Press the button AUTO
. The indication
⇒ Fig. 104 3 is dis-
played.
– Press keys 10
and 11 ⇒ Fig. 104 to adjust the desired tempera-
ture inside the vehicle. We recommend you adjust the tempera-
ture to 22°C (72°F).
A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of
22°C (72°F) is set in automatic mode. Therefore, we recommend you not to
change this adjustment, except as necessary to suit individual preferences
or particular circumstances. The inside temperature can be set between
+18°C (64°F) and +29°C (86°F). If a lower or higher temperature is selected,
LO or HI are respectively displayed on the screen. These are approximate
temperatures which may slightly vary depending on the outside conditions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. To do so, it automatically
regulates the supplied air temperature, the blower speed and the air distri-
bution. The system also considers the sunlight radiation, so there is no
need for manual readjustment. Therefore, automatic mode almost always
provides the best comfort for the vehicle occupants throughout the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the
buttons for air distribution or blower. The temperature continues to self-reg-
ulate. Manual mode
In manual mode the air temperature, flow, and the desired
air distribution can be adjusted.
Switching on manual mode
– Press one of the buttons ⇒ Fig. 104 14
to 16 or press the blow-
er control 8 and 9 down. The indicator is switched off 3.
Temperature
The inside temperature can be set between +18°C (64°F) and +29°C (86°F).
These are approximate temperatures which may slightly vary depending on
the outside conditions.
If a temperature below 18°C (64°F), is selected, the display switches to LO In
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the tempera-
ture is not regulated.
If a temperature above 29°C (86°F) is selected, the display switches to HI In
this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the tempera-
ture is not controlled.
Blower
The blower can be adjusted with buttons 8
and 9 ⇒ Fig. 104. If the blow-
er is off (level 1 is not shown on the screen) and button 9 is pressed after
1 second, the Climatronic switches off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons 
,  and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air outlets separately.
Switching the air conditioning on and off
Pressing the button AC
the air cooling system can be switched off in order
to save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set tempera-
ture can then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

147
Driving
Starting and stopping the engine Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting ⇒ page 145 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 10 sec-
onds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, the
fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 231, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 248, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

148Driving
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ Fig. 107 2
. The warning
lamp  will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition key to position 3
to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the start-
er motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the ⇒ page 248.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp goes out.
Starting the diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because
the fuel system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 248, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the en-
gine reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions. 
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ Fig. 107 1
.
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 mi-
nutes. It is also possible that the fan turns itself on once more if the coolant 

149
Driving
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the en-
gine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake op-
eration cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may ex-
ist.
● The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is re-
moved from the ignition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a heavy load for a long period,
heat can accumulate in the engine compartment and cause engine damage.
For this reason, you should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you
switch it off. Driving with LPG*Fig. 108 Centre console:
gas system control
switch.
Your SEAT vehicle has a bivalent engine able to run on either LPG or petrol.
The LPG tank ⇒ page 196, Refuelling with LPG is in the spare wheel well
⇒ 
.
It is possible to change from LPG to petrol while the engine is running, even
if the vehicle is moving, by pressing the   button located on the centre
console ⇒ Fig. 108.
Starting the engine
The engine is always started with petrol, even when LPG was being used
when it was switched off.
Automatic switch from petrol to LPG
When the engine is turned on and the following conditions are met, the sys-
tem will automatically switch from petrol mode to LPG mode, the notifica-
tion changed to GAS mode is displayed and the green warning lamp on the
instrument panel lights up: 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

154Driving
Automatic gearbox*
Gearbox programmes
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox programmes.
Fig. 112 Automatic gear-
box
Selecting the normal programme
– Put the selector lever into position D.
Selecting the sport programme
– Put the selector lever into position S.
If you select the normal programme, D, you will drive in the economy mode,
i.e. the programme is designed to reduce fuel consumption. The gearbox
changes up into a higher gear as soon as possible and down into a lower
gear as late as possible.
If you select the sport programme, S, you will drive in a sporty mode, i.e. a
programme in which shifts into high gears are postponed in order to use
the full power of the engine. Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle
to move.
Fig. 113 Automatic gear-
box
Fig. 114 Automatic
gearbox: Instrument
panel display
