towing Seat Ibiza ST 2016 User Guide

Driving
Braking and stability systems El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)*This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk of
sk

idding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains
the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the
traction control system (ASR). The ESC works
together with the ABS. Both control lamps
will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 156.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
face s.
● When the

vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
wards
and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC reduc

es the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp  provides infor-
mation concerning function and  disconnec-
tion status.
Both control 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
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). The control lamp
 has the f ollowing func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activat
ed.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light w
ill also come on if a fault
should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp  lights up and stays
on after the engine is started, this may mean
that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESC. In this case the ESC can
be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the control 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 ASR is disconnected on
press
ing the switch  or if we select ESC
Sport mode, only by means of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not for g

et that the electronic stability
control ESC 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 ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. » 155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
CAUTION
● To ens ur
e that the ESC works correctly, all
four wheels must be fitted with the same
tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of
the tyres can cause the system to reduce en-
gine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for
exampl
e, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels
and tyres) may affect the operation of the
ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. Traction control system (ASR)*
The traction control system prevents the driv-
en wheel
s
fr om s

pinning when the vehicle is
accelerating. This system always includes
ABS.
Description and operation of the traction
control system during acceleration (ASR)
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR sys-
tem intervenes, reducing engine power and
preventing the driven wheels from slipping
during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS.
If a failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will al-
so stop working.
TCS helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even
impossible. The ASR automatically switches on when the
engine is s

tarted. If necessary, it could be
connected or disconnected by means of the
Easy Connect system.
When the ASR is off, the warning lamp lights
up . The ASR should normally be left on.
Only in exceptional circumstances, when
wheel spin is required, can they be turned off
using the ESC button, for example:
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on soft ter-
rain.
● When the vehic

le is bogged-down, to free it
“by roc
king it.”
The ASR should be switched on again as
soon as possible.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the traction
control system:  and . Both control lamps
light up together when the ignition is switch-
ed on and should turn off after approximately
2 seconds. This is the time taken for the func-
tion check.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the ve-
hicle is
moving. If the system is deactivated or if it has any
fault, the warnin

g lamp will remain lit. The
warning lamp will also light up if a fault
should occur in the ABS because the ASR op-
erates in conjunction with the ABS. For fur-
ther information, see ››› page 156.
The  lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected
via Ea
sy Connect.
By means of Easy Connect, the ASR function
is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off. WARNING
● Remember that not

even the ASR can 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 ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ASR
should not encourage you to run any risks. CAUTION
● To ens ur

e that the ASR works correctly,
identical tyres should be fitted on all four
wheels. Any differences in the rolling radius
of the tyres can cause the system to reduce
engine power when this is not desired. 156

Driving
Manual gearbox Driv in
g w ith m
anual gearboxRead the additional information carefully
›››
 p

age 37
Certain versions of the model may include a
6-speed manual gearbox, and its diagram is
shown on the gearbox lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when
the car is stationary. When the engine is run-
ning and before engaging this gear, wait
about 6 seconds with the clutch pressed
down thoroughly in order to protect the gear-
box.
The reverse lights switch on when the reverse
gear is selected and the ignition is on. WARNING
● When the engine is ru

nning, the vehicle
will start to move as soon as a gear is engag-
ed and the clutch released.
● Never select the reverse gear when the ve-
hicle is
in motion. Risk of accident. Note
● Do not re s

t 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 chan gin

g gear, you should always
depress the clutch fully to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
● Do not “slip” the clutch to hold the vehicle
on a hill.
This causes premature wear and
damage to the clutch.
● Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal;
although the pres
sure may seem insignifi-
cant, it can cause the premature wear of the
clutch plate. Use the foot rest when you do
not need to change gear. Gear-change indicator
3 Valid for vehicles: with a manual gearbox
The r ec

ommended gear for saving fuel is in-
dicated on the dash screen of certain vehi-
cles during driving.
DisplayMeaning 
The optimal gear is selected.

Changing to a higher gear is recommended.

Changing to a lower gear is recommended.
Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
par

ticulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this purpose, it might be necessary to drive momentarily
with a high rpm
›››

page 170. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
function and in no c a

se should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear depending on the s
ituation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel. Note
The recommended gear display is switched
off when the clut c

h pedal is pressed. Automatic gearbox*
Driv ing pr
ogr

ammes Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 p

age 38
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox
programmes. »
161
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
Alwa y
s keep visual control of the vehicle
surroundings: use the mirrors for additional
help. CAUTION
Parking Aid functions may be negatively af-
f ected b y

different factors that may lead to
damage to the vehicle or its immediate sur-
rounds:
● Under certain circumstances, the system
does not det
ect or display certain objects:
– Objects such as chains, trailer draw bars,
fences, posts and thin trees.
– Objects that are located above the sen-
sors, such as protrusions in a wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or struc-
tures, such as wire mesh fences or pow-
der snow.
● Certain surfaces of objects and garments
do not reflect
the ultrasound sensors' sig-
nals. The system cannot detect, at least cor-
rectly, these objects or people wearing such
clothes.
● Ultrasound sensor signals may be affected
by ext
ernal sound sources. In certain circum-
stances this may prevent them from detect-
ing people or objects.
● Please note that low obstacles detected by
the system m
ay no longer be registered by
the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. In
certain circumstances, objects such as high kerbs that could damage the bottom of the
vehicl
e ar

e not detected either.
● If the first warning from the ParkPilot is ig-
nored, the vehic
le could suffer considerable
damage.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator
grille, b
umper, wheel arch and vehicle under-
body can adjust the orientation of the sen-
sors. This can affect the parking aid function.
Have the function checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
● In cert ain s

ituations, the system can give a
warning even though there is no obstacle in
the detected area, e.g:
–with rough or cobbled floors or ground
with long grass;
– with external ultrasound sources, such as
cleaning vehicles or other vehicles;
– In downpours, intense snow or dense ex-
haust gases;
– if the registration plate (front or rear) is
not properly affixed to the bumper sur-
face;
– or in locations such as the brow of a hill.
● In order to guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultra
sound sensors clean, free
of snow or ice, and do not cover them with
adhesives or other objects.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment to cl
ean the ultrasound sensors, apply it directly only very briefly and always from a
dist
anc

e of more than 10 cm.
● Retrofitting of accessories to the vehicle,
such as
a bicycle rack, may interfere with the
operation of the Parking Aid.
● In order to familiarise yourself with the sys-
tem, it is
advised that you practice parking in
an area or car park that is free from traffic.
There must be good weather and light condi-
tions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can
be modified, in addition to the indic
ations
››› page 179.
● In vehicles without a driver inf
ormation
system, these parameters can be modified in
a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised
workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a
trailer ›

›› page 180.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen
shows a s
light time delay. Rear parking aid*
The rear Parking Aid assists the driver in
p
ark
ing b

y means of audible warning
sounds.
Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear
bumper. When the sensors detect an obsta-
cle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
176

Operation
Error messages When the Parking Aid is activated or when it
is sw
it
ched on, if a message reporting a Park-
ing aid error is displayed on the instrument
panel, there is a fault in the system.
If the fault doesn't disappear before discon-
necting the ignition, next time that parking
aid is engaged in reverse, it will not be indi-
cated.
Parking System Plus*
If there is a fault in the parking aid system a
message will appear on the instrument panel
indicating the error. In addition the  key
LED will blink.
If there is a fault in a sensor, the symbol  is
displayed on the Easy Connect display in
front of/behind the vehicle. If a rear sensor is
faulty, only the obstacles in the areas A and
B are displayed
››
›
Fig. 176
. If a front sensor
is faulty, only the obstacles in the areas Cand
D are displayed.
Hav e the f
ault

corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay.
Towing bracket In vehicles equipped with a towing bracket
dev
ic
e fr om the f

actory, when the trailer is
connected electrically, the Parking Aid rear sensors will not be activated when reverse
gear is

engaged, when the selector lever is
turned to position R or when the button  is
pressed.
Parking System Plus
The distance to possible obstacles at the rear
of the vehicle will not be displayed on the
screen and nor will it be indicated by means
of audible sound signals.
The Easy Connect system screen will only dis-
play objects detected at the front, and the ve-
hicle's trajectory will be hidden.
Rear Assist “Rear View Cam-
era”*
Operating and s

afety warnings WARNING
● The Rear As s

ist does not make it possible
to precisely calculate the distance from ob-
stacles (people, vehicles, etc.) and nor can it
overcome the system's own limits, hence us-
ing it may cause serious accidents and inju-
ries if used negligently or without due care.
The driver should be aware of his/her sur-
roundings at all times to ensure safe driving.
● The camera lens expands and distorts the
field of v
ision and displays the objects on the screen in a different, vague manner. The per-
ception of di
s

tances is also distorted by this
effect.
● Some objects may, due to the resolution of
the displ
ay screen - not be displayed in a sat-
isfactory manner or may not be displayed at
all. Take special care with thin posts, fences,
railings or trees that might not be displayed
on screen and could damage the vehicle.
● The rear assist has blind spots where it is
not poss
ible to represent people or objects
(small children, animals and certain objects
cannot be detected in its field of vision). Mon-
itor the vehicle's surrounding area at all
times.
● Keep the camera lens clean, free of ice and
snow, and do not
cover it.
● The system is not a replacement for driver
awarene
ss. Supervise the parking operation
at all times, as well as the vehicle's surround-
ing area. Adapt your speed and driving style
at all times to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
● Do not be distracted from the traffic by
looking at the s
creen.
● The images on the rear assist screen are
only two-dimen
sional. Due to a lack of spatial
depth, protruding parts or holes in the road,
for example, are more difficult to detect or
may not be seen at all.
● Vehicle load modifies the representation of
the orientation lines di
splayed. The width
represented by the lines diminishes with ve-
hicle load. Pay special attention to the
vehicle's surroundings when the inside of the 180

Operation
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they
light up and the corr e
sponding messages
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system does not
work a s

described in this chapter, have it
checked immediately by a specialised work-
shop. Towing bracket device and
tr
ai
ler
T

railer mode
What do you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted with the c
orr

ect equipment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-
ing bracket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer. If you
wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
››› page 188.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector
for the electrical connection between the
trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to
use an adapter cable. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly steeper slopes. The maximum trailer weights listed are only
applic
ab

le for altitudes up to 1000 m above
sea level. With increasing altitude the engine
power and therefore the vehicle climbing
ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has
to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the
vehicle and trailer combination must be re-
duced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or
part thereof). The gross combination weight
is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. When
possible, operate the trailer with the maxi-
mum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar
loads that are given on the data plate of the
towing bracket are for certification purposes
only. The correct figures for your specific
model, which may be lower than these fig-
ures for the towing bracket, are given in the
vehicle documentation or in ››› chapter Tech-
nical Data .
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Loads carried in the trailer must be secured
to prevent them moving.
186

Towing bracket device and trailer
Tyre pressure
Set ty
re pr
essure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
res u

lt in fatal accidents. Note
● Tow in

g a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to tow
ing a trailer in your country. Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tions on fittin
g and r

emoving the ball cou-
pling of the towing bracket. WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be
stor ed sec

urely in the luggage compartment
to prevent them being flung through the vehi-
cle and causing injury. Note
● By l a

w, the ball coupling must be removed
if a trailer is not being towed if it obscures
the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar
e.
W eight

distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution. Speed
The stabi

lity of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving with a low gear and
high engine speed; always monitor whether
the excessive coolant temperature gauge is
activated ››› page 207.
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Retrofitting a towing bracket* Fig. 184
IBIZA/IBIZA SC: attachment points
f or t
ow
ing bracket. If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the ve-
hic
l
e i s

purchased, this must be completed
according to the instructions of the towing
bracket manufacturer. The attachment points
A for the towing
br ac
ket

are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball
coupling and the ground should never be
lower than the indicated value, even with a
fully loaded vehicle and including the maxi-
mum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
IBIZAIBIZA SCIBIZA ST
B65 mm (minimum)
C350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
D959 mm
E438 mm379 mm
F209 mm386 mm Fitting a towing bracket
●
Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort
f or the
vehic

le. Therefore, before fitting a
towing bracket, please contact a Technical
Service to check whether your cooling system
needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country
must be o
bserved (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, for example
the rear bumper
, must be removed and rein-
stalled. The towing bracket securing bolts
must be tightened using a torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the
vehicle el

ectrical system. This requires speci-
alised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the eleva-
tion value and the attac
hment points which
must be considered if you are retrofitting a
towing bracket. WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a spe-
cia li

sed workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly instal-
led, there is
a serious danger of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the tow
bracket
manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION
● If the pow er soc

ket is incorrectly installed,
this could cause damage to the vehicle elec-
trical system. Note
● SEAT r ec

ommends that the towing hooks
be fitted at a specialised workshop. In certain
versions this may entail fitting a heat insulat-
ing plate, which is why it is recommended
that you go to a SEAT Dealer. In the event that
the plate is not installed correctly, SEAT is ex-
empt from any liability.
● Due to the specific design of the exhaust,
the fitting of a con
ventional towing hook is188

Towing bracket device and trailer
not recommended for some sportier versions.
Plea
se c
onsult your Technical Service. 189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Technical specifications
Drawbar loads
The maximum permitt ed dr
awb
ar load on the
ball joint of the towing bracket must not ex-
ceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend
that you always tow approaching the maxi-
mum drawbar load. The response of the trail-
er on the road will be poor, if the drawbar
load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load
cannot be met (e.g. with small, empty and
light-weight single axle trailers or tandem
axle trailers with a wheelbase of less than 1
metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar
load. WARNING
● For saf ety

reasons, you should not drive at
speeds above 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing
a trailer. This also applies in countries where
higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights
or the drawbar lo
ad. If the permissible axle
load or the permissible total weight is excee-
ded, the driving characteristics of the vehicle
may change, leading to accidents, injuries
and damage to the vehicle. Wheels
Ty
re pr

essure, snow chains, wheel
bolts Tyre pressures
The stick
er w

ith the tyre pressure values can
be found on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
The tyre pressure values given there are for
cold tyres. Do not reduce the slightly raised
pressures of warm tyres ››› .
The pres s

ure for winter tyres is 0.2 bar higher
than that of summer tyres (2.9 psi / 20 kPa).
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front
wheels, and only for the following tyres:
175/70R14
185/60R15Chains with links not exceeding 15 mm
(including the chain closure)
215/45R16Chains with links not exceeding 9 mm
(including the chain closure)
215/40R17Chains with links not exceeding 7 mm
(including the chain closure) Wheel bolts
Af
t
er the wheel s

have been changed, the
tightening torque of the wheel bolts should
be checked as soon as possible with a torque
wrench ››› . The tightening torque for steel
and al lo
y wheel

s is 120 Nm. WARNING
● Check the ty r

e pressure at least once per
month. Checking the tyre pressure is very im-
portant. If the tyre pressure is too high or too
low, there is an increased danger of accidents
- particularly at high speeds.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
is too lo
w, they could loosen while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tight-
ening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and
threads can be damaged. Note
We recommend that you ask your Technical
Servic e f

or information about appropriate
wheel, tyre and snow chain size. 221
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety