
Lights and visibility
98Headlight washer system
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped headlights or main
beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights 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 wipers will be activated every three cycles.Rear-view mirrorsAdjusting the head restraintsBefore beginning any journey, adjust the rear-view mirrors for correct
visibility.
Interior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if yo u cannot see clearly through the
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the 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.Switching off anti-dazzle function
–Press button ⇒ fig. 64. Warning lamp goes out:
Fig. 64 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
AA
AB
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 98 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Lights and visibility
100
– The mirror demist function only lasts a few minutes to prevent unnecessary drainage of the battery.
– If necessary, press the button again to repeat the function.
Folding in exterior mirrors*
– Turn the control ⇒page 99, fig. 65 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
•The rear view convex or aspheric mirror 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 interior mirror to estimate distances to vehicles
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
needed. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
•If the electrical adjustment ever fails to operate, the mirrors can be
adjusted by hand by lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.•In vehicles with electric wing 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
completely folded electrically. Do not readjust the 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 wing mirrors is not active at speeds over 40
km/h.
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 100 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
122•If the function is not deactivated by pressing the button, this will deacti-
vate after approx. 20 min.Economic use of the air conditioningWhen 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.*
ClimatronicControl switchesThe air conditioning system only works when the engine is running
and the blower is switched on.
Fig. 92 Climatronic controls on the instrument panel
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 122 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
124imate temperatures which may slightly vary depending on the outside condi-
tions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. To do it, it automatically regu-
lates the supplied air temperature, the blower speed and the air distribution.
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 the air distribution, blower or . The temperature continues to
self-regulate.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 ⇒ page 122, fig. 92 to or press
the blower control and down. The indicator is switched
off.Te m p e r a t u r e
The passenger compartment 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 temperature
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 temperature
is not controlled.
Blower
The blower can be adjusted with buttons and ⇒page 122, fig. 92 . If
the blower is off (level is not shown on the screen) and button is kept
pressed down, the Climatronic switches off. Then OFF is displayed on the
screen.
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 system on and off
By pressing the button, the air cooling system can be switched off in
order to save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set
temperature can then only be reached if it is higher than the outside
temperature.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside.– Press the button to switch air recirculation mode on or off. This is ON if the symbol
⇒ page 122, fig. 92 is displayed on
the screen.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in
a traffic jam.
AC
A14
A16
A8
A9
A3
A8
A9
A1
A9
AC
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 124 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Driving
130The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒page 129.
– Le t go o f t he ign itio n key as so o n as t he eng in e sta r ts; t he sta r te r motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds 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 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start,
please check the fuel pump fuse
⇒page 207, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause 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 follow
the instructions in ⇒ page 219, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 130 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Driving131
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 129, fig. 95 . The
indication lamp
will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position to start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter 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
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems with starting the engine, see ⇒ page 219.
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 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 the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause 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 follow
the instructions in ⇒page 219, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching the engine off– Stop the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 129, fig. 95 .
A2A3
A1
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 131 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Driving133
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
The reverse lights light up when the reverse gear is selected and the ignition
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 acci-
dent.Note
•Do not rest your hand on the gear rest when 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 down fully to
avoid unnecessary wear and damage.•Do not hold the car “on the clutch” up hills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.
Automatic gearbox*Gearbox programmes
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox programmes.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 economy mode, i.e.
the programme is designed to reduce fuel consumption. The gearbox
ch a n ge s u p i n t o a h i g h e r ge a r a s s o o n as p o ss i bl e a n d d o w n i n t o a l o w e r ge a r
as late as possible.
Fig. 97 Automatic
gearbox
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 133 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18

Driving141
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Always apply the handbrake
firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒ .
The handbrake warning lamp
lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition is 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 acci-
dent. 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 foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected. – Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition lock.
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
engaging first gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
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 /
selector lever.•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 141 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18