
Cockpit57
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injuries or damage to your vehicle.•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to 
prevent danger to thirds.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and 
control lamps
Further 
information
Engine fault (petrol engine)
  ⇒ page 58
Glow plug system for diesel engine 
If lit:  glow plug system active
If flashing:  engine fault
⇒page 58
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel 
engine particulate filter
⇒page 58
Engine oil pressure
⇒page 59
Bulb defective
⇒page 59
Rear fog light switched on
⇒page 59
Seat belt warning lamp*
⇒page 17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) *
⇒page 59
If flashing : Electronic Stability Pro-
gramme (ESP) is working
If it remains lit: fault on ESP
⇒ page 60
Handbrake applied, 
 lack of brake fluid level or
 serious fault in the brake system
⇒page 61
Cruise control system switched on
⇒page 61
Tyre pressure 
⇒page 61
Automatic gear lever lock (automatic 
gearbox)
⇒page 62
A1A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12
Fuel level / reserve 
⇒page 62
Doors open
⇒page 62
Rear lid open
⇒page 62
Airbag or belt tensioner system fault 
or airbag disabled
⇒page 27
Main beam switched on
⇒page 63
Electro-hydraulic steering
⇒page 63
Fault in the emission control system
⇒page 63
Coolant level / coolant temperature 
⇒page 63
Alternator fault
⇒page 64
 
Turn signals in operation
⇒page 64
SAFE
Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 64
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and 
control lamps
Further 
information
A13A14A15A16A17A18A19A20A21
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Cockpit59
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.
Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, top up with oil.
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.Bulb defect* 
The indicator lights up when a bulb is not functioning.The 
 warning lamp lights up when there is a fault on the turn signals, head-
lights, side lights and fog lights.
Rear fog light* 
This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on 
. For 
further information see  ⇒page 87.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* 
 
An indicator lamp monitors the ABS.
The indicator lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 152.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESP* and the tyre pressure warning lamp will 
also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 179, “Working in the engine compartment”.•If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir ⇒ page 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
WARNING (continued)
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 59  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
164Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washing tunnelThe vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed 
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, the paint-
work wear depends to a large extent, on the kind of the car washing tunnel, 
the brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative 
products.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such 
as closing the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car washing tunnel oper-
ator.
After washing, the brakes  could hesitate to respond as the brake discs and 
pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry” the brakes by braking 
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
Before putting the vehicle through the car washing tunnel, do not tighten the 
aerial if it is folded because it can be damaged.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a glove  or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. until last with a different  sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry your vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–When  temperature is cold , dry the rubber seals and its surfaces 
to prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber 
seals.
After washing
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•Wash your car with the ignition switched off.•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when 
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of 
injury.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 164  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Checking and refilling levels
178Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences running behaviour, performance and 
service life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol 
containing additives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the 
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel  must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It 
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates 
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling  ⇒page 176.Biodiesel*The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•Biodiesel is a methyl ester obtained from rapeseed oil.•DIN is the German abbreviation for “ Deutsches  Institut für N ormung e.V.”, 
the German standards institute.•EN means  European Norm.•FAME is the English abbreviation for “ Fatty  Acid  Methyl  Ester”. Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle 
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.•Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.•Biodiesel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.•At temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel fuel.•Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7% 
blended biodiesel in accordance with standard DIN 51628.Caution
•RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which are not suitably 
adjusted.•If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel 
which is DIN E 14.214 compliant.•If you use biodiesel that does not meet the required standard, the fuel 
filter could become clogged.Note
•In case of low outside temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of 
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of 
the independent heating.•The fuel filter may become clogged when fu el is changed to biodiesel. For 
this reason, we recommend that, after driving 300 or 400 km, the fuel filter 
should also be changed after a fuel change. Also note the instructions in the 
Maintenance Programme.•If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we 
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in 
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 178  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Checking and refilling levels179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. 
Therefore, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well 
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains 
operational to approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is 
safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24° C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear lever to neutral or the gear lever to position P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6.  Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 181.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 172. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 179  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Oil propertiesViscosity
The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.
When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short 
period, an oil change is not required.
Mono-grade oil
Single grade oils are generally not suitable for all year round use, due to 
ranges of viscosity
11). These oils are only useful in a climate that is constantly very cold or very 
warm.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration 
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the 
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the 
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indi
cates the level of the oil.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol
VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel 
VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Engines with Particulate filter 
(DPF)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 121  Types of oil 
according to temperature
11)Viscosity: oil density
Fig. 122  Engine oil 
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using 
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before 
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area  , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment illustration  ⇒page 234.
Engine oil specification  ⇒page 182.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot 
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the 
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 179, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.•Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.•Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.•When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.•Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.•Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
AB
AA
AA
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 185  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16 

Technical Data
236Engine oil capacityPetrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 bhp)Engine specifications
Performance figures
Weights Approximate engine oil capacity with oil filter change
2.75 litres
Power output in kW (bhp)  rpm 63 (85)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders/ capacity  in cm
3
4/ 1390
Fuel Super 95 RON
a)/Normal 91 RON
b)
a)Research- Octane- Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.b)Slight power loss.Maximum speed in km/h 177
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 8
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 12,3
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1526
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1100
Gross front axle weight in kg 860
Gross rear axle weight in kg 780
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Ibiza ST_EN.book  Seite 236  Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010  4:03 16