2011 Seat Ibiza SC light

128Air conditioning
Air distribution C
Switch on symbolMain air output through outlets:
1, 2
5
1, 2, 5
3, 4
Outlets 3 and 4 can be closed or opened separately and the air flow di-
rected as required. 
Air conditioning* Controls
Fig. 93 Air conditioning
controls on the dash pan-
el The air conditioning system only works when the engine is running
and the fan is switched on.
–
Using the controls ⇒ fig. 93 A
and C and with the switch Byou can adjust the temperature, the air distribution and the
blower speed.
– To switch a function on or off, press the appropriate button D
or E. When the function is activated, a red warning light on the
button is turned on.
– To demist the wind screens:
– Turn air distribution to 
– Turn the fan control to one of the two levels depending on the
speed required.
– Rotate the temperature control to the desired level of comfort.
– Close outlets 3
–
Open and turn outlets 4 towards side windows
Temperature selector ⇒  page 129
Blower control. There are four speed settings for the blower. At low
speed, it is recommended to set the blower to a minimum of 1 to im-
prove the intake of fresh air.
Air distribution control ⇒ page 129
Air recirculation button 
⇒ page 130
AC button – Switch on air conditioning ⇒ page 129
A
B
CDE

129
Air conditioning
WARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be fogged up or covered with
snow or ice. This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise
yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system,
including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please consider the general notes. 
Vehicle interior heating or cooling system
Fig. 94 Air conditioning
controls on the dash pan-
el
Interior heating
– Disconnect the cooling system using button ⇒ fig. 94 AC
(the
button light turns off). –
Turn the temperature selector A
to set the desired temperature
inside the vehicle.
– Turn the blower switch to any of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control C
to the air flow configuration
desired:  (towards the windscreen),  (towards the chest),
 (towards the footwell) and  (towards the windscreen and
footwell areas).
Interior cooling
– Connect the cooling system with button AC
(the button light
should light up).
– Turn the temperature control switch until the desired interior
temperature is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to any of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration de-
sired: 
(towards the windscreen),  (towards the chest), (towards the footwell) and  (towards the windscreen and
footwell areas).
Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Coolant system
When the air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air hu-
midity go down. This way, if the outside humidity is extreme, the air condi-
tioning prevents the misting of the windows and therefore, comfort is im-
proved.
If the air conditioning does not work, this may be due to the following rea-
sons: 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

130Air conditioning
● The engine is stationary.
● The fan blower is switched off.
● The outside temperature is below +3 ℃.
● The cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off be-
cause of an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a
qualified 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. 94 
with warn-
ing lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle interior,
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 fumes in the vehicle on travelling
backwards. The warning 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 indicator 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.* 

132Air 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. 95 7 is visible.
– Press keys 10
and 11 ⇒ fig. 95 to adjust the desired tempera-
ture inside the vehicle. We recommend 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 preferen-
ces or particular circumstances. It is possible to select interior temperatures
from +18 °C (64 °F) to +29 °C (86 °F). If a lower or higher temperature is se-
lected, LO or HI are respectively displayed on the screen. These are approxi-
mate temperatures which may slightly vary depending on the outside condi-
tions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. To do it, it automatically reg-
ulates the supplied air temperature, the blower speed and the air distribu-
tion. The system also considers the sunlight radiation, so there is no need
for manual readjustment. Therefore, automatic mode almost always pro-
vides 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 AC
. 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 ⇒ fig. 95 14
to 16 or press the blower
control 8 and 9 down. The indicator is switched off 3.
Temperature
It is possible to select interior temperatures from +18 °C (64 °F) to +29 °C
(86 °F). These are approximate temperatures which may slightly vary de-
pending on the outside conditions.
If a temperature below 18 °C (64 °F) is selected, the screen will show 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 screen will show 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. 95. If the blower
is off (level 1 is not shown on the screen) and button 9 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 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. 

136Driving
Safety
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
Fig. 97 Detailed view of
the centre console: ESP
button
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works to-
gether with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS sys-
tems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it
is only possible to switch TCS off.
WARNING
● The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) 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 ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, as this can cause accidents.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in
⇒ page 161, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Position of the ignition key
Fig. 98 Ignition key po-
sitions 

138Driving
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 gear 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 ⇒ page 136.
– 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 223, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous 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 fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 240, 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. 

139
Driving
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 start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ fig. 98 2
. The indicator
lamp  will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the 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 240.
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 ex-
haust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous 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 fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 240, 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. 98 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 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

140Driving
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. 99 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 189, 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 GAS
button located on the centre
console ⇒  fig. 99. The selected operating mode is displayed on the indica-
tor lamp on the instrument panel ⇒ page 64.
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 indicator lamp on the
instrument panel lights up: 