2011 Seat Ibiza ST Start

68Cockpit
Glow plug system / Engine fault* 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp  is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter*

If the warning lamp  lights up you should help the filter clean itself by
driving in the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gear-
box: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at ap-
proximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned.
When cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the warning lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (partic-
ulate filter  , emission control system fault  and glow plugs ), take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
WARNING
● Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain
and traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal ma-
noeuvres in surrounding traffic.
● The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high temper-
atures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.

Engine oil pressure 
If this warning lamp is red it 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 necessary, add
more oil ⇒ page 204.
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.
Checking the oil level 
If the warning lamp is yellow  the engine oil level should be checked as
soon as possible. Top up the oil ⇒ page 204 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
If the  yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you refuel. 

70Cockpit
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with
an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp . Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further informa-
tion on the EDL see ⇒ page 170, Electronic differential lock (EDL)*. 
Traction control system (TCS)*  / 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
There are two warning lamps for the traction control system:  and . Both
warning 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.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the TCS is on, and the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the
TCS operates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see
⇒  page 167, Brakes
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the TCS is disconnected after pressing the TCS OFF
switch.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switch-
ed off. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*  / 
There are two warning lamps for the electronic stability pro-
gramme. The  lamp provides information concerning the
function and the
 provides information on the disconnec-
tion status
Both warning 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 TCS. It also includes emergency
braking assistance (BAS).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● It flashes when the TCS/ESP is activated when driving.
● It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
● It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp  lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and
then on again. If the warning 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 TCS is disconnected after pressing the  switch.

73
Cockpit
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.
The warning lamp  is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒ page 103. 
Electro-hydraulic steering* 
The level of steering assistance depends on the vehicle speed and on the
steering wheel turning speed.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
There is a fault in the electro-hydraulic steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. Take the vehicle to the
Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
Note
When towing the vehicle with the engine stopped or due to a fault in the
power steering, this will not operate. The vehicle can still be steered, but it
will require greater force to turn the steering wheel. Emission control system* 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp  flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
Warning lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked. 
Coolant level* /temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
● The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
● The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, and
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ 
are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the warning light comes on, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if
necessary ⇒ page 229. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

74Cockpit
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance,
stop the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Service
Centre or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the warning light comes on, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down . First check the coolant level. If the level of the cool-
ant is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant liquid ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒ page 199.

Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop. You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle opera-
tion.

Turn signals  
The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in op-
eration.
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left  or right  turn
signal indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same
time when the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal.
For further information on the turn signals, please see ⇒ page 103. 
Electronic immobiliser “Safe”*
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will
be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the igni-
tion lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message 1)
: SAFE. The vehicle
cannot be started in this case 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

75
Cockpit
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
Note
The vehicle cannot operate properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT key. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

81
Unlocking and locking
Activating the selective unlocking system*
With the door open, insert a key into the start cylinder and start the ignition.
Insert the other key into the driver door lock and turn in the opening direc-
tion for at least 3 seconds. The turn signals will flash twice.
Deactivating the selective unlocking system*
With the door open, insert a key into the start cylinder and start the ignition.
Insert the other key into the driver door lock and turn in the locking direc-
tion for at least 3 seconds. The turn signals will flash once. 
Involuntary unlocking
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional un-
locking of the vehicle. If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. 
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehi-
cle from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).
Locking
The doors lock automatically after exceeding 15km/h. The tailgate locks au-
tomatically after exceeding 6 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and any of its doors open, when starting again and
exceeding the mentioned speed, all doors will lock again. Unlocking
On withdrawing the ignition key, the vehicle will returns to its status prior to
self-locking.
Each door can be unlocked and opened independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
Activating the system*
With the ignition on, press the locking key on the central locking system
within 3 to 10 seconds.
Deactivating the system*
With the ignition on, press the unlocking key on the central locking system
within 3 to 10 seconds.
In both cases, if the operation has been carried out correctly, the locking
lamp will flash

⇒ 
fig. 43.
WARNING
The door handles must not be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Note
If the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle is unlocked, ex-
cept for the luggage compartment. It is possible to lock the vehicle from in-
side with the central locking, after turning the ignition off and back on
again. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

84Unlocking and locking
Keys
Set of keys
The set of keys includes a remote control, a key without a re-
mote control and a plastic key tab*
Fig. 45 Set of keys
The set of keys may consists of the following, depending on the version of
your vehicle:
● a remote control key ⇒ fig. 45 A
●
a key without remote control B,
● a plastic key tab* C.
or
● two keys without remote control B
●
a plastic key tab* C. Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, go to an Authorised Service Centre with your
vehicle identification number.
WARNING
● An incorrect use of the keys can cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of
emergency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle or manage on their
own.
● An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment (e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The
doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could make the
aid difficult in an emergency situation.
● Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An unauthorised use of your
vehicle could result in injury, damage or theft. Always take the key with
you when you leave the vehicle.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion.
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly block and it would be impossible
to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
There are electronic components in the remote control key. Avoid wetting
and hitting the keys 

85
Unlocking and locking
Radio frequency remote control*
Locking and unlocking the vehicle
The remote control key is used to lock and unlock the vehicle
from a distance.
Fig. 46 Assignment of
buttons on the remote
control key
Fig. 47 Range of the re-
mote control
Using the button ⇒ fig. 46 (arrow) on the control, the key blade is released. Unlocking the vehicle 
⇒ fig. 46
1.
Locking the vehicle 
⇒ fig. 46
2.
Unlocking the tailgate. Press button 
⇒ fig. 46
3 until all the turn sig-
nals on the vehicle flash briefly. When the unlocking button 
3 is press-
ed, you have 2 minutes to open the door. Once this time has passed, it will
lock again.
Also, the battery indicator on the key ⇒ fig. 47, will flash.
The remote control transmitter and the batteries are integrated in the key.
The receiver is inside the vehicle. The maximum range depends on different
factors. The range is reduced as the batteries start to lose power. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications