2011 Seat Ibiza ST catalytic converter

194Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● Fuel is highly flammable and can cause serious burns and other inju-
ries.
–Never smoke or use an open flame when filling the fuel tank of the
vehicle, or a spare fuel canister, with fuel. This is an explosion haz-
ard.
– Follow legal requirements for the use of spare fuel canisters.
– For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel can-
ister in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident and
leak.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canis-
ter, please observe the following points:
–Never fill the spare fuel canister inside the vehicle or on it. An elec-
trostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel fumes
to ignite. This could cause an explosion. Always place the canister on
the ground to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as possi-
ble.
– If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must
be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an
electrostatic charge building up.
– Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.
CAUTION
● Fuel spills should be removed from the paintwork immediately.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
cause damage.
● When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle
with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 sec-
onds without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing.
This is due to the fact that the fuel system has to purge itself of air before
starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched
off; this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm. 

198Checking and refilling levels
Petrol
Petrol types
The correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap.Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228 may be used for
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one rec-
ommended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
CAUTION
● Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
● High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter. 
Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.
The quality of the petrol influences the performance, power and life of the
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi- tives. 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 oc-
cur, the required additives must be added during refuelling.

Diesel Diesel*
Diesel fuel must conform to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European Standard”). It
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indi-
cates the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling ⇒ page 193. 
Biodiesel*
CAUTION
● Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any cir-
cumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by
the diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628
is authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel
fuel conforming to standard EN 590. Never refuel or use petrol, kerosene,
fuel oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with
the wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from speci-
alised personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the
fuel system and the engine. 

204Checking and refilling levels
–Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ fig. 133.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil.
Oil level in area B
Oil
can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone A
Oil level in area COil
must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone
A
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before
a journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must
be carried out cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 199.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre. 
–
–
–
Topping up engine oil

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Fig. 134 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on
page 199.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 134.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– 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 B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 256. 

205
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 203.
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 A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust 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 re-
quired!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 199, 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
horizontal 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.
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 spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

249
If and when
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting*
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-start-
ing is preferable ⇒ page 246.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the
gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the
towing vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. Comments
Please observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
–
Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-
matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not
working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than nor-
mal and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Index
A
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
AFS headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Air conditioner Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditioning . . . . . . . . 137
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Aspects to note before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror Deactivating the anti-dazzle function . . . . 110
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 110
Automatic car washing tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Automatic windscreeen wiper/washer . . . . . . 106
AUX/USB input connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Auxiliary audio input connection (AUX) . . . . . 125
B
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167, 172
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Bulb change double headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Single headlight bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Bulb changes General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Bulb defect Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 143
C
Car care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
269
Index