2011 Seat Ibiza ST service indicator

32Airbag system
Monitoring of airbag and belt tensioner system
Both the airbag and belt tensioner systems operation is constantly moni-
tored electronically. The warning lamp  will light up for a few seconds ev-
ery time the ignition is switched on (self-diagnosis).
The system must be checked when the warning lamp  :
● does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
● after the ignition is switched on, it turns off after 4 seconds,
● turns off and then lights up again after the ignition is switched on,
● lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving.
In the event of a malfunction, the warning lamp remains on continuously.
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by a qualified workshop.
If any of the airbags are de-activated by the Authorised Service Centre, the
indicator lights for several seconds more after the verification and will turn
off if there is no fault.
WARNING
● If there is a malfunction, the airbag and belt tensioner system cannot
properly perform its protective function.
● If a malfunction occurred, have the system checked immediately by a
specialised workshop. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the airbag
system and belt tensioners may not be triggered, or may not be triggered
correctly.

Repairs, maintenance and disposal of airbags
The parts of the airbag system are installed in various places in your vehi-
cle. If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed
and fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the air- bag system may be damaged. In the event of an accident this could cause
the airbag to inflate incorrectly or not inflate at all.
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the airbag are
scrapped. Specialised workshops and vehicle
disposal centres are familiar with these requirements.
WARNING
● If repairs are not carried out by a professional, or if the airbags are
used incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries is increased. The air-
bags may fail to inflate, or could inflate in the wrong circumstances.
● Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the sur-
face of the airbag unit on the passenger side of the dash panel, and do
not obstruct or modify them in any way.
● It is important not to attach any objects such as cup holders or tele-
phone mountings to the surfaces covering the airbag units.
● To clean the steering wheel or dash panel, you may use only a dry or a
water-moistened cloth. Never clean the dash panel and the airbag mod-
ule surface with cleaners containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface
to become porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts could become de-
tached and cause injuries.
● Never attempt to repair, adjust, remove or install parts of the airbag
system.
● Any work on the airbag system or removal and installation of the air-
bag components for other repairs (such as repairs to the steering wheel)
should be performed only by a specialised workshop. Specialised work-
shops have the necessary tools, repair information and qualified person-
nel.
● We strongly recommend you to go to a specialised workshop for all
work on the airbag system.
● Never attempt to alter the front bumper or the body.
● The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them
once they have deployed. 

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. 

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.

86Unlocking and locking
WARNING
● An improper use of the key 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.
● Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. Otherwise, this could result
in serious injuries, accidents or even the theft of your vehicle. Always
take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.
● An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any
electric equipment (e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The
vehicle can be locked when using the remote control key. This could com-
plicate the aid in case of emergency.
Note
● The remote control key functions only when you are within range
⇒ fig. 47.
● If the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked by using the radio-frequency
remote control, the remote control key will have to be re-synchronised. For
this, go to your Technical Service. 
Changing the battery
If the battery indicator does not flash when the buttons are pushed, the bat-
tery must be replaced.
CAUTION
The use of inappropriate batteries may damage the radio frequency remote
control. For this reason, always replace the dead battery with another of the
same size and power.
For the sake of the environment
Used batteries must be disposed of at an appropriate waste facility or
through an authorised service, given that their components can affect the
environment. 
Synchronising the remote control key
If it is not possible to unlock or lock the door with the remote
control, it should be re-synchronised.
While the vehicle is open:
– Press the 
button
2 ⇒ 
fig. 46 on the remote control.
– Then close the vehicle using the key bit within one minute.
While the vehicle is closed:
– Press the 
button
1 ⇒ fig. 46 on the remote control.
– Then close the vehicle using the key bit within one minute.
It is possible that the vehicle could no longer be opened and closed with
the remote control if the button 
is repeatedly pressed outside of the ef-
fective range of the radio frequency remote control. The remote control key
will have to be resynchronised.
Spare remote control keys are available in your Authorised Service Centres,
where they must be matched to the locking system.
Up to five remote control keys can be used. 

214Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged. 
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. – Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ 
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 200
⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 213.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the
battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently
until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 256.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours: ●
Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a spe-
cialist workshop. 
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long peri-
ods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle,
the battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have
the vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be
re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety
specifications of your vehicle. 

216Checking and refilling levels
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.
1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the sticker. The values refer to Summer tyres.
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pres-
sure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting
a journey.
WARNING
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!
● At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.
● If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driv-
ing style and fitting.
Fig. 142 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 143 Diagram for
changing wheels


217
Checking and refilling levels
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒ fig. 142, running across the tread. Depending on the make, there will be
6 to 8 of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall
(for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export countries
⇒ 
.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-
out. For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per
month ⇒ page 216.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisa-
ble to change them around as shown ⇒ fig. 143. All the tyres will then last
for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which re-
sults in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause exces-
sive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be reba-
lanced when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel
alignment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!
● The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread wear indica-
tors are worn ⇒ page 217. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Worn tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a
greater risk of aquaplaning.
● At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
● If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear
checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
● Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
● Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. 
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run in.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteris-
tics of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and
safe handling ⇒ 
.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example: 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

F
Fabric trim cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Fastening rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Fog lights bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fog lights with cornering function . . . . . . . . . 100
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Front drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Front interior light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . 41
Front reading light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Front seat adjustment Lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Fuel Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Fuel level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Fuel reserve Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Fuel tank see Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Fuel Tank Opening the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Fuel: save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
G
G 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Gear shift pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
General overview of the engine compartment 256
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Glove compartment light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
H Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
HBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Headlight flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Headlights Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Headlight washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Head restraints Adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 115
Adjustment of the head restraint angle . . 115
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Heated exterior mirrors* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Heated front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Hill-start assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
How to jump start description . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Automatic hazard warning lights activa-tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Identification plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Ignition key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Information in the multifunction display Memory displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Instrument and switch lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instrument panel Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Interior monitoring and anti-towing alarm* Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Intermittent wipe, windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
J
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
272 Index