2011 Seat Ibiza ST traction control

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Belt tensioners* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Steering column controls* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Audio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Audio + Telephone Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Radio frequency remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Panorama tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 113
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 113
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power socket . . . 123
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher . 126
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 163
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS 168
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . 169
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 175
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 180
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
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Table of Contents

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.

143
Driving
Safety Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
Fig. 106 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 167, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Position of the ignition key
Fig. 107 Ignition key po-
sitions 
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159
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more
force to stop the vehicle.
● Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer
the vehicle.
● Never allow the car to roll downhill with the selector lever in “N”, re-
gardless of the engine is running or not.
CAUTION
If you allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off or with the
selector lever in position “N”, take your foot off the accelerator and wait un-
til the engine starts idling before returning to position “D”. 
Kickdown feature
This feature allows maximum acceleration. If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically
changes down, depending on speed and engine speed, into a lower gear to
take full advantage of give the vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.
● Be particularly careful when using the kickdown features on slippery
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction
and skid.
● You should use the kickdown feature only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.

Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 119 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats 
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168Intelligent technology
WARNING
● The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slip-
pery or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake
assist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! There-
fore, it is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.

Anti-lock brake system and traction control
ABS Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking dur-
ing braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”. If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in
all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
● The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 215.
● If the running gear or brakes are modified, the effectiveness of the
ABS could be severely limited.

Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. The system al-
ways includes ABS
Description and operation of the traction control system during
acceleration (TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction occurs in the
ABS, the TCS will also be inoperative. 

169
Intelligent technology
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessa-
ry, it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the ESP button on the centre
console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp  is lit. The TCS should normally be
left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels
is required, can they be disconnected using the ESP button, for example.
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by rocking.
The TCS should be switched on again as soon as possible.
WARNING
● It must be remembered that TCS 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 TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
CAUTION
● In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be fit-
ted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, run-
ning gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect
the efficiency of the ABS and TCS. XDS*
Driveshaft differential
When taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in under-
steer or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and
correct this effect.
Through the ESP, the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteracting the
excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver's desired tra-
jectory is much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active,
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
The Electronic Stability Programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and TCS.
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170Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
WARNING
● It must be remembered that 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.
CAUTION
● In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, run-
ning gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect
the efficiency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ page 168.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)
⇒ page 69.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differen-
ces in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by a
slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the oth-
er driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will con-
tinue to function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not in-
formed that the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down. 

171
Intelligent technology
WARNING
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may
start to spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into tak-
ing any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
CAUTION
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 189. 
The traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when
the vehicle is accelerating ⇒ page 168. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications