2012 Seat Ibiza SC tow

128Air 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 famili-
arise yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation
system, including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
● In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehi-
cle interior. The windows can quickly fog over if the heating is switched
off. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode switched on for a
long time (risk of accident).
Note
● Please consider the general notes ⇒ page 135. 
Vehicle ventilation or heating
Fig. 91 Heating controls
on the dash panel Ventilating the vehicle interior
–
Turn the temperature selector A
⇒ Fig. 91 anticlockwise.
– Turn blower switch B
to any of the head settings 1 -4.
– Set the airflow to the desired direction using air distribution
control C
.
– Open the relevant air outlets.
Interior heating
– Turn the temperature selector A
⇒ Fig. 91 clockwise to select
the desired temperature.
– Turn blower switch B
to any of the head settings 1 -4.
– Set the airflow to the desired direction using air distribution
control C
.
– Open the relevant air outlets.
Defrosting the windscreen
– Turn the temperature selector A
⇒ Fig. 91 clockwise to reach
the maximum temperature.
– Turn the blower switch B
to setting 4.
– Turn air distribution control to .
– Close outlet 3
.
– Open and turn outlet 4
towards side windows
Keeping the windscreen and the side windows demisted
– Turn the temperature selector A
⇒ Fig. 91 to the heating area. 

129
Air conditioning
– Turn blower switch B
to any of the head settings 2 -3.
– Turn air distribution control to .
– Close outlets 3
–
Open and turn outlets 4 towards side windows.
Once the windows are demisted and as a preventive measure, the control C
can be set in position , thus obtaining greater comfort while prevent-
ing the windows from misting again. Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Note
Remember that the temperature of the engine coolant should be optimum
to ensure that the heating system functions correctly (except in vehicles fit-
ted with additional heating*) 
Air outlets
Fig. 92 Air vents 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

130Air 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 windscreen:
– 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 131
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 131
Air recirculation button 
⇒ page 132
AC button – Switch on air conditioning ⇒ page 131
A
B
CDE

131
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:
● The engine is stationary.
● The fan blower is switched off. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

137
Driving
Driving SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 96 Steering column
height adjustment
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column ⇒ Fig. 96 down ⇒ 
.
– Adjust the steering wheel until the correct position is set
⇒ Fig. 96.
– Then push the lever up again firmly ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an in-
correct seating position can result in serious injury.
● To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only
when the vehicle is stationary.
● Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of
at least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ Fig. 96. If
you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not protect you.
Risk of fatal injury.
● If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact a Technical Service. Here you will be hel-
ped to decide if special specific modifications are necessary.
● If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face,
the driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident.
Make sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold
the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner
(e.g. in the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In
such cases, if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the
arms, hands and head.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

138Driving
Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC helps make driving safer in extreme driving condi-
tions.
Fig. 97 Detailed view of the dash panel: ESC button
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. Both control lamps will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are faul-
ty.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the Electronic stability control ESC 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. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 162, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Position of the ignition key
Fig. 98 Ignition key po-
sitions 

140Driving
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 gearbox 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 ⇒ page 138 position.
– 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 224, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in 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 241, 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. 

141
Driving
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code. – Move the gearbox 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 warning lamp
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition 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 241.
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 diesel 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 a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because
the fuel system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in 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 241, 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