2012 Seat Ibiza SC gearbox

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Belt tensioners* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
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
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Radio frequency remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Panoramic tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 112
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 112
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power socket . . . 122
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher* 124
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 158
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS 163
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 169
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 174
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
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Table of Contents

61
Cockpit
This may be deactivated by pressing the RESET
button. The speed may be
altered using the rocker switch B in steps of 5 km/h (mph) within 5 sec-
onds of the initial memory value.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake sym-
bol” is not shown. For this reason you should not rely exclusively on this
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature
as a result of the heat radiated from the engine. 
Display field for selector lever position*
Fig. 36 Digital display:
Gearbox lever position
for automatic gearbox. The position of the automatic selector lever is shown on the display
⇒ page 147.

Odometer
The upper counter in the display registers the total mileage covered by the
vehicle.
The lower counter registers the short journeys. The last digit indicates 100-
metre sections. The trip recorder counter may be reset by pressing the reset
button ⇒ Fig. 30 5
. 
Service interval display
Fig. 37 Service interval
display
The service indication is shown on the instrument panel display ⇒ Fig. 37.
SEAT distinguishes between services with engine oil change (e.g. Interval
service) and services without engine oil change (e.g. Inspection Service). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

67
Cockpit
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will contin-
ue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the duration of a priority 1 warn-
ing message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages (red)
● Brake system symbol  with the warning message STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
● Coolant symbol  with the warning message STOP SEE COOLANT IN-
STRUCTION MANUAL.
● Engine oil pressure symbol  with the warning message STOP ENGINE
OIL PRESSURE LOW! INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
Warning messages, Priority 2 (yellow)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompa-
nied by one audible warning. Check the corresponding function as soon as
possible although the vehicle may be used without risk.
If several priority 2 warning messages are detected at the same time, the
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. Af-
ter a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be
shown as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2 warning messages will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning
messages have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning messages (yellow): 1)
● Fuel warning light with the information text PLEASE REFUEL. Information messages displayed on the screen*
Message
a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service.
IMMOBILIS-
ERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle will not start. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehicle to a Technical Serv-
ice.
CLEAN AIRFILTERWarning: Clean the air filter.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found in the vehicle.KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In vehicles with manual
gearbox and Start/Stop system.
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in P/N to start. Only in ve-
hicles with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in position P to stop the
engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automatically. Start-Stop system
activated.
START MAN- UALLYWarning: The engine must be started manually. Start-Stop
system activated.
ERROR
START STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop system is switched on, the
engine cannot be stopped automatically. Not all the neces-
sary conditions are met.
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Vehicle in Stop mode. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

68Cockpit
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated. Switch off the ignition
when you leave the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-
MISSIONTOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the brake pedal. Only in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
COASTING FUNCTIONWarning: Coasting mode active. Transmission engaged. On-
ly in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
CHECK SAFE- LOCKNotification of central locking function activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehicle model. 
Engine management* 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Glow plug system/Engine fault* 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating the diesel engine. It flashes if there is an engine
fault.
Control lamp  is lit
The control lamp  lights up while the glow plug system is preheating.
When the warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight
away.
Control lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and have the engine checked. 
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter*

If the 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 (40 mph), with the engine running
at approximately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is
burned. When cleaning is successful, the lamp turns off.
If the lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate filter
 , emission control system fault  and glow plugs ), take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop to repair the fault. 

73
Cockpit
Speed selector lever lock* 
The brake pedal must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This
is necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N. 
Fuel level/reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is under
the reserve level.
It lights up when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Moreover, an audi-
ble warning* is heard. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel tank as soon as
possible ⇒ page 187. 
Indicates that the doors are open* 
This warning lamp lights up if one of the doors or the rear
lid is open.
The warning light  should go off when all the doors are closed correctly. 
Rear lid open* 
The warning lamp  should switch off when the rear lid is fully closed. Main beam headlights

This control 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 control 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
Technical Service 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

102Lights and visibility
For the sake of the environment
The heated rear window should be switched off as soon as the glass is dem-
isted. By saving electrical power you can also save fuel.
Note
To avoid possible damage to the battery, an automatic temporary discon-
nection of this function is possible, coming back on when normal operating
conditions are re-established. 
Hazard warning lights 
The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
Fig. 58 Dash panel: switch for hazard warning lights
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒ 
.3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear. On an automatic gear-
box, move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehi- cle.
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example:
● reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,
● there is an emergency
● your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,
● you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. The two turn signal turn signal lamps   and the turn signal
lamp in the switch  will flash at the same time. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
● The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the atten-
tion of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire! 

121
Seats and storage compartments
Seat storage pocket*
Fig. 81 Seat storage
pocket
There is a storage pocket on the rear of the front seats. 
Storage compartment in the front door panel*
In this storage compartment a 1.5l water bottle can be stored,... Front drink holder*
Fig. 82 Front drink hold-
ers in the centre console
There are two cup holders in the centre console in front of the gearbox lever
⇒  Fig. 82.
WARNING
● Do not put hot drinks in the drink holders. During normal or sudden
driving manoeuvres, sudden braking or an accident, the hot drink could
be spilled. Danger of scalding.
● Never use rigid materials (for example, glass or ceramic), these could
cause injury in the case of an accident.
● When travelling the drink holder should always be closed to prevent
risk in the event of sudden breaking or accident.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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. 