2012 Seat Ibiza ST wheel

102Lights and visibility
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range control
Fig. 56 Dash panel: reg-
ulation for instrument
and switch lighting and
headlight range control
Instrument and switch lighting 1
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments
and switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning
the thumb wheel
⇒ Fig. 56 1
.
Vehicles fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights are fitted with an auto-
matic headlight range system.
The instrument lighting (some dials and needles), the centre console light-
ing and the lighting of the displays are regulated by a photodiode incorpo-
rated in the instrument panel.
The instrument lighting (needles) is switched on when the ignition is on and
the light is off . The instrument lighting is dimmed automatically as the day-
light starts to fade. It goes out completely when the ambient light level is
very low. This function is intended to remind the driver to switch on the dip-
ped beam headlights in good time when light conditions become poor. Headlight range control
2
By using the electrical headlight range control, 2 you can adjust the head-
light range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. This way, it
is possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the
same time, by using the correct headlight settings, the driver has the best
possible lighting for the road ahead.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wheel down 2
from the basic setting
0.
Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) are equipped with dynamic
headlight range control . When you switch on the lights, their range regu-
lates itself according to the vehicle load.
Vehicles with gas discharge bulbs do not have headlight range control. 
Daytime driving lights*
Daytime driving lights light up automatically when the igni-
tion is switched on (only with AFS headlights)
Daylight driving lights switch off automatically when the side lights are
switched on.
Activating daytime lights (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (right
turn signal), press it backwards to flash position and hold in this position.
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are activated and
can be switched on.
Switching daytime lights off (bi-xenon lamps)
Remove the key from the ignition, move the turn signal lever upwards (left
turn signal), press it backwards to flash position and hold in this position. 

103
Lights and visibility
Insert the key and switch the ignition on, holding it in this position for 3
seconds. Then, switch off the ignition. The daytime lights are deactivated
and cannot be switched on.
Note
See legal requirements for each country. 
Adaptive headlights* (for driving round bends)
When driving around bends, the headlights will light the
most important areas of the road.
Fig. 57 Cornering light-
ing using adaptive head-
lights
This cornering light gives better illumination of the side of the road and the
corner area. The dynamic lighting is controlled automatically according to
speed and the steering wheel angle.
The two main headlights move at different angles to avoid that the front of
the vehicle is left completely in the dark.
Note
The system operates from a speed of about 10 km/h (6 mph). 
Fog lights with cornering function*
This is an additional light source to dipped beam headlights
to light up the road as a bend is taken.
The cornering light operates with the lights switched on and when driving at
less than 40 Km/h (25 mph). They light up when the steering wheel is
turned or the flashers are operated.
Forward gear
● If the steering wheel is turned to the right, or the right-hand turn signal
operated, the right-hand headlight lights up.
● If the steering wheel is turned to the left, or the left-hand flasher operat-
ed, the left-hand headlight lights up.
In reverse gear both headlights light up.
Note
When the fog lamps are on, the cornering function is activated and both
headlights are continuously on. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

106Lights and visibility
Note
● The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a
long time, even if the ignition is switched off.
● The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rel-
evant statutory requirements. 
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the park-
ing lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 60 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒ 
Fig. 60 1
to indicate right, and
all the way down 2 to indicate left. Signalling a lane change
–
Push the lever up 1
or down 2 to the point where you incur
resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding control lamp will also flash.
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position .
– Press the lever forward ⇒ Fig. 60 4
to switch on the main
beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head-
lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel 3
to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the turn signal lever up or down to turn the right or left-
hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers. 

109
Lights and visibility
The sun visors for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of
their central supports and turned towards the doors in the direction of the
arrow ⇒ Fig. 63. Never pull them downwards.
The driver sun visor has compartments for cards, and the passenger sun vi-
sor has a vanity mirror with a cover*.
Note
Incorrect use of the sun visors (e.g. pulling them downwards once they are
open) may result in broken hinges. This damage is not covered by the vehi-
cle warranty. 
Windscreen wipers
Front windscreen wipers 
The window wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers and
the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 64 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
leverThe window wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 64 has the following positions:
Switching off the windscreen wipers
–
Move the lever to position 0
.
Interval wipe
– Move the lever up to position 1
.
– Move the control A
to the left or right to set the length of the
wipe intervals. Control to the left: long intervals; control to the
right: short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set us-
ing switch A
.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Short wipe
– Move the lever down to position 4
to give the windscreen a
short wipe.
Wash and wipe automatic system 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position 5
, the
windscreen washer is activated.
– Release the lever. The wipers-washers will keep running for ap-
proximately four seconds. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

111
Lights and visibility
Note
● Do not put stickers on the windscreen in front of the rain sensor. This
may cause sensor disruption or faults. 
Rear window wiper 
The window wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper and
the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Fig. 66 Windscreen wip-
er and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position 6

⇒ 
Fig. 66. The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position 6
towards the steering wheel.
The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you
switch off whilst the wipers are in motion. Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
–
Press the lever fully forwards to position 7
⇒ Fig. 66. The rear
wiper and washer operate at the same time. The windscreen
wash system will function as long as you hold the lever in this
position.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers con-
tinue until the end of the cycle.
– Move the lever towards the steering wheel to switch off.
WARNING
● A worn or dirty wiper blade will obstruct visibility and reduce safety.
● Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒ page 210.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the
glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper
when the wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the
wiper blade and the wiper motor.
Note
● The rear window wiper will only work when the ignition is switched on.
● Depending on the version of the model, when you engage reverse gear
and with the headlight wiper activated, the lamps are wiped. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

112Lights and visibility
Headlight washer*
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.
The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen
washer is used and the window wiper lever is pulled towards the steering
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped beam headlights or
main beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the
headlights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
● To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer
spray.
● To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to
time, the headlight washers will be activated every three cycles. 
Rear view mirrors
Adjusting the rear view mirrors
Before beginning any journey, adjust the rear view mirrors for correct visibil-
ity. Interior rear vision mirror
It is dangerous to drive if you cannot see clearly through the
rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear vision mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the rear vision
mirror should be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzle function.

Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and
off as desired.
Fig. 67 Automatic anti-
dazzle interior rear vision
mirror.
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 67. Control lamp B goes off.

115
Seats and storage compartments
Seats and storage compartments The importance of correct seat adjustment
Proper seat adjustment optimises the level of protection of-
fered by seat belts and airbags.
Your vehicle has five seats, two in the front and three in the rear. Each seat
is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and the front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways
to suit the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat
position is very important for:
● a fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
● a relaxed posture which does not cause drowsiness,
● a safe driving ⇒ page 7,
● ensuring that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum pro-
tection ⇒  page 19.
WARNING
● If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they
may sustain critical injuries.
● Never transport more than the permitted amount of people in your ve-
hicle.
● Every vehicle occupant must properly fasten and wear the seat belt
belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system ⇒ page 43, Child safety.
● The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to
body size and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide
you and your passengers with optimum protection.
WARNING (Continued)
● Always keep your feet on the footwell when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This
is also applied to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you
to an increased risk of injury in case of a sudden braking or an accident.
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an in-
correct sitting position.
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel and dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as
great as possible.
● Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is sta-
tionary. Otherwise, your seat could move unexpectedly while the vehicle
is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore, in-
jury. In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect
sitting position. Risk of fatal accidents.
● Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front passen-
ger seat. When installing a child seat, please observe the warnings de-
scribed in ⇒ page 43, Child safety.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

118Seats and storage compartments
Front seats
Adjustment of the front seats
Fig. 72 Front left seat
controls
1
Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the grip and move the seat forwards or backwards.
– Then release the grip 1
and move the seat further until the
catch engages.
2
Adjusting seat height
– Pull the lever up or push down (several times if necessary) from
its home position. This adjusts the seat height in stages.
3
Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
WARNING
● Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents. Adjust the driver or front passenger seat
only when the vehicle is stationary.
● To reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger in case of
a sudden braking or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted to-
wards the rear. The maximum protection of the seat belt can be achieved
only when the backrests are in an upright position and the driver and
front passenger have properly adjusted their seat belts. The further the
seat backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to
improper positioning of the belt web!
● Exercise caution when securing the seat height into forwards/back-
wards position. Injuries can be caused if the seat height is adjusted with-
out due care and attention.
● To move the seat lengthways, pull upwards and not sideways on the
lever, as the force exerted on it in this position could damage it.
