2012 Seat Ibiza ST ignition

152Driving
Activating and deactivating the Start-Stop function
Fig. 109 The Start-Stop
function button.
Every time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is au-
tomatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press the 
⇒ Fig. 109 button located on the centre console.
When the Start-Stop function is switched off, the warning lamp
comes on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts im-
mediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press the 
⇒ Fig. 109 button located on the centre console.
The warning lamp will switch off. Driver messages
Fig. 110 Display on the instrument panel during Start-Stop function operation.
When the engine is turned off by the Start-Stop function, this is displayed
on the instrument panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on, the  lamp will appear on the
instrument panel.
Note
There are different versions of the dash panel; the display of indications on
the screen may differ. 

155
Driving
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down and at the same time, hold
the selector lever lock on the left of the selector lever also
pressed down.
The warning lamp  on the instrument panel lights up when the brake ped-
al should be applied. This is essential when the selector lever is taken from
the P or N positions.
The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h (3 mph). At higher speeds the selector lever lock is
automatically unlocked in the N position.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible,
for instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in
snow or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake
pedal is not depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about
1second. Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehi-
cle moves.
Fig. 115 Automatic gear-
box
Starting
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position P or N.
Driving
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down.
– By holding the lock button (button on the left in the selector lev-
er), select R, or D.
– Release the lever and wait a little for the gearbox to engage the
gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒ 
.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

156Driving
Stopping briefly
–If stopping for a short time, keep the vehicle stationary by
pressing the foot brake hard to prevent the vehicle moving
backwards on a slope or “creeping” forwards, e.g. at traffic
lights. The selector lever does not need to be put into the posi-
tions P or N.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a
standstill ⇒ 
.
– Apply the handbrake.
– By pressing the lock button down, move the selector lever to P
and release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position “D” to the right into the
tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– The brake must be always pressed down to prevent the vehicle
from “rolling backwards” ⇒ 
. Do not try to prevent the vehicle
from rolling backwards by increasing the engine speed while a
range of gears is selected.
Starting the vehicle up hills
– Apply the handbrake. –
With a selected gear, accelerate slowly and at the same time,
release the handbrake.
The steeper the slope, the lower the needed gear. This increases the brak-
ing effect of the engine. For example, when driving down a very steep slope
in third gear. If the engine brake effect is not enough, the vehicle will speed
up. The automatic gearbox automatically changes up to prevent the engine
over-revving. Use the foot brake to reduce speed and change into third gear
again using Tiptronic* ⇒ 
.
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever
from being put into a position for driving forwards or in reverse from posi-
tions P or N if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the selector lever is in position
P.
Control lamp “Pressing brake pedal” 
When the warning lamp next to the selector lever lights up, press the brake
pedal. This is necessary when the automatic gearbox selector lever is
moved out of positions P or N. At the same time, a text message or the in-
structions to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument
panel.
WARNING
● As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must apply the parking brake and put the selector
lever in position P.
● If the engine is running and D or R are engaged, you will need to hold
vehicle stopped by depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle would keep
on creeping forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted
even when the engine is idling. 

159
Driving
Selector lever positions
The selected gear is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the
instrument panel display. The currently selected gear for the automatic
gearbox will also be shown on the display.
Tiptronic gear indicator
If the automatic gearbox is shifted manually, the selected gears are shown
on the screen.
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the driven wheels are locked me-
chanically.
Position P on the lever must only be selected if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position P, the locking button on the selector
lever handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same
time while the ignition is switched on.
To put the selector lever in position P, simply press the lock button down
and, if necessary, depress the brake pedal down.
R - Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position R, press the lock button down and, at
the same time, press the brake pedal down, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position R and the ignition switched on the follow-
ing occurs:
● Reverse lights light up.
● The air conditioner automatically changes the air recirculation mode. ●
The wiper starts if the windscreen washer is on.
● The parking distance warning system switches on.*
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmit-
ted to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function
as a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the
gearbox lever in position N and the engine switched off.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes to a lower or higher gear,
according to the engine's requirements, the driving style and speed. The
braking effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the
selector is in this position. The instrument panel display shows the selected
gear as well as the selector lever in position D.
If position N has been selected and you wish to select D, you must press the
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h (3 mph).
S - Standard driving position (Sport programme)
When the selector lever is in position S, it will automatically change up into
a higher gear later, and change down into a low gear, if compared with posi-
tion D. This way, it is possible to take full advantage of the engine reserve
power, depending on the engine demand, driving style and speed. The
braking effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited. On the
instrument panel display the selected gear is shown as well as the selector
lever to position S.
To select gear range S, press the lock button on the selector lever. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Driving
WARNING
If the vehicle moves with no control, an accident and serious injury may
occur.
● As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is run-
ning and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the
engine is running, you must always apply the handbrake and engage the
parking lock position P.
● If the engine is running and if D or R are engaged, you will need to
hold the vehicle stopped by depressing footbrake down. The vehicle
would creep forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted
even when the engine is idling.
● Never accelerate when moving the selector lever or you may cause an
accident.
● Never move the selector lever to “R” or “P” when driving. Risk of acci-
dent.
● Before driving down a very steep slope, reduce your speed and shift
to first gear.
● Always hold the vehicle on the foot brake if you stop on hills. Other-
wise, the vehicle could roll back.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat
and will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
WARNING
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. You could lose
control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious injury.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
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 vehicle to roll downhill with the selector lever in “N”,
regardless of whether 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. 

161
Driving
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 Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
–
Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ Fig. 119.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 119 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
.
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake is released.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

162Driving
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
–Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Hill-start assist*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC. This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal press-
ed down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging
gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is main-
tained for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when
putting into gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle
with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill. 

163
Driving
WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain condi-
tions. Depress the brake pedal or use the handbrake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the handbrake im-
mediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal
down for a few seconds before starting off.
Note
The Official Service or a specialised workshop can tell you if your vehicle is
equipped with this system. 
Acoustic parking aid system* Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an audible warning to indi-
cate of the approach of any object towards the rear of the ve-
hicle. Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors loca-
ted on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle at a distance of:
● side of the rear bumper: 0.6 m
● middle of the rear bumper: 1.6 m Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief audible
warning confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase rap-
idly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 30cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Models with a factory-fitted towing bracket: When the vehicle is less than
0.35 m away from the obstacle the warning tone will sound continuously.
The driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the
system.
Provided that it is not in continuous mode, the tone on the parking aid sys-
tem stops when it detects a wall parallel to the vehicle.
Trailer towing
For vehicles factory-fitted with a towing bar, the parking aid system will not
be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer,
as the trailer's electric connector will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous beep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is en-
gaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the audible warning of
the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated (by engag-
ing the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not sound ei-
ther. Have the fault repaired by a Technical Service as soon as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking
aid loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications