2012 Seat Ibiza ST towing

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Digital instrument panel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Steering column controls* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Audio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Audio + Telephone Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Radio frequency remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Panoramic tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 115
The importance of correct seat adjustment . . . . . 115
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Ashtrays, cigarette lighter and power socket . . . 125
First-aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher . 128
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Acoustic parking aid system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 164
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Anti-lock brake system and traction control ABS 169
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)* . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 176
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 181
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
3
Table of Contents

Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . 191
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
LPG system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 209
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle tools, spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Tyre repair kit (Tyre-Mobility-System)* . . . . . . . . . 229
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Single headlight bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Double headlight bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Changing the bulbs of AFS headlights . . . . . . . . 242
Changing the fog light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Changing the rear lights (on the wing) . . . . . . . . 244
Changing the rear lights (on the rear lid) . . . . . . 245
Side turn signal bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Interior light and front reading lights . . . . . . . . . 247
Additional brake lights* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Luggage compartment light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Petrol engine 1.2 51 kW (70 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 63 kW (85 PS) . . . . . . . . . . 261
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 77 kW (105 PS) . . . . . . . . . 263
Petrol engine 1.2 TSI 77 kW (105 PS) Start-Stop 264
Petrol engine 1.4 TSI 110 kW (150 PS) automatic . .265
Diesel engine 1.2 TDI CR 55 kW (75 PS) DPF
Start-Stop Ecomotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Diesel engine 1.2 TDI CR 55 kW (75 PS) DPF . . . . 267
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 66 kW (90 PS) DPF . . . . 268
Diesel engine 1.6 TDI CR 77 kW (105 PS) with/
without DPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
4Table of Contents

75
Cockpit
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 106. 
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. Emission control system* 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Control lamp  flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest specialised workshop to have the
engine checked.
Control lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest specialised workshop to have the engine checked. 
Coolant level*/temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.
There is a fault if:
● The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
● The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, and
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ 
are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the warning light comes on, stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if
necessary ⇒ page 231. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

90Opening and closing
Anti-theft alarm system*
Description of anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm triggers if unauthorised movements are
detected around the vehicle.
The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle or steal
it. The system will initiate acoustic and optical warning signals when your
vehicle is tried to be forced.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically switched on when locking the
vehicle. For this, either rotate the key in the locking position or press button 
2 on the radio frequency remote control*. The system is immediately ac-
tivated and the turn signal light located on the driver door will flash along
with the turn signals, indicating that the alarm and the locking security sys-
tem (double lock) have been turned on.
If any of the doors or the bonnet are open, they will not be included in the
protection zones of the vehicle when the alarm is connected. If the door or
the bonnet are subsequently closed, they will be automatically included in
the protection areas of the vehicle and the turn signals will flash according-
ly when the doors close.
● The turn signal light will flash twice on opening and deactivating the
alarm.
● The turn signal light will flash once on closing and activating the alarm.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The system triggers an alarm if the following unauthorised actions are car-
ried out when the vehicle is locked: ●
Opening of vehicle with mechanical key without switching ignition on
within the next 15 seconds
● Opening a door
● Opening the bonnet
● Opening the rear lid
● Ignition switched on with a non-validated key.
● Movements in the driving compartment (vehicles with a volume sensor)
● Towing of the vehicle 1)
● Tilt angle (tow-away protection) 1)
● Undue manipulation of the alarm
● Battery handling
The acoustic signals sound and the turn signals flash for approx. 30 sec-
onds. This may be repeated up to 10 times depending on the country.
Opening all the doors in manual mode
In vehicles without alarm, when opening the driver door manually all the
doors are opened.
How to switch the alarm off
To deactivate the anti-theft alarm, turn the key in the direction, to open,
open the door and switch the ignition on, or press the unlock button 
on
the remote control.
In vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you have 15 seconds
to insert the key in the ignition lock and activate the ignition if the vehicle is
opened using the driver door key.
Otherwise, the alarm will trigger for 30 sec. and the ignition will be blocked. 
1)
With vehicles fitted with a tow-away protection

105
Lights 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. 59 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! 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

145
Driving
Safety Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC helps make driving safer in extreme driving condi-
tions.
Fig. 106 Detailed view of the dash panel: ESC switch.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 168, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Position of the ignition key
Fig. 107 Ignition key po-
sitions 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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

170Intelligent technology
The ASR helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions, where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The ASR automatically switches on when the engine is started. If necessary,
it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the ESC button on the centre
console.
When the ASR is off, the warning lamp  is lit. The ASR should normally be
left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels
is required, can they be disconnected using the ESC 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 ASR should be switched on again as soon as possible.
WARNING
● Remember that not even the ASR can 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 ASR should not
encourage you to run any risks.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ASR works correctly, identical tyres should be fitted
on all four wheels. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for example, to the engine,
brake system, running gear or to the combination of wheels and tyres) may
affect the operation of the ABS and ASR. 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.
The XDS system can detect and correct this effect via the sensors and sig-
nals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside wheel and counter the excess
driving torque of that wheel. This means that the driver's desired trajectory
is much more precise,
The XDS system works in combination with the ESC and is always active,
even when the ASR traction control is disconnected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
General notes
The Electronic Stability Control increases the vehicle's stabil-
ity on the road. The Electronic Stability Control helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes the systems ABS, EDL and
ASR 