Operation
– The mirrors demist for some minutes to
prevent draining the battery unnecessarily.
– If necessary, press the button again to re-
peat the function.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated
in temperatures above approximately
+20 °C (+68 °F).
Folding in exterior mirrors* – Turn the control ››› Fig. 97 to position
t
o
f
old in the exterior mirrors. You should al-
ways fold in the exterior mirrors if you are
driving through an automatic car wash.
This will help prevent damage.
Folding exterior mirrors back out to the
extended position*
– Turn the knob to position L or R to return
the exterior mirrors to their original posi-
tion ››› .
WARNING
● Convex or aspheric mirrors increase the
field of vision however the objects appear
smaller and further away in the mirrors. If you
use these mirrors to estimate the distance to
vehicles behind you when changing lane, you
could make a mistake. Risk of accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate distances to vehicles behind you.
● Make sure that you do not get your finger
trapped between the mirror and the mirror base when folding back the mirrors. Risk of
injury!
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switch-
ed off when it is no longer needed. Other-
wise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
● If the electrical adjustment ever fails to op-
erate, the mirrors can be adjusted by hand by
lightly pressing the edge of the mirror glass.
● In vehicles with electric exterior mirrors,
the following points should be observed: if, due to an external force (e.g. being knocked
while manoeuvring), the adjustment of the
mirror housing is altered, the mirror will have
to be fully folded electrically. Do not readjust
the rear vision mirror housing by hand, as
this will interfere with the mirror adjuster
function.
● The rear vision mirrors can be adjusted sep-
arately or simultaneously, as described
above.
● The fold-in function on the exterior mirrors
will not activate at speeds over 40 km/h
(25 mph). Seats and head restraints
Adjusting the seat and head
restraints
Adjusting the front seats Read the additional information carefully
››› page 11 WARNING
● Never adjust the driver or front passenger
seat while the vehicle is in motion. While ad-
justing your seat, you will assume an incor-
rect 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 towards the rear. The maximum protec-
tion of the seat belt can be achieved only
when the backrests are in an upright position
and the driver and front passenger have prop-
erly adjusted their seat belts. The further the
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/backwards position. In-
juries can be caused if the seat height is ad-
justed without due care and attention. 100
Transport and practical equipment
●
Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially when the rear lid is open. Children
could climb into the luggage compartment,
closing the door behind them; they will be
trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around
the vehicle. Close and lock all the doors and
rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before
you lock the vehicle, make sure that there are
no adults or children in the vehicle.
● Please observe the notes on the ››› page 29. CAUTION
Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe
against the wires of the heating element in
the heated rear window and cause damage. Note
● The tyre pressure must be adjusted accord-
ing to the load. When necessary check the
tyre pressures on the label located on the in-
side fuel tank flap ››› page 177.
● Air c ir
culation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings* are commercially available from ac-
cessory shops. Fastening rings*
3 Applies to the model: IBIZA ST
Fig. 118
Location of fastening rings in lug-
gage compartment. There may be four fastening rings included in
the luggage compartment for fastening lug-
gage and other objects
››› Fig. 118 (arrows).
– Alw
ays use suitable and undamaged straps
to secure luggage and other objects to the
fastening rings ››› in Loading the lug-
gage compartment on page 108.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the
straps.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal col-
lision at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), this
object generates a force corresponding to 20
times its weight. That means that the effec-
tive weight of the object increases to approxi-
mately 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the injuries which might be sustained if this
“object” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the interior of the vehicle. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag.
WARNING
● If pieces of baggage or other objects are se-
cured to the fastening rings with inappropri-
ate or damaged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of braking manoeu-
vres or accidents.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening
rings. Luggage net*
3 Applies to the model: IBIZA ST
Fig. 119
Stretched luggage net.
» 109
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Operation
Coolant system
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
temperature and the air humidity go down.
This way, if the outside humidity is extreme,
the air conditioning 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 reasons:
● The engine is stationary.
● The fan blower is switched off.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proximately +3 °C (+37 °F).
● The air conditioning system compressor
has been temporarily switched off because of
an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioning checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Air recirculation Air recirculation mode on
›››
Fig. 129 (a
lamp lights up on the button) prevents strong
odours or contaminated air from the outside air from entering in the vehicle, for example
when passing through a tunnel or in a traffic
jam.
When the outside temperature is low, air re-
circulation mode improves heating perform-
ance by heating air from the interior instead
of cold air from the outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air re-
circulation mode improves cooling perform-
ance by cooling air from the interior instead
of warm air from outside.
For safety reasons, the air recirculation
should not be switched on
when the air dis-
tribution control is set to the windscreen set-
ting . WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the
outside enters the vehicle interior. If the air
conditioner is switched off, the windows can
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the
air recirculation mode switched on for a long
time (risk of accident). Note
● When engaging reverse gear, the air recir-
culation is connected automatically to pre-
vent the entrance of exhaust gases in the ve-
hicle on travelling backwards. The control
lamp on the button does not light up.
● If the temperature control is turned to the
coldest setting (blue point) and the A/C but- ton is on, the “Air recirculation” function is
automatically activated in order to cool the
vehicle faster using less energy, and its func-
tion control lamp will light up.
● If the function is not deactivated by press-
ing the button, it will deactivate after approx-
imately 20 minutes. Economic use of the air conditioning
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
compressor consumes engine power and has
influence on fuel consumption. Consider the
following points in order to have the system
operating in the minimum possible time.
● If the vehicle interior has overheated due to
an excessive solar radiation, it is best to
open the windows or doors to allow the hot
air to escape.
● While in motion, the air conditioning
should not be switched on if the windows or
the sunroof* are open.
120
Operation
A comfortable interior climate is quickly
reached when a temperature of +22 °C
(+72 °F) is set in automatic mode. Therefore,
we recommend you not to change this adjust-
ment, except as necessary to suit individual
preferences or particular circumstances. It is
possible to select interior temperatures from
+18 °C (+64 °F) to +29 °C (+86 °F). If a lower
or higher temperature is selected, LO or
HI
ar
e respectively displayed on the screen.
These are approximate temperatures which
may slightly vary depending on the outside
conditions.
Climatronic maintains an excellent, comforta-
ble temperature by automatically adjusting
the supplied air temperature, the blower
speed and the air distribution. The system al-
so considers the sunlight radiation, so there
is no need for manual readjustment. There-
fore, automatic mode alwa
ys provides the
best comfort for the vehicle occupants
throughout the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an
adjustment is made using the buttons for air
distribution or blower. The temperature con-
tinues to self-regulate.
To switch off Climatronic, press the –
9 button repeatedly until the display switches
off. Manual mode In manual mode the air temperature, flow,
and the desired air distribution can be adjus-
ted.
Switching on manual mode
– Press one of the buttons ››› Fig. 130 14 to
16 or press the blower control
8 and
9 .
The indicator is switched off 3 .
Temperature
It is possible to select interior temperatures
from +18 °C (+64 °F) to +29 °C (+86 °F).
These are approximate temperatures which
may slightly vary depending on the outside
conditions.
If you select temperatures below +18 ℃
(+17.78 ℃), the indication: L O
will appear on
the screen. In this setting the system runs at
maximum cooling output and the tempera-
ture is not regulated.
If a temperature above +29 °C (+86 °F) is se-
lected, the screen will show HI
. In this setting
the system runs at maximum heating output
and the temperature is not controlled.
Blower
The blower can be adjusted using buttons
››› Fig. 130 8 and
9 . If the blower is off
(level 1 is not shown on the screen) andbutton
9 is pressed after 1 second, the Cli-
matronic switches off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the but-
tons ,
and
. It is also possible to
open and close some of the air outlets sepa-
rately.
Switching the air conditioning on and off
By pressing the A/C button, the air cooling
system can be switched off in order to save
fuel. The temperature continues to self-regu-
late. The set temperature can then only be
reached if it is higher than the outside tem-
perature.
In rain or high humidity, we recommend
switching the A/C on so that the evaporator
does not allow the windscreen to steam up.
Air recirculation mode –
Press the button to switch air recircula-
tion mode on or off. This is ON if the sym-
bol ›››
Fig. 130 is displayed on the
s c
reen.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong
odours or contaminated air from the outside
air from entering in the vehicle, for example
when passing through a tunnel or in a traffic
jam.
122
Operation
●
Unsupervised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine is stopped (ignition key position 3 ).
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thorised persons from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine SEAT keys are used. Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting posi-
tion ››› page 123.
– Let
go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts; the starter motor must not run
on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may
need to slightly press down the accelerator.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately,
switch the starter off after 10 seconds and try
again after half a minute. If the engine still
does not start, the fuel pump fuse should be
checked ›››
page 195, Fuses. WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventila-
ted or closed rooms. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odourless and col-
ourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci- dents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and 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. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 188, Jump-starting
. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the
engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduces emissions. 124
Driving
Starting diesel engines The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to position ››› Fig. 131
2 . The warning lamp
will light for en-
gine pr e-he
ating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to position 3 to start the engine. Do
not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts. The starter motor should not
turn at the same time.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see
the ›››
page 188 .
Glo w p
lug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing. Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp goes out.
Starting a 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 mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Starting
petrol engines on page 124. 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. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 188, Jump-starting. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›››
Fig. 131
1 .
After switching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. The fan
may also turn on again if coolant temperature
increases from accumulated heat in the en-
gine compartment or due to its prolonged ex-
posure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is running. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal
brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accidents and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
blocked once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident. » 125
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
››› Fig. 132 .
R el
easing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 132 and guide the handbrake lever
down f
ully ››› .
Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The handbrake warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● 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 al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st 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 to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn
the fr ont
wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle 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 ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
»
127
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
Automatic gearbox* Gearbox programmes Read the additional information carefully
››› page 20
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox
programmes.
Selecting the normal programme
– Put the selector lever into position D.
Selecting the sport programme – Put the selector lever into position S.
If you select the normal programme, D
, you
w i
ll drive in the economy mode, i.e. the pro-
gramme is designed to reduce fuel consump-
tion. The gearbox changes up into a higher
gear as soon as possible and down into a
lower gear as late as possible.
If you select the sport programme, S, you will
drive in a s
porty mode, i.e. a programme in
which shifts into high gears are postponed in
order to use the full power of the engine. Selector lever lock
Fig. 133
Automatic gearbox Fig. 134
Automatic gearbox: instrument pan-
el display. The selector lever lock in position P or N pre-
vents gears from being engaged inadvertent-
ly, which would cause the vehicle to move.
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 press-
ed down.
The warning lamp
on the instrument panel
lights
up when the brake pedal should be ap-
plied. This is essential when the selector lev-
er is taken from the P or N positions.
Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary at a speed of up to 5 km/h (3 mph).
At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph) the selec-
tor lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position
N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion
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 en-
gages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for
more th
an about 1second.
129
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials