
Operation
●
Never ignor e the w
arning lamps or messag-
es.
● Stop the vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
s pondin g t
ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Emission control system*
Control lamp
fla
she
s:
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.
The control lamp lights up:
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 There is a fault if:
● The warning symbol does not go out again
af t
er a f
ew seconds. ●
The contro
l lamp lights up or flashes while
the vehicle is moving, and three acoustic
warning signals ››› are emitted.
Thi s
me
ans that either the coolant level is too
low or the coolant temperature is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the control lamp comes on, stop the vehi-
cle, turn 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 malfunction of the radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 81.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle
and switch the engine off. Contact a Techni-
cal Service or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the control lamp comes on , stop the vehi-
cle, turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. First check the coolant level. If the lev-
el of the coolant is below the “MIN” mark,
top up with coolant liquid ››› .
WARNING
● If y
our vehicle is immobilised for technical
reasons, move it to a safe distance from traf-
fic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights
on and place the warning triangle. ●
Never open the bonnet if
you can see or
hear steam or coolant escaping from the en-
gine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait un-
til you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous
area. B
efore carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment, switch off the engine and
allow it to cool down. Always note the corre-
sponding warnings ››› page 201. Alternator
This control lamp signals a fault in the alter-
n
at
or
.
The control lamp lights up when the igni-
tion is switched on. It should go out when the
engine has started running.
If the control lamp lights up while driving,
the alternator is no longer charging the bat-
tery. You should immediately drive to the
nearest specialised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.
Turn signals Depending on which turn signal is operating,
either the l
ef
t
or right turn signal lamp
flashes. Both control lamps will flash at the
106

Operation
All turn signals flash simultaneously when
the h az
ar
d 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 switch-
ed off. WARNING
● The risk of
an accident increases if your ve-
hicle breaks down. Always use the hazard
warning lights and a warning triangle to draw
the attention of other road users to your sta-
tionary vehicle.
● Due to the high temperatures that the cata-
lytic con
verter can reach, never park in an
area where the catalytic converter could come
into contact with highly inflammable materi-
als, for example dry grass or spilt petrol. This
could start a fire. Note
● The batt er
y 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 de-
scribed her
e is subject to the relevant statu-
tory requirements. Interior lights
Int erior and r
e
ading lights Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 22
Luggage compartment lighting
The light is activated when the rear lid is
open, even when the ignition and lights are
turned off. For this reason, ensure that the
rear lid is always closed.
Glove compartment light
When opening the glove compartment on the
passenger side, the glove compartment light
will automatically turn on and will turn off
upon closure.
Ambient light*
››› table on page 2
The ambient lighting lights up the central
console area and the footwell area.
They will switch on fully when the doors are
opened and will decrease in intensity while
driving when the dipped beam headlight is
on.
The intensity of the ambient light* can be ad-
justed using the Easy Connect menu (see
Adjusting Lights > Interior light-
ing ›››
page 24). Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the in-
terior light s
will be switched off after approx.
10 minutes, providing the ignition key has
been removed and the courtesy light position
selected. This prevents the battery from dis-
charging. Visibility
Heat ed r
ear window Fig. 136
Centre console: heated rear window
sw it
c
h. The heated rear window only works when the
en
gine i
s
running. When it is switched on, a
lamp lights up on the switch.
After approximately 8 minutes, the heating
device of the rear window switches off auto-
matically.
128

Lights and visibility
For the sake of the environment
The heated rear window should be switched
off a s
soon as the glass is demisted. By sav-
ing electrical power you can also save fuel. Note
To avoid possible damage to the battery, an
autom atic
temporary disconnection of this
function is possible, coming back on when
normal operating conditions are re-establish-
ed. Sun visors
Fig. 137
Sun visor on the driver side. The sun visors for the driver and the front
p
a
s
senger can be pulled out of their central
supports and turned towards the doors in the
direction of the arrow ››› Fig. 137. Never pull
them downwards. The driver sun visor has compartments for
card
s, and the passenger sun visor has a
vanity mirror with a cover*. Note
Incorrect use of the sun visor (e.g. pulling
them down w
ards once they are open) may re-
sult in broken hinges. This damage is not cov-
ered by the vehicle warranty. Windscreen wiper and rear win-
dow w
iper sy
stems
Windscreen wipers Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 23 WARNING
● Worn and dir ty
wiper blades reduce visibili-
ty and safety levels while driving.
● In cold conditions you should not use the
wash/w
ipe system unless you have warmed
the windscreen with the heating and ventila-
tion system. The windscreen washer fluid
could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and
obscure your view of the road.
● Always note the corresponding warnings
›››
page 54. WARNING
The rain sensor* may not detect enough rain
to sw it
ch on the wipers.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually
when water on the w
indscreen obstructs visi-
bility. CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper
bl a
des are not frozen to the glass before us-
ing the wipers for the first time. If you switch
on the windscreen wipers when the wiper
blades are frozen to the windscreen, you
could damage both the wiper blades and the
wiper motor. Note
● The wind s
creen wipers will only work when
the ignition is switched on.
● The heat output of the heated jets* is con-
trol
led automatically when the ignition is
switched on, depending upon the outside
temperature.
● In certain versions of vehicles with alarms,
the winds
creen wiper will only work in inter-
val/rain sensor mode when the ignition is on
and the bonnet closed.
● When the interval wipe function is on, the
interv
als are directly proportional to the
speed. This way, the higher the vehicle speed
the shorter the intervals. » 129
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Heated exterior mirrors* – Press the demisting button › ›
› Fig. 136
– The mirrors demist for some minutes to
prevent
draining the battery unnecessarily.
– If necessary, press the button again to re-
peat the f
unction.
– The exterior mirror heating is not activated
in temperat
ures above approximately
+20°C (+68°F).
Folding in the exterior mirrors electrically* – Turn the control ›››
Fig. 139 to position to
fold 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 ex-
tended position* – Turn the knob to position L or R to return
the exterior mirr
ors to their original posi-
tion ››› .
WARNING
● Con v
ex 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 po s
sible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate distances to vehicles behind you.
● Make sure that you do not get your finger
trapped betw
een 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 i
s no longer needed. Other-
wise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
● If the el ectric
al 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 fol
lowing 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
wil
l not activate at speeds over 40 km/h
(25 mph). Seats and head restraints
Adju
s
tin
g the seat and head re-
straints
Adjusting the front seats Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 12 WARNING
The safe driving chapter contains important
inform ation, tip
s, suggestions and warnings
that you should read and observe for your
own safety and the safety of your passengers
››› page 56. WARNING
● Never a dju
st 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 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 p
assenger 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 132

Operation
– Mak
e s
ure that the head restraint engages
securely in one of its positions ››› page 60.
Removing the head restraint – Push the head restraint up as far as it will
go.
– Pr
ess the button ›››
Fig. 141 (arrow).
– Pull head restraint out of fitting without re-
lea
sing the button.
Fitting the head restraint
– Insert the head restraint into the guides on
the corre
sponding backrest.
– Push head restraint down.
– Adjust the head restraint to suit body size
›››
page 60. WARNING
● Never driv e if
the head restraints have been
removed. Risk of injury.
● Never drive if the head restraints are in an
uns
uitable position (the lowest position) as
there is a risk of serious injury.
● After refitting the head restraint, you must
alwa
ys adjust it properly for height to achieve
optimal protection.
● Please observe the safety warnings in ›››
in Correct adjustment of front head restraints
on pag
e 60
. Note
● To fit and r
emove the rear head restraints,
gently tilt the seat backrest forwards.
● When fitting the head restraints again, in-
sert the t
ubes as far as possible into the
guides without pressing the button. Seat functions
Heat ed se
ats* Fig. 142
Front seat heating switch. The front seat cushions and backrests can be
he
at
ed el
ectrically.
– Press the corresponding switch ›››
Fig. 142
to switch on the seat heating.
– Press once to connect the heating at maxi-
mum forc
e. The two LEDs illuminate
››› Fig. 142. After 15 minutes of high inten- sity, the upper LED goes out, the system is
deactivat
ed for 2 minutes and is then reac-
tivated at low intensity (the lower LED re-
mains on permanently).
– Press the switch again to set the heating to
minimum forc
e. (The lower LED lights up).
– To disconnect the heating, press the switch
again. CAUTION
To avoid damaging the heating elements,
pl e
ase do not kneel on the seat or apply
sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion and backrest. Note
The seats are only heated electrically when
the engine i s
running.134

Operation
them, particularly in the case of heavy
ob
j
ects.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or
allo
wed maximum weight. If said weights are
exceeded, the driving characteristics of the
vehicle may change, leading to accidents, in-
juries and damage to the vehicle.
● Please note that the centre of gravity may
shift when tr
ansporting heavy objects; this
may affect vehicle handling and lead to an ac-
cident. Therefore, it is essential to adjust
your speed and driving style accordingly, to
avoid accidents.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cia
lly 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 vehic
le. 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 56. CAUTION
Hard objects on the rear shelf could chafe
again s
t the wires of the heating element in
the heated rear window and cause damage. Note
● The tyr e pr
essure 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 212.
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
foggin
g 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 ring
s* are commercially available from ac-
cessory shops. Fastening rings*
3 App
lies to the model: IBIZA ST Fig. 157
Location of fastening rings in lug-
g ag
e c
ompartment. There may be four fastening rings included in
the lug
g
ag
e compartment for fastening lug-
gage and other objects ››› Fig. 157 (arrows).
– Always use suitable and undamaged straps
to secur
e luggage and other objects to the
fastening rings ››› in Loading the lug-
g ag
e c
ompartment on page 139.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the
strap
s.
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 piec e
s 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. 140

Air conditioning
so as to maintain good visibility of everything
outs
ide.
● The m
aximum heat output required to de-
fros
t windows as quickly as possible is only
available when the engine has reached its
normal running temperature. Only drive when
you have good visibility.
● Always ensure that you use the heating
syst
em, fresh air system, air conditioner and
the heated rear window to maintain good visi-
bility to the outside.
● Never leave the air recirculation on for a
long period of time. If
the cooling system is
switched off and air recirculation mode
switched on, the windows can mist over very
quickly, considerably limiting visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not requir
ed. WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and re-
duce driv er c
oncentration possibly resulting
in a serious accident.
● Never leave the fresh air fan turned off or
use the air rec
irculation for long periods of
time; the air in the vehicle interior will not be
refreshed. CAUTION
● If y
ou suspect that the air conditioner is
damaged, switch it off with the A/C button to prevent further damage and have it checked
by
a s
pecialised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require spe-
cia
list knowledge and special tools. There-
fore, we recommend you to take the vehicle
to a specialised workshop. Note
● If the humidity and t
emperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the
winds
creen free of snow, ice and leaves to en-
sure heating and cooling are not impaired,
and to prevent the windows from misting
over.
● The air from the vents flows through the ve-
hicle int
erior and is extracted by slots in the
luggage compartment designed for this pur-
pose. Therefore, you should avoid obstruct-
ing these slots with any kind of object.
● The air conditioner operates most effective-
ly with the w
indows and the sliding/tilting
sunroof* closed. However, if the temperature
inside the vehicle is excessive because of the
sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by
opening the windows for a short time.
● Do not smoke while air recirculation mode
is on, a
s smoke drawn into the air condition- ing system leaves residue on the evaporator,
produc
in
g a permanent unpleasant odour.
● At low outside temperatures, the compres-
sor switc
hes off automatically and cannot be
switched on even with the AUTO button.
● It is advisable to turn on the air condition-
ing at l
east once a month, to lubricate the
system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a de-
crease in the cooling capacity is detected, a
Technical Service should be consulted to
check the system.
● To ensure correct operation, the grilles on
both sides
of the screen must not be obstruc-
ted
● When the engine is under extreme strain,
switc
h off the compressor for a moment. Economic use of the air conditioning
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
c
ompr
e
ssor 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 exc
essive 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.
145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Air outlets Fig. 164
Air vents Air distributionSymbol
››› page 146
CMain air output through out-
lets
1, 2
5
1, 2, 5
3, 4
Outlets
3 and
4 can be closed or opened
separ at
ely using the slats and the air flow di-
rected as required. Heating and fresh air
Contr o
ls Fig. 165
Heating controls on the dash panel. ●
Use t
urn c
ontrols A ,
B and
C
› ››
Fig. 165
t o a
djust the temperature, blower speed and
air distribution.
● Press the D button to switch air recircula-
tion mode on or off .
When the f
unction is ac-
tivated, a warning light on the button is
turned on.
Temperature
Switch A adjusts temperature. The desired
t emper
at
ure inside the vehicle cannot be
lower than the ambient temperature. Maxi-
mum heat output, which is needed to defrost
the windows quickly, is only available when
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature.
146