2015 Seat Ibiza 5D ESP

Operation
Selecting the system setting
● If necessary, switch on the ignition.
● To select SPORT mode, press the 

 ›››
Fig. 183 b utt
on u ntil it lights up.
The CONVENIENCE mode is active when the   button is not lit. The set mode remains
sel ect
ed af

ter the ignition is switched off.
CUPRA vehicle version
The modes of operation for the CUPRA are
Normal and Sport rather than Comfort and
Sport. The vehicle always starts up in Nor-
mal. The last selection does not remain once
the vehicle is turned off. WARNING
Adjusting the “SEAT Drive Profile” modifies
drivin g pr

operties. The “SEAT Drive Profile”
system should never encourage you to take
risks.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s

ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es. ●
Stop the v

ehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe place. CAUTION
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. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system presents a
fau lt, the

 symbol appears on the instrument
panel, with the message Fault: Damping
setting . Indication on the display and warning
l
amp 
There is a fault in the “SEAT Drive Pro-
file” suspension.
See a specialised workshop immediately and have the
“SEAT Drive Profile” suspension checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does not light up again after
the engine is restarted and the vehicle has travelled a
short distance, you do not need to take it to a special-
ised workshop. Some warning and indication lamps will light
up briefly
when the ignition i
s

switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s

ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es. WARNING
Changing the “SEAT Drive Profile” settings
whil e the

vehicle is in motion can distract you
from the road and lead to accidents. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they
light up and the c orr

esponding messages
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system does not
work a

s described in this chapter, have it
checked immediately by a specialised work-
shop. 186

Towing bracket device and trailer
Towing bracket device and
tr ai
l
er
Driving with a trailer What do you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted w
ith the c

orrect equipment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-
ing bracket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer. If you
wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
››› page 188.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector
for the electrical connection between the
trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to
use an adapter cable. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly steeper slopes. The maximum trailer weights listed are only
app
lic

able for altitudes up to 1000 m above
sea level. With increasing altitude the engine
power and therefore the vehicle climbing
ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has
to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the
vehicle and trailer combination must be re-
duced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or
part thereof). The gross combination weight
is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. When
possible, operate the trailer with the maxi-
mum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar
loads that are given on the data plate of the
towing bracket are for certification purposes
only. The correct figures for your specific
model, which may be lower than these fig-
ures for the towing bracket, are given in the
vehicle documentation or in ››› chapter Tech-
nical Data .
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Loads carried in the trailer must be secured
to prevent them moving. Tyre pressure
Set tyr
e pressure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
re s

ult in fatal accidents. Note
● To w

ing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to to
wing a trailer in your country. 187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications Your vehicle is designed to offer a high
s
t
and

ard of active and passive safety.
Before purchasing accessories and parts,
and before making technical changes to your
vehicle, we recommend that you consult your
Technical Service.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide
you with the latest information about the
use, legal requirements and recommenda-
tions from the manufacturer regarding acces-
sories and spare parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved
Accessories ®
and SEAT Approved Spare
Parts ®
. This way, SEAT can guarantee that
the product in question is suitable, reliable
and safe. SEAT Technical Services have the
necessary experience and facilities to ensure
that parts are correctly and professionally in-
stalled. Despite a continuous observation of the mar-
ket, S

EAT is not able to assess the reliability,
safety and suitability of parts that SEAT has
not approved . For this reason, SEAT cannot
assume responsibility for any non-genuine
parts used, even if these parts have been ap-
proved by an official testing agency or are
covered by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
impact on the driver's control of the vehicle,
such as a cruise control system or electroni-
cally-controlled suspension, must be ap-
proved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and
bear the e mark (the European Union's au-
thorisation symbol).
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, such as refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans, they must bear the CE mark
(European Union manufacturer conformity
declaration). WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders
or cup ho l

ders, should never be fitted on the
covers, or within the working range, of the
airbags. Otherwise, there is a danger of in-
jury if the airbag is triggered in an accident. Modifications
Modifications must always be carried out ac-
cor
din

g to our specifications. Unauthorised
modifications to the electronic components
or software in the vehicle may cause malfunc-
tions. Due to the way the electronic compo-
nents are linked together in networks, other
indirect systems may be affected by the
faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead
to excessive wear of components, and also
invalidate your vehicle registration docu-
ments.
SEAT Technical Services cannot be held liable
for any damage caused by modifications
and/or work incorrectly performed. For this
reason, we recommend having all work per-
formed by a SEAT Technical Service using
SEAT ®
Original Spare Parts. WARNING
Any type of work or modification performed
incorr ectly

on your vehicle can lead to mal-
functions and can cause accidents. Roof aerial*
The vehicle can be fitted with a foldable* and
anti-thef
t* r
oof

aerial which can be folded
backwards, for example when going through
an automatic car wash.
190

Advice
Products for vehicle maintenance
C ar
-c
are products are available in your Tech-
nical Services. Keep the product instructions
until you have used them up. WARNING
● Car -c

are products can be toxic. Because of
this, they must always be kept closed in their
original container. Keep them out of the reach
of children. Failure to comply could result in
poisoning.
● Always read and observe the instructions
and warning
s on the package before using
car-care products. Improper use could cause
health problems or damage the vehicle. The
use of certain products may produce noxious
vapours; they should be used in well ventila-
ted areas.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail
varnish r
emover or other volatile fluids.
These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of
fire and explosion.
● Before washing your vehicle, or carrying
out any
maintenance, switch the engine off,
apply the handbrake firmly and remove the
key from the ignition. CAUTION
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if
the sur f

ace of the vehicle is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes.
This could damage the paintwork or the win-
dows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust
with plenty of water. For the sake of the environment
● When pur c

hasing car care products, try to
select ones that are not harmful to the envi-
ronment.
● The waste from car-care products should
not be dis
posed of with ordinary household
waste. Observe the disposal information on
the package. Care of the vehicle exterior
Autom atic

car wash tunnel The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the
v
ehic
l

e can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, the paintwork wear depends to a
large extent on the kind of the car wash tun-
nel, the brushes used, its water filtering and
the type of cleaning and preservative prod-
ucts.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to
note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as
spoilers or a roof rack or two-way radio aerial,
etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash
tunnel operator first. After washing, the brake

s could take some
time to respond as the brake discs and pads
could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry”
the brakes by braking several times. WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduc e br

aking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
Before putting the vehicle through the car
wa sh, do not

tighten the aerial if it is folded
because it can be damaged. Hand-washing
Vehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with wa-
ter
.
– C

lean your vehicle from top to bottom with
a soft s
ponge, a glove or a brush. Use very
light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean
water

.
– Special car shampoo should only be used
for v

ery stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last,
usin

g a different sponge or glove.
192

Care and maintenance
●
Bef or
e opening the bonnet, switch the en-
gine off, apply the handbrake firmly and al-
ways remove the key from the ignition.
● Allow the engine to cool before you clean
the engine comp
artment.
● Do not clean, for example, the vehicle un-
derbody, wheel ar
ches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Failure
to comply could result in injury.
● Moisture, ice and salt on the brake system
may
affect braking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Directly after washing, avoid sudden
and sharp braking.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture-c
ontrolled and could start automatically,
even when the key is removed from the igni-
tion! For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits can be removed
when the engine i s

washed. The polluted wa-
ter must be cleaned in an oil separator. For
this reason, engine washing should be car-
ried out only by a specialised workshop or a
petrol station. Caring for the vehicle interior
C l
e

aning plastic parts and the dash
panel –
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic
par ts

and the dash panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results,
use a spec

ial solvent-free plastic cleaning
product. WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag
modul e s

urface with cleaners containing sol-
vents. Solvents cause the surface to become
porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts
could become detached and cause injuries. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag

e the material. Cleaning wooden trim*
–
Clean the wooden trim with a water-mois-
tened c
l

ean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results,
use a gen

tle soap solution. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag

e the material. Cleaning upholstery and fabric trim
Cloth seat covers and fabric trim on the
doors, he
a

dlining etc. can be cleaned with a
special interior cleaner or with dry foam and
a soft brush.
Cleaning the radio and climate con-
tro l

s To clean the radio and/or climate controls,
u
se a sof
t

damp cloth. For more resistant dirt,
a neutral soap solution may be used.
Cleaning leather* Normal cleaning
–
Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with wa-
ter and w
ipe o

ver the leather surfaces.
Cleaning stubborn stains – More stubborn dirt can be removed using a
mild so

ap solution (pure liquid soap; two
tablespoons diluted in one litre of water)
and a cloth. »
197
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
The specifications (VW standards) set out in
the f o
l
lowing page should appear on the con-
tainer of the service oil; when the container
displays the specific standards for petrol and
diesel engines together, it means that the oil
can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change indicated
in the Maintenance Programme, be per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the ›››
 page 41.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife
service) or fixed (dependent on time/dis-
tance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the
Maintenance Programme booklet is PR QI6,
this means that your vehicle has the LongLife
service program. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2,
QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service is de-
pendent on the time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service
intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been devel-
oped which, depending on the characteris-
tics and individual driving profiles, enable
the extension of the oil change service (Long-
Life service intervals). Because this oil is essential for extending the
servic
e intervals, it must only be used ob-
serving the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service in-
terv
als.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil
level is too low ››› page 206 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for fixed service inter-
vals ›››
 page 41 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife
service interval” or it has been disabled (by
request), you may use oils for fixed service
intervals, which also appear in
›››  page 41. In this case, your vehicle
must be serviced after a fixed interval of 1
year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ››› Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil l
evel is too low ››› page 206 and you can-
not obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can add a small quantity of oil conform-
ing to the specification ACEA A2 or ACEA A3
(petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (die-
sel engines) (up to 0.5 l). Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The Mainten

ance Programme states whether
your vehicle is fitted with a diesel particulate
filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash
formation, may be used in diesel engines
equipped with particulate filter. Using other
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tration and reduce the life of the DPF. There-
fore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil
level is too low ››› page 206 and
you cannot obtain the oil specified for your
vehicle, you can use a small quantity of oil
(once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or
ACEA B3/ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l). Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an
engine oi l

that conforms to the correspond-
ing VW specifications and recommend keep-
ing it in the vehicle. This way, the correct en-
gine oil will always be available for a top-up if
needed. 205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Check engine oil level Fig. 187
Engine oil dipstick. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 page 41
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operating t

emperature is reached and
then stop.
– Wait for about two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with
a cle

an cloth and insert it again, pushing it
in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out again and check the oil lev-
el. T

op up with engine oil if necessary.
Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this

reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the en gine mu

st be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alwa
ys observe the safety warnings
››› page 201. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
st ar

t the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a Technical Service. Topping up engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 41
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings ››› in safety notes for work in
the en gine c
omp

artment on page 201.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration ›››
page 204.
Engine oil specification ›››
 page 41. WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
come s

into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
st ar

t the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Otherw i

se oil can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 41
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme.
206

Advice
●
If w ork
ing inside the engine compartment,
remember that, even when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury. WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sys

tem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
additiv
e is correct with respect to the lowest
expected ambient temperature in the zone in
which the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low,
the cool
ant could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heat-
ing would not work either and inadequately
dressed passengers could die of cold. CAUTION
Do not top up the expansion tank with cool-
ant fluid if it

is empty! Air could enter the
cooling system. In this case, stop driving.
Seek specialist assistance. Otherwise, there
is a risk of engine damage. CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
with c oo

lants which are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine and the engine
coo
lin

g system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not pur-
ple b
ut is, for example, brown, this indicates
that the G13 additive has been mixed with an
inadequate coolant. The coolant must be
changed as soon as possible if this is the
case! This could result in serious faults and
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the
en vir

onment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Chec k
in

g the brake fluid level Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 43
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is
shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment illustration ››› page 204. The brake fluid
reservoir has a black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicle is being used as the brake pads are
automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in
a short time, or dr

ops below the “MIN” mark,
there may be a leak in the brake system. A
display on the instrument panel will warn you
if the brake fluid level is too low ››› page 100. WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake
fluid lev el, r

ead and observe the warnings
››› page 201. Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates brake
fluid c
h
an

ge intervals.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid
changed by a Technical Service.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and
follow the warnings ››› in safety notes for
w ork
in the en

gine compartment on
page 201 in section “Safety notes for work-
ing in the engine compartment”.
In the course of time, brake fluid becomes
hygroscopic and absorbs water from the am-
bient air. If the water content in the brake flu-
id is too high, the brake system could cor-
rode. This also considerably reduces the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid. Heavy use of the
brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
208