2015 Seat Ibiza ST power steering

The essentials
Emergency towing of the vehi-
c l
e
T
owing Fig. 68
Right side of the front bumper: Tow-
in g rin
g. Fig. 69
Right side of the rear bumper: Towing
rin g. Towline anchorages
Att
ac
h the b
ar or rope to the towline ancho-
rages.
The towline anchorages are located under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment,
next to the vehicle tools ››› page 47.
Screw the front towline anchorage into the
screw connection ››› Fig. 68 and tighten it
with the wheel brace. The rear towline an-
chorage is under the rear bumper, on the
right.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer for the vehicle to be tow-
ed using a tow bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to re-
duce the loading on both vehicles. It is advis-
able to use a tow rope made of synthetic fi-
bre or similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the
towline anchorages provided or a towing
bracket.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● The tow rope must be taut before you drive
off.
● Rel

ease the clutch very carefully when start-
ing the v
ehicle (manual gearbox), or acceler-
ate gently (automatic gearbox). Driving style
Tow

ing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
realise how difficult it is to tow a vehicle. In-
experienced drivers should not attempt to
tow.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle
and take care to avoid jerking the tow rope.
When towing on an unpaved road, there is al-
ways a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be switched on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers.
Place the gear lever in neutral on vehicles
with a manual gearbox. With an automatic
gearbox, place the lever in N.
The brake servo only works when the engine
is running. When not running, you must ap-
ply considerably more pressure to the brake
pedal.
As the power assisted steering does not work
if the engine is not running, you will need
more strength to steer than you normally
would. » 51

Self-help
Check the condition of the wiper blades regu-
l arly
.
If the wipers scrape across the glass ,
they should be changed if they are damaged,
or cleaned if they are dirty ››› .
If thi
s

does not produce the desired results,
the setting angle of the windscreen wiper
arms might be incorrect. They should be
checked by a specialised workshop and cor-
rected if necessary. WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility
through a l

l windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all
window
s regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once
or twice a
year. CAUTION
● Damag ed or dir

ty windscreen wipers could
scratch the glass.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint
thinner or simil
ar products to clean the win-
dows. This could damage the windscreen
wiper blades.
● Never move any windscreen wiper by hand.
This c
ould cause damage.
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the
winds
creen wiper arms, the latter should only
be lifted off the windscreen when in service
position. Note
● The wind s

creen wiper arms can be moved
to the service position only when the bonnet
is properly closed.
● You can also use the service position, for
examp
le, if you want to fix a cover over the
windscreen in the winter to keep it clear of
ice. Towing or tow-starting
Note s Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 51
Please observe the following points if you
use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Move the vehicle slowly until the cable is
taut.

Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you
are drivin

g an automatic vehicle, accelerate
gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power
steerin

g are not working in the vehicle you
are towing. Brake sooner than normal and
pressing the pedal gently. Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times when t

owing.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● Put the selector lever into position “N”.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (31 mph).
● Do not tow further than 50 km.
● If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle
must
be towed with the front wheels raised. WARNING
If the vehicle has no electrical power, the
brak e light

s, turn signals and all other lights
will no longer function. Do not have the vehi-
cle towed away. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident. WARNING
Vehicle handling and braking capacity
ch an

ge considerably during towing. Please
observe the following instructions to mini-
mise the risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– You shoul

d depress the brake much hard-
er as the brake servo does not operate.
Pay the utmost attention to avoid crash-
ing into the towing vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering
wheel as the power steering does not op-
erate when the engine is switched off. » 79
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Emergencies
●
As the driv er of
the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate with particular care and cau-
tion.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake earlier than usual and more
smoothly. CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the cata-
lytic con

verter and damage it. Note
● Ob ser

ve legal requirements when towing or
tow-starting.
● Switch on the hazard warning lights of both
vehicl
es. However, observe any regulations
to the contrary.
● For technical reasons, vehicles with an au-
tomatic
gearbox must not be tow-started.
● If there is no lubricant in the gearbox as the
res
ult of a fault, you must raise the driven
wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has to be towed more than
50 km (30 mile
s), the front wheels should be
raised during towing, and towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
● The steering wheel is locked when the vehi-
cle h
as no electrical power. The vehicle must
then be towed with the front wheels raised.
Towing should be carried out by a qualified
person. ●
The to wline anc

horage should always be
kept in the vehicle. Towline anchorages
Fig. 90
Towline anchorage at the front of the
v ehic
l

e Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 51
Fitting the front towline anchorage
– Take the towline anchorage from the on-
board t

ool set.
– Remove the front cover by pressing down
on its lef

t-hand side. For FR finishes, press
down and pull outwards. For the rest of the
Sport finishes, remove the cover by insert-
ing a screwdriver into the lower slot and
levering gently. –
Bolt the anc
horage to its limit to the left, in
the direction of the arrow ››› Fig. 90.
Rear towline anchorage
There is a towline anchorage at the rear on
the right below the rear bumper. 80

Controls and displays
Operation
C ontr
o
ls and displays
General instrument panel Door release lever
Light sw
it

ch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Headlight range control* . . . . . . . . . .125
Air vents
Lever f
or:
– Turn signals/main beam head-
lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
– Crui se c

ontrol* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Instrument panel and warning
lamp s:
– In

struments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
– Warnin g and indic

ation lamps . . .35
Steering wheel with horn and – Driver airb ag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
– On-boar d c

omputer controls . . . .25
– Contro
ls for radio, telephone,
navigation and speech dialogue
system ›››
Booklet Radio
– Paddle levers for tiptronic gear-
shift (automatic gearbox) . . . . . . .162
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 Steering and starter lock
. . . . . . . . . .153
Lever for: – Wind
s

creen wipers and washer . .129
– Window w
asher-wiper system* . .129
– Multi-f
unction display control* . .25
Infotainment system:
Depending on the equipment,
glo

ve compartment with: . . . . . . . . .136
– CD pla
yer* and/or SD card*
››› Booklet Radio
Passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Switches for:
– Heating and

ventilation . . . . . . . . . 146
– Air conditionin g* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
– C

limatr
onic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Depending on the equipment, but-
ton s

for:
– SEAT Drive Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
– Park a

ssist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
– Hazard w
arning lights . . . . . . . . . .127
– Airbag off w
arning lamp* . . . . . . .68, 70
Depending on the equipment:
– USB/AUX -IN inp

ut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
– Cig ar

ette lighter/Power socket . .138
Drink holder/Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
8 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 Controls in the centre console:
– St ar
t

-Stop operation button . . . . .173
– Tyr
e pressure monitoring* . . . . . . .104
– Heated r
ear window . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
– Heated se
ats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
– Central
locking* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Handbrake lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Gear lever – Automatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
– M

anual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Stor

age space
Pedal
s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Steering column control lever* . . . .13
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Fuse housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Control for adjusting electric exteri-
or mirrors* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
El

ectric window controls* . . . . . . . . .120 Note
Some of the items of equipment listed here
are fitt ed on

ly on certain model versions or
are optional extras. 17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
95
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Air recirculation Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells,
e.g. when p
a
ssing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic, from entering the interior.
Switching on air recirculation mode
● Press button 
17
››› Fig. 167 and the

symbol is displayed on the screen.
Switching off air recirculation mode
● Press button 
17
› ›
› Fig. 167
and the 
symbol disappears from the screen. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ›››
in
Genera l
notes on page 144. Note
If air recirculation mode remains on for 15 mi-
nute s, the

 symbol will start to flash on
the screen to indicate prolonged air recircula-
tion. If air recirculation is not switched off,
the symbol will continue to flash for about 5
minutes. Blower selection
Climatronic automatically regulates blower
s
peed ac
c

ording to the interior temperature. It is possible, however, to set the blower
speed to s

uit requirements.
● Turn control 10
› ››
Fig. 167
c
ounter-clock-
wise (to lower the speed) or clockwise (to in-
crease the speed).
Climatronic will switch off when the blower
switches off. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ›››
in
Genera l
notes on page 144. Windscreen defrost
Switching on windscreen defrosting
●
Press the button 

12
› ›
›

Fig. 167.
Switching off windscreen defrosting
● Press button 
12
› ›
›

Fig. 167 several
times or press the AUTO button.
The t emper
at
ure is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 1 and
2 ›››
page 146. Driving
Ad dr
e

ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h

anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. WARNING
If the power steering does not work, you will
need much mor e s

trength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
while the
vehicle is moving. The steering lock152

Driving
could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not w
ork. Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itc
hed on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Information relating to different vehi-
c
l
e pr

ocesses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
s
t
e

al, you should always lock the steering be-
fore leaving the vehicle.
Mechanical steering lock
The steering column is locked when the key
is removed from the ignition lock and the ve-
hicle is stationary.
Activating the steering lock
● Park the vehicle ›››
page 156.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steerin
g lock has engaged. Deactivating the steering lock
●
Turn the steering wheel slightly to release
the lock.
● Inser

t the key in the ignition lock.
● Hold the steering wheel in this position
and switc
h on the ignition.
Electromechanical steering
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running.
You should take into account that you will
need considerably more power than normal
to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
not working correctly or at all.
Power-assisted steering
Power-assisted steering helps the driver in
critical situations. In counter-steering, it as-
sists by applying additional torque ››› .
WARNING
Power-assisted steering, together with the
ESC, help s

the driver to control vehicle steer-
ing in critical situations. However, the driver
is ultimately responsible for steering the ve-
hicle at all times. Power-assisted steering
does not remove this responsibility. Starting and stopping the en-
gine
Ignition k ey
po

sitions Fig. 168
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 20
Ignition switched off, steering lock 1 In this position
››
›
Fig. 168, the ignition and
the engine are OFF and the steering may be
locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the
ignition key, turn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should al-
ways lock the steering wheel when you leave
your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle
theft ››› .
»
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Switching the ignition or the glow plug sys-
t em on 2 Turn the ignition key to this position and re-
l
e
a
se it. If the key cannot be turned or it is
difficult to turn from position 1 to position
2 , move the steering wheel from one side to
the other; thi s
w

ill release it.
Starting 3The engine is started when the key is in this
po
s
ition. El

ectrical devices with high power
consumption are switched off temporarily at
the same time.
Each time that the vehicle is restarted, the ig-
nition key must be turned to position 1 . The
r epetitiv
e s

tart prevention lock of the igni-
tion prevents possible damage to the starter
motor if the engine is already running. WARNING
● The ignition key mu

st NOT be removed from
the lock until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still. Otherwise, the steering could be imme-
diately blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition
when leav
ing the vehicle, even if only for a
short period. This is especially important if
children or disabled people are left alone in
the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as
the electric windows, resulting in an acci-
dent. ●
Uns uper

vised 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 i s s

topped (ignition key position 3 ).
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thori
sed per
son

s 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 g enuine

SEAT keys are used. Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine S
EA

T key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depres

s 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 153.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine star

ts; 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 81, Fuses.
154

Operation
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Ple
a
se observe and follow the notes on the
›››  page 52, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
en gine w ith 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. 168
1 .
Af t
er sw
itching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. It is also
possible that the fan turns itself on once
more if the coolant temperature increases
due to the heat accumulated in the engine
compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never sw it

ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is ru
nning. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
acc
ident

s and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
block
ed once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident.
● Power-assisted steering does not work
when the engine is
off, and more strength is
needed to turn the wheel.
● If the key is removed from the ignition lock
the steerin
g lock could be engaged and vehi-
cle steering would not work. CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a
heavy lo

ad for a long period, heat can accu-
mulate in the engine compartment and cause
engine damage. For this reason, idle the en-
gine for approximately 2 minutes before
switching it off. Braking and parking
Br ak
in

g capacity and braking distance The efficiency of the brakes depends directly
on the br
ak
e p

ad wear. This wear depends to
a great extent on the conditions under which
the vehicle is operated and the way the vehi-
cle is driven. If you often drive in town, drive
short distances or have a sporty driving style,
we recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ices

more frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be “dried” by
pressing the brake pedal several times. WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brak e sy

stem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the c
orrect friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
driving on r
oads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they w
ill overheat. Before driving down
a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change down into a lower gear or
range (depending on the type of transmis-
sion). Thus, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying
light pre
ssure. Continuous braking will cause156