2016 Seat Ibiza 5D check engine light

Operation
It lights up yellow
The 12-volt battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Take the vehicle for a short run
at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).

It flashes yellow
The steering column
is tight.Turn the wheel a little to both
sides.
The steering column
does not unlock or
lock.Remove the key from the ignition
and switch the ignition back on.
If necessary, check the messag-
es displayed on the instrument
panel display.
Do not drive on if
the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. 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

vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
spondin g t

ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Information relating to different vehi-
cl
e pr

ocesses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
st
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 149.
● 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 vehic

les 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. 146

Operation
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 147.
– 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 80, Fuses. WARNING
● Never s t

art 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 c
ause the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine i s

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 metr
es 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 or
der 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 52, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine w ith the

vehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduc
e

s emissions. Starting diesel 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 position ›››
Fig. 156
2 . The warning lamp
 wi
l l light for en-
gine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key t

o position 3 to start the engine. Do
not pr
e
ss the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine star

ts. 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 52.
148

Operation
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ic e
s
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 cause the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tanc
e w

ill increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switc
hed off. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 187, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
dist
ance will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
●
the brake fluid level is too low
› ›
›

page 206.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This w
arning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the br ak

e warning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
risk of an accident ››› page 206, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-
gether w
ith the ABS lamp  this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Handbrake
Fig. 157
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr
ev
ent

the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
150

Operation
Braking and stability systems El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)*This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk
of

skidding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
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
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 153.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
fac e

s.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
ward
s and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC r

educes the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp  provides infor-
mation concerning function and  disconnec-
tion status.
Both control lamps light up together when
the ignition is switched on and should turn
off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the
time taken for the function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). The control lamp
 has the following func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activ
ated.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light
will also come on if a fault
should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp  lights up and stays
on after the engine is started, this may mean
that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESC. In this case the ESC can
be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the control lamp goes
out, this means the system is fully functional.
The  lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected on
pres
sing the switch  or if we select ESC
Sport mode, only by means of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not f or

get 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 r
oads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. 152

Driving
CAUTION
● To en s
ure that the ESC works correctly, all
four wheels must be fitted with the same
tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of
the tyres can cause the system to reduce en-
gine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for
examp
le, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels
and tyres) may affect the operation of the
ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. Traction control system (ASR)*
The traction control system prevents the driv-
en wheel
s
fr

om spinning when the vehicle is
accelerating. This system always includes
ABS.
Description and operation of the traction
control system during acceleration (ASR)
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR sys-
tem intervenes, reducing engine power and
preventing the driven wheels from slipping
during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS.
If a failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will al-
so stop working.
TCS helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even
impossible. The ASR automatically switches on when the
engine is

started. If necessary, it could be
connected or disconnected by means of the
Easy Connect system.
When the ASR is off, the warning lamp lights
up . The ASR should normally be left on.
Only in exceptional circumstances, when
wheel spin is required, can they be turned off
using the ESC button, for example:
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on soft ter-
rain.
● When the v

ehicle is bogged-down, to free it
“by r
ocking it.”
The ASR should be switched on again as
soon as possible.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the traction
control system:  and . Both control lamps
light up together when the ignition is switch-
ed on and should turn off after approximately
2 seconds. This is the time taken for the func-
tion check.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the ve-
hicle i
s moving. If the system is deactivated or if it has any
fault, the w

arning lamp will remain lit. The
warning lamp will also light up if a fault
should occur in the ABS because the ASR op-
erates in conjunction with the ABS. For fur-
ther information, see ››› page 153.
The  lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected
via E
asy Connect.
By means of Easy Connect, the ASR function
is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off. WARNING
● Remember th at

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 r
oads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ASR
should not encourage you to run any risks. CAUTION
● To en s

ure 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. » 153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
How the ABS works
If one of
the wheel
s turns too slowly in rela-
tion to the vehicle's speed, and is close to
locking, the system will reduce the braking
pressure to this wheel. The driver is made
aware of this control process by a pulsating
of the brake pedal and audible noise. This is
a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the
ABS control function has intervened. In this
situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regu-
late the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface,
the best possible control is retained as the
wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee
shorter braking distances in all conditions.
Braking distance could even be further if you
brake on gravel or on fresh snow on a slip-
pery surface.
Control lamp
The control lamp  lights up for a few sec-
onds when the ignition is switched on. It
goes out again after the system has run
through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp  does not
light up when
the ignition is switched on. ●
The contro
l lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few seconds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mo
ving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the
tyre pressure control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp  lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
WARNING
● The anti-lock br

ake system cannot defy the
laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that
the ABS is working (to counteract locked
wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety fea-
tures tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined
by the ty
res fitted ››› page 210.
● If the running gear or brake system is modi-
fied, the effectivene
ss of the ABS could be se-
verely limited. WARNING
● Bef or

e opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 198, Working in
the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp  should
light
up together with the ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
››› page 206, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid
level has dropped below the “MIN” mark you
must not drive on. Risk of accident. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in
the brake sy
stem may have been caused by a
failure of the ABS system. This could cause
the rear wheels to lock quickly when you
brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and
seek technical assistance. Electronic differential lock (XDS)*
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
ti
al
mec

hanism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er 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
156

Operation
Accumulation of soot in the diesel engine
p ar
tic
ulate filter* 
If the control lamp  lights up you should
help the filter clean itself by driving in the ap-
propriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth
or fifth gear (automatic gearbox: S gear
range) at a minimum speed of 60 km/h
(37 mph), with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2,000 rpm. In this way, the soot build
up in the filter is burned. When cleaning is
successful, the control lamp turns off.
If the lamp  does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system  and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
Always drive according to the road weather
condition s, the t

errain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic. CAUTION
● Your v

ehicle is not designed to use biodie-
sel fuel. Never, under any circumstances re-
fuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel
could damage the engine and the fuel sys-
tem. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by
the diesel producer in accordance with stand- ard EN 590 is authorised and will not cause
dam
ag

e to the engine or the fuel system.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur con-
tent m
ay significantly reduce the useful life of
the diesel particulate filter. Your Technical
Service will be able to tell you which coun-
tries have diesel with a high sulphur content. Engine management* 
This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement
sy

stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
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.
Engine pre-heating/fault system*  The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug

s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp  lights up
If the control lamp  lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
168

Towing bracket device and trailer
●
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 control 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. Towing bracket device and
tr
ai
l

er
Trailer mode 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 185.
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. »
183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety