The essentials
Anti-theft wheel bolts* Fig. 64
Anti-theft wheel bolt with cap and
a d
apt er
. A special adapter (vehicle tools) is required
t
o r
emo v
e the anti-theft wheel bolts.
● Remove the wheel cover* or the cap*.
● Insert the special adapter (vehicle tools)
onto the anti-theft wheel
bolt and push it on
as far as it will go.
● Insert the wheel brace (vehicle tools) onto
the adapter a
s far as it will go.
● Remove the wheel bolt ››› p
age 48. Note
Make a note of the code number of the anti-
theft wheel bo
lt and keep it in a safe place,
but not in your vehicle. If you need a new
adapter, you can obtain it from the SEAT Offi-
cial Service, indicating the code number. Loosening the wheel bolts
Fig. 65
Wheel: loosen the wheel bolts. ●
Insert the box spanner (vehicle tools) onto
the wheel bo
lt a
s far as it will go. An adapter
is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-
theft wheel bolts ››› page 48.
● Turn the wheel bolt approximately one turn
to the left ›
›› Fig. 65 (arrow). To apply the re-
quired torque, hold the wheel brace at the
end. If it is not possible to loosen a wheel
bolt, carefully apply pressure with one foot
on the end of the box spanner. Hold on to the
vehicle for support and take care not to slip. WARNING
Slightly loosen the wheel bolts (one turn) be-
fore r ai
sing the vehicle with the jack*. If not,
an accident may occur. Raising the vehicle
Fig. 66
Jack position points Fig. 67
Fitting the jack. ●
Place the jack* (vehicle tools) on firm
gr ou
nd. If nec
essary use a large, strong
board or similar support. If the surface is slip-
pery (for example tiles) place the jack on a
rubber mat or similar to prevent it from slip-
ping ››› .
48
The essentials
Subsequent work ●
Alloy wheels: replac e the wheel bolt caps.
● Plate wheels: replac
e the wheel hubcap.
● Return all tools to their proper storing loca-
tion.
● If the replaced wheel does not fit in the
spare wheel
housing, store it safely in the
luggage compartment ›››
page 135.
● Check the tyre pressure of the newly moun-
ted tyre a
s soon as possible.
● In vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure indi-
cator , a
djust the pressure and store it in
memory ›››
page 216.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts chec
ked as soon as possible with a tor-
que wrench (it should be 120 Nm). Mean-
while, drive carefully.
● Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as
possib
le.
Snow chains Use Snow chains should only be used on the
fr
on
t wheel
s.
● Check that they are correctly seated after
driving for a f
ew yards; correct the position if necessary, in accordance with the manufac-
turer's fittin
g instructions.
● Keep your speed below 50 km/h (30 mph).
● If there is a danger of being trapped de-
spite hav
ing mounted the chains, it is best to
disable the driving wheels (ASR) in the ESC
››› page 155.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as
well as traction in winter conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only
be used with the following wheel rim/tyre
combination.
175/70R14
185/60R15Chains with links not exceeding 15 mm
(including the chain closure)
215/45R16Chains with links not exceeding 9 mm
(including the chain closure)
215/40R17Chains with links not exceeding 7 mm
(including the chain closure) Remove wheel covers and any integral trim
rin
g bef
ore fittin
g snow chains.
Remove the chains when roads are free of
snow. Driving characteristics worsen, and the
wheels become damaged quickly and may
even be rendered unusable. WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in
accor d
ance with the manufacturer's instruc- tions. This will prevent the chains coming in-
to cont
act
with the wheel housing.50
Operation
It is possible, however, to set the blower
s peed t
o suit
requirements.
● Turn control 10
› ››
Fig. 167
cou
nter-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
General not
es on page 140. 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
atur
e is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 1 and
2 ›››
page 141. Driving
Ad dr
es
s
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromech
anic
al. 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 more s tr
ength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is ru
nning.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is sw
itched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
while the v
ehicle is moving. The steering lock could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not work.
Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itched on t
o prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Control lamp
The control lamp should light up for a few
sec
ond
s when the ignition i
s switched on. It
should go out once the engine is started.
It lights up red
The electromechani-
cal steering is dam-
aged.Have the steering checked im-
mediately by a specialised work-
shop.
It lights up yellow
Electromechanical
steering operation
is limited.See a specialised workshop im-
mediately and have the steering
checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does
not light up again after the en-
gine is restarted and the vehicle
has travelled a short distance,
you do not need to take it to a
specialised workshop. 148
Driving
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
mess ag
es 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 pl
ace. Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
sponding t e
xt messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Information relating to different vehi-
cle pr
oc
esses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
ste
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 ›››
p
age 152.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steering loc
k has engaged.
Deactivating the steering lock
● Turn the steering wheel slightly to release
the lock.
● Insert
the key in the ignition lock.
● Hold the steering wheel in this position
and switch on the ignition. El
ectromechanical steering
In vehicl
es 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, helps the driv
er 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. 149
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
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 control
lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few seconds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mov
ing.
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 ak
e 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 tyr
es fitted ››› page 213.
● If the running gear or brake system is modi-
fied, the effectivenes
s of the ABS could be se-
verely limited. WARNING
● Befor e openin
g the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 201, Working in
the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp should
light up t
ogether with the ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
››› page 209, 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 sys
tem 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 h
anism 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 »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “l en
gthenin
g” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected or the ESC is
in Sport mode.
Brake servo The brake servo increases the pressure you
ap
p
ly t
o the brake pedal. It works only when
the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning, e.g. due
to a malfunction, or if the vehicle is being
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal
considerably harder to make up for the lack
of servo assistance. WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by
extern a
l factors.
● Never let the vehicle coast with the engine
switched off
. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. The braking dis- tance is increased considerably when the
brake ser
v
o is not active.
● If the brake servo is not working, for exam-
ple when the v
ehicle is being towed, you will
have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder than normal. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
The hil l
driving assistant helps the driver to
move off and upward on a hill when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for ap-
proximately two seconds after the driver
takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from lurching backward when it is
started. During these 2 seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal
and accelerate without the vehicle moving
and without having to use the handbrake,
making start-up easier, more comfortable
and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● doors closed,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake, ●
beside s
having a gear engaged or being in
neutral for manual gear change and with the
selector lever at position S, D or R for an au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active when reversing up-
hill. WARNING
● If y ou do not
start the vehicle immediately
after taking your foot off the brake pedal, the
vehicle may start to roll back under certain
conditions. Depress the brake pedal or use
the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake ped-
al or use the h
and brake immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you
want to pr
event the vehicle from rolling back
accidentally when starting off, hold the brake
pedal down for a few seconds before starting
off. Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop
can tel l
you if your vehicle is equipped with
this system. 160
Operation
Retrofitting a towing bracket* Fig. 184
IBIZA/IBIZA SC: attachment points
f or t
ow
ing bracket. If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the ve-
hic
l
e i s
purchased, this must be completed
according to the instructions of the towing
bracket manufacturer. The attachment points
A for the towing
br ac
ket
are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball
coupling and the ground should never be
lower than the indicated value, even with a
fully loaded vehicle and including the maxi-
mum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
IBIZAIBIZA SCIBIZA ST
B65 mm (minimum)
C350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
D959 mm
E438 mm379 mm
F209 mm386 mm Fitting a towing bracket
●
Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort
f or the
vehic
le. Therefore, before fitting a
towing bracket, please contact a Technical
Service to check whether your cooling system
needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country
must be o
bserved (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, for example
the rear bumper
, must be removed and rein-
stalled. The towing bracket securing bolts
must be tightened using a torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the
vehicle el
ectrical system. This requires speci-
alised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the eleva-
tion value and the attac
hment points which
must be considered if you are retrofitting a
towing bracket. WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a spe-
cia li
sed workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly instal-
led, there is
a serious danger of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the tow
bracket
manufacturer's instructions. CAUTION
● If the pow er soc
ket is incorrectly installed,
this could cause damage to the vehicle elec-
trical system. Note
● SEAT r ec
ommends that the towing hooks
be fitted at a specialised workshop. In certain
versions this may entail fitting a heat insulat-
ing plate, which is why it is recommended
that you go to a SEAT Dealer. In the event that
the plate is not installed correctly, SEAT is ex-
empt from any liability.
● Due to the specific design of the exhaust,
the fitting of a con
ventional towing hook is188
Advice
●
Never use o l
d tyres or those with an un-
known “history of use”.
● If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must en-
sure that
the flow of air to the brakes is not
restricted. This could cause the brake system
to overheat.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres
of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to
the l aws
in the country concerned. Note
● A SEA T
Service Centre should be consulted
to find out whether wheels or tyres of differ-
ent sizes to those originally fitted by SEAT
can be fitted, and to find out about the com-
binations allowed between the front axle
(axle 1) and the rear axle (axle 2).
● For technical reasons, it is not generally
possib
le to use the wheels from other vehi-
cles. This can also apply to wheels of the
same model. The use of wheels or tyres
which have not been approved by SEAT for
use with your model may invalidate the vehi-
cle's type approval for use on public roads.
● If the spare tyre is not the same as the
tyres
that are mounted on the vehicle (e.g.
winter tyres) you should only use the spare
tyre for a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel as
soon as po
s
sible. Wheel bolts
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the
rims. If differ
ent
wheel rims are fitted, the
correct wheel bolts with the right length and
correctly shaped bolt heads must be used.
This ensures that wheels are fitted securely
and that the brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you should not use
wheel bolts from a different vehicle, even if it
is the same model ››› page 190. WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly,
the wheel cou l
d become loose while driving.
Risk of accident.
● The wheel bolts must be clean and turn
easi
ly. Never apply grease or oil to them.
● Use only wheel bolts which belong to the
wheel.
● If the pre
scribed torque of the wheel bolts
is too lo
w, they could loosen whilst the vehi-
cle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tight-
ening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and
threads can be damaged. CAUTION
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel
bolts f
or steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm. Tyre pressure
Fig. 191
Centre console: tyre monitoring sys-
t em b
utton. The tyre monitoring lamp * c
omp
are
s
wheel revolutions and with it, using the ESC,
the wheel diameter of each wheel. If the di-
ameter of a wheel changes, the tyre control
lamp lights up. The wheel diameter
changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a
load.
216