2016 Seat Ibiza ST Engine warning light

Air conditioning
Heating
M ax
imum he at
output, which is needed to
defrost the windows quickly, is only available
when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
Coolant system
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
temperature and the air humidity go down.
This way, if the outside humidity is extreme,
the air conditioning prevents the misting of
the windows and therefore, comfort is im-
proved.
If the air conditioning does not work, this
may be due to the following reasons:
● The engine is stationary.
● The fan blower is switched off.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proxim
ately +3 °C (+37 °F).
● The air conditioning system compressor
has been t
emporarily switched off because of
an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioning chec
ked by a specialised work-
shop. Air recirculation
 Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells,
e.g. when pa
s

sing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic, from entering the interior.
If the rotary switch C
››› Fig. 166 i s
in the
thaw position, the recirculation flap will al-
ways be open (button light off).
If the rotary switch C is switched from any
position t o the th

aw position, recirculation
will be automatically deactivated.
Connecting the recirculation
In any position of rotary switch C except
th a
w:
● Pr e

ss button D
› ›
› Fig. 166 , the sw

itch's
lamp will light up, indicating that air recircu-
lation inside the vehicle has been activated.
Disconnecting the recirculation
In any position of rotary switch C except
th a
w:
● Pr e

ss button D again and the button's
l amp w
il

l go off, indicating that air recircula-
tion from the outside has been activated. In the thaw position of rotary switch
C , the
entr y
of air int

o the vehicle interior is always
from the outside. WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the
outside ent er

s the vehicle interior. If the air
conditioner is switched off, the windows can
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the
air recirculation mode switched on for a long
time (risk of accident). Note
● When engagin g r

everse gear, the air recir-
culation is connected automatically to pre-
vent the entrance of exhaust gases in the ve-
hicle on travelling backwards. The control
lamp on the button  does not light up.
● If the temperature control is turned to the
col de

st setting (blue point) and the A/C but-
ton is on, the
“Air recirculation” function is
automatically activated in order to cool the
vehicle faster using less energy, and its func-
tion control lamp will light up.
● If the function is not deactivated by press-
ing the button, it
will deactivate after approx-
imately 20 minutes. 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

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
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine S
EAT keys are used.Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEA
T k

ey with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress

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 ›››

p

age 150.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts; the s

tarter 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. WARNING
● Never st ar

t 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 ru
nning.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could
explode or cau
se the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine is c

old, 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 metre
s 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 order t
o 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 with the v

ehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduce
s

emissions. Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEA
T k

ey with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress

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. 168
2 . The warning lamp
 wi
ll

light for en-
gine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to po

sition 3 to start the engine. Do
not pr
es
s the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts.

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. »
151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ic e
s mor
e 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
brake sy s

tem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the corr
ect 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 ro
ads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they wi
ll 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 pres
sure. Continuous braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance w
i

ll increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switched off
. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subject
ed 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
could r
estrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 190, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
distanc
e 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
› ›
›
p

age 209.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warnin
g lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the brak e w

arning 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 209, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-
gether with 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. 169
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. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
› ›
›
Fig. 169
.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease kno

b in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 169 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
ay

s pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The h andbr
ake w

arning lamp  lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never use the h andbr

ake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this wi
ll cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehic l

e. Put it in 1st gear as well. In vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in position P. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the v
ehic

le is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. T urn the s

teering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leave the

vehicle ››› .
Ad dition
al
notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill
,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the vehic
le is parked facing uphill, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firm
ly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take me a

sures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
could ignit
e inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehicl
e when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They coul
d set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely
hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. 154

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

idding 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 156.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
face s.
● When the

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

es 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 f ollowing func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activat
ed.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light w
ill 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
press
ing the switch  or if we select ESC
Sport mode, only by means of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not for g

et 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 ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. » 155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
CAUTION
● To ens ur
e 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
exampl
e, 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 s

pinning 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 s

tarted. 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 vehic

le is bogged-down, to free it
“by roc
king 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 is
moving. If the system is deactivated or if it has any
fault, the warnin

g 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 156.
The  lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected
via Ea
sy Connect.
By means of Easy Connect, the ASR function
is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off. WARNING
● Remember that 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 ro
ads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ASR
should not encourage you to run any risks. CAUTION
● To ens ur

e 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. 156