2016 Seat Ibiza ST battery

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

Operation
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
T o av
oid u nnec
essary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank
has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry,
it may take longer than normal (up to one mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Starting
petrol en

gines on page 151. 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
›››
 p

age 52, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
en gine with the v

ehicle 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 it

ching 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 swit c

h the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is runnin
g. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accident
s

and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
blocked onc
e 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 steering loc
k could be engaged and vehi-
cle steering would not work. CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a
heavy lo a

d 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
ing c

apacity and braking distance The efficiency of the brakes depends directly
on the br
ak
e p a

d 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
152

Driver assistance systems
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating tempera-
t ur
e.
● The s t
eering wheel must be straight.
● The vehicle must be on flat ground.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the interior must be
within the comfor
t limits (A/C button should
be sel ect
ed).
● The w ind
screen de-mist function must be
off.
● If in an incr

ease in airflow is not request
ed.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or
LO .
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in
regener
ation mode, for diesel engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the
next st
art.
● Battery temperature must be between -1 °C
(+30 °F) and +55 °C (+131 °F).
Star

t-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop
function will be interrupted and the engine
will automatically start: ●
The vehicl
e starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in
a row.
● The b

attery has been discharged excessive-
ly.
● The Star

t-Stop System is manually deacti-
vated.
● The wind

screen de-mist function is turned
on.
● The temperature of the interior exceeds the
comfort
limits ( A/C button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3
pr e
sse

s.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is select
ed.
● The engine coolant temperature is insuffi-
cient.
● The altern

ator is faulty, for example the V-
belt has
ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the
previous
section are not fulfilled.
When the engine is turned off by the Start-
Stop function, this is displayed on the instru-
ment panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on,
the  warning lamp will appear on the instru-
ment panel. WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the en-
gine off for an y

reason. You could lose control
of your vehicle. This could cause an accident
and serious injury.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. You need mor
e force to stop the vehi-
cle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not ru
nning. That is why it is much
more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving
through water (f
ording streams, etc.). Note
● For v ehic

les with the Start-Stop function
and a manual gearbox, when the engine is
started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop
function are not
fulfilled, the instrument pan-
el displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, it wil
l not be possible to start the vehi-
cle again. To start the vehicle, straighten the
steering wheel so that it is turned less than
270°.
● There are different versions of the dash
panel; the disp
lay of indications on the
screen may differ. 173
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
are under constant development. SEAT pro-
v ide
s a c
onstant flow of information to Tech-
nical Services concerning modifications. For
this reason, we recommend you have service
fluids and consumables replaced by a Techni-
cal Service. Please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 190. The engine compart-
ment of the vehicle is a hazardous area ››› .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine com-
partment, e. g. c

hecking and refilling fluids,
involves the danger of injury and burns, acci-
dents and even fire.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam,
smoke or cool
ant escaping from the engine
compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of
sustaining burns. Wait until no more steam or
coolant is emitted, then allow the engine to
cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition.
● Apply

the handbrake and move the gear
lever to neutr
al or selector lever to position P.
● Keep children away from the vehicle.
● Never touch hot engine parts. There is a
risk of b
urns.
● Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a
hot exhau
st gas system. This is a fire hazard.
● Avoid causing short-circuits in the electri-
cal sy
stem, particularly at the points where
the jump leads are attached ›››
 page 52.
The battery could explode. ●
Never touc h the r

adiator fan. It is tempera-
ture controlled and could start automatically,
even when the engine has been switched off
and the key removed from the ignition!
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sulatin
g materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pansion t
ank when the engine is hot. If the
coolant is hot, the cooling system will be
pressurised!
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a lar
ge, thick cloth to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● Always make sure you have not left any ob-
jects, suc
h as cleaning cloths or tools, in the
engine compartment.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you must
use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. A hydraulic jack is insufficient for se-
curing the vehicle and there is a risk of injury.
● If any work has to be performed when the
engine is s
tarted or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety
risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive
belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from
the high-voltage ignition system. You should
also observe the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and
long hair do not get trapped in rotating
engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any work remove jewellery, tie
back
and c

over hair, and wear tight-fit-
ting clothes.
– Never accelerate with a gear engaged
without taking the necessary precau-
tions. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel
system or on el
ectrical components, you
must observe the following safety notes in
addition to the above warnings:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network. The vehicle must be
unlocked when this is done, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
sudden ly

open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that
it is pr
operly secured by the locking mecha-
nism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet
must be flush with the surrounding body pan-
els.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet
is not c
orrectly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly. 202

Advice
Checking levels Fig. 185
Diagram for the location of the various elements. Fig. 186
For vehicles with the battery in the
luggag e c
ompartment. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s in the
v

ehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused. Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil l

evel dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery
Windscreen washer reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids
are carried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 201.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 219.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on
the engine. Engine oil
General not

es The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil th
at

can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
204

Advice
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid im-
pairs the br
aking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the
brake fluid lev
el, read and observe the warn-
ings ››› page 201.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed
original c
ontainer in a safe place out of reach
of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Perform the brake fluid change according to
the Maintenanc
e Programme. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the
brake fluid is left in the brake system for too
long. This would seriously affect the effec-
tiveness of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle. This may cause an accident. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork.
Wipe off an y

brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be col-
lected and di s

posed of according the applica-
ble regulations. The SEAT Technical Service
network has the necessary equipment and
qualified personnel for collecting and dispos-
ing of this waste material. Windscreen washer reservoir
Top
pin g up the w

indscreen washer
reservoir water Read the additional information carefully
›››
 p

age 43
The windscreen washer and the headlight
washers are supplied with fluid from the
windscreen washer fluid container in the en-
gine compartment. The container holds ap-
prox. 3 litres; in vehicles with headlight
washers* it holds approx. 4.5 litres.
The tank is in the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the wind-
screen and headlights. We recommend that
you always add a product to the windscreen
washer fluid. Approved windscreen cleaning
products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be
added all-year-round. Please follow the dilu-
tion instructions on the packaging. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the engine mu s

t be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alway
s observe the safety warnings
››› page 201. CAUTION
● Never put r

adiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives into the windscreen washer fluid.
● Always use approved windscreen cleansing
products di
luted as per instructions. If you
use other washer fluids or soap solutions,
the tiny holes in the fan-shaped nozzles
could become blocked. Vehicle battery
Symbol s

and warnings on handling
the battery Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 p

age 43 
Wear eye protection

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!

Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is released
when the battery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batteries!
210

Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
chemica l
burns as well as the risk of accident
or fire when working on the battery and the
electrical system:
● Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes,
skin and clothing fr
om acid and particles con-
taining lead.
● Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear
protective glo
ves and eye protection. Do not
tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through
the vents.
● Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately
for severa
l minutes with clear water. Then
seek medical care immediately. Neutralise
any acid splashes on the skin or clothing
with a soapy solution, and rinse off with plen-
ty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake,
consult a doctor immediately.
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are
prohibited.
When handling cables and electri-
cal equipment, avoid causing sparks and
electrostatic charge. Never short the battery
terminals. High-energy sparks can cause in-
jury.
● A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the b
attery is under charge. The
batteries should be charged in a well-ventila-
ted room only.
● Keep children away from acid and batteries.
● Before working on the electrical system,
you must
switch off the engine, the ignition
and all electrical devices. The negative cable on the battery must be disconnected. When a
light bu
l

b is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
● Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlock-
ing the vehic
le before you disconnect the bat-
tery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
● When disconnecting the battery from the
vehicle on-bo
ard network, disconnect first
the negative cable and then the positive ca-
ble.
● Switch off all electrical devices before re-
connecting the batt
ery. Reconnect first the
positive cable and then the negative cable.
Never reverse the polarity of the connections.
This could cause an electrical fire.
● Never charge a frozen battery, or one which
has th
awed. This could result in explosions
and chemical burns. Always replace a battery
which has frozen. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connec-
ted to the batt
ery.
● Never use a defective battery. This could
cause an exp
losion. Replace a damaged bat-
tery immediately.
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage
compartment: Chec
k that the battery gas
ventilation hose is securely attached. CAUTION
● Never dis c

onnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running. This could damage the electrical system or
electronic
c

omponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
over a long period of
time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold condi-
tions for a lon
g period, protect the battery
from “freezing”. If it freezes it will be dam-
aged. Warning lamp

It lights up
Alternator fault.
The control lamp
 lights up when the igni-
tion i s sw

itched on. It should go out when the
engine has started running.
If the control lamp  lights up while driving,
the alternator is no longer charging the bat-
tery. You should immediately drive to the
nearest specialised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.
211
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Checking the battery electrolyte level The electrolyte level should be checked regu-
larly in high-mi
l
eage vehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.
– Open the bonnet and open the battery cov-
er at the front ›

›› in safety notes for work
in the engine comp ar
tment on page 202
››› in Symbols and warnings on handling
the batter y on p

age 211. For vehicles with
the battery under the spare wheel, open
the rear lid and lift the floor covering. The
battery is located next to the spare wheel.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye"
on the top of the b att

ery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap
the window gently

until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the
corresponding engine compartment diagram
››› page 204. The location of the battery in
the luggage compartment can be seen in
››› Fig. 186.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top
of the battery changes colour, depending on
the charge state and electrolyte level of the
battery.
There are two different colours:
● Black: correct charge status.
● Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must
be replac
ed. Contact a specialised workshop. Charging or changing the battery The battery is maintenance-free and is
check
ed durin

g the inspection service. All
work on the vehicle battery requires special-
ist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driven for long periods, the bat-
tery should be checked by a specialised
workshop between the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have
problems starting the vehicle, the battery
might be damaged. If this happens, we rec-
ommend you have the vehicle battery
checked by a Technical Service where it will
be re-charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
vironment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries meet the mainte-
nance, performance and safety specifications
of your vehicle. WARNING
● We rec ommend
you use only maintenance-
free or cycle free leak-proof batteries which
comply with standards T 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73. This standard applies as of
2001.
● Before starting any work on the batteries,
you must
read and observe the warnings
››› in Symbols and warnings on handling
the batter y on p

age 211. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as
sulphuric ac

id and lead. They must be dis-
posed of appropriately and must not be dis-
posed of with ordinary household waste. 212