2016 Seat Ibiza ST lights

Operation
Catalytic converter To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
conv
er
ter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as l

ead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish
with too much en

gine oil ››› page 206, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea d

s if necessary ›››
 page 52.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or
loss of power when the vehicle is moving, re-
duce speed immediately and have the vehi-
cle inspected at the nearest specialised
workshop. In general, the exhaust warning
lamp will light up when any of the described
symptoms occur ›››
page 100. If this hap-
pens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust sys-
tem and escape into the environment. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry be-
cause the irr e

gularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
workin g per

fectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur from the exhaust gas under some
conditions. This depends on the sulphur con-
tent of the fuel used. Quite often the problem
can be solved by changing to another brand
of fuel. Diesel engine particulate filter*
Fig. 173
Vehicle data sticker on back cover of
the M aint
enanc

e Programme. Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Partic-
u
l
at e Fi

lter) if the vehicle data sticker (back
cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists
the code PR 7GG ››› Fig. 173.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. If this is not possible (for ex- ample, multiple short trips) the filter will be
obstruct

ed by soot and  the diesel engine
particulate filter warning lamp will light up.
This does not represent a fault, it is a warning
that indicates that the filter has not been
able to regenerate automatically and that you
must perform a cleaning cycle, as indicated
below.
Accumulation of soot in the diesel engine
particulate 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
conditions, the t err

ain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic. 170

Driving
CAUTION
● Your v ehic
le 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
damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur con-
tent ma
y 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-
ag
ement
sys

tem 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
 flashes:
When ther
e 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
glo
w p
lugs

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. Driving tips
Driving abro
ad To drive abroad, the following must be taken
into con
s

ideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensure th
at unleaded petrol is available for
the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Au-
tomobile organisations will have information
about service station networks selling unlea-
ded fuel.
● In some countries, it is possible that your
car model i s

not sold, and therefore some
spare parts are not available or the technical
services may only be able to carry out limited
repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly
provide information about the technical prep-
aration that your vehicle requires and also
about necessary maintenance and repair
possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
In countries where vehicles drive on the other
side of the road to your home country, the
asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers
of oncoming vehicles. »
171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
t o c
ert
ain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur-
ther information is available at any Technical
Service.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the ro-
tation system must previously be disconnec-
ted. To do this, please go to a specialised
workshop.
Driving on flooded roads To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
in
g thr
ough w at

er, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
lower edge of
the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc., the br ak

ing effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Driving thr ough flooded ar

eas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system. ●
Whenever drivin g thr

ough water, the Start-
Stop system* must be switched off
››› page 172. Note
● Chec k the depth of the w

ater before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in an
y situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction may
splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t-

Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop function stops the engine
when the vehic
l

e is stopped and starts it au-
tomatically when required.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and r el

ease the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will

start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the br

ake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wil

l start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
172

Driver assistance systems
The “SEAT Drive Profile” system modifies the
s u
spen
sion system's characteristics and
power steering behaviour.
you can choose between 2 different settings
with different characteristics.
CONVEN-
IENCEBalanced setting, suitable, e.g. for day-to-
day use.
SPORTThis gives the vehicle sporty characteristics
and is suitable for a sporty driving style. Settings can be changed when the vehicle is
station
ar

y or in movement. When a “SEAT
Drive Profile” setting is changed it is activa-
ted immediately.
Selecting the system setting
● If necessary, switch on the ignition.
● To select SPORT mode, press the 
 ›››
Fig. 183 button u nti

l it lights up.
The CONVENIENCE mode is active when the   button is not lit. The set mode remains
sel ect
ed af t

er the ignition is switched off.
CUPRA vehicle version
The modes of operation for the CUPRA are
Normal and Sport rather than Comfort and
Sport. The vehicle always starts up in Nor-
mal. The last selection does not remain once
the vehicle is turned off. WARNING
Adjusting the “SEAT Drive Profile” modifies
driving pr oper

ties. The “SEAT Drive Profile”
system should never encourage you to take
risks.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times to s
uit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. 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. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
sponding t e

xt messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system presents a
fault, 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 sw

itched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. 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. WARNING
Changing the “SEAT Drive Profile” settings
while the v

ehicle is in motion can distract you
from the road and lead to accidents. » 185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
comes int
o contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
star t

the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Otherwi se oi

l can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 p

age 41
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
have the s pec

ialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnin
gs ››› page 201, safety notes
for work in the engine compartment .
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
may c
ause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as acid b
urns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
fingers, k
eep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact w
ith engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
stored in a s
afe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
This c ou

ld result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Becau se of

disposal problems and the spe-
cial tools and specialist knowledge required,
we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by a Technical Service. ●
Never pour oil do

wn drains or into the
ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the
used oil. It
must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Contro l

lamp There is a fault if:
● The  l amp does not go out again after a
f ew sec ond

s.
● The  lamp lights up or flashes while the
vehicl
e is running, and three acoustic warn-
ing signals are emitted ››› .
Thi s
me an

s that either the coolant level is too
low or the coolant temperature is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the  lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating
may be caused by a malfunction of the radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 81.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle»
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
and switch the engine off. C ont
act a
Techni-
cal Service or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the  lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. First check the coolant level. If the lev-
el of the coolant is below the “MIN” mark,
top up with coolant liquid ››› .
WARNING
● If y our

vehicle is immobilised for technical
reasons, move it to a safe distance from traf-
fic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights
on and place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or
hear ste
am or coolant escaping from the en-
gine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait un-
til you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous
area. Bef
ore carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment, switch off the engine and
allow it to cool down. Always note the corre-
sponding warnings ››› page 201. Topping up coolant
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
 p

age 42
Top up coolant when the level is below the
MIN (minimum) mark. Checking coolant level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pansion t

ank. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be between the marks.
When the engine is hot, it may be slightly
above the upper mark.
Topping up coolant – Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a cloth and caref

ully unscrew it to the left
››› .
– Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the e
xpan

sion tank, otherwise you
could damage the engine. If there is no
coolant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professio- nal assistance ››› .
– If there is still some coolant in the expan-
sion t
ank, t op up t

o the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant until the level becomes
stabl

e.
– Screw the cap back on correctly.
Any los
s of coolant fluid normally indicates a
leak in the cooling system. Take the vehicle
straight to a specialised workshop to have
the cooling system examined. If there are no leaks in the engine cooling system, a loss of
coolant

can only occur if the coolant boils
and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating. WARNING
● The coolin g sy

stem is under pressure. Do
not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns!
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a
health haz
ard. Therefore, the antifreeze
should be stored in the original container in a
safe place out of reach of children. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, even when the ignition i
s
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury. WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sys t

em, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
additive i
s correct with respect to the lowest
expected ambient temperature in the zone in
which the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low,
the coolant
could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heat-
ing would not work either and inadequately
dressed passengers could die of cold. 208

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