2017 Seat Ibiza Owner's manual Edition 11.17

Driving
Driving St ar
tin
g and stopping the en-
gine
Ignition key positions Fig. 177
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›

 page 31
Ignition switched off, steering lock
In this position ››› Fig. 177 1 the ignition
and the en gine ar
e off

and the steering may
be locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the
ignition key, turn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should al-
ways lock the steering wheel when you leave
your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle
theft ››› . Switching the ignition or the glow plug sys-
t
em on
T urn the ignition k

ey to this position and re-
lease it 2 . If the key cannot be turned or it is
diffic u
lt

to turn from position 1 to position
2 , move the steering wheel from one side to
the other; thi s
w

ill release it.
Starting
The engine is started when the key is in this
position 3 . Electrical devices with high pow-
er c on
s

umption are switched off temporarily
at the same time.
Each time that the vehicle is restarted, the ig-
nition key must be turned to position 1 . The
r epetitiv
e s

tart prevention lock of the igni-
tion prevents possible damage to the starter
motor if the engine is already running. WARNING
● The ignition key mu

st NOT be removed from
the lock until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still. Otherwise, the steering could be imme-
diately blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition
when leav
ing the vehicle, even if only for a
short period. This is especially important if
children or disabled people are left alone in
the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as
the electric windows, resulting in an acci-
dent. ●
Uns uper

vised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine i s s

topped (ignition key position 3 ).
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 ›››

Fig. 177 3 .
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine s t
ar

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. »
175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
If the engine does not start immediately,
sw it
c
h 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 104, 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 71, 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 reduces 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 depre s

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. 177
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 71.
Glow plug system for diesel engines
To avoid unnecessary 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 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
petro l
engines on page 176. 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 particulate filter
and damage it. 176

Driving
●
Bef or
e attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order 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 71, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
en gine w ith the

vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. “SAFE” electronic immobiliser
1)The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thori
sed per
son

s from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
If the following message* is shown on the in-
strument panel display: SAFE, the vehicle
cannot be started. The engine can, however, be started if the
appropri

ate coded SEAT genuine key is used. Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if g enuine

SEAT keys are used. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›
› ›

Fig. 177
1 .
Af t
er sw
itching 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 sw it

ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is ru
nning. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal
brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accidents and serious injury may exist. ●
The st eerin

g lock can be immediately
blocked once 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 steerin
g lock could be engaged and vehi-
cle steering would not work. CAUTION
● When the en gine ha

s been running under a
heavy load 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.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
syst
em* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the vehi-
cle, otherwise the battery could discharge. 1)
Available depending on the market
177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Starter button* Fig. 178
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: s
tarter button. Fig. 179
On the right of the steering column:
emer gency

start. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
ar

ter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats. Opening the driver's door
when exitin
g the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.
Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly push the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
F or
v

ehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
t

em is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.
Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is not switched off automati-
cally. The ignition is switched off automati-
cally by pressing the lock button on the re-
mote control  or manually by pressing the
sensor surface on the door lever ››› Fig. 144
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat:
● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, k eep the

vehicle key next to the right trim of the steering column
›››
Fig. 179, as
close as possible to the Kessy logo.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds or pr
ess it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
● The engine turns off automatically.
En gine r
e

start feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:
● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal,
178

Driving
● the driv er door i
s
opened.
After automatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam  is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks
the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
side light goes out. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s

ult in serious injury.
● When switching on the ignition, do not
pre
ss the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar

e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● Bef or

e leaving the vehicle, always discon-
nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel. ●
If the v

ehicle is stationary for a long time
with the ignition on, the vehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine.
● In diesel vehicles, there may be a delay in
the engine st
arting if it requires preheating.
● If during the STOP phase you press the
STAR
T ENGINE STOP button, the ignition is
swit c
hed off and the button flashes.
● If the indication “Start-Stop system deacti-
vated:
Start the engine manually” is dis-
played on the dash panel display, the START ENGINE STOP button will blink.
Starting the engine
3 V
alid for vehicles: with starter button
StepStarting the engine with the starter
button ››› page 178.
1.Press and hold the brake pedal until step 5
is performed.
1a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: press
and hold the clutch down until the engine
starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selec-
tor lever in position P or N.
StepStarting the engine with the starter
button ››› page 178.
3.
Briefly press the starter button ››› Fig. 178
without pressing the accelerator. For the en-
gine to start there must be a valid key in the
vehicle.
After starting the engine, the light of the START ENGINE STOP
button changes to a fixed
light indicating that the engine has started.
4.
If the engine does not start, stop and wait for
approx. 1 minute before trying again. If nec-
essary, perform an emergency start
››› page 178.
5.Disconnect the hand brake when you are
about to start driving ››› page 182. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle with the engine run-
ning, e s

pecially if a gear or gear range is en-
gaged. The vehicle could then suddenly move
or something strange could happen that
would cause damage, fire or serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sud den inc

rease in the engine speed.
● Never use sprays to cold start the engine. CAUTION
● The st ar

ter motor or the engine may be
damaged if you try to start the engine while » 179
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
driving or if you restart it immediately after
swit
c
hing it off.
● If the engine is cold, avoid high engine
speeds, p
ushing the engine too hard and rap-
id acceleration.
● Do not start the engine by pushing the ve-
hicle or t
owing it. Unburnt fuel could enter
the catalytic converter and damage it. Note
● Do not wait

until the engine warms up with
the vehicle stationary; if you have good visi-
bility through the windows, start driving im-
mediately. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emis-
sions.
● Electrical components with a high power
cons
umption are switched off temporarily
when the engine starts.
● When starting with a cold engine, noise
level
s may briefly increase. This is quite nor-
mal, and no cause for concern.
● When the outside temperature is below
+5°C (+41°F), if the en
gine is diesel, some
smoke may appear under the vehicle when
the fuel-operated auxiliary heater is on. Stopping the engine
3 Valid for vehicles: with starter button
StepSwitch off the engine with the starter
button
››› page 178.
1.Stop the vehicle completely ››› .
2.Press and hold the brake pedal until the step
4 is performed.
3.If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place
the selector lever in position P.
4.Apply the handbrake ››› page 182.
5.
Briefly press the start-up button ››› Fig. 178.
The START ENGINE STOP button blinks again. If
the engine fails to switch off, perform an
emergency disconnect ››› page 178.
6.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
gearbox, put it into 1st or reverse. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is mo

ving. This could cause loss of control of
the vehicle, accidents and serious injury.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition i
s switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. Ther
efore, you need to press the
break pedal harder to brake the vehicle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not
running. You need more strength
to steer when the engine is switched off. ●
If the ignition i s

switched off, the steering
column could be locked, making it impossible
to control the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine is made to work hard for a long
time, it ma

y overheat after being switched
off. To prevent damage to the engine before
switching it off, leave it idle for approx. 2 mi-
nutes in neutral. Note
After switching off the engine, the cooling fan
ma y

continue to operate in the engine com-
partment for a few more minutes, even with
the ignition off. The radiator fan is automati-
cally switched off. “My Beat” Function
For vehicles with a convenience key there is
the “M
y
B

eat” function. This feature provides
an additional indication of the vehicle igni-
tion system.
When accessing the vehicle, e.g. by opening
the doors with the remote control, the START ENGINE STOP button flashes, calling at-
t ention t
o the r

elevant starter system button.
Upon switching the ignition on/off, the light
of the START ENGINE STOP button flashes. With
the en gine sw
it

ched off, after a few seconds,
180

Driving
the S
T
OP ENGINE START button stops flashing
and g oe
s
out.
With the engine running, the START ENGINE STOP button light stays on, indi-
c atin
g th

at the engine is running. The time
that lapses between the moment the user
starts the engine with the START ENGINE STOPbutton and the lighting changes from flash-
in
g t
o fi

xed will depend on specific engine
size characteristics. Upon switching the igni-
tion off with the START ENGINE STOP button, it
s t
ar

ts flashing again.
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system , the
“My Beat” function also offers additional in-
formation:
● When the engine stops during the Stop
phase, the light
of the START ENGINE STOP but-
t on s
t
ays on, since, even though the engine
is off, the Start-Stop system is active.
● When the engine cannot be stated again
with the St
art-Stop system, ››› page 204, and
needs to be started manually, the START ENGINE STOP button flashes to indicate
thi s
f

act.
Braking and parking Brakin
g capacity and braking distance The efficiency of the brakes depends directly
on the br
ak
e p

ad wear. This wear depends to a great extent on the conditions under which
the vehic

le 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
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ices 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 (124 miles). This reduced braking ca-
pacity 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).
Thu

s, 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-
tance will 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 247, Technical modifica-
tions.
● 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 271. »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
● ther e i
s
a fault in the brake system.
This warning 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 271, 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. 180
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.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
›››
Fig. 180.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lea

se knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 180 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
a

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

e warning 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 u se the h

andbrake 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 w
ill 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
pa
d

s. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehic

le. 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-
p
lied when the
v

ehicle 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 steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leav

e the vehicle ››› .
Ad dition
a
l notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
182