Checking and refilling levels179
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk
of accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant 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 stick to neutral or selector
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached ⇒page 220. The battery could
explode.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank 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 large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays ma ke s u re yo u ha v e n o t l e f t a n y obj e c ts , s u ch as c l ea n in g cl o t h s
and 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 accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started 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 points:
−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 cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. 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 electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. 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.Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
190Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒page 230. The brake fluid reservoir has a black
and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low
⇒page 56.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 178.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 178 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 122 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels191
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 178.•Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.•Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Program. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency
of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
BatteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical 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 from acid and
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic
WARNING (continued)
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels
196
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning” •At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.•If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
RTyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
TSpeed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•A direction of rotation symbol•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103 ...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recomm end that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.WARNING
•We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 196 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18
Technical Data
230Technical DataChecking fluid levelsFrom time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids,
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil dipstick.
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Battery
Windscreen washer fluid container
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in the ⇒page 178. Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of
⇒page 225.
Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on the engine.
Fig. 155 Diagram for the
location of the various
elements
A1A2A3A4A5A6
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 230 Montag, 14. September 2009 6:19 18
Index247
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Adjustable service interval display . . . . . . . . . . 54
Air conditioning system Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditioning . . . . . . . . 121
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . 51, 53 Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . 98
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . . 98
Automatic car washing tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Automatic wiper/wash function for the rear window 97
AUX input connection/USB* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Auxiliary audio input connection: AUX . . . . . . . 112
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Belt tension device
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Boot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94, 219
Brake Assist System Automatic warning lights on . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149, 154
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Bulb changes general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Bulb defect Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92, 129
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