Vehicle maintenance and cleaning169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damaged when driving. We recommend you to
check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! Fire hazard.Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the car is
frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them. The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 179.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches without protecting
your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a petrol
station.
Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 169 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16
Checking and refilling levels177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
−
Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as
possible.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must be
in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electro-
static charge building up.
− Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.
Caution
•Fuel spills should be removed from the paintwork immediately.•Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
cause damage.•When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle
with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 seconds
without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take
longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing. This is due
to the fact that the fuel system has to purge itself of air before starting.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched off;
this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
PetrolPetrol types
The correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap.Only unleaded petrol, corresponding to the standard DIN EN 228, may be
used for vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Regulation Octane Number, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol”). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one recom-
mended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
Caution
•Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.•High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter.
WARNING (continued)
Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 177 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16
Checking and refilling levels
184
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature is reached then stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒page 183,
fig. 122 . Top up with engine oil if necessary.Oil level in area
–Do not add oil.
Oil level in area
–Oil can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after the zone
Oil level in area
–Oil must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil
consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1,000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be
higher for the first 5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 179.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre.Topping up engine oil
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 179.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 123.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
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Fig. 123 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 184 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16
Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒page 234.
Engine oil specification ⇒page 182.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 179, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.•Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.•Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.•When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.•Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.•Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
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Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 185 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16
If and when225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g *
The use of jump leads is pr eferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒page 222.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
CommentsPlease observe the following po ints if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 225 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16
Index
242Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Locking system for involuntary unlocking . . 72
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Central locking button locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Changing bulbs interior light and front reading lights . . . . 221
Changing double headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . 214 dipped beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
main beam and side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
turn signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Changing gear in Tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Changing rear lights on the rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
on the wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Changing single headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 216 turn signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Changing the bulbs Luggage compartment light . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Side turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Changing the single headlight bulbs
dipped/main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 189
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 193
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Climatronic automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Coming home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Control
exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186, 187
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Coolant level warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Coolant temperature Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Correct adjustment of front head restraints . . . 12
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Cruise control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Ibiza ST_EN.book Seite 242 Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010 4:03 16