2012 Seat Ibiza 5D engine

208Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 133 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– 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 en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 253. 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
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 63.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 195.

Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals. We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 195 in
section “Safety notes for 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.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4. 

210Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When han-
dling cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electro-
static charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can
cause injury.
● A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
● Keep children away from acid and batteries.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only
switch off the light.
● Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
● When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle on-board network,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
● Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never re-
verse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
● Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 °C.
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use a defective battery. This could cause an explosion. Replace
a damaged battery immediately.
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Check that
the battery gas ventilation hose is securely attached.CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged. 
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. – Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ 
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 196
⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 209. For vehi-
cles 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
battery.
– 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 compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 253. The location of the battery in the luggage com-
partment can be seen in ⇒ Fig. 174.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery. 

218If and when
If and when
Vehicle tools, spare wheel
Vehicle Tools
The vehicle tools are located under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment. – Lift luggage compartment floor panel.
– Take the vehicle tools out of the vehicle.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
● Jack*
● Hook to remove integral* trim and screw caps.
● Box spanner for wheel bolts*
● Towline anchorage*
● Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only provided in certain model versions, or are
optional extras.
WARNING
● The factory-supplied jack is only designed for changing wheels on
this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or
other loads. Risk of injury.
● Use the jack only on a firm, level ground.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack. Risk of acci-
dent.
● If work is to be carried out underneath the vehicle, this must be se-
cured by suitable means. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.

Spare wheel (temporary spare wheel)*
The spare wheel (temporary spare wheel) must only be used
for the minimum necessary time.
The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the temporary spare wheel
If you ever have a punctured tyre or loss of pressure, the temporary spare
wheel is only intended for temporary use until you reach a workshop.
Change it for a duty wheel as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the temporary spare
wheel. This temporary spare wheel has been specially designed for your ve-
hicle, thus, it cannot be changed with the temporary spare wheel from an-
other vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the compact tem-
porary spare wheel. 

219
If and when
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the compact temporary spare wheel in place of one of the rear wheels.
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and
use this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
● The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possi-
ble after fitting the temporary spare wheel.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Higher speeds can cause
an accident.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of ac-
cident.
● Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at the same time,
risk of accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.

Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a temporary
spare wheel) is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment. In the event of a punctured tyre, your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mo-
bility System (tyre repair kit).
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing product to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit
will reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the pene-
tration of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possi-
ble with the sealing product. 
Wheel change Preparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle. They should
wait in a safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barri-
er).
– Switch the engine off. Switch the hazard warning lights on and
place the warning triangles in position.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage the first gear , or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

227
If and when
Fuses on left side of dash panel
Fuses
NumberConsumerAmps1Power steering/Engine operation/Flow meter7,5
2
Diagnostics/Heater/Autoclimate/Climatronic/
Electric anti-dazzle mirror/Navigator/Air condi-
tioning pressure switch/ Climate fan/AFS Control
unit/Coming home relay/Soundaktor/CCS
10
3Petrol engine control unit/Diesel engine control
unit/Relay coils/Engine operation/Bi-turbo fuel
control unit5
4ABS-ESC Control unit/RKA Switch/Gateway con-
trol unit/ESC Relay/Rotation sensor10
5Reverse light/Heating nozzles106Instrument panel57Retro fog light/Start-Stop relays7,5
8Paddle levers on steering wheel for automatic
gearbox2
9Headlight lever/Windscreen wiper switch1010BCM Electronic control unit power supply511Airbag control unit512Automatic gearbox/ LPG system1013Exterior mirror control514Left-hand AFS headlights1515Right-hand AFS headlights1516Vacant 17Number plate light518Clean pump7,519Electronic control unit520Turn signals/Brake lights15
NumberConsumerAmps21Lights control, instrument panel522Heated mirrors5
23Engine injection module/Rain sensor/Automatic
gearbox lever/Main petrol relay7,5
24Luggage compartment light, interior light, glove
compartment light, side lights10
25Parking aid526Towing hook 27Headlight control528Lambda probe10
29Vacuum pump/LPG power supply/High-pressure
pump15, 20, 20 a)
30Engine solenoid coils/Additional heating relay/
Pressure sensor/AKF Valve10A
31Petrol engine operation/Glow plugs/Relay coil/
Electric fan/Secondary water pump relay/Flow-
meter10
32Engine control unit15, 20,
30 b)
33Clutch switch sensor/Additional heating relay
coil/ Servo sensor5
34Fuel control unit / Vacuum pump1535Vacant 36Main beam with/without AFS10, 15 c)
37Kombi/Coming Home relay/Main beam head-
lights relay10
38Engine heater3039Vacant 4012 Volt Input/Cigarette lighter1541Heated seats control unit / Cup Holder25

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

229
If and when
Fuses in engine compartment above battery
Fig. 142 Fuses in engine
compartment
Non-metal fuses
NumberConsumerAmpsS1ABS ESC control unit25S2Electroblower climate heater/fan30S3Automatic gearbox control unit30S4Vacant S5Electronic control unit5S6Injection module30
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list contains all data at the time of going to
press, so it is subject to modifications. Bulb change
General notes
Before changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands. The finger-
prints left on the glass will vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the
bulb, causing a reduction in bulb life and condensation on the mirror sur-
face, thus reducing effectiveness.
A bulb must only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is indicated
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
Below, the light source used for all functions is broken down.
Double headlights - H7 Long Life
- H7
- W5W Long Life - PY 21W
Single headlight - H4 Long Life
- W5W Long Life - PY 21W 
Dipped beam
Main beam
Side
Turn signal
Dipped/Main
Side
Turn signal
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

230If and when
Xenon 1)
//adaptive headlights*
- D1S2)
- LED 3)
- LED3)
- PY 21W
Fog light - H11
WARNING
● Take particular care when working on components in the engine com-
partment if the engine is warm. Risk of burns.
● Bulbs are highly sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
● The high voltage element of gas discharge bulbs* (xenon light) must
be handled correctly. Otherwise, there is a risk of death.
● When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on sharp
parts in the headlight housing.
CAUTION
● Remove the ignition key before working on the electric system. Other-
wise, a short circuit could occur.
● Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.
Dipped and full beam
Side
DRL (day light)
Turn signals
Fog light/cornering
For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in the prop-
er manner.
Note
● Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog
lights, the tail lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This
has no influence on the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on
the lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly
be demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.
● Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not only in the inter-
est of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.
● Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new bulb.
● Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use a cloth
or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on the glass will va-
porise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb, they will be deposited
on the reflector and will impair its surface. 
1)
With this type of headlight, the user can replace the turn signal bulb. Replacement of the
dipped/main beam bulb must be done by a Technical Service, given that complex elements
must be removed from the vehicle and the automatic control system that incorporates it
must be reset.
2) The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5 times
more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circumstances,
there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
3) In the event that there is a fault in the LEDs, the complete headlight must be replaced.

242If and when
–First fit the glass with the fastening tabs over the frame of the
switch. Next press the front part until the two long tabs click on
the support. 
Additional brake light*
Given the difficulty involved in the replacement of this light it should be
done by the Technical Service. 
Luggage compartment light*
Fig. 166 Luggage com-
partment light
Fig. 167 Luggage com-
partment light
– Extract the tulip shaped fitting by pressing on the inside edge
of this -arrow- using the flat side of a screwdriver ⇒ Fig. 166.
– Press the bulb sideways and remove it from its housing
⇒ Fig. 167. 
Jump-starting
Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section. If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine. 