check engine Seat Ibiza SC 2008 Owner's Guide

Checking and refilling levels189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant,
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
If additive G12++ is not available, t his can be mixed with G12+, bearing in
mind that the protection against corrosion will be reduced.
Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 181. Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the coolant level.
– If the level is underneath the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
–Only use new coolant.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
–Screw the cap on again tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion reservoir is shown in the corresponding
engine compartment diagram ⇒page 238.
Ensure the coolant conforms to the required specifications. Do not use a
different type of additive if coolant ad ditive G 12++ is not available. In this
case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up to the
correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The additive G 12++ can be mixed with the G 12+ in any proportion.
Fig. 127 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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Checking and refilling levels
190
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 181.
•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
If you notice a change in the colour of the liquid because it has been in
use for a long time, it is recommended to change it, as it will have lost some
of its properties and could cause damage to the vehicle.
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise,
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid

The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with
fluid from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment.
The container holds approx. 2 litres; in vehicles with headlamp washers* it
holds approx. 4.5 litres.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend 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 dilution instructions on the packaging.
Fig. 128 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 181.Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.To change the blades it is necessary to change the rest position of
the wipers to the service position.
Service position (For changing wiper blades)
– Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
– Turn ignition on and off and then (before approx. 9 sec.) move the windscreen wiper lever to the intermittent wipe position. The
windscreen wipers will move to the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the windscreen wiper arm.
Fig. 129 Change wind-
screen wiper blade
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Checking and refilling levels193
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the wiper blade onto the windscreen wiper arm until it
clicks into place.Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be replaced if damaged, or cleaned
if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Brake 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 diagram ⇒page 238. 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.
Fig. 131 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
194However, 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 57.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 181.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 181 in
section “Safety notes for workin g in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se 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 the 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.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 181.
•
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. Th is 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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 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
engine, 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 alar m will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative ca ble 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
reverse 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 may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.

Wear eye protection

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive 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!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
196•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from frost. 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
instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 181 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 195.
– 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 238.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic
purposes.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 195.
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If and when
204Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains, fit
the compact temporary spare 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 possible.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Hi gher speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres 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 spare wheel) is
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound 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 penetration
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation 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 passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch the engine off. Switch the hazard warning lights on and place the triangles.
–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.
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Technical Data
238Te c h n i c a l D a t aChecking 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 181. Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of
⇒page 233.
Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on the engine.
Fig. 167 Diagram for the
location of the various
elements
A1A2A3A4A5A6
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Index
248Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Locking system for invo luntary unlocking . . 74
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Central locking button Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Changing bulbs on rear lights . . . . . . . . . 224, 225
Changing double headlight lamps dipped headlights and side lights . . . . . . . 220
main headlights and side lights . . . . . . . . 221
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Changing gear with Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Changing lamps interior light and reading light . . . . . . . . . . 226
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219, 221
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Side indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Changing the main headlight lamps
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Changing the singl e headlight lamps
dipped/main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 191
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 196
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Climatronic automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Coming home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Control
wing mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188, 189
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Coolant temperature Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Correct adjustment of fron t head restraints . . . 12
Covering single headlights driving on the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
driving on the right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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