bonnet Seat Ibiza ST 2009 User Guide

Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒fig. 119 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this
in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
Fig. 119 Bonnet opening
lever
Fig. 120 Bonnet support
rod
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Checking and refilling levels
182•Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 179.
Closing the bonnet– Slightly raise the bonnet
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.If the b onn et d o es n ot clos e , do not p ress d ownwa rds . Op e n it o nce m or e an d
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conf orm with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at
atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example,
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)
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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
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 123 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
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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.
AB
AA
AA
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Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 179.
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 below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
To p p i n g u p c o o l a n t
–Only use
new coolant liquid.
– 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 illustration ⇒page 234.
Ensure the coolant conforms to the required specifications. Do not use a
different type of additive if coolant additive 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.
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.•When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.
Fig. 124 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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Checking and refilling levels
190
Note•The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the rear wiper arm.
– Release the blade by pulling it in the direction of the arrow . 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 , i t s h o u ld b e r e p la ce d i f d a m a ge d , o r c l ea n e d
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.
Fig. 127 Changing the
rear window wiper blade
A2
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Checking and refilling levels191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 illustration ⇒page 234. 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 179.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme 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 179 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.
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. 128 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
192•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 179.•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
Programme. 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 effi-
ciency of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an acci-
dent.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.
Vehicle 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. Neutralise 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, av oid 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 levels193
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 alarm will otherwise be triggered.•When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
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
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.
•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 179 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 192.
– 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 234.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours:•Black: correct charge status.•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a
specialist workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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If and when
214Changing bulbs. Double headlightsDouble headlights summary
Main beam
Side lights
Dipped beam headlights
Side lights
Turn signal light
Main beam and side lights– Raise the bonnet.
Fig. 139 Double head-
lights
AAABACADAE
Fig. 140 Main beam
headlightsFig. 141 Main beam
headlights
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