Seat Ibiza: Coolant

Seat Ibiza Owners Manual

Coolant specifications

Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant additive. The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of our coolant additive G 12+ or an additive with the specification TT-VW 774 F (it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant. The concentration of coolant must always be at least 40% - even if frost protection is not required. If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60% coolant additive will give frost protection to approx. -40°C.

WARNING

• The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.

• The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also not work in this situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!

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.

• The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) can be mixed with the additive G 12 (red) or G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.

Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free functioning of the engine cooling system.

Fig. 129 In the engine compartment: Coolant expansion tank cap

Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in “Safety instructions on working
in the engine compartment” on page 180.

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. Make sure that the coolant meets 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 coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red) and also with G 11.

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.

• 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.

Caution

• When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown. If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do so will result in engine damage!

• 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.