Seat Ibiza: Working in the engine compartment

Seat Ibiza Owners Manual

Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment

Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be carried out cautiously. Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compartment:

1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.

2. Apply the handbrake.

3. Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.

4. Wait for the engine to cool down.

5. Keep children away from the vehicle.

6. Raise the bonnet.

You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For

this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant instructions. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒   .

WARNING

All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire.

• Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.

• Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.

• Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector lever to position P.

• Keep children away from the vehicle.

• Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.

• Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This is a fire hazard.

• Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the points where the jump leads are attached. The battery could explode.

• Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the key removed from the ignition!

• Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!

• Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.

• Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the engine compartment.

• If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of injury.

• If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the following points: − Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system. − Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting clothes. − Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.

• If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical components, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above warnings: − Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered. − Do not smoke. − Never work near naked flames. − Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Caution

When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!

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.

Fig. 125 Arrester hook for bonnet.

Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in rest position. – To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard ⇒ fig. 125 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.

• 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.

Closing the bonnet

– Raise the bonnet slightly. – 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 bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and 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.