check oil Alfa Romeo MiTo 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

make sure that the initialisation is
correct by checking that the windows
work automatically.
IMPORTANT
2)The system conforms to the 2000/4/EC
standard concerning the safety of
passengers leaning out of the passenger
compartment.
WARNING
15)Incorrect use of the electric windows
may be dangerous. Before and during their
operation, ensure that any passengers are
not at risk from the moving glass either by
personal objects getting caught in the
mechanism or by being hit by it directly.
When leaving the car, always remove the key
from the ignition to prevent accidental
operation of the electric windows from being
a hazard for those still on board.
ELECTRIC SUNROOF
(where provided)
16)
3)
The extensively glazed sun roof
comprises a moving glass panel and a sun
blind.
When the glazed panel is closed it allows
outside light to enter the passenger
compartment and you can see out of it.
OPERATION
The sun roof can be operated only with
the ignition key turned to MAR. Controls
1 and 2, on the panel next to the front
roof light control sun roof
opening/closing.Open the sunroof
Press button 1.
Prolonged button pressure: “automatic”
sunroof opening. From a completely
closed position, the front glass panel will
raise to the “spoiler” position. If the
button is then pressed, the panel will
start to slide backward until it is
completely open. After the initial opening
command, the glass panel can be stopped
in intermediate positions by pressing the
button again.
Brief button pressure: “manual” sunroof
opening. The front glass panel moves
from the completely closed position and
stops in the position where the button is
released. In this case the panel opens by
pressing the actual button. This function
makes it possible to place the front panel
in intermediate positions in relation to
those produced through automatic
opening.
Closing the sun roof
Press button 2.
Prolonged button pressure: “automatic”
sunroof closing. With the roof completely
open, holding down the button, the front
glass panel will move to “spoiler” position.
If the button is then pressed, the panel
will start to slide forward until it is
completely closed. After the initial
opening command, the glass panel can be
28A0J0329C
30
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light comes on, but should go out as soon
as the engine is started.
After turning the ignition key to MAR, wait for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
The warning light switches on constantly together with a message on the display
(where provided) when the system detects that engine oil pressure is low.
IMPORTANT Do not use the vehicle until the failure has been solved.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil quantity, always check using the dipstick.
13)
DEGRADED ENGINE OIL (where provided)
The warning light will turn on flashing and, on some versions, with a specific message
on the display.
Depending on the versions, the warning light flashing modes are as follows:
- for 1 minute every two hours;
- for 3 minute cycles with the warning light off for intervals of 5 seconds until oil is
changed.
After the initial warning, each time the engine is started up, the warning light will
continue to flash in the same mode, until the oil is changed. On some versions, the
display shows a dedicated message together with the warning light. If the warning
light flashes, this does not mean that there is a fault, but simply informs that it is now
necessary to change the oil as a result of regular use of the car. Engine oil
deterioration is accelerated by:
- mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF regeneration process more
frequent;
- use of the vehicle for short drives, in which the engine does not have time to reach
its regular operating temperature;
- repeated interruptions of the regeneration process, signalled by the DPF warning
light switching on.Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as
possible.
25)
50
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

MESSAGES ON THE DISPLAY
Display of selected Driving Mode (“Alfa
DNA” system)
(where provided)
A message and a symbol relating to the
use of the driving mode selected are
shown: “DYNAMIC”, “NATURAL” OR “ALL
WEATHER”.
A warning message is shown on the
display if one of these driving modes is
not available.
Engine oil level display
(where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR
the display shows, for a few seconds, the
engine oil level.
In case of insufficient engine oil level, a
warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick
(see paragraph “Checking levels” in the
section “Maintenance and care”). For a
correct engine oil level indication,
perform the check with the car parked on
a level surface.IMPORTANT To perform the engine oil
reading correctly, after turning the key to
MAR, wait for about 2 seconds before
starting the engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may
increase after a long stop.
62
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING
23)If thewarning light does not switch on when the ignition device is moved to ON or if it stays on when driving (together with the message on
the display), there might be a fault in the restraint systems; in this case, the airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in the event of an accident or,
in a lower number of cases, they could deploy erroneously. Before proceeding, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked
immediately.
24)A fault with the warning light
is signalled by illumination of the iconon the instrument panel display and by the flashing of passenger
airbag disabled warning light on the rearview mirror. In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the passenger side airbag (where
provided). In this case, the warning light may not indicate any faults with the restraint systems. Before proceeding, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
25)If the warning light comes on, the exhausted engine oil should be changed as soon as possible, never drive more than 500 km from the first
switching-on of this warning light. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. Remember
that when this warning light comes on, it does not mean that the level of engine oil is low, so if it flashes you must not top up the engine oil.
26)If the warning light flashes with the car in motion, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
27)Always drive at a speed appropriate to the traffic conditions, the weather and traffic regulations. The engine may be switched off even if the
warning light is on: repeated interruptions of the regeneration process could cause an early deterioration of engine oil. For this reason it is
always advisable to wait for the symbol to go off before turning off the engine, following the instructions above. Do not complete the DPF
regeneration process when the vehicle is stopped.
IMPORTANT
13)If thewarning light switches on when driving, stop the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
14)If, turning the ignition device to MAR, the warning lightdoes not turn on or if it turns on steadily or flashing when travelling (on some
versions together with the message on the display), contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
15)The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may cause severe damage to the injection system and irregular engine operation. If the
symbol is displayed contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to bleed the system. If the above indications come on immediately
after refuelling, water has probably been introduced into the tank: stop the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
63

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN
PETROL VERSIONS
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the
first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles9 182736455463728190
Thousands of kilometres15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary. Check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge
condition/expiry date
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, where
present, engine oil degradation
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
129

Thousands of miles9 182736455463728190
Thousands of kilometres15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belt(s)
Check and, if necessary, top up Alfa
TCT oil level (where provided)(2)
Change engine oil and replace oil
filter(3)
Spark plug replacement(4)
Replace accessory drive belt/s(5)
Replacement of toothed timing drive
belt (excluding TwinAir Turbo
versions)(5)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (6)
(2) Check to be carried out every year for cars on the road in countries with particularly severe climates (cold countries).
(3) If the car's annual mileage is less than 10,000 km, the engine oil and filter must be replaced every year.
(4) For 1.4 Turbo MultiAir versions, to guarantee correct operation and prevent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to proceed as follows:
only use spark plugs specifically certified for these engines; all spark plugs should be of the same type and brand (see the "Engine" paragraph in
the "Technical specifications" chapter); strictly comply with the spark plugs replacement intervals in the Scheduled Servicing Plan. It is advisable
to contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership for spark plug replacement.
(5) Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum mileage 120,000 km. The belt must be replaced every 6 years, regardless of distance travelled.
Dusty areas and/or demanding use of the car (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 60,000 km. The belt must
be replaced every 4 years, regardless of distance travelled.
(6) If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 15,000 km.
131

DIESEL VERSIONS
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/6 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the
first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary. Check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge condition/expiry
date
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, boot, passenger compartment,
glove compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels(1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, where present,
engine oil degradation
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
133

Thousands of miles12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120
Thousands of kilometres20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Years12345678910
Visually inspect conditions of: exterior
bodywork, underbody protection, pipes and
hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber
elements (gaiters, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade
position/wear
Check operation of the windscreen
wiper/washer system and adjust jets, if
necessary
Check cleanliness of bonnet and luggage
compartment locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if
necessary
Visually inspect condition and wear of front
and rear disc brake pads
Visual inspect condition and check tension of
accessory drive belt(s) (for versions without
automatic tensioner only)
Change engine oil and replace oil filter(2)
(2) The actual interval for changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signalled by the
warning light or message in the instrument panel. In any case, it must never exceed 2 years. If the vehicle is mainly used in towns and cities, change
the engine oil and filter every year.
134
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long trips
check and, if necessary, top up:
engine coolant, brake fluid and
windscreen washer fluid level;
tyre inflation pressure and condition;
operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);
operation of screen wash/wipe system
and positioning/wear of windscreen/
rearscreen wiper blades
Every 3,000 km check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick.
Carry out the check with the vehicle
parked on level ground.
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If the vehicle is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
towing a trailer or caravan;
dusty roads;
short, repeated journeys (less than
7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long periods
of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried out
more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
check front disc brake pad condition
and wear;
check cleanliness of bonnet and
luggage compartment locks, cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage;
visually inspect condition of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes
- etc.);
check battery charge and battery fluid
level (electrolyte);
visually inspect conditions of the
accessory drive belts;
check and, if necessary, change engine
oil and replace oil filter;
check and, if necessary, replace pollen
filter;
check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
136
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE OIL
132)
38) 39)
2)
Check that the oil level is between the
MIN and MAX references on the dipstick
1. If the level of the oil is close to or below
the MIN mark, add oil via the filler fitting
2 until the MAX mark is reached.
1.4 Petrol / 1.4 Turbo Petrol/LPG /
1.4 Turbo Multi Air / 1.3 JTD
M-2versions: pull the engine oil dipstick 1,
clean it with a lint-free cloth and insert
it again. Extract it again and check that
the level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick.
Turbo TwinAir versions: engine oil
dipstick 1 is integral with the cap 2.
Unscrew the cap, clean the dipstick with a
lint-free cloth, reinsert the dipstick and
screw the cap back on. Unscrew the plug
again and check that the engine oil level is
between the MIN and MAX marks on the
dipstick.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is
usually 400 grams every 1000 km. When
the car is new, the engine needs to be run
in; therefore the engine oil consumption
can only be considered stabilised after
the first 5000 - 6000 km.
ENGINE COOLANT FLUID
132)
40)
If the level is too low, unscrew the cap
3 of reservoir and add the fluid described
in the "Technical Specifications" chapter.
WINDSCREEN / REAR WINDOW
WASHING FLUID
134) 135)
If the level is too low, raise the reservoir
cap 4 and add the fluid described in the
"Technical Specifications" chapter.
BRAKE FLUID
136) 137)
41)
Check that the fluid is at the max. level. If
the fluid level in the reservoir is too low,
undo the reservoir cap 5 and add the fluid
described in the "Technical
Specifications" chapter.
ALFA TCT ACTIVATIONSYSTEM OIL(where provided)
3)
The transmission control oil level should
only be checked at an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT
37)Be careful not to confuse the various
types of fluids while topping up: they are not
compatible with each other! Topping up with
an unsuitable fluid could severely damage
your vehicle.
38)The oil level must never exceed the MAX
reference.
39)Do not add oil with specifications other
than those of the oil already in the engine.
40)Use a fluid of the same type as that
already present in the reservoir for any
topping up of the engine cooling system. The
fluid cannot be mixed with other types of
antifreeze fluids. In the event of topping up
with an unsuitable product, under no
circumstances start the engine and contact
an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
41)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen, immediately
wash with water.
WARNING
130)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: gas and inflammable
vapours may be present, with the risk of fire.
131)Be very careful when working in the
engine compartment when the engine is hot:
you may get burned. Do not get too close to
the radiator cooling fan: the electric fan may
start; danger of injury. Scarves, ties and
other loose clothing might be pulled by
moving parts.
142
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE