maintenance Alfa Romeo MiTo 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

Dear Customer,
We would like to congratulate and thank you for choosing an Alfa Romeo.
We have written this handbook to help you get to know all the features of your vehicle and use it in the best possible way.
Here you will find information, advice and important warnings regarding use of your vehicle and how to achieve the best performance
from the technical features of your Alfa Mito.
You are advised to read it right through before taking to the road for the first time, to become familiar with the controls and above all
with those concerning brakes, steering and gearbox; at the same time, you can understand the vehicle behaviour on different road
surfaces.
This document also provides a description of special features and tips, as well as essential information for the safe driving, care and
maintenance of your Alfa Mito over time.
In the attached Warranty Booklet you will also find the description of the Services that Alfa Romeo offers to its customers, the
Warranty Certificate and the detail of the terms and conditions for maintaining its validity.
We are sure that these will help you to get in touch with and appreciate your new car and the service provided by the people at Alfa
Romeo.
Enjoy reading. Happy motoring!

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLINGPetrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification EN228.
Diesel engines: refuel only with Diesel fuel motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of other products or mixtures
may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines.Versions with manual gearboxengage the handbrake, set the gear lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch pedal without pressing the
accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.Versions with TCT gearbox(if available), engage the
handbrake and set the gear lever in P (Parking) or N (Neutral), then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.Diesel
engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
warning light to switch off. Then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the
engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other flammable
material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
They will calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the car’s electrical system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness and
low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS
…important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of the car over time. Special attention must be paid to
the symbols(personal safety)(environmental protection)(car integrity).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
SAFETY
STARTING AND DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MULTIMEDIA
INDEX

stopped in intermediate positions by
pressing the button again
Brief button pressure: “manual” sunroof
closing. If button is pressed briefly, the
front glass panel moves from the
completely open position and stops in the
position where the button is released. In
this case, the panel closes by pressing it.
This function makes it possible to place
the front glass panel in intermediate
positions in relation to those produced
through automatic closing.
IMPORTANT The sun roof must stay
closed if a transverse roof rack is fitted.
ANTI-PINCH DEVICE
The sun roof has an anti-pinch safety
system capable of detecting the
presence of an obstacle whilst the roof is
closing; when this happens, the system
stops and the movement of the front
glass is immediately reversed.
IMPORTANT The anti-pinch system is
disabled through continuous pressure of
button 2.
INITIALISATION PROCEDURE
The sunroof must be re-initialised after
disconnecting the battery or if the
relevant protection fuse is blown.Perform the following:
press button 2 until the roof is
completely closed. Then release the
button;
press button 2 and hold it down for at
least 10 seconds and/or until the glass
panel clicks forwards. Release the button
at this point;
within 5 seconds of the previous
operation, press button B and hold it
down: the front glass panel will complete
a full opening and closing cycle. Only
release the button at the end of this
cycle.
MAINTENANCE/EMERGENCY
In case of emergency or maintenance the
roof can be moved manually when there
is no power supply (opening/closing of
the front glass panel) by carrying out the
following operations:
remove the protective cap 1
fig. 29 located on the internal lining,
between the two sun blinds;
take the Allen key 2 supplied (located
in the on-board documentation container
or in the toolbox in the luggage
compartment);
introduce the key into housing 3 and
turn it clockwise to open the roof or
anticlockwise to close the roof.
IMPORTANT
3)Do not open the sun roof if there is snow
or ice on it: you may damage it.
WARNING
16)When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the key from the ignition switch to
avoid the risk of injury to those still inside
the car due to accidental operation of the
sun roof. Improper use of the roof can be
dangerous. Before and during operation,
always check that no one is exposed to the
risk of being injured by the moving sun roof
or by objects getting caught or hit by it.
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31

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

All warning lights will remain off if all
the seat belts (front and rear) are already
fastened when the key it turned to MAR.
All the warning lights will come on
when at least one belt changes from
fastened to unfastened status or vice
versa.
PRE-TENSIONERS
59) 60)
The vehicle is equipped with front seat
belt pretensioners, which draw back the
seat belts by several centimetres in the
event of a strong frontal impact. This
guarantees the perfect adherence of the
seat belts to the occupant's bodies
before the retention action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have
operated when the belt withdraws
toward the retractor.
This car is also equipped with a second
pretensioner (fitted in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be
produced during the activation of the
pretensioner which is not harmful and
does not involve any fire hazard.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest
degree of protection from the action of
the pretensioner, wear the seat belt tight
to the torso and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any
maintenance or lubrication: any changes
to its original conditions will invalidate its
efficiency. If, due to unusual natural
events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the
device has been affected by water and/or
mud, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have it replaced.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger safety, the front
seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which allows the force acting on the chest
and shoulders to be modulated during the
belt restraining action in the event of a
frontal impact.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
61) 62)
Seat belts must also be worn by pregnant
women: the risk of injury in the event of
an accident is reduced for them and the
unborn child if they are wearing a seat
belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower
part of the belt very low down so that it
passes over the pelvis and under the
abdomen fig. 47.
The belt must not be twisted. The upper
part must pass over the shoulder and
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73
IMPORTANT NOTES

cross the chest diagonally. The lower part
must adhere to the pelvis
Each seat belt must be used by only one
person. Never travel with a child sitting
on the passenger's lap and a single belt to
protect them both fig. 49. In general, do
not place any objects between the person
and the belt.
SEAT BELTS MAINTENANCE
16)
always use the seat belt with the strap
well stretched and not twisted; make
sure that it is free to run without
obstructions;
replace the belt after an accident of a
certain severity even if it does not appear
to be damaged. Always replace the seat
belt if the pretensioners were deployed;
check seat belt operation as follows:
attach the seat belt and pull it hard;
prevent the retractors from getting
wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
replace the seat belt when it shows
wear or cuts.
WARNING
59)The pretensioner may be used only once.
After its activation, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have it replaced.
60)Removing or tampering with seat belt
and pretensioner components is strictly
prohibited. Any intervention on these
components must be performed by qualified
and authorised technicians. Always contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
61)For maximum safety, keep the backrest
upright, lean back into it and make sure the
seat belt fits closely across your chest and
pelvis. Always fasten the seat belts for both
the front and rear seats! Travelling without
wearing seat belts will increase the risk of
serious injury and even death in the event of
an accident.
62)If the belt has been subjected to high
levels of stress, for example after an
accident, it should be changed completely
together with the attachments, attachment
fixing screws and the pretensioner. In fact,
even if the belt has no visible defects, it may
have lost its resilience.
IMPORTANT
16)Operations which lead to impacts,
vibrations or localised heating (over 100°C
for a maximum of six hours) in the area
around the pretensioner may cause damage
or make it deploy. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership should intervention be necessary
on these components.
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74
SAFETY

CHANGING A WHEEL
JACK
117) 118) 119) 120) 121) 122)
30) 31)
Please note that:
the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
the jack requires no adjustment;
the jack cannot be repaired and in the
event of a fault it must be replaced by
another genuine one;
no tool other than its cranking device
may be fitted on the jack.
Jack maintenance
prevent any dirt from depositing on
the "worm screw";
keep the "worm screw" lubricated;
never modify the jack.
Conditions in which not to use the jack
temperature below -40°C
o sandy or muddy ground
on uneven ground
on steep roads
in extreme weather conditions:
thunderstorms, typhoons, hurricanes,
blizzards, storms, etc.
in direct contact with the engine or for
repairs under the vehicle
on boats.Wheel replacement procedure
To change a wheel, proceed as follows:
stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic where
you can change the wheel safely. The
ground must be flat and sufficiently
compact;
switch off the engine, pull up the
handbrake and engage the 1stgear or
reverse. Wear the reflective safety jacket
(compulsory by law) before getting out of
the vehicle;
open the luggage compartment, lift
the mat using the tab provided 1 fig. 96;
unscrew locking device 1 fig. 97, take
toolbox 2 and bring it next to the wheel to
replace. Then take the space-saver wheel
3;
for versions with steel rims: insert
the screwdriver in the opening 1 fig. 98 in
order to trigger the hub cap retaining clip
2;
for versions with alloy rims: shake the
car to facilitate detachment of the rim
from the wheel hub. Some versions may
be fitted with alloy wheels with a hub cap
fig. 99. To remove the hub cap, insert the
screwdriver into housings 1 in order to
access the fixing bolts. Replace the wheel
as described previously;
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97A0J0105C
116
IN AN EMERGENCY

WARNING
117)The space-saver wheel is specific for
your car. Do not use it on cars of different
models. Do not use space-saver wheels of
different models on your car. The
space-saver wheel must only be used in the
event of an emergency. Never use it for more
than strictly necessary and never exceed
80 km/h. On the space-saver wheel there is
an orange label, summarising the main
warnings regarding space-saver wheel
usage restrictions. Never remove or cover
the label. Never apply any hub cap to the
space-saver wheel.118)Alert other drivers that the car is
stationary in compliance with local
regulations: hazard warning lights, warning
triangle, etc. Any passengers on board
should leave the car, especially if it is heavily
laden. Passengers should stay away from
on-coming traffic while the wheel is being
changed. On hills or uneven roads, use
chocks or appropriate objects to block the
wheels of the vehicle.
119)The vehicle's driving characteristics
will be modified with the space-saver wheel
fitted. Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast cornering.
The overall duration of the space-saver
wheel is about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced with another
one of the same type. Never install a
traditional tyre on a rim designed to be used
as a space-saver wheel. Have the wheel
repaired and refitted as soon as possible.
Using two or more space-saver wheels at the
same time is forbidden. Do not apply grease
to the bolt threads before fitting: they could
come unscrewed.
120)The jack may be used to replace
wheels only on the car that it comes with or
other cars of the same model. Never use the
jack for other purposes, such as lifting other
vehicle models. Never use it for repair
operations under the vehicle. Incorrect
positioning of the jack may cause the vehicle
to fall. Do not use the jack for loads higher
than the one shown on its label. Never install
snow chains on the space-saver wheel; if a
front tyre (driving wheel) is punctured and
you need to use snow chains, use a standard
wheel from the rear axle and install the
space-saver wheel on the rear axle. In this
way, with two normal front drive wheels, it is
possible to use snow chains.121)Incorrectly fitting the wheel cap may
cause it to fall off when the car is in motion.
Never tamper with the inflation valve. Never
introduce tools of any kind between rim and
tyre. Regularly check the inflation pressure
of the tyres and space-saver wheel (see
chapter "Technical specifications").
122)The jack is a tool developed and
designed only for changing a wheel, if a tyre
gets punctured or damaged, on the vehicle
with which it is supplied or on other vehicles
of the same model. Any other use, e.g. to jack
up other vehicle models or different things,
is strictly prohibited. Never use for
maintenance or repair activities under the
car or to exchange the summer/winter
wheels and vice versa. Never go under the
raised vehicle. Should it be necessary to
work under the vehicle, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership. Incorrect positioning of
the jack may cause the raised vehicle to fall:
use only in the positions indicated. Do not
use the jack for loads higher than the one
shown on its label. Never start the engine
with vehicle raised. If the vehicle is raised
more than necessary, everything can
become more unstable, with the risk of the
vehicle dropping violently. Thus, lift the
vehicle only as needed in order to access the
spare wheel.
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119

Correct maintenance permits the performance of the car to be
maintained over time, as well as limited running costs and
safeguarding the efficiency of the safety systems.
This chapter explains how.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING . . .......................128
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN . . . . ..............129
PERIODIC CHECKS............................136
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR . . . . . . ...............136
CHECKING LEVELS ............................137
BATTERY RECHARGING .........................143
WINDSCREEN / REAR WINDOW WIPERS . . . . . . . . .......144
BATTERY..................................146
LIFTING THE VEHICLE . .........................147
BODYWORK.................................147
INTERIOR . . . . ..............................149