Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)
Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, Model Year: 2009, Model line: MiTo, Model: Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009Pages: 250, PDF Size: 4.61 MB
Page 11 of 250

10GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
AC
DE
B
SPORT VERSIONS WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL DISPLAY
A Speedometer (speed indicator)
B Multifunctional display
C Rev counter
D Fuel level gauge with reserve warning light
E Engine coolant temperature gauge and excessive temperature warning light
mcWarning lights supplied in diesel versions only. On diesel versions the rpm gauge end of scale is set at 6000 rpm
WARNING Instrument background colour and type may vary according to the version.
A0J0006mfig. 4
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR11
1
AC
DE
B
SPORT VERSIONS WITH RECONFIGURABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL DISPLAY
A Speedometer (speed indicator)
B Reconfigurable multifunctional display
C Rev counter
D Fuel level gauge with reserve warning light
E Engine coolant temperature gauge and excessive temperature warning light
mcWarning lights supplied in diesel versions only. On diesel versions the rpm gauge end of scale is set at 6000 rpm
WARNING Instrument background colour and type may vary according to the version.
A0J0084mfig. 5
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Page 13 of 250

12GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SPEEDOMETER (SPEED GAUGE)
This shows the speed of the vehicle.
REV COUNTER
This indicates the engine rpm.
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE
This shows the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
0 - tank empty.
1 - tank full
The warning light in the gauge lights up when there are only 5 to
7 litres of fuel remaining in the tank; in the event of this happen-
ing, refuel at the earliest opportunity.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. The
warning light in the gauge lights up to indicate an increase in coolant
temperature; in the event of this happening, switch off the en-
gine and contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS
General warnings
The lighting up of a warning light is associated with a specific
message and/or buzzer when applicable. These indications are
brief and precautionary and as such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or an alternative to the information contained in
the Owner Handbook, which you are recommended to read care-
fully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in
the event of a failure indication.
Low brake fluid level (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds. The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes
on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below
the minimum level due to possible leaks in the circuit.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Handbrake on (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR,
but it should go off after a few seconds. The warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) comes on when the handbrake is on. If the
car is moving a buzzer is also triggered.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on with the vehicle in mo-
tion, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
x
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR13
1
EBD failure (red)/(amber)
If warning lights xand>are lit up at the same
time with the engine running, this indicates an EBD
system failure or that the system is not available. Ear-
ly locking of the rear wheels may occur in the event
of violent braking, causing the car to swerve.
Under these circumstances drive with extreme caution
straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to
have the system checked. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.x
>
Brake pad wear (amber)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when the front brake pads show signs of wear; under
these circumstances have them replaced as soon as pos-
sible. The display will show the dedicated message.
WARNING Because the vehicle is equipped with a wear detection
system only for the front brake pads, when these are replaced
the rear brake pads should also be checked for wear.d
ABS system failure (amber)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
inserted, but it should go off after a few seconds. The
warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when
the system is inefficient. Under these circumstances the braking
system will work as normal without the extra performance of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive with caution and visit an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service at your earliest convenience. The display will
show the dedicated message.>
Airbag failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on, glowing steadily, if there is a
failure in the air bag system. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.¬
If, when the key is turned to MAR, the ¬warning
light does not come on or if it stays on with the ve-
hicle in motion (together with the message on the
display) there could be a failure in the safety systems; un-
der these circumstances the air bags or pretensioners may
not be activated in the event of an impact or, more rarely,
they could be activated accidentally. Contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service immediately to have the sys-
tem checked.
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14GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Passenger-side air bag/side bags
deactivated (amber)
The“warning light comes on when the front pas-
senger’s airbag and the side bags are disabled. With front
passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
“warning light comes on steadily for several seconds, it flashes
for another few seconds and then it should go out.
“
Failure of the “warning light is indicated by the
¬warning light coming on. In addition, the airbag
system automatically disables the airbag on the
passenger’s side (both front and side airbags, where pro-
vided). Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service imme-
diately to have the system checked.
Seat belts unfastened (red)
This warning light remains on steadily with the vehi-
cle at a standstill when the driver’s seat belt is not
correctly fastened. The warning light will flash and a
buzzer will sound if the vehicle is in motion and the front seat belts
are not correctly fastened.
If you wish to permanently deactivate the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Re-
minder) system buzzer, please contact your nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.
The system can be reactivated using the Set-up Menu.<
Low batter y charge (red)
(where provided)
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go out as soon as the en-
gine has started (with the engine running at idle speed a brief de-
lay before going out is acceptable).
If the warning light (or symbol in the display) remains on constantly
or flashes, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.w
Failure of the ¬warning light is indicated by the
“warning light flashing for longer than the nor-
mal 4 seconds, thus signalling that the front pas-
senger airbag is deactivated. In addition, the airbag sys-
tem automatically disables the airbag on the passenger’s
side (both front and side airbags, where provided). In this
case, warning light
¬may not indicate a fault in the
system. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service im-
mediately to have the system checked.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR15
1
Low engine oil pressure (red)
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light
comes on, but should go out as soon as the engine is
started. There is sometimes a brief delay before the warn-
ing light goes out. In the event of insufficient oil pressure (warn-
ing light remains on constantly) the display will show the dedicat-
ed message.
Oil degraded (Diesel versions)
The warning light flashes when the system detects that the en-
gine oil has degraded.
After the initial signalling, each time the engine is started, the
v
warning light will continue to flash cyclically for 3 minutes with
intervals of 5 seconds with the warning light OFF until the oil is
changed.
v
If warning light vis flashing, go to a Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service immediately to have the
engine oil changed and the warning light in the in-
strument panel will go out. Failure to do so may adversely
affect the validity of the warranty.
Electric power steering failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) remains on, you will
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate
the steering wheel will be increased. Steering is, however, possi-
ble. In this case contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice. The display will show the dedicated message.g
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16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Doors not closed correctly (red)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when one or more doors or the boot tailgate are not
properly closed. A buzzer will sound when doors are open
and the car is moving. On some versions the warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not closed
correctly.´
Luggage compartment open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the luggage compartment is open.R
Bonnet open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the bonnet is open.S
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Page 18 of 250

EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should go off
as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, this
means that the injection system is not working properly; in partic-
ular, if the warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a mal-
function in the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveabil-
ity and high fuel consumption.
On certain versions the dedicated message is displayed.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at mod-
erate speed without demanding excessive effort from the engine.
Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause dam-
age. Contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault is cleared, and the indi-
cation is stored in the system.
NOTE (this information applies
to petrol engine only)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic
converter may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelera-
tor pedal to lower the speed of the engine until the warning light
stops flashing; continue the journey at moderate speed, trying to
avoid driving conditions that may cause further flashing and con-
tact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR17
1U
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible if the
Uwarning light does not light
up when the key is turned to MAR or if, while trav-
elling, the warning light comes on either steadily or blink-
ing (along with a message on the display). The opera-
tion of the warning light
Umay be checked by the traf-
fic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force
in the country where you are driving.
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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC system (where provided)
(amber)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not go out, or if it remains lit up when
driving, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. On certain ver-
sions the dedicated message is displayed. If the warning light flash-
es when driving, this indicates that the VDC system is active.
ASR failure
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR,
but it should go off after a few seconds. If the warning light does
not go out, or if it remains lit up when driving, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
If the warning light flashes when driving, this indicates that the ASR
system is active.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
*symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a Hill Hold-
er system failure. If this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.
á
Alfa Romeo CODE/alarm system
failure (where provided)
(amber)
This warning light (or symbol on the display) comes on
(on some versions together with a message in the display) to in-
dicate the failure of the Alfa Romeo CODE or alarm system (where
provided): if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Service as soon as possible.
Break-in attempt
If this warning light flashes or, on some versions, if the symbol
appears in the display (together with the associated message) this
indicates a break-in attempt. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service as soon as possible.
Y
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR19
1
Glow plug preheating
(Diesel versions) (amber)
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light comes
on and it will go out when glow plugs reach the preset
temperature. The engine may be started immediately after the
warning light goes out.
IMPORTANT In mild or high temperature conditions, the warning
light comes on for a very short time only.
Glowheater plugs preheating failure warning
light
(Diesel versions)
If this warning light flashes (on some versions together with a mes-
sage in the display), this indicates a failure in the glowheater plugs
preheating system. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider as soon as possible to eliminate the fault.
m
Water in diesel fuel filter
(Diesel versions) (amber)
This warning light remains on constantly when driving
(together with a message in the display), to indicate the
presence of water in the diesel fuel filter.c
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the
cwarning light
comes on in the instrument panel (together with a mes-
sage in the display) contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice as soon as possible to bleed the system. Water may
have been introduced into the tank if this indication ap-
pears immediately after refuelling: in this case switch off
the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Service.
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