check engine Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

CARE AND MAINTENANCE203
5
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and top up the fol-
lowing if necessary:
❍engine coolant level, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid
❍tyre pressure and condition;
❍operation of lights (headlights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❍operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system, position
and wear of windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades;
Every 3,000 km check the following and top-up, if necessary: en-
gine oil level.
We recommend the use of FL Selenia products, designed and pro-
duced specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see “Consumables” table
in chapter 6).
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If you use the vehicle mainly under one of the following conditions:
❍trailer or caravan towing;
❍dusty roads;
❍repeated short distances (less than 7-8 km) and with exter-
nal temperatures below zero;
❍frequently idling the engine, travelling long distances at low
speeds or long term inactivity;
❍in cities;
perform the following inspections more frequently than shown on
the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❍check front disc brake pad condition and wear;
❍check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, and cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages;
❍visually inspect the condition of: engine, gearbox, transmission,
pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply - brakes) rubber ele-
ments (gaiters – hoses - bushes etc.);
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204CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Be careful not to confuse the various types of flu-
ids while topping up: they are incompatible and
mixing them up may seriously damage the
vehicle.
Do not smoke while working on the engine com-
partment: there may be flammable gases and
vapours present.
With the engine warm, take great care when work-
ing in the engine compartment: risk of burns. Re-
member that the fan may start up if the engine is
hot: risk of injury. Pay attention to scarves, ties and oth-
er loose fitting garments: they could get dragged in by the
moving parts.
❍check battery charge and fluid level (electrolyte);
❍visually inspect the condition of auxiliary drivebelts;
❍check and if necessary change engine oil and oil filter;
❍check pollen filter and replace it, if required;
❍check air filter and replace, if required.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE209
5
ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the dipstick A-fig. 1-2-3-4.
If the oil level is near or even under the MIN line, add oil using
the filler B-fig. 1-2 to reach the MAX line. The oil level should nev-
er exceed the MAX line.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams every
1000 km. During the initial period of use the engine oil consumption
conditions should be considered as having stabilised after the first
5000 - 6000 km.
Don’t add any oil with different characteristics to
those of the existing engine oil.
Used engine oil and the replaced oil filter contain
substances that may be dangerous for the envi-
ronment. We recommend having the oil and oil fil-
ter replaced by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap C-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the
fluid described in chapter 6.
PARAFLU UP antifreeze is used in the engine cool-
ing system. Use fluid of the same type contained
in the cooling system for top-ups. PARAFLU UP may
not be mixed with other types of fluids. If this accidentally
occurs, do not start the engine. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
The engine cooling system is pressurised. If re-
quired, replace the cap with an original spare part
so as not to compromise system efficiency. Do not
remove the cap from the reservoir when the engine is hot:
risk of burns.
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210CARE AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap E-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the fluid described in
chapter 6.
Prevent brake fluid (which is highly corrosive) from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should that
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the
fluid described in chapter 6.
Do not travel with the windscreen washing reser-
voir empty: the windscreen washer is fundamen-
tal to improving visibility. Some commercial wind-
screen washer additives are flammable: the engine com-
partment contains hot parts which could start a fire if they
come into contact.
The brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive.
In the event of accidental contact, wash the parts
with water and mild soap and rinse with plenty of
water. If swallowed, immediately call a doctor.
The symbol π, on the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Use of a mineral-based fluid will dam-
age the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond
repair.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE211
5
BATTERY
The battery F-fig. 1-2-3-4 does not require top ups of distilled water
to replenish the electrolyte. A periodic check carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services is, however, necessary to check ef-
ficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
When necessary, replace the battery with another original battery
with the same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
ADVICE FOR PROLONGING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and prolong its life, observe the
following indications:
❍when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly in order to avoid the courtesy lights re-
maining on for longer than necessary;
❍switch off all lights inside the car: the car is, however, equipped
with a system which switches all internal lights off automati-
cally;
❍do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
❍before performing any operation on the electrical system, dis-
connect the battery negative terminal.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to replace these
filters.
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INDEX241
7
CBC system ................................... 110
Checking fluid levels ....................... 204.
Cigar lighter .................................. 90
Climatic comfort ............................. 63
CO
2emissions............................... 240
CODE card .................................... 47
Compliance for use.......................... 137
Control buttons .............................. 29
Controls........................................ 86
Courtesy lights .......................... 83-86
Courtesy mirror lights
– bulb replacement ...................... 182
Cruise Control ................................ 81
Current outlet ................................ 90
Dashboard...................................7-243
Devices........................................ 116
Dimensions................................... 233
Dipped beam headlights
– activation ................................ 76
– bulb replacement ...................... 177
Direction indicators
– activation ................................ 77
– replacement.............................
Display......................................... 26
Door lock device ............................ 87
Doors ........................................... 95
DST system ................................... 110
Electric power steering system ......... 114
Electric sunroof .............................. 92
Electronic Q2 (“E-Q2”) ................... 110
Engine (specifications) .................... 225
Engine codes
– bodywork versions .................... 224
Engine compartment (washing) ........ 218
ABS (system) .............................. 107
Air cleaner .................................... 211
Alarm ........................................... 53
“Alcohol Test” kit ........................... 148
Alfa “dna” (system) ....................... 111
Alfa Romeo CODE (system) ............. 46
Ashtray........................................ 91
ASR system ................................... 109
Automatic two-zone climate
control system ............................. 68
Battery
– tips for extending duration ......... 211
– recharging ............................... 193
– replacing ................................. 211
Bodywork (cleaning) ...................... 217
Bonnet .......................................... 103
Boot ............................................ 88
Boot light
– bulb replacement ...................... 180
Brake lights .................................. 178
Brakes......................................... 228
Bulb (replacement) ........................ 174
– general instructions ...................174
– bulb types ............................... 174
Bulb replacement ......................174-180
Capacities...............................124-236
Car maintenance ............................ 197
– Heavy-duty use of the car .......... 203
– service schedule....................... 198
– Scheduled
Carrying children in safety
– Isofix universal child restraint
system ................................... 139
– child seats ............................... 137
Car radio (wiring)........................... 115Engine oil ..................................... 209
EOBD system ................................ 114
External courtesy lights ................... 78
External lights ............................... 76
Fire extinguisher ........................... 91
Fix&Go Automatic kit ..................... 169
Flashing the headlights ................... 77
Fluids and lubricants ....................... 237
Fog lights
– activation ................................ 87
– bulb replacement ...................... 178
Follow me home (device) ............... 77
Front air bags ................................ 142
Front armrest ................................ 89
Front courtesy light
– activation ................................ 83
– bulb replacement ...................... 180
Fuel
– consumption ............................ 239
– fuel lock system ....................... 88
Fuel cap ....................................... 125
Fuel saving ................................... 154
Fuel system .................................. 227
Fuse replacement ........................... 183
Fuses (if a fuse blows) ................... 183
Gearbox (use of) .......................... 153
Glove box light
– bulb replacement ...................... 181
Handbrake.................................. 152
Hazard lights ................................. 86
Head restraints .............................. 59
Headlight alignment corrector ........... 105
Headlight washers
– activation ................................ 215
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242INDEX
Headlights.................................... 105
Heating/climate control system ....... 64
Hill Holder system .......................... 108
Identification data ......................... 222
In an emergency ............................ 159
Installing a navigation system (wiring) 116
Instrument panel and instruments .....8-244
Interior equipment .......................... 89
Interiors (cleaning) ......................... 219
Isofix (standard seat)...................... 141
Jacking the car.............................. 193
Keys ........................................... 47
Knowing your car............................ 5
Load limiters ................................ 131
Main beam headlights
– activation ................................ 77
– bulb replacement ...................... 176
Menu ........................................... 32
Menu options ................................ 32
MSR (system) ............................... 110
Number plate lights
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Oddment compartment .................. 89
Oil engine ..................................... 209
Paint .......................................... 217
Parking........................................ 152
Performance ................................. 234
Power windows ............................. 96
Pretensioners................................ 130
Protecting the environment .............. 126
Puddle lights
– bulb replacement ...................... 183
Radio transmitters and cellular phones .. 117
Radio wiring system ....................... 115
Rear fog lights
– activation ................................ 87
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Rear screen wiper
– activation ................................ 79
– brushes ................................... 213
– sprays..................................... 213
Rear view mirrors ........................... 61
Reversing light
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Roof rack/ski rack ......................... 104
S.B.R. system............................... 129
Safe lock (device)........................... 51
Safety.......................................... 127
Seat belts ..................................... 128
Seats ........................................... 56
Sensors
– automatic headlights ................. 76
– rain ........................................ 80
– parking ................................... 117
Service Plan .................................. 199
– regular checks .......................... 203
Setting off and driving ....................149
Sidebags...................................... 145
Sidelights/daytime lights
– activation ................................ 76
– bulb replacement .................176-178
Snow chains ................................. 158
Starting the engine ....................150-160
Start-up device .............................. 55
Steering....................................... 228
Steering lock ................................. 56
Steering wheel (adjustment) ........... 60Storing the car ............................... 158
Sun visors ..................................... 91
Supplementary heater..................... 75
Suspension................................... 228
Symbols....................................... 46
T.P.M.S. (system) ......................... 120
Technical data ............................... 221
Third brake light ............................. 179
Top speeds .................................... 234
Towing the car ............................... 194
Towing trailers ............................... 156
TPMS system ................................ 120
Transmission ................................. 227
Trip Computer ................................ 42
Tyre marking ................................. 229
– inflation pressures .................... 232
Tyres
– standard ................................. 231
– snow tyres .............................. 157
– correct reading of ...................... 229
VDC (system) .............................. 108
Warning lights on panel ................ 12
Weights ........................................ 235
Wheel replacement ........................ 161
Wheel rims
– correct reading ......................... 230
Wheels
– bulb replacement ...................... 161
– technical specifications .............. 229
Wheels and tyres ........................... 213
Window cleaning............................ 79
Windows (cleaning) ....................... 218
Windscreen wiper
– activation ................................ 79
– brushes ................................... 214
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