check engine Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ALFA ROMEO, Model Year: 2009, Model line: MiTo, Model: Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009Pages: 250, PDF Size: 4.61 MB
Page 3 of 250

REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only use unleaded petrol with an octane
value (RON) of no lower than 95.
Diesel engines: only use diesel fuel compliant with European
specification EN590. The use of other products or mixtures may
damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the
warranty.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is
engaged; set the gearshift 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.
Diesel engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
warning lights to go out; Ythenmturn the ignition key to AVV
and release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter reaches high temperatures
during operation. Do not park on grass, dry leaves,
pine needles or other flammable material: fire risk.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car 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 having purchased your car you decide to add
accessories requiring electrical power (that may
otherwise cause the battery to gradually lose power),
please consult an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. They
can calculate the overall electrical requirement and
check that the car’s electrical system can support the
required load
CODE CARD
(for versions/markets where provided)
Keep this in a safe place, not in the car. We
recommend that you always carry the electronic code
provided on the CODE card with you, in case you need
to perform an emergency start.
PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE
Correct car maintenance is essential to ensure that the
performance, safety features, environmental
friendliness and low running costs stay in tip-top
condition over the years.
THE OWNER MANUAL CONTAINS…
... important information, tips and warnings on the
correct use and maintenance of your car over time as
well as safe driving. Particular attention should be paid
to information marked with the following symbols:
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection) â(car
integrity).
READ THIS CAREFULLY!
K
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 2
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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 12
Page 14 of 250

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.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 13
Page 15 of 250

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.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 14
Page 17 of 250

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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 16
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.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 17
Page 37 of 250

36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
First page (Display of information on the
initial screen) (where provided)
This function allows you to choose the information you would like
to see on the main screen. You can view the date or the trip
mileage.
Proceed as follows:
– briefly press MENU ESC: “Initial page” will appear on the dis-
play;
– briefly press MENU ESC once again to show the display op-
tions: “Date” and “Engine info”;
– press + or – to select the information you wish to see on the
main page of the display;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.
When the key is turned to MAR and the initial check stage is over,
the display will show the information selected via the “initial page”
menu function.
See radio (Repeat audio information)
With this function the display repeats information relevant to the
sound system.
– Radio: tuned radio station frequency or RDS message, automatic
tuning activation or AutoSTore;
– audio CD, MP3 CD: track number;
– CD Changer: CD number and track number.
To display (On) or remove (Off) radio system info proceed as
follows:
– press MENU ESC briefly: (On) or (Off) will flash on the display
(according to previous setting);
– press + or – to change the setting;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 36
Page 54 of 250

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR53
1ALARM (where provided)
ALARM TRIPPING
The alarm trips in the following cases:
❍illegal opening of doors/bonnet/luggage compartment
(perimeter protection);
❍illegal operation of ignition system (ignition key rotated to
MAR);
❍when the battery cables are cut;
❍when someone is moving inside the passenger compartment
(volume-sensing protection);
❍anomalous lifting/tilting of the vehicle (for versions/markets
where provided).
The tripping of the alarm is indicated by a sound and a visual dis-
play (flashing of the direction indicators for several seconds). The
alarm triggering methods may vary according to the market. There
is a maximum number of acoustic/visual cycles. When this is
reached the system returns to normal operation.
IMPORTANT The engine inhibitor function is guaranteed by the
Alfa Romeo CODE, which is automatically activated when the ig-
nition key is extracted from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT the alarm is configured to comply with the regulations
existing in different countries.
ACTIVATING THE ALARM
With the doors and bonnet closed and the ignition key either turned
to STOP or removed, direct the key with the remote control to-
wards the vehicle and press button
Á. Except on some versions
for specific markets, the system produces a visual and acoustic
warning and enables door locking.
Before the alarm is enabled, a self-diagnosis test is run. in the event
of a fault, the system emits a further acoustic and/or visual warn-
ing via the LED on the dashboard.
If after the alarm is activated, a second acoustic warning is emit-
ted and/or the LED on the dashboard flashes, wait about 4 sec-
onds and then deactivate the alarm by pressing
Ë, check that
the doors, bonnet and luggage compartment are closed correctly
and then reactivate the system by pressing
Á.
If the alarm produces an acoustic signal even when the doors, bon-
net and boot are correctly closed, a failure has occurred in sys-
tem operation. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 53
Page 56 of 250

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR55
1IGNITION DEVICE
The key can be turned to three different positions fig. 21:
❍STOP: the engine is off, the key can be extracted, the steer-
ing is locked. Some electrical devices (e.g. car radio, central
door locking system, alarm, etc.) are enabled;
❍MAR: driving position. All electrical devices are enabled;
❍AVV: engine start-up.
The ignition switch is fitted with an electronic safety system that
requires the ignition key to be turned back to STOP if the engine
will not start, before the starting operation can be repeated.
fig. 21A0J0031m
If the ignition switch is tampered with (e.g.:
attempted theft), have it checked over by an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
Always remove the key when you leave your car
to prevent someone from accidentally operating
the controls. Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage 1
stgear if the car is parked uphill or reverse if the
car is parked downhill. Never leave children unattended
in the car.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 55
Page 89 of 250

88GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
This system intervenes in the event of a collision, activating:
❍switch off of fuel supply with resultant engine switch off;
❍automatic door lock release;
❍switch on of all lights inside the car.
The intervention of the system is indicated by a message shown
on the display.
Carefully check the car for fuel leaks, for instance in the engine
compartment, below the car or near the tank area.
After a collision, turn the ignition key to STOP to avoid draining the
battery.
If, after a collision, you smell fuel or notice leaks
from the fuel system, do not reset the system to
avoid fire risk.
To reset car operation, follow this procedure:
❍turn the ignition key to MAR;
❍activate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍turn the ignition key to STOP.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 88