coolant level Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

8GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ONBOARD INSTRUMENTS
AC
DE
B
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.
A0J0141mfig. 2
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR9
1
AC
DE
B
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.
A0J0002mfig. 3
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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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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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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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CARE AND MAINTENANCE199
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SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
PETROL VERSIONS
Thousands of kilometres
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure if required
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights, passenger
compartment lights, boot lights, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and
brake pad wear indication
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear
Visually inspect the condition of: bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes),
rubber parts (gaiters, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check cleanliness of locks, bonnet and boot, and
cleanliness and lubrication of linkages
Check and top up, if required, fluid levels
(engine coolant, brake/hydraulic clutch fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery fluid, etc)
Check the handbrake lever travel and adjust it, if necessary
Check timing belt condition
Visually inspect condition of auxiliary drive belt/s
Check tension and adjust auxiliary drive belt (versions with heater system)30 60 90 120 150 180
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE201
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DIESEL VERSIONS
35 70 105 140 175
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Thousands of kilometres
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure if required
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights,
passenger compartment lights, boot lights, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and
brake pad wear indication
Check rear disc brake pad seal condition and wear
Visually inspect the condition of: bodywork, underbody
protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes),
rubber parts (gaiters, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check cleanliness of locks, bonnet and boot, and
cleanliness and lubrication of linkages
Check and top up, if required, fluid levels
(engine coolant, brake/hydraulic clutch fluid, windscreen washer fluid, battery fluid, etc)
Check the handbrake lever travel and adjust it, if necessary
Visually inspect the condition of auxiliary drive belt/s.
Check exhaust fumes/emissions
Check engine management system operation (via diagnostic socket)
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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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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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