engine coolant 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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 8

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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 9

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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 10

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
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 11

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

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

74GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
IMPORTANT the MAX-DEF function remains on for approximately
3 minutes from the moment the engine coolant reaches a suitable
temperature.
When the function is engaged the words FULL AUTO disappear from
the display. With the function activated the only possible manual
adjustments are the regulation of the fan speed and the disen-
gagement of the heated rear windscreen.
Pressing buttons B, C, F or AUTO switches off the MAX-DEF func-
tion and restores the previous settings.
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING OF HEATED REAR
WINDSCREEN AND DOOR MIRRORS
(where provided)
Press button G to activate heated rear windscreen demisting/de-
frosting. This function switches off automatically after about 20
minutes or when the engine is turned off. It is not switched on
automatically the next time the engine is started.
IMPORTANT Do not affix stickers to the inside of the rear window
over the heating filaments, to avoid damage that might cause them
to stop working properly. With climate control compressor off:
❍if the outside temperature is higher than the set one, the sys-
tem will not be able to satisfy the request. The temperature
value will then flash on the display for a few seconds and the
word AUTO will disappear;
❍the fan speed can be manually reset.
With the compressor on and the engine running, the fan speed can-
not be lower than one bar on the display.
RAPID WINDOW DEMISTING/DEFROSTING
(MAX-DEF function)
Press button F to activate rapid windscreen and side window demist-
ing/defrosting. The climate control system carries out the follow-
ing operations:
❍switches on the climate control compressor when climatic con-
ditions allow;
❍disables air recirculation;
❍sets maximum air temperature (HI) in both areas;
❍engages the fan at a speed based on the engine coolant tem-
perature;
❍directs air flow to the windscreen and front side window vents;
❍switches on the heated rear windscreen.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 74

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR75
1
ADDITIONAL HEATER
(only for diesel versions) (where provided)
This device speeds up passenger compartment warming when it is
very cold. The additional heater turns off automatically after reach-
ing the required comfort conditions.
Automatic two-zone climate control system
The additional heater is turned on automatically by turning the ig-
nition to MAR
Manual heater and manual climate
control system
The additional heater is activated automatically by turning knob
A to the end of the red section and setting the fan (knob B) to at
least the 1
stspeed.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The heater only works if the outside temperature and engine coolant
temperature are low.
The heater will not activate if the battery voltage is too low.
SWITCHING OFF THE CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Press the OFF button. With the climate control system switched off:
❍air recirculation is on, thus isolating the passenger compartment
from the outside;
❍the compressor is off;
❍the fan is off.
❍the heated rear windscreen can be switched on or off.
IMPORTANT The climate control system control unit will store the
temperatures set before turning off and will restore them when any
button is pressed (except button G); if the function corresponding
to the button pressed is off it will be turned on; if on, it will be kept
active.
To restart the climate control system in fully automatic mode press
AUTO.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 75

STARTING UP AND DRIVING151
3
In the initial period of use, it is advisable to avoid
placing the car under excessive stress (for instance
excessive acceleration, extended travel at maxi-
mum speed, sharp braking etc.).
Is is dangerous to let the engine run in enclosed
spaces. The engine depletes oxygen and discharges
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic
gases.
Remember that the servo brake and electric pow-
er steering are not operational until the engine has
been started, therefore more effort than usual is
required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Avoid jump starting the engine by pushing, towing
or driving downhill. These manoeuvres may dam-
age the catalytic converter.
When the engine is off, do not leave the key in
the ignition switch turned to MAR to avoid drain-
ing the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED (petrol and diesel engines)
Proceed as follows:
❍drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium speed. Do
not accelerate abruptly;
❍do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilo-
metres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge starts moving.
149-158 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:41 Pagina 151

CARE AND MAINTENANCE199
5
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
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●● ●●●
●●
●●
●●
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 199