check engine light Alfa Romeo MiTo 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

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



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12GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
EBDfailure (red)/(amber)
If warning lightsxand>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
>
Brakepadwear(amber)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when the one or more brake pads show signs of wear;
under these circumstances have them replaced as soon
as possible. The display shows the dedicated message. It is advis-
able to have this operation carried out by an Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Service.d
ABS systemfailure (amber)
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) lights
up when the system is inefficient. Under these circumstances the
braking system will work as normal without the extra performance
offered 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.>
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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 battery charge (red)
(for versions/markets, 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
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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
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
Start&Stop system deactivation
(amber)
The warning light comes on when the Start&Stop sys-
tem is deactivated by pressing the button on the auxil-
iary control panel next to the steering wheel. On some versions the
display shows the associated message.T
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18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC system (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
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
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.
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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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.
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SAFETY151
2
The expiry dates of the pyrotechnic charge and spi-
ral contact are shown in the plate installed inside
the glove compartment. Refer to an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services when it’s time to replace them.
Do not travel with objects on your lap, in front of
your chest, or between your lips (e.g. pipes, pen-
cils, etc.) In the event of a crash with airbag acti-
vation, you may be seriously injured.
If someone tries to steal or damage your car, and
in the event of floods, have the air bag system
checked by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
With the ignition key inserted and turned to MAR,
even if the engine is off, the air bags can activate
also with the car at a standstill, if it is hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children must never sit on
the front seat, even if the car is not moving. Please re-
member that if the key is inserted and turned to the STOP
position, no safety device (airbag or pretensioner) acti-
vates following a collision. Non-deployment in such cas-
es must not be considered a sign of malfunction.
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the “
warning light turns on (front airbag on passenger’s
side enabled) and blinks for a few seconds as a re-
minder that the passenger airbag will activate in the event
of a collision. Then it turns off.
The front airbags deploy in the event of more se-
vere collisions than those required for deploying
the pretensioners. For collisions in the range be-
tween the two thresholds, it is normal for only the pre-
tensioners to be activated.
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158STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fuel and
lower the amount of toxic emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled servicing plan”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least once every four weeks: ex-
cessively low pressure will increase fuel consumption because rolling
resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and
its ride setting greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears cor-
rectly. For this reason, there must be no obstacles
on the floor under the pedals: ensure that any rub-
ber mats are correctly positioned, and do not interfere
with the pedals
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear
lever, because this pressure, even if light, can wear
out the gearbox internal components over time.
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be engaged when the car is at a
standstill. With the engine on, wait at least 3 seconds with the
clutch pressed down before engaging reverse gear to prevent it
from scraping.
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162STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with local regu-
lations. The snow chains may be applied only to the front wheel
tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few metres have been
driven.
Use reduced bulk snow chains: for 195/55 R16” and 205/45
R17” tyres. Use reduced bulk snow chains with a maximum pro-
trusion from the tyres of 9 mm.
IMPORTANT The spare wheel cannot be fitted with snow chains.
If a front (drive) wheel is punctured and snow chains must be used,
you must remove a normal wheel from the rear and replace this
one with the small spare wheel. In this way, with two normal dri-
ve wheels, it is possible to use snow chains.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month, the following
precautions should be noted:
❍park the vehicle in a dry, covered and, if possible, ventilated
area; engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❍disconnect the negative battery terminal and check battery
charge. Repeat this check once every three months during stor-
age;
❍clean and protect painted areas using protective wax;
❍clean and protect the shiny metal areas using special com-
mercially-available products;
❍sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen and rear win-
dow wiper blades and lift them off the glass;
❍slightly open the windows;
❍cover the car with a fabric or perforated plastic sheet. Do not
use compact plastic sheets which do not allow humidity to evap-
orate from the surface of the car.
❍inflate tyres to a pressure of +0.5 bar above the normal spec-
ified pressure and check the pressure at regular intervals;
❍if you have not disconnected the battery, check the battery
charge every thirty days;
❍do not drain the engine cooling system.
Keep your speed down when snow chains are fit-
ted. Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps
and pavements and also avoid driving long dis-
tances on roads not covered with snow to prevent dam-
aging the car and the roadbed.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE203
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
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