engine Alfa Romeo MiTo 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR19
1
Alfa Romeo CODE/alarm system
failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol on the display) comes
on (on some versions together with a message in the display) to
indicate the failure of the Alfa Romeo CODE or alarm system (for
versions/markets, where provided): if this occurs, contact your
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
Break-in attempt
If this warning light flashes or, on some versions, if the symbol
appears in the display (together with the associated message) this
indicates a break-in attempt. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service as soon as possible.
Y
Glow plug preheating
(Diesel versions) (amber)
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light
comes on and it will go out when glow plugs reach the
preset temperature. The engine may be started immediately after
the warning light goes out.
IMPORTANT In mild or high temperature conditions, the warning
light comes on for a very short time only.m
Water in diesel fuel filter
(Diesel versions) (amber)
This warning light remains on constantly when driving
(together with a message in the display), to indicate the
presence of water in the diesel fuel filter.c
The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may
cause severe damage to the injection system and
irregular engine operation. If the
cwarning light
comes on in the instrument panel (together with a mes-
sage in the display) contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice as soon as possible to bleed the system. Water may
have been introduced into the tank if this indication ap-
pears immediately after refuelling: in this case switch off
the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Service.
Glowheater plugs preheating failure warning
light
(Diesel versions)
If this warning light flashes (on some versions together with a mes-
sage in the display), this indicates a failure in the glowheater plugs
preheating system. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider as soon as possible to eliminate the fault.

22GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Speed limit exceeded (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) comes on when the vehicle speed exceeds 120
km/h.
When the vehicle exceeds the speed limit set in the Setup Menu
(e.g. 120 km/h), on some versions a message and symbol are
shown in the display and a buzzer sounds.
X
General failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions, this warning light comes on under the
following circumstances:
External lights failure
See description of 6warning light.
Brake lights failure
See description of “brake lights failure”.
Fuel lock
This warning light comes on when the fuel cut-off inertia switch is
triggered. The display will show the dedicated message.
è
Particulate trap filter blocked
(Diesel with DPF versions) (amber)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning
light switches on but it must switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light comes on constantly to notify the driver that
the DPF system needs to eliminate captured pollutants (particu-
late) by the regeneration process. The warning light does not come
on during every DPF regeneration, but only when driving conditions
require notification of the driver. To switch the warning light off,
the car must stay in motion until regeneration has been complet-
ed. The process normally takes about 15 minutes. The optimum
conditions to end the process are achieved by keeping the car in
motion up to 60km/h with an engine speed higher than 2,000
rpm. This light coming on is not a car defect and therefore the car
does not need to go to the workshop.
A specific message will appear on the display when the warning
light comes on (for versions/markets, where provided).
h
Always drive at a speed appropriate to the traffic
conditions, the weather and speed limits. The en-
gine may be turned off while the DPF light is on;
however, repeated interruption of the regeneration process
may result in premature exhaustion of engine oil. For this
reason it is always advisable to wait for the light to go
off before turning off the engine, following the instruc-
tions appearing above. It is not advisable to complete DPF
regeneration with the vehicle stationary.

24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Display of selected driving mode
(“Alfa DNA” system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a “Reconfigurable multifunctional Dis-
play” a message + symbol associated with the selected driving
mode - “DYNAMIC”, “NORMAL” or “ALL WEATHER” - is shown.
A warning message is shown on the display if one of these dri-
ving modes is not available.
On versions equipped with a “Multifunctional display” a letter (d
or a) associated with the selected driving mode is shown togeth-
er with a dedicated message.
Engine oil level display
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR the display shows, for a few
seconds, the engine oil level. In the event of an insufficient engine
oil level, a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To determine the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the marks on the dipstick (see paragraph "Checking levels" in
"5" section).
IMPORTANT For a correct engine oil level indication, perform the check
with the car parked on a level surface.
IMPORTANT To perform the engine oil reading correctly, after turning
the key to MAR wait for about 2 seconds before starting the engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.
T.P.M.S. system failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) when a fault is
detected in the T.P.M.S tyre inflation pressure monitoring system:
if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
as soon as possible.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the display
will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Check tyre inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If this warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) this indicates that
the tyre pressure is below the optimum value recommended to
guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption. It may also in-
dicate a slow loss of pressure.
Should two or more tyres be discovered to be in the above men-
tioned condition, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tyre in sequence. Under these circumstances you should
restore the correct pressure values (see chapter 6).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR29
1
WELCOME MOVEMENT
On some versions, when the key is turned to MAR, the following
occurs:
❍quick movement (up and down) of the speedometer and rpm
gauge;
❍illumination of graphic symbols/display;
❍an animated graphic representation of the vehicle profile ap-
pears on the display.
Gauge movement
❍If the key is removed from the ignition switch whilst the gauges
are moving, they immediately return to their initial position.
❍Once they have reached the end-of-scale values the gauges rest
on the value indicated by the vehicle.
❍The movement of the gauges stops when the engine is started.
Illumination of graphic symbols/display
A few seconds after the key is inserted, the gauges, graphic sym-
bols and display light up in sequence.
Display of graphic animation
When the key is removed from the ignition switch (with the doors
closed), the display remains lit up and shows a graphic animation.
The display illumination is then dimmed gradually until it goes
out completely.
CONTROL BUTTONS fig. 9/9a
“+” or “▲ Ò”(versions with Start&Stop system) To scroll the dis-
played menu and the related options upwards or to increase the
displayed value
“MENU ESC”: press briefly to access the menu and/or go to next
screen or confirm the required menu option. Hold
down to go back to the standard screen.
“–” or “
▼ “ (versions with Start&Stop system) to scroll the
displayed menu and the related options downwards or to decrease
the value displayed.
fig. 9A0J0024m

36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
First page (Display of information on the
initial screen)
(for versions/markets, 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.

40GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Ser vice (Scheduled ser vicing)
This function allows you to view information on car servicing de-
pending on kilometres travelled or daily intervals.
With the Service function it is also possible to view the interval
(in kilometres or miles) before the next engine oil change is due.
This information can be consulted as follows:
– briefly press MENU ESC: the display shows service requirements
in km or mi according to the previous setting (see paragraph “Dis-
tance unit of measurement”);
– 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.IMPORTANT The “Planned Maintenance Programme” requires the
vehicle to be serviced every 30,000 km (for petrol versions), or
every 35,000 km (for diesel versions). This message is displayed
automatically when the key is turned to MAR, from 2,000 km
(or equivalent value in miles) from the mileage when the next ser-
vice is due and is re-displayed every 200 km (or equivalent value
in miles). The indications will appear more frequently when there
are less than 200 km left. The indication will appear in kilome-
tres or miles according to the unit of measurement settings. When
the next scheduled service operation is approaching, the message
“Service” will appear on the display followed by the number of
kilometres or miles left, when the key is turned to MAR. Go to an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service where the “Scheduled Service” op-
erations will be performed and the message will be reset.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR43
1
Values displayed
Range
Approximately indicates the distance the vehicle can travel with
the present amount of fuel in the tank.
The message “- - - -” will appear on the display in the following
cases:
– range value lower than 50 km (or 30 mi)
– car left parked with the engine running for a long time.
IMPORTANT Changes in the range value can be affected by many
factors: driving style, type of route (motorway, urban road, moun-
tain road, etc.), vehicle use conditions (load being carried, tyre
inflation pressure, etc.). The above notes should therefore be tak-
en into consideration when planning a trip.
Distance travelled
This value shows the distance covered from the start of the new
mission.
Average fuel consumption
This value shows the approximate average fuel consumption from
the start of the new mission.
Instantaneous fuel consumption
This indicates any change in fuel consumption. The value is con-
stantly updated. The message “- - - -” will appear on the display
if the car is parked with the engine running.
Average speed
This value shows the average speed of the car based on the overall
time elapsed since the start of the new mission.
Tr i p t i m e
This value shows the time elapsed since the start of the new mis-
sion.

46GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SYMBOLS
Some vehicle components have coloured labels whose symbols in-
dicate precautions to be observed when using this component.
There is also a label under the bonnet that summarises all the sym-
bols.
ALFA ROMEO CODE SYSTEM
This is an electrical engine locking system which increases protec-
tion against an attempted theft of the car. It is automatically acti-
vated when the ignition key is extracted.
Each key contains an electronic device which modulates the sig-
nal emitted during ignition by an antenna built into the ignition de-
vice. This signal is the ‘password’ which changes at each ignition
and which the control unit uses to recognise the key and enable
ignition.
OPERATION
Each time the car is started by turning the ignition key to MAR, the
Alfa Romeo CODE system control unit sends an acknowledgement
code to the engine management control unit to deactivate the in-
hibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo CODE system control unit
has recognised the code transmitted from the key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to STOP, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system deactivates the functions of the engine management
control unit. If the code is not recognised correctly during ignition,
the
Ywarning light comes on in the instrument panel. In this
case turn the key to STOP and then to MAR; if the lock persists
try again with the spare set of keys. If you are still unable to
start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR53
1ALARM(for versions/markets, 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.