check oil Alfa Romeo MiTo 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

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 CAR93
1
Sun blind
The brightness in the passenger compartment can be adjusted by
using a sun blind.
Curtain opening:press the button A - fig. 54 to release the
curtain and then grasp the handle B and make it slide towards
the back.
Curtain closing:grasp the handle B and make the curtain slide to
the front, making sure it is locked.
Roof closing
Pressing button B-fig. 53 allows two closing modes for the front
glass panel.
Automatic
With the roof completely open, press button B-fig. 53 for a while:
the front glass panel will assume the spoiler position.
If the button is then pressed, the panel will start to slide forward
until it is completely closed.
After the initial opening command, the glass panel can be stopped
in intermediate positions by pressing the button again.
Manual
If button B-fig. 53 is pressed briefly, the front glass panel moves
from the completely open position and stops in the position where
the button is released. In this case the panel closes by pressing
the actual button.
This function makes it possible to place the front glass panel in in-
termediate positions in relation to those produced through auto-
matic closing.
When leaving the car, always remove the key from
the ignition device to avoid the risk of injury due
to accidental operation of the sun roof; it presents
a risk to those left on board: improper use of the roof can
be dangerous. Before operation, always check that no-
one is at risk of being injured by the moving sun roof or
by objects getting caught and dragged by it.
Do not open the sun roof in the presence of snow
or ice: it may be damaged.
fig. 53A0J0157m

204CARE AND MAINTENANCE
2 If the car is mainly used in cities or travels less than 10,000 km a year, change the engine oil and filter every
12 months.
30 60 90 120 150 180
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1 For 1.4 Turbo Petrol, 1.4 Multi Air and 1.4 Turbo Multi Air versions, in order to guarantee correct operation pre-
vent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to observe the following:
- only use spark plugs specifically certified for1.4 Turbo Petrol, 1.4 Multi Air and 1.4 Turbo Multi Air engines; all spark plugs
should be of the same type and brand (see the “Engine” paragraph);
- adhere strictly to the spark plug replacement intervals detailed in the Scheduled Service Plan;
- it is advisable to have this carried out by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
Thousands of kilometres
Check exhaust emissions
Check engine management system operation (via diagnostic socket)
Replace auxiliary drive belt/s
Replace toothed timing drive belt (*)
Replace spark plugs 1
Replace air filter cartridge
Change engine oil and oil filter (or every 24 months) 2
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Change pollen filter (or every 24 months)
(*) Regardless of the number of kilometres covered, the timing belt should be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates,
driving in the city, idling for a long time) or in any case every 5 years.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE207
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 PETRONAS LUBRICANTS products, de-
signed and produced specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see “Con-
sumables” 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.);

208CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Be careful not to confuse the various types of flu-
ids while topping up: they are incompatible and
mixing them up may seriously damage the
vehicle.
Do not smoke while working on the engine com-
partment: there may be flammable gases and
vapours present.
With the engine warm, take great care when work-
ing in the engine compartment: risk of burns. Re-
member that the fan may start up if the engine is
hot: risk of injury. Pay attention to scarves, ties and oth-
er loose fitting garments: they could get dragged in by the
moving parts.
❍check battery charge and fluid level (electrolyte);
❍visually inspect the condition of auxiliary drivebelts;
❍check and if necessary change engine oil and oil filter;
❍check pollen filter and replace it, if required;
❍check air filter and replace, if required.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE215
5
ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the dipstick A-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6.
If the oil level is near or even under the MIN line, add oil using
the filler B to reach 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.
The oil level should never exceed the MAX line.
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. 1-2-3-4-5-6 and add
the fluid described in chapter “6”.
PARAFLU UPantifreeze is used in the engine cooling
system. Use fluid of the same type contained in the
cooling system for top-ups. PARAFLU
UPmay not be
mixed with other types of fluids. If this accidentally oc-
curs, do not start the engine. Contact an Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised 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.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE225
5
INTERIORS
Periodically check for water puddles under the mats that could cause
the panels to rust.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is advis-
able to use a moist brush on velvet upholstery. Rub the seats with
a sponge moistened with a solution of water and neutral detergent.
LEATHER SEATS (for versions/markets, where provided)
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp cloth, with-
out exercising too much pressure.
Remove liquid or oil stains using a dry absorbent cloth, without rub-
bing. Then clean with a soft cloth or buckskin cloth dampened with
water and neutral soap.
If the stain persists, use specific products and observe the instruc-
tions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the cleaning prod-
ucts used contain no alcohol or alcohol derivatives, even in small
quantities.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
Clean interior plastic parts with a moist cloth and a solution of
water and mild soap. To clean oily or persistent stains, use specif-
ic products free from solvents and designed to maintain the origi-
nal colour of the components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirit or petrol to clean the glass of the in-
strument panel or other plastic parts.

254INDEX
Engine oil
– checking level ....................... 215
– consumption......................... 215
– technical specifications ............245
EOBD system .............................. 120
External courtesy lights ................. 78
External lights ............................. 76
Fire extinguisher ......................... 91
Fix&Go Automatic kit ................... 173
Flashing the headlights ................. 77
Fluids and lubricants .................... 246
Fog lights
– activation............................. 87
– bulb replacement ................... 182
Follow me home (device) ............. 77
Front air bags
– driver’s side .......................... 146
– knee on driver’s side .............. 148
– side air bags ......................... 149
Front armrest .............................. 89
Front courtesy light
– activation............................. 83
– bulb replacement ................... 184
Fuel
– consumption......................... 247
– fuel lock system .................... 88Fuel cap ..................................... 130
Fuel cut-off system ...................... 88
Fuel saving ................................. 158
Fuel system ................................ 234
Fuse replacement........................ 187
– fuse location .............189-190-191
– fuse summary table ............... 192Gearbox (use of)....................... 157
Gear Shift Indicator ...................... 28
Glove box light
– bulb replacement ................... 185
Handbrake ................................ 156
Hazard lights .............................. 86
Head restraints ............................ 59
Headlight alignment corrector ........ 105
Headlight washers
– activation............................. 222
Headlights
– adjusting the light beam ......... 105
– headlight alignment corrector ... 106
– headlight alignment adjust
abroad ................................. 106
Heating/climate control system ..... 64
Hill Holder system ....................... 108
Identification data
– bodywork paint
identification plate .................. 229
– chassis marking ..................... 229
– engine marking ..................... 229
– identification plate ................. 228
In an emergency ......................... 163
Installation of electrical/
electronic devices........................ 122
Instrument panel
and instruments .................... 8-244
Interior equipment....................... 89
Interiors
– cleaning seats and fabric
parts .................................... 225
– interior plastic parts ................ 225
– leather seats......................... 225
– leather parts ......................... 226
Isofix (standard seat) ................... 144
Jacking the car............................ 199
Jack .......................................... 167
Keys ........................................ 47
Knowing your car ......................... 5

INDEX255
7
Lane Change” function ................ 77
Load limiters............................... 135
Luggage compartment
– closing ................................. 100
– extending the luggage
compartment ........................ 101
– opening ................................ 99
Main beam headlights
– activation............................. 77
– bulb replacement ................... 180
Maintenance
– demanding use of the car ........ 207
– periodic checks...................... 207
– scheduled maintenance ........... 202
– scheduled servicing plan .......... 203
Menu ........................................ 32
Menu options ............................. 32
MSR (system)............................ 110
Multifunctional display .................. 26
Navigation system (wiring) ......... 121
Number plate lights
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Oddment compartment ............... 89
Oil engine .................................. 214
S.B.R. system ............................ 133
Safe lock (device) ....................... 51
Safety ....................................... 131
Saving fuel................................. 158
Seat belts
– pretensioners........................ 135
– S.B.R. system ....................... 133
– seat belt maintenance ............ 137
– using the seat belts ................ 132
Seats
– adjustment ....................... 56-57
– cleaning ............................... 225
– Easy Entry ............................ 58
– seat warming ........................ 58
Sensors
– automatic headlights ..............76
– rain ..................................... 80
– parking ................................ 123
Service Plan ............................... 203
– regular checks....................... 207
Setting off and driving .................. 153
Side bags ................................... 149
Sidelights/daytime lights
– activation............................. 76
– bulb replacement ...............180-182
Snow chains ............................... 162Paint ........................................ 223
Parking ...................................... 156
– handbrake ............................ 156
Performance ............................... 241
Power windows ........................... 96
Pretensioners.............................. 135
Protecting the environment ........... 130
Puddle lights
– bulb replacement ................... 187
Radio transmitters and
cellular phones.......................... 123
Radio wiring system ..................... 121
Rear fog lights
– activation . ............................ 87
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Rear screen wiper
– activation............................. 79
– brushes ................................ 220
– sprays .................................. 221
Rear view mirrors ........................ 61
Reconfigurable
multifunctional display ................ 27
Reversing light
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Roof rack/ski rack ....................... 104