check engine Alfa Romeo MiTo 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

EOBD SYSTEM (European On
Board Diagnosis)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The aim of the EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the system efficiency;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace damaged components.
The car also has a diagnostic connector that can be interfaced with
appropriate tools, which makes it possible to read the error codes
stored in the electronic control units together with a series of specific
parameters for engine operation and diagnosis. This check can also be
carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANT After eliminating a fault, to check the system completely,
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are obliged to run tests and, if
necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGThis only operates with the key turned to MAR-ON and the engine
started. Power steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to be adapted to driving conditions.
The different power assistance modes can be selected via the "d,n,a"
positions of the “Alfa DNA System” lever (see “Alfa DNA System”
paragraph).
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-market
operation involving steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g.: installation of anti-theft device)
that could badly affect performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in non-compliance of the car with
type-approval requirements.Before performing any maintenance operations,
always turn off the engine and remove the key from
the ignition to lock the steering column, especially
when the car’s wheels are not touching the ground.
114GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused by
the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading the
vehicle and carrying out specific tuning operations that require the
vehicle to be lowered;
❒The detection of obstacles at the top part of the car may not be
guaranteed because the system detects obstacles that could cause an
impact with the car in the bottom part.
TPMS (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car may be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
which informs the driver of the tyre inflation status via the "Check
tyre pressure" and "Low tyre pressure" messages on the display.
This system comprises a radio frequency transmitter fitted to each
wheel (on the wheel rim inside the tyre), which is able to send
information on the tyre inflation pressure of each wheel to the control
unit.IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THE TPMSThe fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be displayed
after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send the relative
indications to the instrument panel only after the car has been in
motion for a short time.
The presence of the TPMS does not permit the driver to
neglect regular checks of the tyre pressure, including
for the spare wheel.Tyre pressure must be checked with tyres rested and
cold. Should it become necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the prescribed value, but
repeat the check when tyres are cold.
119GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CARSAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

STORING THE CARIf 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 engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check the battery
charge. Repeat this check once every three months during storage;
❒if you have not disconnected the battery, check the battery charge
every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special compounds
available commercially;❒sprinkle talcum powder on the windscreen and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do not allow humidity to evaporate
from the surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard specified pressure and
check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the battery power supply.
152GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

INFLATION PROCEDURE
Wear the protective gloves provided with the kit.
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake, unscrew the tyre valve cap, take out the
flexible filler pipe A fig. 126 and tighten the ring nut B on the tyre
valve;
❒make sure that switch A fig. 127 for the compressor is in position 0
(off), start the engine, insert the plug A fig. 128 into the power
socket on the central tunnel and switch on the compressor by
bringing switch A fig. 127 to position I (on);
❒inflate the tyre to the pressure indicated in the “Wheels” paragraph
in the “Technical specifications” section. In order to obtain a more
precise reading, check the pressure value on pressure gauge B
fig. 127 with the compressor off;❒if after five minutes it is still impossible to reach at least 1.8 bar,
disengage the compressor from the valve and power socket, then
move the car forwards by approx. ten metres in order to distribute
the sealing fluid inside the tyre evenly, then repeat the inflation
operation;
fig. 126
A0J0214
fig. 127
A0J0114
fig. 128
A0J0116
163GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒if you still cannot obtain a pressure of at least 1.8 bar within 5
minutes from the compressor switching on, do not drive off and
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services;
❒after driving for about 10 minutes, stop and check the tyre pressure
again; remember to put the handbrake on;
❒if a pressure value of at least 1.8 bar is detected, restore the correct
pressure (with the engine running and the handbrake engaged),
resume driving and drive with great care to Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
Apply the adhesive label where it can be easily seen
by the driver as a reminder that the tyre has been
treated with the quick repair kit. Drive carefully,
particularly on bends. Do not exceed 80 km/h. Do not accelerate
or brake suddenly.If the pressure has fallen below 1.8 bar, do not drive
any further: the Fix&Go Automatic quick tyre repair kit
cannot guarantee the correct hold because the tyre is
too damaged. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Inform the dealership that the tyre has been repaired
using the quick tyre repair kit. Give the leaflet to the
technicians who will be handling the tyre that was
repaired using the quick repair kit.
164GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

REPLACING FUSESGENERAL INFORMATIONFuses protect the electrical system: they intervene (blow) in the event of
a failure or improper intervention on the system.
When a device does not work, check the condition of its protective
fuse: the conductor element A fig. 148 must be intact.
If it is not, replace the blown fuse with another with the same
amperage (same colour).
B = undamaged fuse.
C = fuse with damaged filament.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services should the
fuse blow again.
Never replace a fuse with metal wires or anything else.Never replace a fuse with another with a higher amp
rating; DANGER OF FIRE.If a general protection fuse (MAXI-FUSE, MEGA-FUSE,
MIDI-FUSE) blows, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.Remove the key from the ignition switch and switch off
all loads before replacing a fuse.Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if a safety
system (air bags, brakes), engine system (engine,
gearbox) or steering system general protection fuse
blows.
fig. 148
A0J0048
176GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SCHEDULED SERVICING PLANPETROL VERSIONS
188GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Thousands of miles18 36 54 72 90 108
Thousands of kilometres 30 60 90 120 150 180
Months24 48 72 96 120 144
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if required●●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, passen-
ger compartment, luggage compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)●●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen washer/wiper system●●●●●●
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rear window wiper blades●●●●●●
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation of pad wear indicator●●●●●●
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear●●●●●●
Condition and status visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody protection, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes etc.)●●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine cooling, hydraulic brakes/clutch, screen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if required●●●●●●
Check timing belt condition●●
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory drive belt(s)●●
Check tension of accessory drive belts and adjust if necessary (versions with heater) (1.4 Petrol 8V
78 HP versions)●●
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if necessary (1.4 Petrol 8V 78 HP versions)●●●

189GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Thousands of miles18 36 54 72 90 108
Thousands of kilometres 30 60 90 120 150 180
Months24 48 72 96 120 144
Check exhaust emissions.●●●●●●
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge●●●●●●
Check engine management system operation (through the diagnosis socket)●●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belt(s)●
Replacement of toothed timing belt
(*)
●
Replace spark plugs
(**)
●●●●●●
Replace air cleaner cartridge
(***)
●●●
Change engine oil and oil filter (or every 24 months)
(****)
●●●●●●
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)●●●
Change pollen filter (or every 12 months)●●●●●●
(*) Regardless of the distance covered, the timing belt must be changed every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates, town driving, long periods of
idling) or at least every 5 years.
(**) For 1.4 MultiAir and 1.4 Turbo MultiAir versions, in order to guarantee correct operation and prevent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to observe the
following: only use spark plugs specifically certified for these engines; all spark plugs should be of the same type and brand (see the “Engine” paragraph in the
"Technical Specifications" section); strictly comply with the replacement intervals in the Scheduled Servicing Plan; you are advised to contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services to have plugs replaced.
(***) For Turbo TwinAir versions, the air cleaner cartridge must be replaced every 30,000 km.
(****) If the vehicle has an annual mileage of less than 10,000 km, the engine oil and engine oil filter should be changed every 12 months.

DIESEL VERSIONS
190GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
Thousands of miles21 42 63 84 105
Thousands of kilometres 35 70 105 140 175
Months24 48 72 96 120
Check tyre conditions/wear and adjust pressure, if required●●●●●
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, passen-
ger compartment, luggage compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)●●●●●
Check operation of windscreen washer/wiper system●●●●●
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rear window wiper blades●●●●●
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation of pad wear indicator●●●●●
Check rear disc brake pad condition and wear●●●●●
Condition and status visual check: bodywork exterior, underbody protection, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes), rubber elements (boots - sleeves - bushes etc.)●●●●●
Check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, as well as cleanliness and lubrication of linkages●●●●●
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (engine cooling, hydraulic brakes/clutch, screen washer,
battery, etc.)●●●●●
Check handbrake lever travel and adjust, if required●●●●●
Check exhaust fumes/emissions●●●●●
Visually inspect conditions of the accessory drive belts●●
Check engine management system operation (through the diagnosis socket)●●●●●
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge●●●●●
Replace accessory drive belts●

PERIODIC CHECKSEvery 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and restore the
following if necessary:
❒engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of window washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper blades
Check and top up, if required, the engine oil level every 3,000 km.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CARIf you use the car mainly under one of the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long
periods of idleness;
the following checks must be performed more frequently than indicated
in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and rubber elements
(boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
192GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX