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

VERY IMPORTANTREFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the
European Standard EN228.
Diesel engines: refuel only with diesel fuel conforming to
the European specification EN590. The use of other products
or mixtures may damage the engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage
caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged,
set the gear lever to neutral, fully depress the clutch without
depressing 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
and
to go out; then turn the
ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during
operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable material: fire hazard.
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 the car you decide to add
accessories requiring electricity (with the risk of gradually
draining the battery), contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services. They can calculate the overall electric requirement
and check that the car's electric system can support the
required load.
CODE card(for versions/markets, where provided)
Keep it 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.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it
maintains its performance and its safety features, its
environmental friendliness and low running costs for a long
time to come.
THE OWNER MANUAL CONTAINS…
...important information, advice and warnings for correct use,
driving safety and maintenance of your car over time.
Particular attention should be paid to information marked
with the following symbols:
(personal safety)
(environmental protection)
(car integrity).

EBD failure
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red) and
(amber)
warning lights with the engine on, indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels
may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
Drive with extreme caution straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system checked.
The display will show the dedicated message.
ABS FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
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 contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Brake pad wear (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the
front and rear brake pads are worn. In this situation, replace as soon
as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
8
GETTING TO
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SAFETY
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IN AN EMERGENCY
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TECHNICAL
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Engine coolant overheating
(red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated.
The display will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on when driving, proceed as follows:
❒normal driving conditions: stop the car, switch off the engine and
check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the MIN
mark. 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 reference
on the reservoir itself. Also check visually for any fluid leaks. If the
warning light comes on again at the next engine start-up, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
❒If the car is used under demanding conditions (e.g. towing trailers
uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the light stays on, stop
the car. Stand for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to promote a better circulation of coolant. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Under severe use of the car, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it
off.
Doors not closed correctly
(red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when one or
more doors or the tailgate are not closed correctly. An acoustic signal
is activated with the doors open and the car moving.
On some versions the warning light (or symbol on the display) also
lights up when the bonnet is not closed correctly.
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SAFETY
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EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
Under normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON,
the warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the
engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, it means
that the injection system is not working properly; in particular, if the
warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a
possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel
consumption.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at moderate speed
without demanding excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of
the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault disappears, but the
notification is stored in the system.NOTE (valid only for petrol engines)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelerator
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 contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible
if the
warning light does not light up or if, while
travelling, the warning light comes on either constantly or
flashing (in combination with a message on the display on some
versions). The operation of warning light
may be checked by the
traffic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
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ALARM(for versions/markets, where provided)ALARM ACTIVATIONThe alarm activates in the following cases:
❒wrongful opening of a door/bonnet/luggage compartment
(perimeter protection);
❒wrongful operation of the ignition switch (key turned to MAR);
❒cutting of the battery cables;
❒movement inside the passenger compartment (volumetric protection);
❒anomalous lifting/tilting of the car (for versions/markets, where
provided).
Operation of the alarm is indicated by an acoustic and visual signal
(flashing of the direction indicators for several seconds). The alarm
activation modes 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 locking function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE, which is automatically activated when the ignition key
is extracted from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT The alarm is adapted to meet requirements in various
countries.
SWITCHING ON THE ALARMWith the doors and bonnet closed and the ignition key either turned to
STOP or removed, direct the key with the remote control towards the
car, then press and release the
button. Except for specific markets,
the system emits a visual and acoustic signal and enables door locking.
A self-diagnosis stage precedes the switching on of the alarm: in the
event of faults, the system will generate a further acoustic and/or
visual signal through the LED on the dashboard.
If after the alarm is switched on, a second acoustic signal is emitted
and/or a visual signal via the LED on the dashboard, wait about
4 seconds and switch off the alarm by pressing the
button, check
that the doors, bonnet and luggage compartment are closed correctly
and then reactivate the system by pressing the
button.
If the alarm emits an acoustic signal even when the doors, bonnet and
boot are correctly closed, a fault has occurred in system operation:
in this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
ALARM SELF-ACTIVATION(for versions/markets, where provided)
If the alarm has not been activated using the remote control, once
about 30 seconds have elapsed from when the ignition key was turned
to STOP and a door or the tailgate was last opened and then closed,
the alarm activates automatically.
This is indicated by the LED on the button A fig. 18 lighting up
intermittently and the indications of activation described previously.
To deactivate the alarm, press the
button on the remote control.
The alarm also activates when the doors are closed by turning the
metal insert of the key in the driver side door latch. If the system
self-activates, the doors are not locked.
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IGNITION DEVICEThe key can be turned to three different positions fig. 19:
❒STOP: engine off, key can be removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. car radio, central door locking system,
alarm, etc.) are enabled;
❒MAR: driving position. All electrical devices are enabled;
❒AVV: engine start-up.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety system that requires the
ignition key to be turned back to STOP if the engine does not start,
before the starting operation can be repeated.
If the ignition switch is tampered with (e.g.: attempted
theft), have it checked over by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services before driving again.
Always remove the key when you leave the car to
prevent someone from accidentally operating the
controls. Remember to engage the handbrake. Engage
1
stgear if the car is parked uphill or reverse if the car is parked
downhill. Never leave children unattended in the car.
STEERING LOCKEngagement
When the key is at STOP, remove the key and turn the steering wheel
until it locks.
Disengagement
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn the ignition key to MAR.
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.Never remove the key while the car is moving. The
steering wheel will lock as soon as it is turned. This
holds true for cars being towed as well.
fig. 19
A0J0031
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CENTRAL LOCKINGPress button A fig. 44 to lock all doors at the same time.
Locking takes place irrespective of the position of the ignition key.FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEMThis intervenes in the case of an impact causing:
❒the interruption of the fuel supply with the engine consequently
cutting out;
❒the automatic unlocking of the doors;
❒the interior lights being switched on.
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, under the car or near the tank area.
After a collision, turn the ignition key to STOP to prevent the battery
from running down.To restore the correct operation of the car, proceed as follows:
❒turn the ignition key to the MAR position;
❒activate the right direction indicator;
❒deactivate the right direction indicator;
❒activate the left direction indicator;
❒deactivate the left direction indicator;
❒activate the right direction indicator;
❒deactivate the right direction indicator;
❒activate the left direction indicator;
❒deactivate the left direction indicator;
❒turn the ignition key to the STOP position.
If, after a collision, you smell fuel or notice leaks from
the fuel system, do not reactivate the system to avoid
fire risk.
fig. 44
A0J0030
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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
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SAFETYSTARTING AND
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SCHEDULED SERVICING PLANPETROL VERSIONS
188GETTING TO KNOW
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IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
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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)●●●

DIESEL VERSIONS
190GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
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IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
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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●