check engine Alfa Romeo MiTo 2021 Owner handbook (in English)

MESSAGES ON THE DISPLAY
Display of selected Driving Mode (“Alfa
DNA” system)
(where provided)
A message and a symbol relating to the
use of the driving mode selected are
shown: “DYNAMIC”, “NATURAL” OR “ALL
WEATHER”.
A warning message is shown on the
display if one of these driving modes is
not available.
Engine oil level display
(where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR
the display shows, for a few seconds, the
engine oil level.
In case of insufficient engine oil level, a
warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct oil
quantity, always check using the dipstick
(see paragraph “Checking levels” in the
section “Maintenance and care”). 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.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING
23)If thewarning light does not switch on when the ignition device is moved to ON or if it stays on when driving (together with the message on
the display), there might be a fault in the restraint systems; in this case, the airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in the event of an accident or,
in a lower number of cases, they could deploy erroneously. Before proceeding, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have the system checked
immediately.
24)A fault with the warning light
is signalled by illumination of the iconon the instrument panel display and by the flashing of passenger
airbag disabled warning light on the rearview mirror. In addition, the airbag system automatically disables the passenger side airbag (where
provided). In this case, the warning light may not indicate any faults with the restraint systems. Before proceeding, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the system checked immediately.
25)If the warning light comes on, the exhausted engine oil should be changed as soon as possible, never drive more than 500 km from the first
switching-on of this warning light. Failure to observe the above may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. Remember
that when this warning light comes on, it does not mean that the level of engine oil is low, so if it flashes you must not top up the engine oil.
26)If the warning light flashes with the car in motion, contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
27)Always drive at a speed appropriate to the traffic conditions, the weather and traffic regulations. The engine may be switched off even if the
warning light is on: repeated interruptions of the regeneration process could cause an early deterioration of engine oil. For this reason it is
always advisable to wait for the symbol to go off before turning off the engine, following the instructions above. Do not complete the DPF
regeneration process when the vehicle is stopped.
IMPORTANT
13)If thewarning light switches on when driving, stop the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
14)If, turning the ignition device to MAR, the warning lightdoes not turn on or if it turns on steadily or flashing when travelling (on some
versions together with the message on the display), contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
15)The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may cause severe damage to the injection system and irregular engine operation. If the
symbol is displayed contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible to bleed the system. If the above indications come on immediately
after refuelling, water has probably been introduced into the tank: stop the engine immediately and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
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EOBDSYSTEM (European On
Board Diagnosis)
(where provided)
Operation
The EOBD system (European On Board
Diagnosis) carries out a continuous
diagnosis of the components of the car
related to emissions.
It also alerts the driver, by switching on
the warning light
on the instrument
panel, together with a message on the
display, when these components are no
longer in peak condition (see “Warning
lights and messages” paragraph in the
"Knowing the instrument panel" chapter).
The aim of the EOBD system (European
On Board Diagnosis) is to:
monitor the efficiency of the system;
indicate an increase in emissions;
indicate the need to replace damaged
components.
The vehicle also has a connector, which
can interface with appropriate tools, that
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, the Alfa
Romeo Dealership is obliged to run tests
and, if necessary, road tests which may
also require a long journey.
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KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING
82)Do not affix rigid objects to the garment
hooks or support handles.
83)Do not rest your head, arms or elbows on
the door, windows or the area in which the
Window bag is located to avoid possible
injury during airbag inflation.
84)Never lean your head, arms or elbows
out of the window.
85)If the
warning light does not switch
on when the key is turned to MAR, or stays
on while driving (on some versions together
with a message on the display) there may be
a fault in the restraint systems. In this case,
airbags or pretensioners may not be
activated in the case of an accident or (in a
lesser number of cases) they may be
activated incorrectly. Before proceeding,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have
the system checked immediately.
86)Do not travel carrying objects on your
lap, in front of your chest or between your
lips (pipe, pencils, etc.): they could cause
severe injury if the airbag is deployed.
87)If the car has been subject to theft,
attempted theft, vandalism, or flooding,
have the airbag system inspected at an Alfa
Romeo Dealership.88)The airbags may also be deployed when
the car is not moving, if the key is in the
ignition and turned to MAR-ON or when the
engine is off, if the car is hit by another
moving vehicle. Therefore, even if the vehicle
is stationary, when an active front
passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT install
rearward facing child restraint systems on
the front passenger seat. Deployment of the
airbag following an impact could cause fatal
injuries to the child. Therefore, always
deactivate the passenger side airbag when a
rearward facing child restraint system is
installed on the front passenger seat. The
front passenger seat must also be
positioned back as far as possible in order to
prevent the child restraint system from
coming into contact with the dashboard.
Immediately reactivate the passenger
airbag as soon as the child restraint system
has been removed. Also remember that, if
the key is turned to STOP, none of the safety
devices (airbags or pretensioners) will be
deployed in the event of collision.
Non-deployment in such cases does not
indicate a system malfunction.
89)When the ignition key is turned to MAR,
the
warning light switches for few
seconds, then if the passenger airbag is
active it should switch off.
90)The front airbag is designed to be
deployed for impacts of a greater intensity
than for the pretensioners. For impacts
whose intensity falls between the two levels,
normally, only the pretensioners will be
activated.91)The airbag does not replace seat belts
but increases their efficiency. Because front
airbags are not deployed for low-speed
crashes, side collisions, rear-end shunts or
rollovers, occupants are protected, in
addition to any side bags, only by their seat
belts, which must therefore always be
fastened.
92)On cars with side bags, do not cover the
front seat backrests with extra covers.
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WARNING
117)The space-saver wheel is specific for
your car. Do not use it on cars of different
models. Do not use space-saver wheels of
different models on your car. The
space-saver wheel must only be used in the
event of an emergency. Never use it for more
than strictly necessary and never exceed
80 km/h. On the space-saver wheel there is
an orange label, summarising the main
warnings regarding space-saver wheel
usage restrictions. Never remove or cover
the label. Never apply any hub cap to the
space-saver wheel.118)Alert other drivers that the car is
stationary in compliance with local
regulations: hazard warning lights, warning
triangle, etc. Any passengers on board
should leave the car, especially if it is heavily
laden. Passengers should stay away from
on-coming traffic while the wheel is being
changed. On hills or uneven roads, use
chocks or appropriate objects to block the
wheels of the vehicle.
119)The vehicle's driving characteristics
will be modified with the space-saver wheel
fitted. Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast cornering.
The overall duration of the space-saver
wheel is about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced with another
one of the same type. Never install a
traditional tyre on a rim designed to be used
as a space-saver wheel. Have the wheel
repaired and refitted as soon as possible.
Using two or more space-saver wheels at the
same time is forbidden. Do not apply grease
to the bolt threads before fitting: they could
come unscrewed.
120)The jack may be used to replace
wheels only on the car that it comes with or
other cars of the same model. Never use the
jack for other purposes, such as lifting other
vehicle models. Never use it for repair
operations under the vehicle. Incorrect
positioning of the jack may cause the vehicle
to fall. Do not use the jack for loads higher
than the one shown on its label. Never install
snow chains on the space-saver wheel; if a
front tyre (driving wheel) is punctured and
you need to use snow chains, use a standard
wheel from the rear axle and install the
space-saver wheel on the rear axle. In this
way, with two normal front drive wheels, it is
possible to use snow chains.121)Incorrectly fitting the wheel cap may
cause it to fall off when the car is in motion.
Never tamper with the inflation valve. Never
introduce tools of any kind between rim and
tyre. Regularly check the inflation pressure
of the tyres and space-saver wheel (see
chapter "Technical specifications").
122)The jack is a tool developed and
designed only for changing a wheel, if a tyre
gets punctured or damaged, on the vehicle
with which it is supplied or on other vehicles
of the same model. Any other use, e.g. to jack
up other vehicle models or different things,
is strictly prohibited. Never use for
maintenance or repair activities under the
car or to exchange the summer/winter
wheels and vice versa. Never go under the
raised vehicle. Should it be necessary to
work under the vehicle, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership. Incorrect positioning of
the jack may cause the raised vehicle to fall:
use only in the positions indicated. Do not
use the jack for loads higher than the one
shown on its label. Never start the engine
with vehicle raised. If the vehicle is raised
more than necessary, everything can
become more unstable, with the risk of the
vehicle dropping violently. Thus, lift the
vehicle only as needed in order to access the
spare wheel.
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the kit from the specific compartment;
remove the adhesive label of speed 3
(see previous paragraph) and apply it in a
visible position. Wear the protective
gloves provided;
remove the cap from the valve of the
punctured tyre and connect and firmly
tighten the transparent tube of the
sealing fluid 1 fig. 109 and tighten nut
2 on the tyre valve;
make sure that the switch for the
compressor is in position0(off), start the
engine, open the rear hatch and insert the
plug in the into the luggage compartment
power socket or on central tunnel and
start the engine. Switch on the
compressor by turning the switch to
positionI(on);
inflate the tyre to the pressure
indicated in the “Wheels” paragraph in the
“Technical data” chapter;
if after five minutes pressure is not at
least 1.8 bar/26 psi, turn off the
compressor and disconnect it from the
valve and power socket, replace the cap,
then move the vehicle forwards by
approx. ten metres in order to distribute
the sealing fluid inside the tyre evenly.
Stop the vehicle safely and repeat the
operation above until the required
pressure is reached;
if after this operation you still cannot
reach at least 1.8 bar/26 psi after
5 minutes from switching on the
compressor, THE TYRE IS TOO
DAMAGED TO BE REPAIRED. Remove
and place the kit in the specific
compartment and contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership;
if the required pressure is reached,
restart driving. Do not exceed 80 km/h.
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
After driving for about 8 km / 5 miles,
place the vehicle in a safe and suitable
area, engaging the parking brake. Pick up
the kit, ensure the on-off button is in0
position, insert the electrical connector in
the vehicle 12V socket. Remove the cap
from the valve of repaired tyre,
disconnect and pull out the black inflation
tube, connect it to the valve and lock it
with the lever. Check the tyre pressure on
the pressure gauge.
if the pressure is lower than 1.8 bar /
26 psi, the TYRE IS TOO DAMAGED AND
CANNOT BE REPAIRED. Remove and
place the kit in the specific compartment
and contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership;
if the pressure indicated is equal to or
higher than 1.8 bar/26 psi, switch on the
compressor and inflate to the required
pressure. Disconnect and replace the kit
in the specific compartment. Drive
carefully to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND RESTORING TYRE
PRESSURE
The compressor can also be used to
check and, if necessary, restore the tyre
pressure.
Disconnect and pull out the black
inflation tube 1 fig. 110, connect and to
the tyre valve and lock in position with
the lever.
With the same procedure it is possible to
inflate bicycle tyres and balloons. The kit
should be used by adults and cannot be
used by children.
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JUMP STARTING(versions with Start&Stop system)
125)
When jump starting, never connect the
negative lead (–) of the auxiliary battery
to the negative pole 1 fig. 111 of the car
battery, but rather to an engine/gearbox
earth point.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
34)Never connect the negative terminals of
the two batteries directly! If the auxiliary
battery is installed on another car, prevent
accidental contact between metallic parts of
the two cars.35)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
124)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames and lighted cigarettes
away from the battery and do not cause
sparks.
125)Before opening the bonnet, make sure
that the engine is off and that the ignition
key is in the STOP position. Please follow the
instructions on the decal near the front
crossmember. We recommend that you
remove the key from the ignition if other
people remain in the vehicle. The vehicle
should always be left after the key has been
removed or turned to the STOP position.
During refuelling, make sure that the engine
is off (and that the ignition key is in the STOP
position).
FUEL CUT-OFFSYSTEM
Operation
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the fuel supply cut-off with the engine
consequently switching off;
the automatic unlocking of the doors;
the switching on of the interior lights.
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks,
for instance in the engine compartment,
under the vehicle or near the tank area.
126)
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;
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123

“VELOCE” versions: remove cap 1 by
pressing on the upper part, take tow hook
2 from its housing in the tool support and
screw it in fully on the threaded pin.
WARNING
127)For versions with key without remote
control, before towing, turn the ignition key
to MAR and then to STOP without removing
it. The steering column will automatically
lock when the key is removed and the wheels
cannot be steered. Also check that the
gearbox is in neutral (on versions equipped
with automatic transmission, check that the
gear lever is in N position). For versions with
electronic key, move the ignition device to
MAR and then to STOP, without opening the
door.128)The brake servo and the
electromechanical power steering will not
work while the vehicle is being towed. You
will therefore need to apply more force on
the brake pedal and steering wheel. Do not
use flexible ropes when towing, and avoid
jerky movements. During towing, make sure
that the trailer hitch does not damage any
components it is touching. When towing the
car, you must comply with all specific traffic
regulations and adopt an appropriate
driving behaviour. Do not start the engine
while towing the car. Before tightening the
ring, clean the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully screwed into
the housing before towing the car.
129)The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergencies on the road. You
are allowed to tow the vehicle for short
distances using an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar), to move the vehicle on the road in
readiness for towing or transport via a
breakdown vehicle. Tow hooks MUST NOT be
used to tow vehicles off the road or where
there are obstacles and/or for towing
operations using cables or other non-rigid
devices. In compliance with the above
conditions, towing must take place with the
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the same
centre line.
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IN AN EMERGENCY

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN
PETROL VERSIONS
The checks listed in the Scheduled Servicing Plan, after reaching 120,000 km/8 years, must be cyclically repeated starting from the
first interval, thus following the same intervals as before.
Thousands of miles9 182736455463728190
Thousands of kilometres15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust
pressure, if necessary. Check “Fix&Go
Automatic” kit recharge
condition/expiry date
Check operation of lighting system
(headlights, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, boot,
passenger compartment, glove
compartment, instrument panel
warning lights, etc.)
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid
levels (1)
Check exhaust emissions/smokiness
Use the diagnosis socket to check
supply/engine management system
operation, emissions and, where
present, engine oil degradation
(1) Always only use the liquids shown in the handbook for topping up after having checked that the system is not damaged.
129

Thousands of miles9 182736455463728190
Thousands of kilometres15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150
Years12345678910
Visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belt(s)
Check and, if necessary, top up Alfa
TCT oil level (where provided)(2)
Change engine oil and replace oil
filter(3)
Spark plug replacement(4)
Replace accessory drive belt/s(5)
Replacement of toothed timing drive
belt (excluding TwinAir Turbo
versions)(5)
Replace air cleaner cartridge (6)
(2) Check to be carried out every year for cars on the road in countries with particularly severe climates (cold countries).
(3) If the car's annual mileage is less than 10,000 km, the engine oil and filter must be replaced every year.
(4) For 1.4 Turbo MultiAir versions, to guarantee correct operation and prevent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to proceed as follows:
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" chapter); strictly comply with the spark plugs replacement intervals in the Scheduled Servicing Plan. It is advisable
to contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership for spark plug replacement.
(5) Areas that are not dusty: recommended maximum mileage 120,000 km. The belt must be replaced every 6 years, regardless of distance travelled.
Dusty areas and/or demanding use of the car (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling): advised maximum mileage 60,000 km. The belt must
be replaced every 4 years, regardless of distance travelled.
(6) If the vehicle is used in dusty areas, this cleaner must be replaced every 15,000 km.
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