warning light Alfa Romeo MiTo 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

STARTING THE ENGINE
93) 94) 95)
17) 18) 19) 20)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on the
display.
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
Except Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gearbox lever in neutral;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral or fully press the
clutch pedal if a gear other than neutral is
engaged;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Versions with LPG system
To properly perform the starting
procedure, refer to as previously
described.
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected. There must therefore always be
some petrol in the tank to protect the
petrol pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG to petrol operation, if
high performance is required.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Except Turbo TwinAir versions:Ifthe
engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before
repeating the procedure.
For Turbo TwinAir versions only:Ifthe
vehicle does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
and repeat the starting procedure placing
the gear lever in neutral and fully
pressing the clutch pedal.
If, with the ignition key turned to MAR,
the
symbol is shown on the display
together with the warning light
, turn
the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the symbol on the display is still shown,
try with the other keys provided with the
car. Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership if
the engine still does not start.
Never leave the ignition key in
MAR-ON position when the engine is
stopped.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
turn the ignition key to MAR position:
the
warning light will light up on
instrument panel;
wait for the warning light to switch off;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV; the
warning light switches off. Waiting
too long will waste the heating work
carried out by the glow plugs. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts.
WARNING
93)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine takes in oxygen
and releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
94)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to apply
much more force than usual to the brake
pedal.
95)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
90
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT
17)We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km
(1000 miles), you do not drive to full car
performance (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp braking,
etc.).
18)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR position
to prevent useless current absorption from
draining the battery.
19)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
20)Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be regularly
used, but an Alfa Romeo Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
PARKING THE VEHICLE
96) 97)
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1stgear if facing uphill
or reverse if facing downhill) and leave
the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope.
On versions equipped with Alfa TCT
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with Alfa TCT transmission,
before placing the gear lever at P).
HANDBRAKE
To engage the handbrake, pull lever 1
fig. 65 upwards until the car is secured.
When the handbrake is engaged and the
ignition key is on MAR-ON, the
instrument panel warning light
will
switch on.
To release it, raise lever 1 slightly, hold
down button 2 and lower the lever: the
warning light
on the instrument
panel switches off.
IMPORTANT Carry out these
manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a
front armrest, lift it up to ensure that it
does not interfere with the action of the
handbrake.
WARNING
96)Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the car and take it with you.
97)The car should be braked after a few
clicks of the parking brake: if this is not so,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have it
adjusted. Always park the car safely as
indicated by the Highway Code and as
described above.
65A0J0110C
91

USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX
98)
21)
To engage the gears, fully depress the
clutch pedal and put the gear lever into
the required position (the diagram is
shown on the knob fig. 66, fig. 67,
fig. 68 ).
In models with 6 gears, to engage 6
th
gear, move the gearstick to the right to
avoid changing into 4th by mistake. The
same applies to the shift from 6
thto 5th
gear.
To engage reverse (R) from neutral
position, raise ring 1 underneath the knob
and, at the same time:
on 1.4 Turbo Multi Air 170 HP Veloce
versions, move the lever to the left and
then forwards fig. 67;
on Turbo TwinAir, 1.4 Petrol, 1.4 Turbo
MultiAir and 1.3 JTD
M-2versions, move
the lever to the right and then backwards
fig. 66, fig. 68.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be
engaged when the vehicle is completely
stationary.
WARNING
98)Press the clutch pedal fully to change
gears correctly. It is therefore essential that
there is nothing under the pedals: make sure
the mats are lying flat and do not get in the
way of the pedals.
IMPORTANT
21)Do not drive with your hand resting on
the gear lever as the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to premature
wear of the gearbox internal components.
66A0J0265C
67A0J0266C
68A0J0267C
92
STARTING AND DRIVING

SYSTEM MANUAL ACTIVATION /
DEACTIVATION
To activate/deactivate manually the
system, press the fig. 73 button on the
trim next to the steering wheel.
Start&Stop system activation:A
message will appear on the display when
the Start&Stop system is activated.
Start&Stop system deactivation: The
symbol and a message will appear on
the display. When the system is
deactivated, the
warning light on the
instrument panel switches on.
MISSED ENGINE STOPPING
CONDITIONS
25)
When the system is active, for a higher
comfort and safety, and to reduce
emissions, the engine does not stop in
certain ambient conditions, engineconditions, with the driver door not
closed and driver seat belt unfastened.
SAFETY FUNCTIONS
When the engine is stopped by the
Start&Stop system, if the driver releases
his/her seat belt and opens the driver's or
passenger's door, the engine can be
restarted only by the ignition key.
The driver is informed by a buzzer and by
the flashing of the symbol
on the
display (on some versions, a message is
displayed as well).
"ENERGY SAVING" FUNCTION(where provided)
If, following the automatic engine
restarting, the driver does not carry out
any action on the vehicle for over
3 minutes, the Start&Stop system stops
the engine definitely, to prevent fuel
consumption. In these cases, the engine
can be restarted only using the ignition
key.
NOTE In any case, it is possible to keep
the engine running by deactivating the
Start&Stop system.
IRREGULAR OPERATION
In the event of malfunction, the
Start&Stop system is deactivated.
The fault is indicated by the
symbol
switching on (on some version a specific
message is also shown) on the display.In this case, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
100)
In the event of vehicle inactivity (or if the
battery is replaced), special attention
must be paid to the disconnection of the
battery power supply.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP, wait at least 1 minute
before disconnecting the electrical
supply to the battery.
IMPORTANT
25)If climate comfort is to be favoured, the
Stop/Start system can be deactivated, for a
continuous operation of the climate control
system.
WARNING
100)When replacing the battery, always
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership. Replace
the battery with one of the same type
(HEAVY DUTY) and with the same
specifications.
73A0J0307C
96
STARTING AND DRIVING

CRUISE CONTROL
(where provided)
DESCRIPTION
This is an electronic driving aid that
allows you to drive at a speed of above
30 km/h on long and straight dry roads
(e.g. motorways), at a preset speed
without having to press the accelerator
pedal. It is therefore not recommended
to use this device on extra-urban roads
with traffic. Do not use it in town.
ACTIVATING THE DEVICE
101) 102)
Turn ring 1 fig. 74 to ON.
The device cannot be engaged in 1stor
reverse gear: it is advisable to engage it
in 5
thgear or higher.When travelling downhill with the device
engaged, the car may slightly exceed the
stored speed.
Activation is indicated by the
warning
light switching on and, on some versions,
by a message on the display.
SETTING THE DESIRED SPEED
Proceed as follows:
turn ring 1 fig. 74 to ON and press the
accelerator to reach the required speed;
move the stalk upwards (+) for at least
1 second, then release it: the car speed is
now stored and you can therefore release
the accelerator.
If needed (when overtaking for instance),
you can accelerate simply by pressing the
accelerator; when you release the pedal,
the vehicle goes back to the speed stored
previously.
RESTORING THE MEMORISED SPEED
If the device has been disengaged by
pressing the brake or clutch pedal, the
stored speed can be reset as follows:
accelerate gradually until a speed
approaching the one stored is reached;
engage the gear selected at the time
that the speed was stored;
press the RES 2 fig. 74 button.
INCREASING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Press the accelerator and store the new
speed or move the stalk upwards (+).
REDUCING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Deactivate the device and store the new
speed or move the lever upwards (–) until
the new speed is reached. It will then
automatically be memorised.
DEACTIVATING THE DEVICE
To turn the device off:
Turn the ring 1 fig. 74 to the OFF
position;
or
switch off the engine;
or
press the brake pedal, the clutch or the
accelerator; in this last case the system is
not effectively deactivated but the
system gives priority to the acceleration
request. The device still remains active,
without the need to press the RES button
to return to the previous conditions once
acceleration is concluded.
Automatic deactivation
The device is automatically switched off
in the following cases:
if the ABS or ESC systems intervene;
with the vehicle speed below the set
limit;
in the event of system failure.
74A0J0065C
97

INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
WARNING
105)The ABS with which the car is equipped
will not control the braking system of the
trailer. Particular caution is therefore
required on slippery roads.
106)Do not, under any circumstances,
modify the vehicle's braking system to
control the trailer breaking system. The
towing braking system must be completely
independent of the vehicle's hydraulic
system.
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE
During refuelling procedure, switch off
the engine, engage handbrake, rotate the
ignition key to STOP and do not smoke.
PETROL ENGINES
Only use unleaded petrol. The petrol
octane rating (RON) must not be lower
than 95. In order to prevent damage to
the catalytic converter never introduce
even the smallest amount of leaded
petrol, even in the event of an emergency.
DIESEL ENGINES
Only use diesel fuel compliant with
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.
When using or parking the vehicle for a
long time in the mountains or cold areas,
it is advisable to refuel using locally
available Diesel. In this case, it is also
advisable to keep the tank over 50% full.
FUEL TANK CAP
107)
Opening
Open flap 1 fig. 76 pulling it outwards,
hold cap 2 still, insert the ignition key in
the lock and turn it anticlockwise. Then,turn the cap anticlockwise and remove it.
The cap has a loss prevention device
3 which secures it to the flap so that it
cannot be lost. Attach the cap to device
4 during refuelling.
Closing
Fit the cap (complete with key) and turn it
clockwise until it clicks once or more.
Then, turn the key clockwise and extract
it, then close the flap.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing off,
while slackening the cap is absolutely
normal.
ENGINES WITH LPGSYSTEM
The gas filler is located next to the petrol
filler cap. It has a "non return", located in
the filler body itself.
To access the filler 2 fig. 77 open the
access flap 1.
76A0J0327C
100
STARTING AND DRIVING

A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help you to deal with critical
situations independently and with calm. In an emergency we
recommend that you call the freephone number found in the
Warranty Booklet. You can also use the universal, national or
international freephone number to find your nearest Authorised
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IN AN EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS . . . . . . .................104
REPLACING A BULB . . . . ........................104
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB....................108
REPLACING FUSES . ...........................110
CHANGING A WHEEL ...........................116
"Fix&Go Automatic" KIT. . . . ......................120
JUMP STARTING . . . . ..........................122
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM . ........................123
ALFA TCT TRANSMISSION - KEY REMOVAL . . . ..........124
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..........................125

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
108)
Operation
Press switch 1 fig. 79 to turn the lights
on/off.
Warning lights
andare lit up on the
instrument panel when these lights are
activated.
Emergency braking
In the event of emergency braking the
hazard warning lights switch on
automatically as well as warning lights
andin the instrument panel.
The lights are switched off automatically
when the nature of braking changes.
WARNING
108)The use of hazard warning lights is
governed by the highway code of the country
you are driving in: comply with legal
requirements.
REPLACING A BULB
109) 110) 111)
27)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Check that the corresponding
contacts are not oxidised and that the
corresponding fuse is intact before
changing the bulb. For the location of
fuses, refer to the paragraph “If a fuse
blows” in this chapter.
replace blown bulbs with others of the
same type and power;
after replacing a headlight bulb,
always check its alignment;
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold or
damp or after heavy rain or washing, the
surface of headlights or rear lights may
steam up and/or form drops of
condensation on the inside. This is a
natural phenomenon due to the
difference in temperature and humidity
between the inside and the outside of the
glass which does not indicate a fault and
does not compromise the normal
operation of lighting devices. The mist
disappears quickly when the lights are
turned on, starting from the centre of the
diffuser, extending progressively
towards the edges.
79A0J0028C
104
IN AN EMERGENCY

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.
106A0J0239C
119

CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Only use Fix&Go original cartridges
which can be purchased at an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
To remove the cartridge, disengage the
coupling of the black inflation tube,
rotate the cartridge anticlockwise and
then lift it. Insert the new cartridge,
rotate it clockwise to its end of travel,
insert the coupling of the black inflation
tube blocking it with the lever and then
rewind the transparent tube into its
compartment on the compressor.
IMPORTANT
32)Show the package and the label to the
personnel charged with handling the tyre
treated with the tyre repair kit.33)Fix&Go provides a temporary repair,
therefore the tyre must be examined and
repaired by a specialist as soon as possible.
The sealing fluid is effective at temperatures
between -40°C and +50°C. It is possible to
repair tyres which have been damaged on
tread up to a diameter of 4mm; however,
tyres damaged on their side cannot be
repaired. Before using Fix&Go kit, ensure
that the tyre isn't excessively damaged and
that the rim is in good condition, otherwise
do not use it and contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Do not remove foreign bodies
from the tyre. Do not let the compressor
turned on for more than 20 consecutive
minutes - overheating hazard.
WARNING
123)The information required by the
applicable regulation is indicated on the
Fix&Go kit package label. Compliance with
the indications on the label is an essential
condition to ensure the safety and the
effectiveness of the Fix&Go kit. Carefully
read the label before use, avoid improper
use. Fix&Go is subject to expiration and
must be replaced periodically. The kit should
be used by adults and cannot be used by
children.
JUMP STARTING
STARTING THE ENGINE
If theicon stays on with steady light
on the instrument panel display,
immediately contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
JUMP STARTING
124)
34) 35)
If the battery is flat, start the engine
using an auxiliary battery with the same
capacity or a little higher than the flat
one.
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle
fig. 111:
connect the positive terminals (+ mark
near the terminal) of the two batteries
using a suitable lead;
with a second lead, connect the
negative terminal(–)oftheauxiliary
battery to an earth point
on the engine
or the gearbox of the car to be started;
start the engine; when the engine has
been started, remove the leads reversing
the order above.
If after a few attempts the engine does
not start, contact the Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
110A0K0521C
122
IN AN EMERGENCY