2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo check engine light

REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only use unleaded petrol with an octane
value (RON) of no lower than 95.
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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is
engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fully depress the
clutch pedal without pressing 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 to go out; Ythenmturn the ignition key to AVV
and release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter reaches high temperatures
during operation. Do not park on grass, dry leaves,
pine needles or other flammable material: fire risk.
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 your car you decide to add
accessories requiring electrical power (that may
otherwise cause the battery to gradually lose power),
please consult an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. They
can calculate the overall electrical requirement and
check that the car’s electrical system can support the
required load
CODE CARD
(for versions/markets where provided)
Keep this 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.
PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE
Correct car maintenance is essential to ensure that the
performance, safety features, environmental
friendliness and low running costs stay in tip-top
condition over the years.
THE OWNER MANUAL CONTAINS…
... important information, tips and warnings on the
correct use and maintenance of your car over time as
well as safe driving. Particular attention should be paid
to information marked with the following symbols:
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection) â(car
integrity).
READ THIS CAREFULLY!
K


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12GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SPEEDOMETER (SPEED GAUGE)
This shows the speed of the vehicle.
REV COUNTER
This indicates the engine rpm.
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE
This shows the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
0 - tank empty.
1 - tank full
The warning light in the gauge lights up when there are only 5 to
7 litres of fuel remaining in the tank; in the event of this happen-
ing, refuel at the earliest opportunity.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. The
warning light in the gauge lights up to indicate an increase in coolant
temperature; in the event of this happening, switch off the en-
gine and contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS
General warnings
The lighting up of a warning light is associated with a specific
message and/or buzzer when applicable. These indications are
brief and precautionary and as such must not be considered as
exhaustive and/or an alternative to the information contained in
the Owner Handbook, which you are recommended to read care-
fully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in
the event of a failure indication.
Low brake fluid level (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds. The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes
on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below
the minimum level due to possible leaks in the circuit.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Handbrake on (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR,
but it should go off after a few seconds. The warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) comes on when the handbrake is on. If the
car is moving a buzzer is also triggered.
IMPORTANT If the warning light comes on with the vehicle in mo-
tion, check that the handbrake is not engaged.
x
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR13
1
EBD failure (red)/(amber)
If warning lights xand>are lit up at the same
time with the engine running, this indicates an EBD
system failure or that the system is not available. Ear-
ly locking of the rear wheels may occur in the event
of violent braking, causing the car to swerve.
Under these circumstances drive with extreme caution
straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to
have the system checked. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.x
>
Brake pad wear (amber)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when the front brake pads show signs of wear; under
these circumstances have them replaced as soon as pos-
sible. The display will show the dedicated message.
WARNING Because the vehicle is equipped with a wear detection
system only for the front brake pads, when these are replaced
the rear brake pads should also be checked for wear.d
ABS system failure (amber)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
inserted, but it should go 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 of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive with caution and visit an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service at your earliest convenience. The display will
show the dedicated message.>
Airbag failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on, glowing steadily, if there is a
failure in the air bag system. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.¬
If, when the key is turned to MAR, the ¬warning
light does not come on or if it stays on with the ve-
hicle in motion (together with the message on the
display) there could be a failure in the safety systems; un-
der these circumstances the air bags or pretensioners may
not be activated in the event of an impact or, more rarely,
they could be activated accidentally. Contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service immediately to have the sys-
tem checked.
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14GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Passenger-side air bag/side bags
deactivated (amber)
The“warning light comes on when the front pas-
senger’s airbag and the side bags are disabled. With front
passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
“warning light comes on steadily for several seconds, it flashes
for another few seconds and then it should go out.
“
Failure of the “warning light is indicated by the
¬warning light coming on. In addition, the airbag
system automatically disables the airbag on the
passenger’s side (both front and side airbags, where pro-
vided). Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service imme-
diately to have the system checked.
Seat belts unfastened (red)
This warning light remains on steadily with the vehi-
cle at a standstill when the driver’s seat belt is not
correctly fastened. The warning light will flash and a
buzzer will sound if the vehicle is in motion and the front seat belts
are not correctly fastened.
If you wish to permanently deactivate the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Re-
minder) system buzzer, please contact your nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.
The system can be reactivated using the Set-up Menu.<
Low batter y charge (red)
(where provided)
The warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go out as soon as the en-
gine has started (with the engine running at idle speed a brief de-
lay before going out is acceptable).
If the warning light (or symbol in the display) remains on constantly
or flashes, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.w
Failure of the ¬warning light is indicated by the
“warning light flashing for longer than the nor-
mal 4 seconds, thus signalling that the front pas-
senger airbag is deactivated. In addition, the airbag sys-
tem automatically disables the airbag on the passenger’s
side (both front and side airbags, where provided). In this
case, warning light
¬may not indicate a fault in the
system. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service im-
mediately to have the system checked.
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16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
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 references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Doors not closed correctly (red)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when one or more doors or the boot tailgate are not
properly closed. A buzzer will sound when doors are open
and the car is moving. On some versions the warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not closed
correctly.´
Luggage compartment open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the luggage compartment is open.R
Bonnet open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the bonnet is open.S
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EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
Under normal conditions, the warning light comes on
when the ignition key is turned to MAR, but should go off
as soon as the engine is started.
If the warning light remains on or comes on whilst driving, this
means that the injection system is not working properly; in partic-
ular, if the warning light comes on constantly, this indicates a mal-
function in the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive
exhaust emissions, a possible loss of performance, poor driveabil-
ity and high fuel consumption.
On certain versions the dedicated message is displayed.
Under these conditions, the vehicle can continue travelling at mod-
erate speed without demanding excessive effort from the engine.
Prolonged use of the car with the warning light on may cause dam-
age. Contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible.
The warning light goes out after the fault is cleared, and the indi-
cation is stored in the system.
NOTE (this information applies
to petrol engine only)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic
converter may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on intermittently, release the accelera-
tor 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 con-
tact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR17
1U
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service as soon
as possible if the
Uwarning light does not light
up when the key is turned to MAR or if, while trav-
elling, the warning light comes on either steadily or blink-
ing (along with a message on the display). The opera-
tion of the warning light
Umay be checked by the traf-
fic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force
in the country where you are driving.
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88GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
This system intervenes in the event of a collision, activating:
❍switch off of fuel supply with resultant engine switch off;
❍automatic door lock release;
❍switch on of all lights inside the car.
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, below the car or near the tank area.
After a collision, turn the ignition key to STOP to avoid draining the
battery.
If, after a collision, you smell fuel or notice leaks
from the fuel system, do not reset the system to
avoid fire risk.
To reset car operation, follow this procedure:
❍turn the ignition key to MAR;
❍activate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the right-hand direction indicator;
❍activate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍deactivate the left-hand direction indicator;
❍turn the ignition key to STOP.
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SAFETY147
2
The expiry dates of the pyrotechnic charge and spi-
ral contact are shown in the plate installed inside
the glove compartment. Refer to an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services when it’s time to replace them.
Do not travel with objects on your lap, in front of
your chest, or between your lips (e.g. pipes, pen-
cils, etc.) In the event of a crash with airbag acti-
vation, you may be seriously injured.
If someone tries to steal or damage your car, and
in the event of floods, have the air bag system
checked by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
With the ignition key inserted and turned to MAR,
even if the engine is off, the air bags can activate
also with the car at a standstill, if it is hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children must never sit on
the front seat, even if the car is not moving. Please re-
member that if the key is inserted and turned to the STOP
position, no safety device (airbag or pretensioner) acti-
vates following a collision. Non-deployment in such cas-
es must not be considered a sign of malfunction.
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the “
warning light turns on (front airbag on passenger’s
side enabled) and blinks for a few seconds as a re-
minder that the passenger airbag will activate in the event
of a collision. Then it turns off.
The front airbags deploy in the event of more se-
vere collisions than those required for deploying
the pretensioners. For collisions in the range be-
tween the two thresholds, it is normal for only the pre-
tensioners to be activated.
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