2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo check engine

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 HANDBOOK 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



12GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
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 one or more brake pads show signs of wear;
under these circumstances have them replaced as soon
as possible. The display shows the dedicated message. It is advis-
able to have this operation carried out by an Alfa Romeo Autho-
rised Service. d
ABS system failure (amber)
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) 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 visit an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service at your earliest convenience. The display
will show the dedicated message.>

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)
(for versions/markets, 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

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
Electric power steering failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) remains on, you will
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate
the steering wheel will be increased. Steering is, however, possi-
ble. In this case contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice. The display will show the dedicated message.g
Start&Stop system deactivation
(amber)
The warning light comes on when the Start&Stop sys-
tem is deactivated by pressing the button on the auxil-
iary control panel next to the steering wheel. On some versions the
display shows the associated message.T

18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC system (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not go out, or if it remains lit up when
driving, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. On certain ver-
sions the dedicated message is displayed. If the warning light flash-
es when driving, this indicates that the VDC system is active.
ASR failure
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is turned to MAR,
but it should go off after a few seconds. If the warning light does
not go out, or if it remains lit up when driving, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. On certain versions the dedicated mes-
sage is displayed.
If the warning light flashes when driving, this indicates that the ASR
system is active.
Hill Holder failure
This warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
*symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a Hill Hold-
er system failure. If this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.
á
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.
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.

24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Display of selected driving mode
(“Alfa DNA” system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a “Reconfigurable multifunctional Dis-
play” a message + symbol associated with the selected driving
mode - “DYNAMIC”, “NORMAL” or “ALL WEATHER” - is shown.
A warning message is shown on the display if one of these dri-
ving modes is not available.
On versions equipped with a “Multifunctional display” a letter (d
or a) associated with the selected driving mode is shown togeth-
er with a dedicated message.
Engine oil level display
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR the display shows, for a few
seconds, the engine oil level. In the event of an insufficient engine
oil level, a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To determine the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the marks on the dipstick (see paragraph "Checking levels" in
"5" section).
IMPORTANT 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.
T.P.M.S. system failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) when a fault is
detected in the T.P.M.S tyre inflation pressure monitoring system:
if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
as soon as possible.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the display
will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Check tyre inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If this warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) this indicates that
the tyre pressure is below the optimum value recommended to
guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption. It may also in-
dicate a slow loss of pressure.
Should two or more tyres be discovered to be in the above men-
tioned condition, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tyre in sequence. Under these circumstances you should
restore the correct pressure values (see chapter 6).

36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
First page (Display of information on the
initial screen)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This function allows you to choose the information you would like
to see on the main screen. You can view the date or the trip
mileage.
Proceed as follows:
– briefly press MENU ESC: “Initial page” will appear on the dis-
play;
– briefly press MENU ESC once again to show the display op-
tions: “Date” and “Engine info”;
– press + or – to select the information you wish to see on the
main page of the display;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.
When the key is turned to MAR and the initial check stage is over,
the display will show the information selected via the “initial page”
menu function.
See radio (Repeat audio information)
With this function the display repeats information relevant to the
sound system.
– Radio: tuned radio station frequency or RDS message, automatic
tuning activation or AutoSTore;
– audio CD, MP3 CD: track number;
– CD Changer: CD number and track number.
To display (On) or remove (Off) radio system info proceed as
follows:
– press MENU ESC briefly: (On) or (Off) will flash on the display
(according to previous setting);
– press + or – to change the setting;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR53
1ALARM(for versions/markets, where provided)
ALARM TRIPPING
The alarm trips in the following cases:
❍illegal opening of doors/bonnet/luggage compartment
(perimeter protection);
❍illegal operation of ignition system (ignition key rotated to
MAR);
❍when the battery cables are cut;
❍when someone is moving inside the passenger compartment
(volume-sensing protection);
❍anomalous lifting/tilting of the vehicle (for versions/markets,
where provided).
The tripping of the alarm is indicated by a sound and a visual dis-
play (flashing of the direction indicators for several seconds). The
alarm triggering methods 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 inhibitor function is guaranteed by the
Alfa Romeo CODE, which is automatically activated when the ig-
nition key is extracted from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT the alarm is configured to comply with the regulations
existing in different countries.
ACTIVATING THE ALARM
With the doors and bonnet closed and the ignition key either turned
to STOP or removed, direct the key with the remote control to-
wards the vehicle and press button
Á. Except on some versions
for specific markets, the system produces a visual and acoustic
warning and enables door locking.
Before the alarm is enabled, a self-diagnosis test is run. in the event
of a fault, the system emits a further acoustic and/or visual warn-
ing via the LED on the dashboard.
If after the alarm is activated, a second acoustic warning is emit-
ted and/or the LED on the dashboard flashes, wait about 4 sec-
onds and then deactivate the alarm by pressing
Ë, check that
the doors, bonnet and luggage compartment are closed correctly
and then reactivate the system by pressing
Á.
If the alarm produces an acoustic signal even when the doors, bon-
net and boot are correctly closed, a failure has occurred in sys-
tem operation. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.