2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo engine

208CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Be careful not to confuse the various types of flu-
ids while topping up: they are incompatible and
mixing them up may seriously damage the
vehicle.
Do not smoke while working on the engine com-
partment: there may be flammable gases and
vapours present.
With the engine warm, take great care when work-
ing in the engine compartment: risk of burns. Re-
member that the fan may start up if the engine is
hot: risk of injury. Pay attention to scarves, ties and oth-
er loose fitting garments: they could get dragged in by the
moving parts.
❍check battery charge and fluid level (electrolyte);
❍visually inspect the condition of auxiliary drivebelts;
❍check and if necessary change engine oil and oil filter;
❍check pollen filter and replace it, if required;
❍check air filter and replace, if required.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE215
5
ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the dipstick A-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6.
If the oil level is near or even under the MIN line, add oil using
the filler B to reach the MAX line.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams every
1000 km. During the initial period of use the engine oil consumption
conditions should be considered as having stabilised after the first
5000 - 6000 km.
Don’t add any oil with different characteristics to
those of the existing engine oil.
The oil level should never exceed the MAX line.
Used engine oil and the replaced oil filter contain
substances that may be dangerous for the envi-
ronment. We recommend having the oil and oil fil-
ter replaced by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap C-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6 and add
the fluid described in chapter “6”.
PARAFLU UPantifreeze is used in the engine cooling
system. Use fluid of the same type contained in the
cooling system for top-ups. PARAFLU
UPmay not be
mixed with other types of fluids. If this accidentally oc-
curs, do not start the engine. Contact an Alfa Romeo Au-
thorised Services.
The engine cooling system is pressurised. If re-
quired, replace the cap with an original spare part
so as not to compromise system efficiency. Do not
remove the cap from the reservoir when the engine is hot:
risk of burns.

216CARE AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap E-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6 and add the fluid described
in chapter 6.
Prevent brake fluid (which is highly corrosive) from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should that
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6 and add
the fluid described in chapter 6.
Do not travel with the windscreen washing reser-
voir empty: the windscreen washer is fundamen-
tal to improving visibility. Some commercial wind-
screen washer additives are flammable: the engine com-
partment contains hot parts which could start a fire if they
come into contact.
The brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive.
In the event of accidental contact, wash the parts
with water and mild soap and rinse with plenty of
water. If swallowed, immediately call a doctor.
The symbol π, on the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Use of a mineral-based fluid will dam-
age the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond
repair.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE217
5
BATTERY
The battery F-fig. 1-2-3-4-5-6 does not require top ups of distilled wa-
ter to replenish the electrolyte. A periodic check carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services is, however, necessary to check ef-
ficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
When necessary, replace the battery with another original battery
with the same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
ADVICE FOR PROLONGING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and prolong its life, observe the
following indications:
❍when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly in order to avoid the courtesy lights re-
maining on for longer than necessary;
❍switch off all lights inside the car: the car is, however, equipped
with a system which switches all internal lights off automati-
cally;
❍do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
❍before performing any operation on the electrical system, dis-
connect the battery negative terminal.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to replace these
filters.

224CARE AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT NOTES
Avoid parking under trees; the resin dropped by trees makes the
paintwork go opaque, increasing the possibility of corrosion.
Bird droppings must be washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly aggressive.
Windows
Use specific window cleaner products.
Use also clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or damaging
the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window inside gently with a cloth in the
direction of the filaments to avoid damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
Use a soft, damp cloth soaked in water and detergent for wash-
ing cars.
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic substances (e.g.: petrol) or ketenes
(e.g.: acetone) for cleaning front headlight plastic lens.
IMPORTANT When cleaning the car with a pressure washer, keep
the water jet at least 2 cm away from the headlights.
Engine compartment
At the end of every winter, wash the engine compartment thor-
oughly, taking care not to aim the jet of water directly at the elec-
tronic control units or windscreen wiper motors. Have this opera-
tion performed at a specialised workshop.
IMPORTANT Perform this operation on a cold engine and with the
key at STOP. After the washing operation, make sure that the var-
ious protections (e.g. rubber caps and guards) have not been re-
moved or damaged.
Detergents cause water pollution. The car should
be washed in areas equipped for collecting and pu-
rifying the liquid used in the washing process.
When drying take care to dry the least exposed parts where the
water could collect most easily. Do not wash the car after it has
been parked in the sun or when the engine is bonnet is hot: this
could take the shine off the paint.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the same way as the rest
of the car.
To keep intact the aesthetic properties of the
paintwork do not use abrasive and/or polish
products for cleaning the car bodywork.

Identification data .................................................................... 228
Engine codes - bodywork versions............................................... 230
Engine................................................................................... 231
Fuel system ............................................................................ 234
Transmission ........................................................................... 234
Brakes.................................................................................... 235
Suspension ............................................................................. 235
Steering ................................................................................. 235
Wheels .................................................................................. 236
Dimensions ............................................................................. 240
Performance ........................................................................... 241
Weights ................................................................................. 242
Consumables .......................................................................... 244
Fluids and lubricants ................................................................. 246
Fuel consumption.................................................................... 248
CO
2emissions ......................................................................... 249
6
TECHNICAL DATA227

IDENTIFICATION DATA
The vehicle identification details are:
❍Identification plate;
❍Chassis marking;
❍Bodytwork paint plate;
❍Engine marking.
IDENTIFICATION PLATE fig. 1
The plate is to be found on the left side of the boot floor and it
bears the following identification data:
B Homologation number.
C Vehicle type code.
D Chassis number.
E Maximum vehicle weight fully loaded.
F Maximum vehicle weight fully loaded with trailer.
G Maximum vehicle weight on front axle.
H Maximum vehicle weight on rear axle.
I Engine type.
L Body version code.
M Spare part code.
N Smoke opacity index (for diesel engines).
fig. 1A0J0161m
228TECHNICAL DATA

CHASSIS MARKING fig. 3
This is printed on the passenger compartment floor panel near
the front right seat. Move flap A forwards to access it.
The chassis marking includes:
❍vehicle type (ZAR 955000);
❍chassis number.
BODYWORK PAINT IDENTIFICATION PLATE
fig. 3
This plate is applied inside the boot and shows the following data:
A Paint manufacturer.
B Colour name.
C Fiat colour code.
D Respray and touch up code.
ENGINE MARKING
The engine marking is stamped on the cylinder block and includes
the model and the chassis number.
fig. 2A0J0140mfig. 3A0J0138m
6
TECHNICAL DATA229