2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo fuel

ENGINE RESTARTING CONDITIONSDue to comfort, emission control and safety reasons, the engine can
restart automatically without any action by the driver, under special
conditions, such as:
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒reduced braking system vacuum (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed
repeatedly);
❒car moving (e.g. when driving on roads with a gradient);
❒engine stopping by Start&Stop system for over 3 minutes;
❒for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
system (for versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate level
of thermal comfort has not been reached or MAX-DEF function
activation.
With gear engaged, automatic engine restarting is possible only by
fully depressing the clutch pedal. The driver is informed by the
displaying of a message on the display and - for versions/markets,
where provided - by the flashing of the symbol
.
Notes
If the clutch is not pressed, about 3 minutes after the engine stops, the
engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
In cases when the engine stops and this is not desired, due for example
to the clutch pedal being released sharply with a gear engaged, if the
Start&Stop system is activated, the engine can be restarted by fully
depressing the clutch pedal or by placing the gear lever in neutral.
SAFETY FUNCTIONSWhen 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 using 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(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, following automatic engine restarting, the driver does not carry out
any action on the car for over 3 minutes, the Start&Stop system stops
the engine once and for all, 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 OPERATIONIn the event of malfunction, the Start&Stop system is deactivated.
The driver is informed of the fault by the
warning light switching
on in the instrument panel and, for versions/markets where provided,
a message and symbol on the display.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
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CAR INACTIVITYIn the event of car inactivity (or if the battery is replaced), special
attention must be paid to the disconnection of the battery power
supply.
The procedure must be carried out as follows: press button A fig. 82 to
detach connector B from battery status monitoring sensor C (this is
located on the negative pole of the battery itself).
In case of battery replacement, always contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services. Replace the battery with
one of the same type (HEAVY DUTY) and with the same
specifications.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the electrical supply to the battery.
JUMP STARTINGWhen jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–) of the
auxiliary battery to the negative pole A fig. 83 of the car battery, but
rather to an engine/gearbox earth point.
Before opening the bonnet, make sure the engine is off and
the ignition key is in the STOP position. Follow the
indications on the plate underneath the bonnet fig. 84. It is
advisable to extract the key when there are other people in the car.
Leave the car only after having removed the ignition key or having
turned it to STOP. During refuelling, make sure that the engine is off
and that the ignition key is in the STOP position.
fig. 82
A0J0379
fig. 83
A0J0388
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REFUELLING THE CARStop the engine before refuelling.PETROL ENGINESOnly 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 ENGINESUse only 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.
Operation at low temperatures
If the outside temperature is very low, the diesel thickens due to the
formation of paraffin clots with consequent defective operation of the
fuel supply system.
In order to avoid these problems, different types of diesel fuel are
distributed according to the season: summer type, winter type and
arctic type (cold/mountain areas). If refuelling with diesel fuel whose
features are not suitable for the temperature of use, it is advisable
to mix TUTELA DIESEL ART additive with the fuel, in the proportions
shown on the container. Pour the additive into the tank before the fuel.
When using or parking the vehicle for a long time in the mountains
or cold areas, it is advisable to refuel using locally available fuel.
In this case, it is also advisable to keep the tank over 50% full.
FUEL TANK CAPOpening
Open flap A fig. 88, pulling it outwards, hold cap B still, insert the
ignition key in the lock and turn it anticlockwise. Then turn the cap
anticlockwise and remove it.
The plug is provided with a loss prevention device C which secures it to
the flap, so it cannot be lost. Attach the cap to device D during
refuelling.
fig. 88
A0J0327
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Closure
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.
Do not place naked flames or lit cigarettes near to the
fuel filler: fire risk. Also, keep your face away from
this fuel inlet to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENTThe following devices are used for reducing petrol fuel engine
emissions: catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and evaporation control
system
The following devices are used for reducing diesel fuel engine
emissions: oxidising catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation
system (EGR) and particulate filter (DPF).DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)(Diesel Particulate Filter)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechanical filter, integral to the
exhaust system, that physically traps carbon particles present in the
exhaust gases of diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter is needed to eliminate almost all carbon
particle emissions in compliance with current/future regulations and
standards.
During standard use of the vehicle, the engine control unit records a set
of data (e.g.: travel time, type of route, temperatures, etc.) and it will
then calculate how much particulate has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particulate, it should be periodically
regenerated (cleaned) at regular intervals by burning carbon particles.
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STOPPING THE ENGINETurn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive, before turning the engine off
you should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine
compartment to decrease.
A quick burst on the accelerator before stopping the engine
serves absolutely no practical purpose. It wastes fuel and
is especially damaging to turbocharged engines.
PARKINGSwitch off the engine and pull up the handbrake. Engage a gear (1
stif
the car is facing uphill or reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered to one side.
If the car is parked on a steep slope block the wheels with a wedge or
stone. Always remove the ignition key when leaving the car.
Never leave children unattended in the car. Always
remove the key from the ignition when leaving the car
and take it with you.
HANDBRAKETo engage the handbrake pull lever A fig. 109 upwards until the car is
secured. To release the handbrake, raise lever A slightly, hold down
button B and lower the lever.
fig. 109
A0J0110
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SAVING FUELHere are some suggestions which can help you to save fuel and lower
harmful emissions.GENERAL CONSIDERATIONSCar maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every 4 weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and its
arrangement greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. It is better to use a trailer to transport particularly
bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Only use electrical devices for the time needed. The heated rear
window, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan
require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the current uptake
increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an urban cycle).Climate control system
Using the climate control system will increase consumption: use the air
vents when the external temperature allows it.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLEStarting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when the vehicle is
stationary; this causes the engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable to
move off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds: in this way the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when at traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, like double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear when traffic and road conditions allow it. Using a
low gear for faster acceleration will increase consumption. In the same
way improper use of a high gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
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Maximum speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.CONDITIONS OF USECold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the engine from
reaching optimal running temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in large towns
with many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) switch the engine off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation must
be carried out by a specialist.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer relative to
the overall weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
139GETTING TO KNOW
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IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet. You can also
consult www.alfaromeo.com to find your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.STARTING THE ENGINEIf the
warning light on the instrument panel remains on constantly,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services immediately.
JUMP STARTINGIf the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
❒connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the two
batteries with a jump lead fig. 113;❒with a second cable, connect the negative terminal(–)ofthe
auxiliary battery to an earthing point
on the engine or the
gearbox of the car to be started;
❒start the engine; afterwards, follow the sequence above in reverse
order to remove the cables.
For versions with Start&Stop system, to carry out the jump starting
procedure, refer to the paragraph “Start&Stop system” in the “Getting
to know your car” section.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if you cannot start the engine
after several attempts.
IMPORTANT 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.
Never use a fast battery-charger to start the engine as this
could damage the electronic systems of your car,
particularly the ignition and fuel supply control units.
fig. 113
A0J0392
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