2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo check engine light

VERY IMPORTANTREFUELLING
Petrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with
octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the
European Standard EN228.
Diesel engines: refuel only with diesel fuel conforming to
the 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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is engaged,
set the gear lever to neutral, fully depress the clutch without
depressing 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
and
to go out; then turn the
ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during
operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable material: fire hazard.
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 the car you decide to add
accessories requiring electricity (with the risk of gradually
draining the battery), contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services. They can calculate the overall electric requirement
and check that the car's electric system can support the
required load.
CODE card(for versions/markets, where provided)
Keep it 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.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it
maintains its performance and its safety features, its
environmental friendliness and low running costs for a long
time to come.
THE OWNER MANUAL CONTAINS…
...important information, advice and warnings for correct use,
driving safety and maintenance of your car over time.
Particular attention should be paid to information marked
with the following symbols:
(personal safety)
(environmental protection)
(car integrity).

Handbrake on (red)Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the
handbrake is engaged. If the car is moving the buzzer will also sound.
IMPORTANT If the warning light turns on when driving, check that
the handbrake is not engaged.
EBD failure
The simultaneous switching on of the
(red) and
(amber)
warning lights with the engine on, indicates either a failure of the EBD
system or that the system is not available. In this case, the rear wheels
may suddenly lock and the vehicle may swerve when braking sharply.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Drive with extreme caution straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo
Authorized Service to have the system checked.
ABS FAILURE (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch 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 offered by the ABS system.Proceed with caution and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as
soon as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Brake pad wear (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on when the
front and rear brake pads are worn. In this situation, replace as soon
as possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
Airbag failure (red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light switches on constantly, this indicates a fault in the
airbag system.
The display will show the dedicated message.
7GETTING TO
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If, when turning the key to MAR-ON, the warning light
does not turn on, or if it stays on constantly when
driving (together with the message on the display),
there could be a failure in the restraint systems. In this case
airbags or pretensioners may not be deployed in the event of an
impact or, in a lower number of cases, they deploy may
accidentally. Before proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services to have the system checked immediately.
In the case of warning light failure
, despite the
flashing of the warning light
in the trim located on
the internal rear view mirror and the deactivating
(where provided) of the passenger's airbag, on the versions with
multifunction display on the instrument panel, the warning light
will also flash and a dedicated message will be displayed.
On the versions with reconfigurable multifunction display the
symbol
will instead be displayed, together with a message.Low battery charge (red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the warning light switches on
but should switch off as soon as the engine is started (with the engine
idling, a brief delay is acceptable).
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if the warning light (or
symbol on the display) remains on or flashes.
Electric power steering failure
(red)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) stays on, you will not
have steering assistance and the effort required to operate the steering
wheel will be significantly increased; steering is, however, possible.
The display will show the dedicated message.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Start&Stop system
deactivation (amber)
The warning light switches on when the Start&Stop system is
deactivated by pressing the button on the auxiliary control panel next
to the steering wheel.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
8
GETTING TO
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SAFETY
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IN AN EMERGENCY
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Engine coolant overheating
(red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated.
The display will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on when driving, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the car, switch off the engine and
check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the MIN
mark. If it is, wait 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 marks on the reservoir. Also
check visually for leakages. If the warning light comes on again at
the next engine start-up, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
❒if the vehicle is used under demanding conditions(e.g.
towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the warning
light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine
running and slightly accelerated to further favour the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as
described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine
on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
Doors not closed correctly
(red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when one or
more doors or the tailgate are not closed correctly. An acoustic signal
is activated with the doors open and the car moving.
On some versions the warning light (or symbol on the display) also
lights up when the bonnet is not closed correctly.EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON the
warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the engine
is started.
If the warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, the
injection system is not working properly; in particular, if the warning
light switches on constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a
possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel
consumption.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at moderate speed
without demanding excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of
the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
10GETTING TO
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The warning light goes out after the fault disappears, but the
notification is stored in the system.

NOTE (valid only for petrol engines)
If the warning light is flashing, this indicates that the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
If the warning light comes on flashing, release the accelerator 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 contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services as soon as possible.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible
if the
warning light does not light up or if, while
travelling, the warning light comes on either constantly or
flashing (in combination with a message on the display on some
versions). The operation of warning light
may be checked by the
traffic police using specific devices. Follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
ESC system (amber)(for versions/markets, where provided)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light (with message + symbol displayed on some
versions) does not switch off, or if it remains lit up when driving,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Flashing of the warning light while driving indicates the intervention of
the ESC system.
ASR failureTurning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
If the warning light (or the symbol on the display) does not switch off,
or if it remains lit when driving, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
The warning light flashes while driving to indicate the intervention of
the ASR system.Hill Holder failureThis warning light comes on, on some versions together with the
symbol and a message in the display, in the event of a fault with
the Hill Holder system.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
Alfa Romeo CODE system
failure/Alarm failure (amber)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) comes on (on some
versions, with a message on the display) to indicate an Alfa Romeo
CODE system or alarm failure (for versions/markets, where provided).
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as
possible.
11GETTING TO
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Break-in attempt
If this warning light flashes or, on some versions, if the symbol appears
in the display (together with a message) this indicates a break-in
attempt. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.

Engine oil level display(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON the display shows, for a
few seconds, the engine oil level. In case of insufficient engine oil level,
a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the dipstick (see paragraph “Checking levels” in the section
“Maintenance and care”).
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-ON, wait for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.
WARNING LIGHTS ON TRIM LOCATED
ON INTERNAL REAR VIEW MIRRORPassenger airbag/side bags deactivated (amber)
The warning light
on the trim located on the internal rear view
mirror (see fig. 4) switches on when the front passenger's airbag and
side bag are disabled.
With front passenger airbag on, when the ignition key is turned to
MAR, the
warning light switches on constantly for several seconds,
flashes for another few seconds and then should switch off.A failure of the warning light
is indicated by the
warning light
switching-on on the instrument
panel. In addition, the airbag system automatically
disables the airbags on the passenger's side (front and side bags
where provided). Before proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to have the system checked immediately.
fig. 4
A0J0402
19GETTING TO
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ALARM(for versions/markets, where provided)ALARM ACTIVATIONThe alarm activates in the following cases:
❒wrongful opening of a door/bonnet/luggage compartment
(perimeter protection);
❒wrongful operation of the ignition switch (key turned to MAR);
❒cutting of the battery cables;
❒movement inside the passenger compartment (volumetric protection);
❒anomalous lifting/tilting of the car (for versions/markets, where
provided).
Operation of the alarm is indicated by an acoustic and visual signal
(flashing of the direction indicators for several seconds). The alarm
activation modes 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 locking function is guaranteed by the Alfa
Romeo CODE, which is automatically activated when the ignition key
is extracted from the ignition switch.
IMPORTANT The alarm is adapted to meet requirements in various
countries.SWITCHING ON THE ALARMWith the doors and bonnet closed and the ignition key either turned to
STOP or removed, direct the key with the remote control towards the
car, then press and release the
button. Except for specific markets,
the system emits a visual and acoustic signal and enables door locking.A self-diagnosis stage precedes the switching on of the alarm: in the
event of faults, the system will generate a further acoustic and/or
visual signal through the LED on the dashboard.
If after the alarm is switched on, a second acoustic signal is emitted
and/or a visual signal via the LED on the dashboard, wait about
4 seconds and switch off the alarm by pressing the
button, check
that the doors, bonnet and luggage compartment are closed correctly
and then reactivate the system by pressing the
button.
If the alarm emits an acoustic signal even when the doors, bonnet and
boot are correctly closed, a fault has occurred in system operation:
in this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
ALARM SELF-ACTIVATION(for versions/markets, where provided)
If the alarm has not been activated using the remote control, once
about 30 seconds have elapsed from when the ignition key was turned
to STOP and a door or the tailgate was last opened and then closed,
the alarm activates automatically.
This is indicated by the LED on the button A fig. 20 lighting up
intermittently and the indications of activation described previously.
To deactivate the alarm, press the
button on the remote control.
The alarm also activates when the doors are closed by turning the
metal insert of the key in the driver side door latch. If the system
self-activates, the doors are not locked.
41GETTING TO
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STARTING AND
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SERVICING AND
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IGNITION DEVICEThe key can be turned to three different positions fig. 21:
❒STOP: engine off, key can be removed, steering column locked.
Some electrical devices (e.g. car radio, central door locking system,
alarm, etc.) are enabled;
❒MAR: driving position. All electrical devices are enabled;
❒AVV: engine start-up.
The ignition switch is fitted with a safety system that requires the
ignition key to be turned back to STOP if the engine does not start,
before the starting operation can be repeated.
If the ignition switch is tampered with (e.g.: attempted
theft), have it checked over by Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services before driving again.
Always remove the key when you leave the car to
prevent someone from accidentally operating the
controls. Remember to engage the handbrake. Engage
1
stgear if the car is parked uphill or reverse if the car is parked
downhill. Never leave children unattended in the car.
STEERING LOCKEngagement
When the key is at STOP, remove the key and turn the steering wheel
until it locks.
Disengagement
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn the ignition key to MAR.
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-market
operation involving steering system or steering column
modifications (e.g.: installation of anti-theft device)
that could badly affect performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in non-compliance of the car with
type-approval requirements.Never remove the key while the car is moving. The
steering wheel will lock as soon as it is turned. This
holds true for cars being towed as well.
fig. 21
A0J0031
43GETTING TO
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STARTING AND
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IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
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