2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo Cluster Warning Lights Instructions

The 2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo has a lot of warning lights on the dashboard. Each one is meant to let the driver know about different situations and possible problems with the car. Knowing what these warning lights mean is important for safe and efficient driving because they tell you a lot about the car’s systems, from how well the engine and brakes work to different safety features. This guide will show you how to properly handle different situations with your Alfa Romeo MiTo’s warning lights by giving you clear instructions and reasons for each one. This will keep your car running smoothly and reliably.

WARNING LIGHTS ON THE PANEL

General warnings
On some versions, the warning light switching on is combined with specific messages on the display and/or acoustic warnings. These indications are brief and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained in this Owner’s Handbook, which you are recommended to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this paragraph in the event of a failure indication.

Low brake fluid level (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) comes on when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls below the minimum level, possibly due to leaks in the circuit. The display will show the dedicated message.
Warning: If the warning light turns on when driving stop the car immediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

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)
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.
Caution:

• 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 may be accidental. 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 the 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)
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)
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.

CONSTANTLY ON: Low engine oil pressure (red)
FLASHING: Engine oil deteriorated
When the key is turned to MAR the warning light comes on, but should go out as soon as the engine is started.

1. Low engine oil pressure
   The warning light turns on and stays on constantly (along with a message on the display on some versions) when the system detects that engine oil pressure is low. If the warning light turns on when driving (on some versions, together with the message on the display), stop the car immediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
2. Engine oil deteriorated
   The warning light will turn on flashing and, on some versions, with a specific message on the display.

Depending on the versions, the warning light flashing modes are as follows:

• for 1 minute every two hours;
• cycles of 3 minutes with intervals with the warning light off for 5 seconds until the oil is changed.

Remember that the deterioration of the engine oil is accelerated by:

• mainly town use of the car which makes the DPF regeneration process more frequent;
• use of the car for short drives, in which the engine does not have time to reach its regular operating temperature;
• repeated interruption of the regeneration process, signaled by the DPF warning light coming on.

Caution: If the warning light switches on, the deteriorated engine oil must be changed as soon as possible, and never more than 500 km from the first time that the warning light switches on. Failure to observe the above indications may result in severe damage to the engine and invalidate the warranty. The activation of this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine. Therefore, never top up with oil when the warning light starts flashing.

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 favor the coolant circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described above.
  IMPORTANT: For 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 traveling 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. 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 lights 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 failure
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 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 failure
This 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)
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.

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.

Glow plug preheating (diesel versions) (amber)
This warning light switches on when the key is turned to MAR. It will switch off as soon as the heater plugs have reached a preset temperature. The engine can be started as soon as the warning light switches off.
IMPORTANT: In mild or high-temperature conditions, the warning light comes on for an extremely short time.

Glow plug preheating failure (diesel versions)
The warning light will flash (a message will appear on the display, on some versions) to indicate a fault in the glow plugs preheating system. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to eliminate the fault.

Water in diesel filter (diesel versions) (amber)
The warning light remains on constantly when driving (together with a message in the display), to indicate the presence of water in the diesel filter.
Important: The presence of water in the fuel system circuit may cause severe damage to the injection system and irregular engine operation. If the warning light comes on in the instrument panel (together with a message in the display) contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to bleed the system. Water may have entered the tank if this appears immediately after refueling: if this happens, switch the engine off immediately and contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

Fuel reserve – Limited range (amber)
This warning light switches on when 5 to 7 liters of fuel are left in the tank. When the remaining range is lower than approx. 50 km (or equivalent value in miles), on some versions, the display will show a warning message.
Caution: If the warning light flashes with the car in motion, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

Cruise control (green) (for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light comes on when the key is turned to MAR, but should go out after a few seconds if the Cruise Control function is off. The warning light comes on when the Cruise Control ring nut is turned to the ON position (see the “Cruise Control” paragraph in this section). The display will show the dedicated message.

DPF (diesel particulate filter) cleaning in progress (only diesel versions with DPF) (amber)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it should switch off after a few seconds. The warning light switches on constantly to indicate that the DPF system needs to eliminate the trapped pollutants (particulate) through the regeneration process. The warning light does not come on during every DPF regeneration, but only when driving conditions require that the driver is notified. To switch the warning light off, the car must be kept moving until the regeneration process is completed. On average, the process lasts fifteen minutes. Optimal conditions for completing the process are achieved by traveling at 60 km/h with engine revs above 2000 rpm. When this warning light switches on, it does not indicate a car failure and thus it should not be taken to a workshop. On some versions, together with the warning light, the display shows a dedicated message.
Caution: The driving speed must always be suitable for traffic and weather conditions and the driver must always comply with the Highway Code. The engine can be stopped even if the DPF warning light is on: however, repeated interruptions of the regeneration process could cause premature deterioration of the engine oil. For this reason, always wait until the warning light switches off before stopping the engine as described above. It is not advisable to complete DPF regeneration with the car stationary.

Speed limit exceeded (red) (for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (for versions/markets, where provided) comes on when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h. When the car exceeds the speed limit set in the Set-up Menu (e.g. 120 km/h), on some versions a message and a symbol are shown in the display and an acoustic signal is activated.

General failure (amber) (for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on in the circumstances indicated below. In these circumstances, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to eliminate the fault.

Airbag failure warning light (versions with multifunction display)
The warning light switches on and flashes (together with a message on the display) when a fault is detected with the airbag warning light.

• Exterior lights failure: See description for the warning light.
• Brake lights failure: See description for “Brake lights failure”.
• Fuel cut-off: This warning light comes on when the fuel cut-off inertia switch is triggered. The display shows the dedicated message.
• Start&Stop failure (for versions/markets, where provided): The warning light comes on when a failure is detected in the Start&Stop system.
• Rain sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided): See the description for the warning light.
• Parking sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided): See the description for the warning light.
• Dusk sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided): This warning light comes on when a dusk sensor failure is detected.
• Engine oil pressure sensor failure: The warning light turns on when failure is detected in the engine oil pressure sensor. The display shows the dedicated message.
• Electric power steering failure (for versions/markets, where provided): The warning light comes on when an electric power steering failure is detected.
• Water in diesel filter (for versions/markets, where provided): The warning light switches on to indicate the presence of water in the diesel filter.
• Speed limit exceeded (for versions/markets, where provided): The warning light switches on when the speed limit set in the Setup menu is exceeded. When the car exceeds this value, on some versions a message and a symbol are shown on the display, and an acoustic signal is emitted.
• Rear fog light (amber)
  The warning light switches on when the rear fog light is switched on.
• Front fog lights (green)
  The warning light switches on when the fog lights are switched on.
• Side lights (green)
  This warning light comes on when the side lights are turned on.
• Follow me home (green)
  The warning light switches on (together with a message shown on the display) when this device is in use (see “Follow me home device” paragraph in this section).
• Dipped headlights (green) 2
  The warning light switches on when the dipped headlights are switched on.
  Main beam headlights (blue): The warning light switches on when the main beam headlights are switched on.
• Left direction indicator (green): This warning light comes on when the direction indicator control lever is moved downwards and when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
• Right direction indicator (green): The warning light switches on when the direction indicator stalk is moved upwards or when the hazard warning light button is pressed.

Tyre pressure low (for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on (on some versions together with a message on the display) (together with an acoustic signal) if the pressure in one or more tires drops below a preset threshold. In this way, the TPMS warns the driver that one or more tires may be dangerously flat and liable to puncture.
IMPORTANT: Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the car, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Replace the wheel immediately with the space-saver wheel (for versions/markets, where provided) or carry out an immediate repair using the dedicated kit (see “Changing a wheel” in the “In an emergency” section) and contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon as possible.

TPMS failure
This warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on (on some versions together with a message on the display) when a TPMS fault is detected. In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services 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 pressure
This warning light (or symbol in the display) switches on (on some versions together with a message in the display) to indicate that the tyre pressure is below the value recommended to guarantee long tire life and low fuel consumption. It may also indicate a slow loss of pressure. Should two or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the indications corresponding to each tire in sequence. Under these circumstances, you should restore the correct pressure values (see “Technical specifications” section).

Start&Stop system activation/deactivation

Start&Stop system activation
A message will appear on the display when the Start&Stop system is activated.

Turning the Start&Stop off

• Versions with multifunction display: a message is displayed when the Start&Stop system is deactivated.
• Versions with reconfigurable multifunction display: the symbol is displayed + a message when the Start&Stop system is deactivated.

Start&Stop system failure
If the Start&Stop system is faulty the (versions with multifunction display) or (versions with reconfigurable multifunction display) symbol flashes on the display. For versions/markets where provided, a warning message is also displayed. In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

Luggage compartment open
On some versions, a message + symbol on the display is shown when the luggage compartment is open.

Bonnet open
On some versions, a message + symbol on the display is shown when the bonnet is open

The possible presence of ice on the road
On versions equipped with “Reconfigurable multifunction display”, a message and a symbol will appear when the outdoor temperature falls to or below 3°C. On versions with “Multifunction display,” only the dedicated message is shown.
IMPORTANT: In the event of outdoor temperature sensor failure, dashes are shown on the display instead of the value.

Fuel cut-off
On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if the fuel cut-off intervenes. For the fuel cut-off system reactivation procedure see paragraph “Fuel cut-off system” in this section.

Exterior lights failure
On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if a fault is detected in one of the following lights:

• daytime running lights (DRL)
• side lights
• direction indicators
• rear fog light
• number plate lights.

The failure relating to these lights could be one or more blown bulbs, a blown protection fuse, or a break in the electrical connection.

• Brake light failure
  On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if a fault is detected in the brake lights. The fault may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse, or an interruption of the electric connection.
• Dusk sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided)
  On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if there is a fault in the dusk sensor.
• Rain sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided)
  On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if there is a fault in the rain sensor.
• Parking sensor failure (for versions/markets, where provided)
  On some versions, the display will show a message + symbol if there is a fault in the parking sensors.
• Dynamic Suspension failure (active shock absorber system) (for versions/markets, where provided)
  On some versions, a message + symbol is displayed in the event of active shock absorber system failure. In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon as possible.

Display of selected driving mode (“Alfa DNA” system) (for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a “Reconfigurable multifunction display”, a message + symbol associated with the selected driving mode “DYNAMIC”, “NATURAL” or “ALL WEATHER” is shown. A warning message is shown on the display if one of these driving modes is not available. On versions equipped with a “Multifunction display”, a letter (“d” or “a”) associated with the selected driving mode is shown together with a dedicated message.

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”).
• For a correct engine oil level indication, perform the check with the car parked on a level surface.
• To perform the engine oil reading correctly, after turning the key to MAR-ON, wait for about 2 seconds before starting the engine.
• The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.

WARNING LIGHTS ON TRIM LOCATED ON INTERNAL REAR VIEW MIRROR
Passenger 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 the 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.
Warning: 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 were provided). Before proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to have the system checked immediately.

Seat belts not fastened (red) (green)
The warning lights switch on in the trim located on the internal rear view mirror (see fig. 5) to warn passengers in the front and rear seats that their seat belts are not fastened. The warning lights can be red and green: see paragraph “S.B.R. system” in the “Safety” section for the switching-on modes of the warning lights.

FAQ’s

Useful Link

View Full PDF: 2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo User Manual | Auto User Guide

2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo Instrument Panel Instructions