Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
This system, which cannot be excluded, recognises emergency brak-
ing (on the basis of the brake pedal operation speed) and allows
the braking system to react more quickly. The Brake Assist function
is deactivated in the event of VDC system failure.
MSR SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ASR system which, in the event of
sudden gear downshifting, cuts in, providing torque to the engine
thus preventing excessive drive wheel drag which, specially in poor
grip conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
CBC SYSTEM
This function optimises the brake force distribution between the
four wheels (in order to make maximum use of the available grip)
when braking whilst cornering and the ABS system cuts in. This
improves stopping distances and above all vehicle stability when
cornering.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an
effect similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking circuit, when accelerating around a corner, acts
on the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (in-
creased load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque
between the front drive wheels according to driving and road con-
ditions.
The system, combined with Mc Pherson front suspension, allows
for particularly effective and sporty driving.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering Torque)
This is an “active” vehicle control system. On road surfaces with
poor grip, it automatically corrects the steering and also controls
over-steer. This system applies torque to the steering wheel to in-
crease the feeling of safety, helping to keep the vehicle under
control and making the effects of the VDC system more discreet.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR111
1“ALFA dna” SYSTEM
(Dynamic vehicle control system)
(where provided)
This device allows three different driving modes to be selected by
operating lever A-fig. 70 on the central tunnel.
❍d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❍n = Normal (normal driving mode);
❍a = All Weather (driving mode for poor grip conditions, i.e. rain
and snow on the road)
The device also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems (en-
gine, steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
fig. 70A0J0090m
DRIVING MODES
Lever A-fig. 70 is a one-way switch, i.e. it always remains in the cen-
tral position. The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED coming on in the panel and by an indication on the re-
configurable multifunctional display, as illustrated below:
A0J0188mA0J0290m
Dynamic Mode Mode
All Weather
When “NORMAL” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are
shown on the display.
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112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“Dynamic” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A-fig. 70 upwards (to the letter “d”) and hold in this
position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up or
the word “Dynamic” appears on the display (see diagrams). Up-
on release, lever A returns to the central position.
Disengagement
To disengage “Dynamic” mode and return to “Normal”, move
the lever as described above once again. In this case, the LED cor-
responding to “Normal” mode will light up and the words “Normal
engaged” will appear on the reconfigurable multifunctional display
(see diagram).
A0J0186mA0J1051g
A0J1052g
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR113
1
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT
OF “All Weather” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A-fig. 70 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “All Weather” appears on the display (see diagrams).
A0J0187mA0J1180g
Disengagement
To disengage “All Weather” mode and return to “Normal”, carry
out the same procedure described for“Dynamic” mode, moving
lever A-fig. 70 to “a”. IMPORTANT NOTES
❍It is not possible to go from“Dynamic” mode straight to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You must always first go back
to “Normal” mode and then select the other mode.
❍If “Dynamic” mode was engaged when the engine was
switched off, the next time it is started “Normal” mode is au-
tomatically selected. If, however, “All Weather” or “Normal”,
was engaged when the engine was switched off, the selected
mode is maintained the next time it is started.
❍“Dynamic” mode cannot be engaged at speeds of above
110 km/h.
❍In the event of system failure or a fault with lever A-fig. 70,
no driving modes can be selected. The display will show a
warning message.
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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
This only works with the key turned to MAR and the engine start-
ed. Power steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to adapt to driving conditions.
The different power assistance modes can be selected via the d,n,a
positions of the“DNA System” lever (see paragraph “ALFA dna Sys-
tem”).
EOBD SYSTEM (provided on
request for versions/markets
where provided)
The aim of the EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❍keep the system efficiency under control;
❍indicate an increase in emissions;
❍indicate the need to replace deteriorated components.
The vehicle also has a diagnostic connector that can be interfaced
with appropriate tools, which makes it possible to read the error
codes stored in the electronic control units together with a series
of specific parameters for engine operation and diagnosis. This check
can also be carried out by the traffic police.
IMPORTANT After eliminating a fault, to check the system com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are obliged to run tests
and, if necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
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). This could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in the non-
compliance of the car with approval requirements.
Before carrying out any maintenance operation
switch off the engine and remove the ignition key
to activate the steering lock. This is particularly im-
portant if the vehicle’s wheels are raised from the ground.
If this is not possible (if the key must be on MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the main fuse which
protects the electric power steering.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR115
1RADIO WIRING SYSTEM
(where provided)
If no radio was requested at the time of purchase, the vehicle is
provided with a double oddment compartment on the dashboard
fig. 71.
The radio wiring system is composed of:
❍radio power supply cables, front and rear loudspeakers and
an aerial;
❍car radio housing;
❍an aerial on the vehicle roof.
fig. 71A0J0087m
The radio should be fitted in the dedicated compartment A-fig.
71, which should be removed by pressing on the two retaining tabs
in the compartment: the power supply cables can be found here.
When connecting a car radio to the radio wiring
contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to pre-
vent any faults from occurring that might com-
promise the safety of your vehicle.
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116GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electrical and electronic devices installed after buying the car by af-
ter-market services must carry the following label:
e CE.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. authorises the installation of transceiving devices
provided that they are installed according to rules of good engi-
neering practice in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
and at a specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow the car on the road if de-
vices have been fitted which modify the features of the car. This
may also invalidate the warranty if faults occur that are either di-
rectly or indirectly related to the installation of these devices.
Fiat Auto S.p.A. shall not be liable for damage caused by the in-
stallation of accessories either not supplied or recommended by
Fiat Auto S.p.A. and/or not installed in compliance with the pro-
vided instructions.
WIRING FOR NAVIGATION SYSTEM
(where provided)
Some versions have wiring for the navigation system available from
the Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
Insert the Navigation system into the housing shown in fig. 72.
fig. 72A0J0107m
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR117
1
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR PHONES
Radio sets (e.g. mobile phones, CB radio systems and the like)
cannot be used inside the car unless a separate aerial is mounted
on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices inside the passenger com-
partment (without a separate aerial) may cause the vehicle elec-
trical systems to malfunction. This could compromise safety in ad-
dition to constituting a potential hazard for passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of these devices may be af-
fected by the shielding effect of the car body. With regards to the
use of EC-approved mobile phones (GSM, GPRS, UMTS), adhere
strictly to the instructions for use provided by the mobile phone
manufacturer.
PARKING SENSORS
(where provided)
The parking sensors are located in the rear bumper fig. 73 and their
function is to inform the driver, through an intermittent buzzer, of
the presence of obstacles behind the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are activated by engaging reverse gear. As the distance
from the obstacle behind the car decreases, the acoustic alarm
becomes more frequent.
fig. 73A0J0088m
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118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
BUZZER WARNINGS
When reverse gear is engaged a buzzer warning is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation.
The acoustic signal:
❍becomes louder as the distance between the car and the obsta-
cle decreases;
❍becomes continuous when the distance between the car and
the obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the
distance increases;
❍is constant if the distance is unchanged; if this situation con-
cerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 sec-
onds to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
Detection distances
Central action range: 140 cm
Side action range: 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the control unit indicates the near-
est one.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is deactivated automatically when the
trailer electric cable plug is fitted into the car tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled again when the trailer ca-
ble plug is removed.
The sensor must be free of mud, dirt, snow or ice
in order for the system to work. Be careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors while cleaning them.
Avoid using dry, rough or hard cloths. Clean the sensors
with clean water with the addition of car shampoo if nec-
essary. In washing stations, clean sensors quickly keeping
the vapour jet/high pressure washing nozzles at a dis-
tance of at least 10 cm from the sensors.
For repainting the bumpers or retouching the paint-
work around the sensors contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service. The incorrect application of
paint may compromise the operation of the parking sen-
sors.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR119
1The ultimate responsibility when parking and car-
rying out other dangerous manoeuvres still rests
with the driver. When carrying out such manoeu-
vres, always ensure that the manoeuvring area is free
of people (particularly children) and animals. Parking sen-
sors are designed to assist drivers: in all cases, you must
always pay the utmost attention during potentially dan-
gerous manoeuvres, even when these are carried out at
low speed.GENERAL WARNINGS
During parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost attention to any ob-
stacles that could be located above or below the sensors.
Sometimes, objects located close to the rear part of the vehicle
may not be detected by the system and may damage the vehicle
or become damaged themselves.
Here below are some conditions that may influence the perfor-
mance of the parking system:
❍reduced sensor sensitivity and reduced parking aid system per-
formance could be caused by the presence of the following
on the sensors: ice, snow, mud, multiple layers of paint;
❍the sensors detect objects that are not there (“echo disturbance”)
caused by mechanical disturbances, for example: washing the
car, rain (extreme wind conditions), hail;
❍the indications sent by the sensors can also be altered by the
presence of ultrasound devices (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
or pneumatic drills) near the car;
❍sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of
the sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused
by the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading
the vehicle and carrying out specific tuning operations that re-
quire the vehicle to be lowered;
❍the detection of obstacles to the upper part of the vehicle is not
guaranteed as the system is designed to detect obstacles that
could impact the lower part of the vehicle.
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