service Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR55
1IGNITION DEVICE
The key can be turned to three different positions fig. 21:
❍STOP: the engine is off, the key can be extracted, the steer-
ing is 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 an electronic safety system that
requires the ignition key to be turned back to STOP if the engine
will not start, before the starting operation can be repeated.
fig. 21A0J0031m
If the ignition switch is tampered with (e.g.:
attempted theft), have it checked over by an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service as soon as possible.
Always remove the key when you leave your 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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR67
1
DEMISTING/DEFROSTING
OF HEATED REAR WINDSCREEN AND DOOR
MIRRORS (where provided)
Press button F (() to activate/deactivate the function. The func-
tion is automatically deactivated after 20 minutes.
IMPORTANT Do not affix stickers to the inside of the rear window
over the heating filaments to avoid damage that might cause it
to stop working properly.
AIR RECIRCULATION
Press button D (T) so that the LED on the button lights up. It
is advisable to switch air recirculation on while standing in traffic
or in tunnels to prevent the introduction of polluted air.
Do not use the function for a long time, particularly if there are many
passengers on board, to prevent the windows from misting up.
IMPORTANT The air recirculation system makes it possible to reach
the required “heating” or “cooling” conditions faster. Do not use
the air recirculation function on rainy/cold days as it would con-
siderably increase the possibility of the windows misting inside.
LOOKING AFTER THE SYSTEM
Run the climate control system for at least 10 minutes every month
during the winter. Have the system checked by an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service before the summer.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR79
1
Moving the lever upwards (unstable position) limits operation to
the time the lever is held in this position. The lever will return to
position and the wiper will be automatically stopped when released.WINDOW WASHING
The right lever controls windscreen wiper/washer and heated rear
window wiper/washer operation.
WINDSCREEN WIPER/WASHER fig. 34
This only operates with the ignition turned to MAR. Selector wheel
A can take five different positions:
,intermittent (low speed);
Owindscreen wiper off;
AUTO rain sensor activation (where provided) (the windscreen
wipers adapt the operating speed automatically to suit the
intensity of the rain)
≤intermittent;
≥continuous slow;
¥continuous fast operation.
fig. 34A0J0064m
Do not use the windscreen wiper to remove lay-
ers of snow or ice from the windscreen. In such con-
ditions, the windscreen wiper may be subjected to
excessive stress and the motor protection which prevents
operation for a few seconds may trip. If operation is not
restored, even after turning the key and restarting the en-
gine, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
“Smart washing” function
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) to op-
erate the windscreen washer jet. By keeping the lever pulled for
more than half a second, it is possible to operate the washer jet
and the wiper at the same time with just one movement.
The wiper stops working three strokes after releasing the lever. A
further stroke after approx. 6 seconds completes the wiping cycle.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR83
1COURTESY LIGHTS
FRONT COURTESY LIGHT fig. 37
Switch A turns these lights on/off.
Switch A positions:
❍central position (position 1): lights C and D are switched on/off
when the doors are opened/closed.
❍pressed to the left (position 0): lights C and D are always off;
❍pressed to the right (position 2): lights C and D are always on.
The switching on/off of the lights is gradual.
Automatic disengagement
The device is automatically switched off in any of the following
cases:
❍if the ABS or VDC systems cut in;
❍with car speed below the preset limit;
❍in the event of system failure.
When driving with the device active, do not posi-
tion the gear lever in neutral.
In the event of defective operation or device fail-
ure turn the selector wheel to OFF and contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
fig. 37A0J0066m
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR105
1
After having travelled several kilometres check that
the attachment retaining bolts are still securely fas-
tened.
Distribute the load uniformly and when driving
take into consideration the increased sensitivity
to transverse air currents.
Always obey local legislation regarding maximum
load size.
Never exceed the maximum permitted load.
The Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes a dedicated roof rack/ski
rack for this vehicle.HEADLIGHTS
ADJUSTING THE LIGHT BEAM
The correct orientation of the headlights is important for the dri-
ver’s comfort and safety as well as for all other road users. It is al-
so a specific rule of the highway code.
The headlights must be correctly directed to ensure the best visi-
bility conditions for all drivers. To check and, if necessary, adjust
the alignment contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT CORRECTOR fig. 69
This device works with the key at MAR and the dipped beam head-
lights on.
fig. 69A0J0026m
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106GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Adjusting headlamp alignment
Press buttons Òandto carry out the alignment (fig. 69). The
instrument panel display provides a visual indication of the posi-
tions during the adjustment operation.
Position 0 – one or two passengers in the front seats.
Position 1 – 4 passengers.
Position 2 – 4 passengers + load in the luggage compartment.
Position 3 – driver + maximum permitted load in the luggage com-
partment.
IMPORTANT Check beam orientation every time the load carried
changes.
IMPORTANT If the vehicle is equipped with Bi-xenon headlights,
headlight alignment is carried out automatically and therefore but-
tons
Òandare not present.
FRONT FOG LIGHTS ALIGNMENT
(where provided)
To check and, if necessary, adjust the alignment contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service.
HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT
ABROAD
The dipped beam headlights are aligned to comply with the regu-
lations of the country of purchase. When driving in countries with
a different driving direction, to avoid blinding the drivers travelling
in the opposite direction, it is necessary to cover the areas of the
beam according to the provisions of the Highway Code of the coun-
try you are driving in.
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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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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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