ABS Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

6GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Interior fittings ...................................................................................... 89
Electric sunroof ..................................................................................... 92
Doors .................................................................................................. 95
Electric windows ................................................................................... 96
Luggage compartment ........................................................................... 99
Bonnet................................................................................................ 103
Roof rack/ski rack ................................................................................ 104
Headlights........................................................................................... 105
ABS system ......................................................................................... 107
VDC system ......................................................................................... 108
“Alfa dna” system................................................................................. 111
EOBD system ....................................................................................... 114
Electric power steering ........................................................................... 114
Radio wiring system .............................................................................. 115
Wiring for navigation system................................................................... 116
Installation of electrical/electronic devices................................................. 116
Parking sensors .................................................................................... 117
T.P.M.S. system.................................................................................... 120
At the filling station............................................................................... 124
Protecting the environment ..................................................................... 126
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR13
1
EBD failure (red)/(amber)
If warning lights xand>are lit up at the same
time with the engine running, this indicates an EBD
system failure or that the system is not available. Ear-
ly locking of the rear wheels may occur in the event
of violent braking, causing the car to swerve.
Under these circumstances drive with extreme caution
straight to the nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to
have the system checked. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.x
>
Brake pad wear (amber)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when the front brake pads show signs of wear; under
these circumstances have them replaced as soon as pos-
sible. The display will show the dedicated message.
WARNING Because the vehicle is equipped with a wear detection
system only for the front brake pads, when these are replaced
the rear brake pads should also be checked for wear.d
ABS system failure (amber)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
inserted, but it should go 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 of-
fered by the ABS system. Drive with caution and visit an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service at your earliest convenience. The display will
show the dedicated message.>
Airbag failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on, glowing steadily, if there is a
failure in the air bag system. The display will show the dedicated mes-
sage.¬
If, when the key is turned to MAR, the ¬warning
light does not come on or if it stays on with the ve-
hicle in motion (together with the message on the
display) there could be a failure in the safety systems; un-
der these circumstances the air bags or pretensioners may
not be activated in the event of an impact or, more rarely,
they could be activated accidentally. Contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service immediately to have the sys-
tem checked.
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56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
STEERING COLUMN LOCK
Engagement
When the key is at STOP, remove the key and turn the steering
wheel until it locks.
Disengagement
Move the steering wheel slightly as you 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). This could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in the non-
compliance of the car with approval requirements.
Never remove the key while the vehicle is moving.
The steering wheel would lock as soon as the steer-
ing wheel is turned. This also applies to cases in
which the car is towed.
SEATS
FRONT SEATS fig. 22
All adjustments must be made with the car sta-
tionary.
Longitudinal adjustment
Lift lever A and push the seat forwards or backwards: your arms
should rest on the steering wheel rim while you are driving.
After releasing the adjustment lever, always check
that the seat is locked on the runners by trying
to move it back and forth. If it is not locked, the
seat may move unexpectedly and make you lose control
of the car.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR61
1REARVIEW MIRRORS
INTERNAL MIRROR
Operate lever A-fig. 27 to adjust the mirror into two different po-
sitions: normal or antiglare. Some versions are equipped with an
electro-chrome mirror with an ON/OFF switch to activate/deacti-
vate the electro-chrome function. Engaging reverse gear automat-
ically sets the mirror for daylight use.
fig. 27A0J0108m
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.
DOOR MIRRORS
As the driver’s door mirror is curved, it may slight-
ly alter the perception of distance.
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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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104GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
❍lower the bonnet to about 20 centimetres above the engine
compartment and then let it drop. Make sure that the bonnet
is closed correctly and not just in the safety position by trying
to lift it. If it is not perfectly closed, open the bonnet and re-
peat the procedure. Do not simply press it.
IMPORTANT Always check that the bonnet is closed properly to avoid
its opening while the car is travelling.ROOF RACK/SKI RACK
To fit the roof rack/ski rack, raise the special tabs A-fig. 68 using
the screwdriver provided to access attachment housings B.
The bonnet must always be perfectly closed while
travelling for safety reasons. Make sure that the
bonnet is perfectly closed and that the lock is en-
gaged. If when driving you realise that the bonnet is not
properly closed, stop immediately and close the bonnet
correctly.
Carry out these operations with the vehicle at a
standstill.
If the support rod is incorrectly positioned this may
cause the bonnet to fall down without warning.
fig. 68A0J0059m
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR107
1ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which prevents the
wheels from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip
and gives the best control when performing emergency braking un-
der difficult road conditions.
The system is completed by EBD (Electronic Braking Force Distrib-
ution), which distributes the braking action between front and rear
wheels.
IMPORTANT To achieve maximum efficiency of the braking system,
a settlement period of about 500 km is required: During this time,
avoid sudden, repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
Intervention of the ABS is detected by a slight pulsing of the brake
pedal accompanied by noise: such an event indicates that you need
to adjust your speed to the type of road on which you are travel-
ling.
When the ABS intervenes it means that you are ap-
proaching the grip limit between tyres and road:
slow down to adjust the speed according to avail-
able grip.
The ABS optimally exploits grip between tyre and
road, but it cannot improve grip; you should there-
fore take every care not to take unnecessary risks
when driving on slippery surfaces.
When the ABS cuts in, and you feel the brake ped-
al pulsating, do not remove your foot, but keep it
pressed; by doing so you will stop in the shortest
amount of space possible in the current road conditions.
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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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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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