suspension 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 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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120GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(where provided)
The vehicle can be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system
(T.P.M.S.), which informs the driver of the tyre inflation pressure
via the “Check the tyre inflation pressure” and “Insufficient tyre in-
flation pressure” warning messages.
This system comprises of a radio frequency transmitter fitted to
each wheel (on the wheel rim inside the tyre), which is able to
send information on the tyre inflation pressure of each wheel to
the control unit.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT
THE T.P.M.S. SYSTEM
The fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be dis-
played after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send fault infor-
mation to the instrument panel only after the vehicle has been in
motion for a short time.
Take the greatest of care when checking and top-
ping up the tyre inflation pressure. Excessive pres-
sure compromises road holding, increases the stress
on the suspension and wheels as well as increasing the risk
of the tyres wearing out un-evenly.
The tyre inflation pressure should be measured
with the tyres at rest and cold; if for any reason
the pressure is checked when the tyres are warm,
do not reduce the pressure if it is excessive but rather wait
until the tyres have cooled down and carry out the check
again.
The presence of the T.P.M.S. system does not mean
the driver should not carry out regular checks on
the tyre inflation pressure and spare wheel.
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TECHNICAL DATA221
6
Identification data .................................................................... 222
Engine codes - bodywork versions............................................... 224
Engine................................................................................... 225
Fuel system ............................................................................ 227
Transmission ........................................................................... 227
Brakes.................................................................................... 228
Suspension............................................................................. 228
Steering................................................................................. 228
Wheels.................................................................................. 229
Dimensions............................................................................. 233
Performance ........................................................................... 234
Weights ................................................................................. 235
Consumables.......................................................................... 236
Fluids and lubricants ................................................................. 237
Fuel consumption .................................................................... 239
CO
2emissions......................................................................... 240
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Rack and pinion with electric steering
11.0
228TECHNICAL DATA
STEERING
1.4 Petrol - 1.4 Turbo Petrol - 1.3 JTDM- 1.6 JTDM
Type
Turning circle
(between pavements) m
Mc Pherson independent wheels with anti-roll bar
Interconnected wheels with torsion beam
Self ventilating discs
Disc
Controlled by hand lever, acting on rear brakes
BRAKES
IMPORTANT Water, ice and salt sprinkled on the roads may deposit themselves on the brake discs, reducing braking efficiency the first
time the brakes are applied.
SUSPENSION
1.4 Petrol - 1.4 Turbo Petrol - 1.3 JTDM- 1.6 JTDM
Front
Rear
1.4 Petrol - 1.4 Turbo Petrol - 1.3 JTDM- 1.6 JTDM
Service brakes:
– front
– rear
Parking brake
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242INDEX
Headlights.................................... 105
Heating/climate control system ....... 64
Hill Holder system .......................... 108
Identification data ......................... 222
In an emergency ............................ 159
Installing a navigation system (wiring) 116
Instrument panel and instruments .....8-244
Interior equipment .......................... 89
Interiors (cleaning) ......................... 219
Isofix (standard seat)...................... 141
Jacking the car.............................. 193
Keys ........................................... 47
Knowing your car............................ 5
Load limiters ................................ 131
Main beam headlights
– activation ................................ 77
– bulb replacement ...................... 176
Menu ........................................... 32
Menu options ................................ 32
MSR (system) ............................... 110
Number plate lights
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Oddment compartment .................. 89
Oil engine ..................................... 209
Paint .......................................... 217
Parking........................................ 152
Performance ................................. 234
Power windows ............................. 96
Pretensioners................................ 130
Protecting the environment .............. 126
Puddle lights
– bulb replacement ...................... 183
Radio transmitters and cellular phones .. 117
Radio wiring system ....................... 115
Rear fog lights
– activation ................................ 87
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Rear screen wiper
– activation ................................ 79
– brushes ................................... 213
– sprays..................................... 213
Rear view mirrors ........................... 61
Reversing light
– bulb replacement ...................... 179
Roof rack/ski rack ......................... 104
S.B.R. system............................... 129
Safe lock (device)........................... 51
Safety.......................................... 127
Seat belts ..................................... 128
Seats ........................................... 56
Sensors
– automatic headlights ................. 76
– rain ........................................ 80
– parking ................................... 117
Service Plan .................................. 199
– regular checks .......................... 203
Setting off and driving ....................149
Sidebags...................................... 145
Sidelights/daytime lights
– activation ................................ 76
– bulb replacement .................176-178
Snow chains ................................. 158
Starting the engine ....................150-160
Start-up device .............................. 55
Steering....................................... 228
Steering lock ................................. 56
Steering wheel (adjustment) ........... 60Storing the car ............................... 158
Sun visors ..................................... 91
Supplementary heater..................... 75
Suspension................................... 228
Symbols....................................... 46
T.P.M.S. (system) ......................... 120
Technical data ............................... 221
Third brake light ............................. 179
Top speeds .................................... 234
Towing the car ............................... 194
Towing trailers ............................... 156
TPMS system ................................ 120
Transmission ................................. 227
Trip Computer ................................ 42
Tyre marking ................................. 229
– inflation pressures .................... 232
Tyres
– standard ................................. 231
– snow tyres .............................. 157
– correct reading of ...................... 229
VDC (system) .............................. 108
Warning lights on panel ................ 12
Weights ........................................ 235
Wheel replacement ........................ 161
Wheel rims
– correct reading ......................... 230
Wheels
– bulb replacement ...................... 161
– technical specifications .............. 229
Wheels and tyres ........................... 213
Window cleaning............................ 79
Windows (cleaning) ....................... 218
Windscreen wiper
– activation ................................ 79
– brushes ................................... 214
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