towing Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (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 turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes 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 references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Doors not closed correctly (red)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when one or more doors or the boot tailgate are not
properly closed. A buzzer will sound when doors are open
and the car is moving. On some versions the warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not closed
correctly.´
Luggage compartment open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the luggage compartment is open.R
Bonnet open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the bonnet is open.S
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING149
3
Starting the engine................................................................................ 150
Parking............................................................................................... 152
Using of the gearbox............................................................................. 153
Saving fuel .......................................................................................... 154
Towing trailers ...................................................................................... 156
Snow tyres .......................................................................................... 157
Snow chains ......................................................................................... 158
Car inactivity......................................................................................... 158
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING151
3
In the initial period of use, it is advisable to avoid
placing the car under excessive stress (for instance
excessive acceleration, extended travel at maxi-
mum speed, sharp braking etc.).
Is is dangerous to let the engine run in enclosed
spaces. The engine depletes oxygen and discharges
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic
gases.
Remember that the servo brake and electric pow-
er steering are not operational until the engine has
been started, therefore more effort than usual is
required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Avoid jump starting the engine by pushing, towing
or driving downhill. These manoeuvres may dam-
age the catalytic converter.
When the engine is off, do not leave the key in
the ignition switch turned to MAR to avoid drain-
ing the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED (petrol and diesel engines)
Proceed as follows:
❍drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium speed. Do
not accelerate abruptly;
❍do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilo-
metres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge starts moving.
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156STARTING UP AND DRIVING
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. Consequently,
both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30% on an urban cycle )
and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance
when travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in
cities with many traffic lights. Mountain and rough roads also have
a negative effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation
must be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as specified
by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the vehicle
by the same amount. Consider the weight of the fully-laden vehi-
cle weight, including accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on the reg-
istration certificate).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
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IN AN EMERGENCY159
4
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet.
You can also consult www.alfaromeo.com to find Alfa Romeo Authorised Services your nearest
Starting the engine..................................................................... 160
Replacing a wheel....................................................................... 161
“Fix&Go Automatic” Kit............................................................... 169
Changing a bulb.......................................................................... 174
Replacing exterior bulbs................................................................ 176
Replacing an interior bulb.............................................................. 180
Replacing fuses........................................................................... 183
Recharging the battery ................................................................. 193
Lifting the car............................................................................. 193
Towing the car ............................................................................ 194
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160IN AN EMERGENCY
STARTING THE ENGINE
If the Ywarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider imme-
diately.
STARTING WITH AN AUXILIARY BATTERY
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
For engine starting follow the procedure below, fig. 1:
❍connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the
two batteries with a jump lead;
❍with a second lead, connect the negative terminal – of the aux-
iliary battery to an earth point
Eon the engine or the gear-
box of the car to be started;
❍start the engine; when engine has started, remove the cables
by reversing the sequence described for connection.If after several attempts the engine will not start, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative terminals of the two bat-
teries directly! If the auxiliary battery is installed on another car,
prevent accidental contact between metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving downhill.
fig. 1A0J0111m
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194IN AN EMERGENCY
TOWING THE CAR
The tow ring provided with the car is housed in the tool box in
the luggage compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW HOOK
Release cap A, remove tow ring B from its housing in the tool box
and tighten it fully on to the front (fig. 46) or rear (fig. 47) thread-
ed pin.
Before beginning the tow, turn the ignition key
to MAR and then to STOP, without extracting it
When the key is removed, the steering wheel lock
automatically activates. making it impossible to turn the
wheels.
fig. 46A0J0038mfig. 47A0J0039m
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IN AN EMERGENCY195
4
The power brakes and the electrical power steer-
ing will not work while the car is being towed. More
effort on the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use wires for towing. Do not
jerk. Be careful not to damage parts in contact with the
car while towing. Respect the specific rules of the Highway
Code when towing the car, specifically in relation to the
towing device and conduct on the road. Do not start the
engine while towing the car. Clean the threaded seat care-
fully before fastening the hook. Make sure that the hook
is fully fastened in the seat before towing the vehicle.The front and rear tow hooks must only be used
for emergency situations on the road. THE vehi-
cle may be towed for short distances when a ded-
icated device is used in compliance with the Highway Code
(rigid bar), in order to move the vehicle on the road in
preparation for towing by a tow truck Tow hooks MUST
NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. Respecting the above condi-
tions, towing must only take place with two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) travelling as far as possible in
alignment along the same centreline.
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198CARE AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Correct maintenance is essential for ensuring long car life under the
best conditions.
Alfa Romeo has prepared a series of checks and service opera-
tions to be carried out every 30,000 kilometres (for petrol ver-
sions) or every 35,000 kilometres (for diesel versions).
In between these services it is still necessary to adhere to the in-
structions in the Scheduled Service Plan (e.g. regularly check the
fluid levels and tyre pressure etc.).
Scheduled Service operations should be carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in addition to the ones pro-
grammed, the need arises for further replacements or repairs, these
may be carried out only with the explicit agreement of the Cus-
tomer.
If your car is used frequently for towing, the interval between one
service operation and the next should be reduced.IMPORTANT NOTES❍At 2000 km from the next service operation the display will
show a message.
❍Scheduled Service operations are required by the manufactur-
er. Failure to carry them out may invalidate the warranty.
❍It is advisable to inform your Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider of any small faults without waiting for the next sched-
uled service.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE203
5
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and top up the fol-
lowing if necessary:
❍engine coolant level, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid
❍tyre pressure and condition;
❍operation of lights (headlights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❍operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system, position
and wear of windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades;
Every 3,000 km check the following and top-up, if necessary: en-
gine oil level.
We recommend the use of FL Selenia products, designed and pro-
duced specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see “Consumables” table
in chapter 6).
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If you use the vehicle mainly under one of the following conditions:
❍trailer or caravan towing;
❍dusty roads;
❍repeated short distances (less than 7-8 km) and with exter-
nal temperatures below zero;
❍frequently idling the engine, travelling long distances at low
speeds or long term inactivity;
❍in cities;
perform the following inspections more frequently than shown on
the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❍check front disc brake pad condition and wear;
❍check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, and cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages;
❍visually inspect the condition of: engine, gearbox, transmission,
pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply - brakes) rubber ele-
ments (gaiters – hoses - bushes etc.);
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