tow Alfa Romeo MiTo 2010 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR93
1
Sun blind
The brightness in the passenger compartment can be adjusted by
using a sun blind.
Curtain opening:press the button A - fig. 54 to release the
curtain and then grasp the handle B and make it slide towards
the back.
Curtain closing:grasp the handle B and make the curtain slide to
the front, making sure it is locked.
Roof closing
Pressing button B-fig. 53 allows two closing modes for the front
glass panel.
Automatic
With the roof completely open, press button B-fig. 53 for a while:
the front glass panel will assume the spoiler position.
If the button is then pressed, the panel will start to slide forward
until it is completely closed.
After the initial opening command, the glass panel can be stopped
in intermediate positions by pressing the button again.
Manual
If button B-fig. 53 is pressed briefly, the front glass panel moves
from the completely open position and stops in the position where
the button is released. In this case the panel closes by pressing
the actual button.
This function makes it possible to place the front glass panel in in-
termediate positions in relation to those produced through auto-
matic closing.
When leaving the car, always remove the key from
the ignition device to avoid the risk of injury due
to accidental operation of the sun roof; it presents
a risk to those left on board: improper use of the roof can
be dangerous. Before operation, always check that no-
one is at risk of being injured by the moving sun roof or
by objects getting caught and dragged by it.
Do not open the sun roof in the presence of snow
or ice: it may be damaged.
fig. 53A0J0157m
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98GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Electric window system initialisation
The safety system must be re-initialised after disconnecting the bat-
tery or if the relevant protection fuse is blown.
Initialisation procedure:
❍fully close the window to be initialised manually;
❍after the window has reached the upper end of travel, hold the
up button pressed for at least one second.
IMPORTANT For versions/markets where provided, following the
disconnection of the power supply (replacing or disconnecting the
battery or replacing the protection fuse for the electric windows
control units), the automatic setting for the electric windows must
be reset.The reset operation should be carried out with the doors closed
according to the following procedure:
1. completely lower the driver-side window and keep the button
pressed for at least 3 seconds once the end of travel position
has been reached;
2. completely raise the driver-side window and keep the button
pressed for at least 3 seconds once the end of travel position
has been reached;
3. repeat stages 1 and 2 for the passenger-side window
4. check that the initialisation has taken place correctly by check-
ing the automatic operation of the windows.
IMPORTANT With central locking on, operating the internal handle
of one of the doors will unlock all the doors. If there is no power
(blown fuse, battery disconnected, etc.) the doors can still be locked
manually. As in this case the automatic window opening function
is not available, to open or close the door with the window closed,
apply pressure to the window towards the vehicle interior (see fig.
58), to aid the passage of the window against the trim.
fig. 58A0J0170m
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124GETTING 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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SAFETY135
2
PRETENSIONERS
The vehicle is equipped with front seat belt pretensioners, which
draw back the seat belts by several centimetres in the event of a
strong frontal impact. This guarantees the perfect adherence of the
seat belts to the occupant’s bodies before the retention action be-
gins.
The activation of the pretensioners can be detected from the re-
traction of the belt towards the reel.
The vehicle also features a second pretensioning device (fitted near
the kick plate): The activation of this device is indicated by the
shortening of the metal cable.
A small amount of smoke may be produced during the activation
of the pretensioners. This smoke is in no way toxic and does not
indicate an outbreak of fire.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of protection from the ac-
tion of the pretensioning device, wear the seat belt, keeping it close
to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance or greasing:
anything that modifies its original condition invalidates its efficiency.
If, due to unusual natural events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the de-
vice has been affected by water and mud, it must be replaced.
The pretensioner can only be used once.
Once it has activated contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service Provider to have it replaced.
The expiry date of the device is shown on the label in the
glove compartment: Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service Provider when the time comes to replace the de-
vice.
Operations which lead to shocks, vibrations or lo-
calised heating (over 100
°C for a maximum of 6
hours) in the area around the pretensioners may
damage or trigger them. These devices are not affected
by vibrations caused by irregularities of the road surface
or low obstacles such as kerbs, etc. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service Provider for any assistance.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase passenger’s safety, the front seat belt reels contain a
load limiter which allows controlled sag in such a way as to dose
the force acting on the chest and shoulders during the belt restraining
action in case of front crash.
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING153
3
Starting the engine................................................................................ 154
Parking ............................................................................................... 156
Using of the gearbox ............................................................................. 157
Saving fuel.......................................................................................... 158
Towing trailers...................................................................................... 160
Snow tyres .......................................................................................... 161
Snow chains ......................................................................................... 162
Car inactivity......................................................................................... 162
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING155
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.).
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.
EMERGENCY START
If the Ywarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, before turning the engine off you
should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine com-
partment to fall.
A quick burst on the accelerator before turning off
the engine serves absolutely no practical purpose,
it wastes fuel and is damaging, especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
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160STARTING UP AND DRIVING
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel consump-
tion and emissions: accelerate gradually and do not go over the
maximum torque ratio.
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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STARTING UP AND DRIVING161
3
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided
with the car: an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be able to
advise you on the best tyres for your requirements.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when the
tread depth is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving, during braking and better driveability. Re-
member that it is inappropriate to change the direction of rotation
of tyres.
The ABS system does not control the braking sys-
tem of the trailer. Take extra care when travel-
ling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the car’s hydraulic
system.
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IN AN EMERGENCY163
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 ..................................................................... 164
Replacing a wheel ....................................................................... 165
“Fix&Go Automatic” Kit ............................................................... 173
Changing a bulb .......................................................................... 178
Replacing exterior bulbs................................................................ 180
Replacing an interior bulb.............................................................. 184
Replacing fuses ........................................................................... 187
Recharging the battery ................................................................. 196
Lifting the car ............................................................................. 199
Towing the car ............................................................................ 199
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164IN AN EMERGENCY
STARTINGTHEENGINE
If theYwarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider imme-
diately.
STA R T I NGWITH AN AUXILIARYBAT TERY
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.
BUMPSTA R T I NG
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving downhill.
fig. 1A0J0111m
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