steering Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 User Guide

“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM (Car
dynamic control system)This device allows, using lever A fig. 74 (on the central tunnel), three
car response modes to be selected according to driving style and road
conditions:
❒d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❒n = Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions);
❒a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, such as
rain and snow).
The device also acts on the dynamic car control systems (engine,
steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
DRIVING MODESLever A is monostable type. In other words, it always remains in a
central position.
The selected driving mode is indicated by the corresponding LED
coming on in the panel and by an indication on the reconfigurable
multifunction display, as illustrated below:
❒Dynamic modefig. 75 (display image available for versions/
markets, where provided)
❒All Weather Modefig. 76
“Natural” mode
When “Natural” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are shown
on the display.
ESC and ASR systems:intervention thresholds aimed at comfort
and safety in normal grip and driving conditions.
fig. 74
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fig. 75
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Steering wheel tuning:functions aimed at comfort in normal
conditions of use.
DST:braking standard control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteer compensation: a slight
pulse on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“Dynamic” MODEEngagement
Move the lever A fig. 74 upwards (next to the letter “d”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “Dynamic” appears on the display (see fig. 77).
Upon release, lever A returns to the central position.
ESC and ASR:intervention thresholds that allow more enjoyable,
sportier driving whilst guaranteeing stability of the vehicle.Steering wheel tuning:uses the sports mode function.
DST:braking standard control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteering compensation
depending on the ESC/ASR intervention thresholds: a slight movement
on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:prompter response + Overboost to maximise torque (for
versions/markets, where provided).
In the 1.4 Turbo MultiAir versions, selecting “Dynamic” operating
mode activates the turbocharger supercharging function (overboost):
depending on the accelerator pedal position and for a limited time, the
engine management control unit allows the system to generate
maximum pressure levels inside the turbocharger and the engine
torque can reach higher values than usual.
This function is particularly useful whenever maximum performance is
required for a short time (e.g. when overtaking).
IMPORTANT During acceleration, when the “Dynamic” function is used
the steering may shudder, which is typical of a sports setting.
fig. 76
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fig. 77
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Disengagement
To deactivate “Dynamic” mode and return to “Natural”, repeat the
same movement of the lever within the same times. In this case, the LED
corresponding to “Natural” mode will light up and the words “Natural
on” will appear on the reconfigurable multifunction display (see fig.
78).ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“All Weather” MODEEngagement
Move lever A fig. 74 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in this
position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up or the
word “All Weather” appears on the display (see fig. 79).
ESC and ASR systems:intervention thresholds aimed at
guaranteeing the maximum safety in low grip driving conditions. It is
recommended to activate the "All Weather" mode when fitting snow
chains.Steering wheel tuning:maximum comfort.
DST:higher braking control coordinated with ABS/ESC. Standard
control over lateral acceleration. Oversteering compensation
depending on the ESC/ASR intervention thresholds: a slight movement
on the steering wheel encourages the driver to carry out the most
appropriate manoeuvre.
Engine:standard response.
Disengagement
To deactivate “All Weather” mode and return to “Natural”, carry out
the same procedure described for “Dynamic” mode, but move lever A
fig. 74 to “a”.
fig. 78
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fig. 79
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Restarting the engine
Press the clutch pedal to restart the engine.SYSTEM MANUAL ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATIONTo activate/deactivate manually the system, press the
fig. 81 button
on the trim next to the steering wheel.
Start&Stop system activation
A message and a symbol will be displayed when the Start&Stop
system is activated.
Turning the Start&Stop off
❒Versions with multifunction display:a message is displayed when the
Start&Stop system is deactivated.
❒Versions with reconfigurable multifunction display:the
symbol is
displayed + a message when the Start&Stop system is deactivated.When the system is deactivated, the
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on. For versions/markets where provided, a message
and symbol are also displayed in the event of system activation/
deactivation.
ENGINE STOPPING FAILURE
CONDITIONSWhen the system is operating, due to comfort, emission control and
safety reasons, the engine does not stop in some conditions, among
which:
❒engine still cold;
❒especially cold outside temperature;
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒particulate filter regeneration (DPF) in progress (diesel engines only);
❒driver's door not shut;
❒driver's seat belt not fastened;
❒reverse gear engaged (for example, for parking manoeuvres);
❒for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control (for
versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate level of thermal
comfort has not been reached or with MAX-DEF function activation;
❒during the first period of use, to initialise the system.
If the climate comfort is to be favoured, the Start&Stop
system can be deactivated, for a continuous operation of
the climate control system.
fig. 81
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DYNAMIC SUSPENSION (active
shock absorber system)(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system interacts with the “Alfa DNA” system (see paragraph “Alfa
DNA”).
The “Alfa DNA” system lever allows you to choose three different
driving settings depending on the route type and on the road surface:
❒d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❒n = Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions);
❒a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, such as
rain and snow).
In “Natural” and “All Weather” operating mode, the active shock
absorbers adjust the car suspension to suit the route type and
the driving stresses, thus considerably improving driving comfort in
particular on rough terrain.The "Dynamic" operating mode produces a sports driving setting
characterised by more responsive acceleration and greater effort on
the steering wheel to give a sporty feeling. The shock absorber
damping action is also adjusted and divided, to guarantee higher
precision and reactivity of the car, while maintaining a good comfort
level.
The car is more precise when entering bends and quicker in changing
direction.
fig. 84
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EOBD SYSTEM (European On
Board Diagnosis)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The aim of the EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the system efficiency;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace damaged components.
The car 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 completely,
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are obliged to run tests and, if
necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGThis only operates with the key turned to MAR-ON and the engine
started. Power steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to be adapted to driving conditions.
The different power assistance modes can be selected via the "d,n,a"
positions of the “Alfa DNA System” lever (see “Alfa DNA System”
paragraph).
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)
that could badly affect performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in non-compliance of the car with
type-approval requirements.Before performing any maintenance operations,
always turn off the engine and remove the key from
the ignition to lock the steering column, especially
when the car’s wheels are not touching the ground.
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Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors,
the system will no longer be available and a warning
message will be shown on the display, until 4 wheels
with sensors are fitted again.The TPMS cannot warn of sudden decreases in tyre
pressure (for example when a tyre bursts). In this case,
stop the car, braking with caution and avoiding
abrupt steering.Replacing standard tyres with winter tyres and vice
versa requires TPMS system adjustment that must only
be performed by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.Variations in outside temperature may cause tyre
pressures to vary. The TPMS may temporarily indicate
insufficient pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary, restore the inflation values.
When a tyre is removed, it is advisable to replace the
rubber valve seal as well: contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. Tyre and rim fitting/removal
operations require specific precautions; to avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre and wheel fitting/removal
operations should only be carried out by specialised staff.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.Intense radio-frequency interference may prevent the
correct operation of the TPMS. This condition will be
indicated by a message on the display. The message
will disappear automatically as soon as the interference ceases to
affect the system.
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FRONT AIRBAGSThe car is equipped with multi-stage front airbags (“Smart bags”) for
the driver and passenger and knee bags for the driver.“SMART BAG” SYSTEM (MULTISTAGE
FRONT AIRBAGS)The front airbags (driver's and passenger's) and the driver's knee bag
have been designed to protect the occupants in the event of head-on
crashes of medium-high severity, by placing cushions between the
occupant and the steering wheel or dashboard.
Therefore non-deployment in other types of impacts (side impacts, rear
shunts, roll-overs, etc.) does not indicate a system malfunction.
The airbags do not replace, but rather complement, the use of seat
belts, which should always be worn. In the event of an impact,
someone not wearing a seat belt could move forward and come into
contact with a bag which is still in the opening phase. The protection
offered by the bag is compromised in these circumstances.
Front airbags may not activate in the following situations:
❒frontal impacts against highly deformable objects not involving the
front surface of the car (e.g. wing collision against guard rail);
❒car wedging under other vehicles or protective barriers (e.g. trucks
or guard rails).
Failure to activate in the conditions described above is due to the fact
that they may not provide any additional protection compared with
seat belts, so their activation would be inappropriate.
In these cases, non-deployment does not indicate a system malfunction.
Do not apply stickers or other objects on the steering
wheel, on the dashboard in the passenger side airbag
area, on side upholstery on the roof or on the seats.
Never put objects (e.g. mobile phones) on the passenger's side
dashboard since they could interfere with correct inflation of the
airbag and also cause serious injury to the passengers.
FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGThis consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the steering wheel fig. 103.
Always drive with your hands on the steering wheel
rim so that the airbag can inflate freely if necessary.
Do not drive with your body bent forward. Keep the
back of your seat upright and lean back into it.
fig. 103
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DRIVER SIDE KNEE BAGThis is located in a dedicated compartment under the steering wheel
fig. 105. It provides additional protection in the event of a frontal
impact.Deactivating passenger side airbags:
front airbag and seat-mounted side
bag for pelvis, chest and shoulders
protection (Side bag)If a child must be carried on the front seat in a rear facing child seat,
deactivate the passenger side front airbag and seat-mounted side bag
for pelvis, chest and shoulder protection (side bag).
With airbags deactivated, warning light
lights up in the trim
located above the internal rearview mirror fig. 106.
To deactivate the airbags, see the “Knowing your car”
section, “Menu items” paragraph.
SIDE AIRBAGS
(SIDE BAGS - WINDOW BAGS)To increase protection of occupants in case of side collision, the car is
equipped with front side bags for pelvis, chest and shoulder protection
(side bags) for the driver and the passenger and airbags protecting
the head of front and rear occupants (window bags).
Non-activation of side bags in other types of collisions (head-on
collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs, etc...) is not an indication of system
malfunction.
fig. 105
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fig. 106
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PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONSProceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox lever in neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR-ON: the warning lights
and
(or the symbol on the display) on the instrument panel will
switch on;
❒wait for the warning lights (or the symbol on the display) to switch
off;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal, without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV;
warning light switches off.
Waiting too long will waste the heating work carried out by the
glow plugs. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
If the
warning light flashes for about 1 minute after
starting or during prolonged cranking, this indicates a fault
in the glow plug preheating system. Use the car normally
if the engine starts and go to Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.
It is dangerous to run the engine in enclosed areas. The
engine takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.It is advisable not to demand maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.) when it is
first used.
When the engine is off, do not leave the ignition key turned
to MAR to prevent unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.Remember that the brake servo and electromechanical
power steering are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much more effort than
usual is required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. These manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
WARMING UP THE ENGINE JUST
AFTER IT HAS STARTEDProceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium revs and without
accelerating abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilometres. It
is advisable to wait until the engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
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