warning Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 Owner's Guide

ENGINE RESTARTING CONDITIONSDue to comfort, emission control and safety reasons, the engine can
restart automatically without any action by the driver, under special
conditions, such as:
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒reduced braking system vacuum (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed
repeatedly);
❒car moving (e.g. when driving on roads with a gradient);
❒engine stopping by Start&Stop system for over 3 minutes;
❒for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
system (for versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate level
of thermal comfort has not been reached or MAX-DEF function
activation.
With gear engaged, automatic engine restarting is possible only by
fully depressing the clutch pedal. The driver is informed by the
displaying of a message on the display and - for versions/markets,
where provided - by the flashing of the symbol
.
Notes
If the clutch is not pressed, about 3 minutes after the engine stops, the
engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
In cases when the engine stops and this is not desired, due for example
to the clutch pedal being released sharply with a gear engaged, if the
Start&Stop system is activated, the engine can be restarted by fully
depressing the clutch pedal or by placing the gear lever in neutral.
SAFETY FUNCTIONSWhen the engine is stopped by the Start&Stop system, if the driver
releases his/her seat belt and opens the driver's or passenger's door,
the engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
The driver is informed by a buzzer and by the flashing of the symbol
on the display; on some versions, a message is displayed as well.
"ENERGY SAVING" FUNCTION(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, following automatic engine restarting, the driver does not carry out
any action on the car for over 3 minutes, the Start&Stop system stops
the engine once and for all, to prevent fuel consumption. In these
cases, the engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
NOTE In any case, it is possible to keep the engine running by
deactivating the Start&Stop system.IRREGULAR OPERATIONIn the event of malfunction, the Start&Stop system is deactivated.
The driver is informed of the fault by the
warning light switching
on in the instrument panel and, for versions/markets where provided,
a message and symbol on the display.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
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PARKING SENSORS(for versions/markets, where provided)
The parking sensors are located in the car's rear bumper fig. 86 and
their function is to inform the driver, through an intermittent acoustic
signal, about the presence of obstacles behind the car.ACTIVATIONThe sensors are activated by engaging reverse gear. As the obstacle
behind the vehicle gets closer to the car, the acoustic signal becomes
more frequent.INDICATIONS ON DISPLAY(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensor is activated, the "Reconfigurable multifunction
display" (for versions/markets, where provided) shows the screen
illustrated in fig. 87.
Obstacle presence and distance information is therefore provided both
by the buzzer and the instrument panel display.
If there are several obstacles the closest one is indicated.
ACOUSTIC SIGNALWhen reverse gear is engaged an acoustic signal is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation.
The acoustic signal:
❒increases as the distance between the car and the obstacle
decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the distance between the car and the
obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the distance
increases;
❒remains constant if the distance remains unchanged; if this situation
concerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 seconds
to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
IMPORTANT The volume of the acoustic signal can be adjusted through
the option "Warning volume" of the "Set-Up menu".
fig. 86
A0J0088
fig. 87
A0J0370
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Detection distances
❒Central operating range: 140 cm
❒Side operating range: 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected by the sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.OPERATION WITH TRAILERParking 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's cable 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. The sensors should be washed using clean water with
the addition of car shampoo if necessary. When using special washing
equipment such as high pressure jets or steam cleaning, clean the
sensors very quickly keeping the jet more than 10 cm away.When repainting the bumpers or touching up paint in
the sensor area, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services only. Incorrect paint application could affect
the operation of the parking sensors.
Parking manoeuvres however are always the driver’s
responsibility. When carrying out such manoeuvres,
always ensure that the manoeuvring area is free of
people (particularly children) and animals. The parking sensor is
designed to assist drivers, who must still never allow their
attention to lapse during potentially dangerous manoeuvres even
if performed at low speed.
GENERAL WARNINGSDuring parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost attention to any obstacles
that could be located above or below the sensors.
Objects located near the rear of the car are not detected under certain
circumstances and could therefore cause damage to the car or be
damaged.
The following conditions may influence the performance of the parking
sensor system:
❒reduced sensor sensitivity and a reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to the presence on the surface of
the sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick paint
❒the sensors may detect a non-existent obstacle (echo interference)
due to mechanical interference, for example when washing the
car, in rain (strong wind), hail;
❒The signals sent by the sensors can also be altered by the presence
of ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems or pneumatic
drills) near the vehicle.
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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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The regeneration procedure is controlled automatically by the engine
management control unit according to the filter conditions and vehicle
use conditions.
During the regeneration there may be a limited increase in the engine
idle speed, fan activation, a limited increase in fumes and high
temperatures at the exhaust.
These are not faults; they do not impair normal car performance or
damage the environment. If the dedicated message is displayed, see
contents of "Warning lights and messages" paragraph.
The catalytic converter and particulate filter (DPF) reach
very high temperatures during operation. Therefore
do not park the car on flammable materials (grass, dry
leaves, pine needles, etc.): fire hazard.
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IMPORTANT When putting the rear seat back in its normal position,
make sure that the seat belts are positioned so that they are ready
to use.
Make sure that the backrest is correctly secured on
both sides (red bands B fig. 91 not visible) to prevent it
from moving forward in the event of sharp braking,
causing injuries to occupants.
SBR SYSTEM
(Seat Belt Reminder)It consists of an acoustic warning which, switching on the
warning
lights in the trim located on the internal rear view mirror (see fig.
92), warns passengers in the front and rear seats that the seat belt is
not fastened.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Workshops to deactivate the SBR
system for a long period.
The SBR system can be reactivated at any time through the Setup Menu
only (see "Menu Items" in "Knowing your car" section).
The warning lights may be red or green and operate as follows:
❒1 = front left seat (driver status for left-hand drive versions);
❒2 = rear left seat (passenger);
❒3 = rear centre seat (passenger);
❒4 = rear right seat (passenger);
❒5 = front right seat (passenger status for left-hand drive versions).
fig. 91
A0J0182
fig. 92
A0J0308
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NOTE On versions equipped with sports front seats, the passenger side
seat belt fastened indication (warning light 1 for RHD versions or
warning light 5 for LHD versions) will never be displayed.FRONT SEATS (warning light no. 1 =
driver and no. 5 = passenger)Driver
If the driver is the only occupant and their seat belt is not fastened,
when 20 km/h is exceeded or when travelling at a speed between 10
and 20 km/h for longer than 5 seconds, an acoustic signal cycle
will be started for the front seats (continuous acoustic signal for
6 seconds followed by a 90 second beep). The warning light will flash.
The warning lights will stay on constantly at the end of the cycle until
the engine is stopped. The acoustic signal will be interrupted
immediately when the driver’s seat belt is fastened and the warning
light will turn green.
The reminder cycle (acoustic and visual) will be repeated as described
above and the red warning light will flash if the seat belt is unfastened
again while travelling.
Passenger
A similar situation applies to the front passenger, with the difference
that the warning light turns green and the indication is also interrupted
when the passenger leaves the car.
If both front seat belts are unfastened a few seconds apart while the
car is travelling, the acoustic signal will refer to the most recent event
and the two warning lights will proceed with the visual indication
independently.
REAR SEATS (warning light no. 2, no.
3 and no. 4)For the rear seats, the reminder cycle is only activated when any seat
belt is unfastened (flashing red).
In this condition, the warning light for the seat belt which has been
unfastened will flash (red) for approximately 30 seconds. An acoustic
signal is also emitted.
The visual indication (flashing red) will start and stop independently for
each warning light if several seat belts are unfastened. The warning
light will become green when the relevant seat belt is fastened again.
The rear seat warning lights will switch off, regardless of the state
of the belt (red or green) approximately 30 seconds after the last
signal.
IMPORTANT
The warning lights are all off if all seat belts (front and rear) are
already fastened when the ignition key is turned to MAR.
All warning lights switch on when at least one belt changes from
fastened to unfastened or vice versa.
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In Europe the characteristics of children restraint systems are ruled by
the regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into five weight groups:Group Weight groups
Group0 upto10kg
Group 0+ up to 13 kg
Group 1 9-18 kg
Group 2 15-25 kg
Group 3 22-36 kgAll restraint devices must bear the type-approval data along with the
control mark on a label firmly secured to the child seat which must
never be removed.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended having been specifically tested for
Alfa Romeo cars.
When an active passenger airbag is fitted, DO NOT
install child seats to be fitted facing backwards on the
front seat. Deployment of the airbag in an accident
could cause fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of
the collision. It is advisable to always carry children in a child
seat on the rear seat, which is the most protected position in the
event of a collision.Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child on the
passenger side front seat in a child seat facing backwards,
the passenger front and side airbags (pelvis/chest
protection front and side bags) must be deactivated
through the Setup menu. Deactivation should be verified by
checking that the
warning light is on, in the trim above the internal
rearview mirror. Slide the passenger seat back as far as possible to
avoid contact between the child seat and the dashboard.
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Fit the child seat according to the instructions, which
must be included.
Main recommendations to carry children safely
❒Install the child seats on the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of an accident.
❒Keep children in rear facing seats for as long as possible, until 2
years old.
❒Should a rear facing child seat be installed on the rear seats, it is
advisable to position it as far forward as the position of the front
seat allows.
❒If the passenger's front airbag is deactivated always check the
permanent switching on of the dedicated warning light on the
instrument panel to make sure that it has actually been deactivated.
❒Carefully follow the instructions supplied with the child seat itself.
Keep the instructions in the car along with the other documents
and this handbook. Do not use second-hand child seats without
instructions.
❒Only one child is to be strapped into each restraint system; never
carry two children simultaneously.
❒Always check that the seat belts do not interfere with the child's
throat.
❒Always check that the seat belt is well fastened by pulling on it.❒While travelling, do not let the child sit incorrectly or unfasten the
belts.
❒Never allow a child to put the belt's diagonal section under an arm
or behind their back.
❒Never carry children on your lap, even newborns. No-one can
restrain a child in the event of an accident.
❒In the event of an accident, replace the child seat with a new one.
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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
A0J0056
fig. 106
A0J0402
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