towing Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 Owner's Manual

Engine coolant overheating
(red)
Turning the key to the MAR position illuminates the warning light, but it
should switch off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated.
The display will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on when driving, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the car, switch off the engine and
check that the water level in the reservoir is not below the MIN
mark. If it is, wait 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 marks on the reservoir. Also
check visually for leakages. If the warning light comes on again at
the next engine start-up, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
❒if the vehicle is used under demanding conditions(e.g.
towing trailers uphill or fully loaded): slow down and, if the warning
light stays on, stop the car. Wait for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine
running and slightly accelerated to further favour the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as
described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine
on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switching it off.
Doors not closed correctly
(red)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up when one or
more doors or the tailgate are not closed correctly. An acoustic signal
is activated with the doors open and the car moving.
On some versions the warning light (or symbol on the display) also
lights up when the bonnet is not closed correctly.EOBD/injection system failure
(amber)
In normal conditions, when the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON the
warning light switches on, but should switch off as soon as the engine
is started.
If the warning light remains on or switches on whilst driving, the
injection system is not working properly; in particular, if the warning
light switches on constantly, this indicates a malfunction in the
supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, a
possible loss of performance, poor driveability and high fuel
consumption.
A specific message is displayed on certain versions.
Under these conditions, you may continue travelling at moderate speed
without demanding excessive effort from the engine. Prolonged use of
the car with the warning light on may cause damage.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible.
10GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
The warning light goes out after the fault disappears, but the
notification is stored in the system.

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.
134GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Maximum speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.CONDITIONS OF USECold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the engine from
reaching optimal running temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in large towns
with many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) switch the engine off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
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.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer relative to
the overall weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
139GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

INSTALLING A TOW HOOKContact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
The ABS with which the car is equipped will not control
the braking system of the trailer. Particular caution is
therefore required on slippery roads.Do not, under any circumstances, modify the vehicle's
braking system to control the trailer breaking system.
The towing breaking system must be completely
independent of the vehicle's hydraulic system.
SNOW TYRESUse snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided with the
car: Alfa Romeo Authorized Services will be able to advise you on
the most appropriate tyre to use.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
For the type of snow tyre to be used, inflation pressures and the
specifications, strictly follow the instructions given in the "Wheels"
paragraph in the "Technical specifications" section.
The winter performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when
the tread thickness is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
Due to their specific features, the performance of snow tyres is much
lower than that of normal types in normal conditions or long motorway
stretches. Their usage should therefore be restricted in accordance
with their type approval.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving and braking and good driveability. Remember
that it is inadvisable to change the rotation direction of tyres.
The maximum speed for snow tyres marked “Q” is
160 km/h, while it is 190 km/h for “T” tyres and 210
km/h for "H" tyres. The highway code speed limits
must however always be complied with.
140GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

This starting procedure must be performed by expert
personnel because incorrect actions could cause
electrical discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do not cause sparks.
BUMP STARTINGNever start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
REPLACING A WHEELGENERAL INSTRUCTIONSThe car is equipped with the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit”: see the
paragraph “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” for how to use this device.
As an alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the car may be
equipped with a space-saver wheel: see the instructions on the
following pages for changing the tyre.
The spare wheel is specific for your car. Do not use it
on cars of different models. Do not use spare wheels of
different models on your car. The space-saver wheel
must only be used in case of emergency. It must only be used for
the distance necessary to reach a service point and the car speed
must not exceed 80 km/h. The space-saver wheel has an orange
sticker that summarises the main cautions for use and limitations.
Never remove or cover the label. Never apply any hub cap to
the space-saver spare wheel.Alert other drivers that the car is stationary in
compliance with local regulations: hazard warning
lights, warning triangle, etc. Any passengers on board
should leave the car, especially if it is heavily laden. Passengers
should stay away from on-coming traffic while the wheel is
being changed. In case of steep slopes or rough slopes, place
wedges or other materials suitable to stop the vehicle under the
wheels.
143GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

RAISING THE CARIf you need to lift the car contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services, who
will be equipped with a workshop lift.
IMPORTANT Be careful when positioning the arm of the lift for versions
with side skirts.
TOWING THE CARThe tow ring provided with the car is housed in the tool box in the
boot.ATTACHING THE TOW HOOKRelease the plug A by pressing the lower part, take the tow hook B
from its housing in the tool support and tighten it securely on the front
threaded pin (fig. 157) or on the rear threaded pin (fig. 158).
Before beginning to tow, turn the ignition key to MAR
and then to STOP, without extracting it The steering
column will automatically lock when the key is
removed and the wheels cannot be steered.
fig. 157
A0J0038
171GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Remember that whilst towing it is necessary to exert a
greater force when steering and braking because the
brake servo and electro-mechanical power steering
will be inoperative. Do not use wires for towing. Do not jerk. Be
careful not to damage parts in contact with the car while towing.
When towing the vehicle, you must comply with all specific traffic
regulations and adopt an appropriate driving behaviour. Do not
start the engine while towing the car. Clean the threaded seat
carefully before fastening the hook. Make sure that the hook is
fully fastened in the housing before towing the car.
The front and rear tow hooks should be used only for
emergencies on the road. You are allowed to tow the
vehicle for short distances using an appropriate device
in accordance with the highway code (a rigid bar), to move the
vehicle on the road in readiness for towing or transport via a
breakdown vehicle. 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 conditions, towing must take place with the
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same centre line.
fig. 158
A0J0039
172GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICINGCorrect servicing is essential in guaranteeing a long life for the car
under the best conditions.
That’s why Alfa Romeo has prepared a series of checks and service
operations to be carried out every 30,000 kilometres (petrol versions)
or every 35,000 kilometres (diesel versions).
Check the items on the Scheduled Servicing Plan (e.g. periodically
check level of liquids, tyre pressure, etc.) before 30,000/35,000 km
and between these services deadlines.
Scheduled Servicing is carried out at Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
according to a set time schedule. If, during each operation, in addition
to the ones scheduled, the need arises for further replacements or
repairs, these may be carried out only with the explicit agreement of
the Customer. If your car is used frequently for towing, the interval
between one service operation and the next should be reduced.WARNING
At 2,000 km from the next service operation the display will show a
message.
The Scheduled Services intervals are set out by the Manufacturer.
Failure to comply with the schedule may invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform Alfa Romeo Authorized Services of any small
faults without waiting for the next scheduled service.
173GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCETECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

PERIODIC CHECKSEvery 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and restore the
following if necessary:
❒engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of window washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper blades
Check and top up, if required, the engine oil level every 3,000 km.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CARIf you use the car mainly under one of the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long
periods of idleness;
the following checks must be performed more frequently than indicated
in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and rubber elements
(boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
178GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Rev counter .......................................... 6
Rim Protector (tyres) .............................. 211
Roof lights ........................................... 69
– Courtesy lights ................................ 70
– Front roof light ................................ 69
– Glove compartment light .................. 71
– Luggage compartment roof light ....... 70
– Puddle lights ................................... 70
Roof rack/ski rack ................................ 89Safe Lock device ................................. 39
Saving fuel .......................................... 138
SBR system (Seat Belt Reminder) ............ 114
Scheduled Servicing Plan ...................... 174
Seat belts............................................. 113
– Use ................................................ 113
Seats ................................................... 44
– Easy Entry ...................................... 46
– Front seats ...................................... 44
– Sports configuration front seats......... 46
Setup menu ......................................... 23
Side airbags (Side Bags - Window
Bags) ................................................ 129
Side bags (front side airbags) ............... 130
Side lights/brake lights ......................... 158
Side lights/daytime running lights
(DRL)– bulb replacement............................. 156
Side lights/dipped beam headlights ...... 62
“Smart Bag” system
(Multistage front airbags) ................... 127Snow chains....................................... 141
Snow tyres ........................................... 140
Spark plugs (type) ................................ 200
Speedometer (speed indicator) .............. 6
Starting the engine ............................... 133
Starting the engine ............................... 142
– Bump starting.................................. 143
– Jump starting .................................. 142
Start&Stop system ................................ 98
Steering lock ........................................ 43
Steering system .................................... 208
Steering wheel ..................................... 48
Storing the car ..................................... 141
Sun visors ............................................ 76
Suspension .......................................... 207
Symbols .............................................. 34Technical specifications ....................... 196
The keys .............................................. 36
– Code Card...................................... 36
– Key without remote control ............... 36
– Key with remote control.................... 36Third brake lights
– bulb replacement............................. 159
Towing the car ..................................... 171
– Attaching the tow hook .................... 171
Towing trailers ..................................... 139
– Installing a tow hook........................ 140
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System) ............................................. 107
Transmission ........................................ 206
TRIP button .......................................... 33
Trip Computer ...................................... 31
Ty r e s
– Fix&Go Automatic (kit) .................... 149
– inflation pressure ............................. 214
– reading the tyre code....................... 209
– Rim Protector tyres ........................... 211
– snow tyres ...................................... 212
– tyres provided ................................. 212
Tyres - maintenance .............................. 189
U
sing the Gearbox ............................. 136
W
arning lights on panel .................... 6
Weights............................................... 218
Welcome movement ............................. 22
Wheel rims
– correct reading of the rim code ......... 210
27GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX2