ESP Alfa Romeo MiTo 2016 Owner's Guide

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'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 WARNINGS
During 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.
❒sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused by
the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading the
vehicle and carrying out specific tuning operations that require the
vehicle to be lowered;
❒The detection of obstacles at the top part of the car may not be
guaranteed because the system detects obstacles that could cause an
impact with the car in the bottom part.
103
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

PRETENSIONERS
The car is equipped with front seat belt pretensioners, which draw
back the seat belts by several centimetres in the event of a violent
frontal impact. This guarantees the perfect adherence of the seat belts
to the occupants’ bodies before the restraining action begins.
It is evident that the pretensioners have been activated when the belt
withdraws towards the reel.
The car is also equipped with a second pretensioner (in the kick plate
area). Its activation is signalled by the shortening of the metal cable.
A slight discharge of smoke may be produced during the activation of
the pretensioner. This is not harmful and does not indicate the start
of a fire.
IMPORTANT To obtain the highest degree of protection from the action
of the pretensioner, wear the seat belt tight to the chest and pelvis.
The pretensioner does not require any maintenance or lubrication: any
changes to its original conditions will invalidate its efficiency. If, due
to unusual natural events (floods, sea storms, etc.), the device has been
affected by water and/or mud, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services to have it replaced.
The pretensioner may be used only once. Once it has
been activated, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services
to have it replaced.
Operations which lead to impacts, vibrations or localised
heating (over 100°C for a maximum of six hours) in the
area around the pretensioner may damage or deploy it.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services should intervention be
necessary on these components.
LOAD LIMITERS
To increase protection, the front seat belt reels contain a load limiter
which controls the force acting on the chest and shoulders during
the belt restraining action in the event of a head-on collision.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
THE SEAT BELTS
Respect and ensure that all the other occupants of the car respect the
local laws in force regarding the use of seat belts. Always fasten the
seat belts before starting off.
Seat belts must also be worn by pregnant women: the risk of injury in
the event of an accident is reduced for them and the unborn child if
they are wearing a seat belt.
Pregnant women must position the lower part of the belt very low
down so that it passes over the pelvis and under the abdomen fig. 93.
The belt must not be twisted. The upper part must pass over the
shoulder and cross the chest diagonally. The lower part must adhere to
the pelvis fig. 94, not to the abdomen of the occupant. Never use
devices (clips, clamps, etc.) to hold the seat belt away from your body.
112
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

GROUP 2
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
Children from 15 to 25 kg may use the car seat belts directly fig. 98.
In this case, the child restraint system is used to position the child
correctly with respect to the seat belts so that the diagonal belt section
crosses the child’s chest and not the neck, and the lower part is snug
on the pelvis not the abdomen.
GROUP 3
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
For children between 22 kg and 36 kg, there are dedicated restraint
systems that allow the seat belt to be worn correctly.
fig. 99 shows an example of correct child seat positioning on the rear
seat.
Children over 1.50 m in height can wear seat belts like adults.
fig. 98A0J0099fig. 99A0J0100
117
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

FRONT AIRBAGS
“SMART BAG” SYSTEM (MULTISTAGE
FRONT AIRBAGS)
The car is equipped with multi-stage front airbags (“Smart bags”) for
the driver and passenger and knee bags for the driver.
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.
Airbags are not a replacement of but complementary to the seat belts,
which you are recommended to always wear. In the event of impact,
those not wearing a seat belt are projected forwards and may come
into contact with the bag which is still inflating. 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, etc.);
❒jamming of the car underneath other vehicles or protective barriers
(e.g. underneath a truck or a guard rail) as, in this case, the bags
would offer no additional protection with respect to the seat belt and
their deployment 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 AIRBAG
This consists of an instantly inflating bag contained in a special
compartment in the centre of the steering wheel fig. 103.
Always drive keeping your hands on the steering
wheel rim so 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. 103A0J0047
123
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARMING UP THE ENGINE JUST
AFTER IT HAS STARTED
Proceed 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.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive, before turning the engine off
you should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine
compartment to decrease.
A quick burst on the accelerator before stopping the engine
serves absolutely no practical purpose. It wastes fuel and
is especially damaging to turbocharged engines.
PARKING
Switch off the engine and pull up the handbrake. Engage a gear (1stif
the car is facing uphill or reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered to one side.
If the car is parked on a steep slope block the wheels with a wedge or
stone. Always remove the ignition key when leaving the car.
Never leave children unattended in the car. Always
remove the key from the ignition when leaving the car
and take it with you.
132
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN 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 USE
Cold 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 TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
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.
136
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN 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 STARTING
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
REPLACING A WHEEL
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The 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.
140
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

CHANGING A BULB
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
❒Before changing a bulb check the contacts for oxidation;
❒blown bulbs must be replaced with others of the same type and
power;
❒after replacing a headlight bulb, always check its alignment;
❒when a light is not working, check that the corresponding fuse is
intact before changing a bulb. For the location of fuses, refer to
the paragraph “Replacing fuses” in this section.
Halogen bulbs must be handled holding the metal part
only. Touching the transparent part of the bulb with your
fingers may reduce the intensity of the emitted light and
even reduce the lifespan of the bulb. In case of accidental contact, wipe
the bulb with a cloth moistened with alcohol and let the bulb dry.
Modifications or repairs to the electric system that are
not carried out properly or do not take the system
technical specifications into account can cause
malfunctions leading to the risk of fire.
Halogen bulbs contain pressurised gas which may
cause small fragments of glass to be projected
outwards if the bulb is broken.
IMPORTANT When the weather is cold or damp or after heavy rain or
washing, the surface of headlights or rear lights, may steam up and/or
form drops of condensation on the inside. This is a natural
phenomenon due to the difference in temperature and humidity
between the inside and the outside of the glass which does not indicate
a fault and does not compromise the normal operation of lighting
devices. The mist disappears quickly when the lights are turned on,
starting from the centre of the diffuser, extending progressively towards
the edges.
151
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

FUSE LOCATION
Fuses are grouped together in three fuse boxes located in the engine
compartment, dashboard and luggage compartment.
Engine compartment fuse box
This is located next to the battery fig. 153: to access the fuses, undo
screws A fig. 152 and remove cover B.
The number identifying the electrical component corresponding to each
fuse is on the back of the cover.
After replacing the fuse, make sure you close cover B on the junction
unit.
If it is necessary to wash the engine compartment, take
care not to directly hit the junction unit and the window
wiper motors with the water jet.
fig. 152A0J0126fig. 153A0J0417
162
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

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.
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.
170
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX