Rain Alfa Romeo MiTo 2016 Owner's Guide

DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the operation of
ESC. For particular manoeuvres, the ESC system controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best possible
way.
The system operates the brakes and steering in a coordinated manner
to increase the suspension and safety level of the car as a whole.
The steering provides additional torque on the steering wheel.
“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).
fig. 74A0J0090
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JUMP STARTING
When jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–) of the
auxiliary battery to the negative pole A fig. 83 of the car battery, but
rather to an engine/gearbox earth point.
Before opening the bonnet, make sure the engine is off and
the ignition key is in the STOP position. Follow the
indications on the plate underneath the bonnet fig. 84. It is
advisable to extract the key when there are other people in the car.
Leave the car only after having removed the ignition key or having
turned it to STOP. During refuelling, make sure that the engine is off
and that the ignition key is in the STOP position.
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).
fig. 83A0J0388fig. 84A0J0341
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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.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.
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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.
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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.
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SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
❒Always use the seat belt well stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without obstructions;
❒replace the belt after an accident of a certain severity even if it does
not appear to be damaged. Always replace the belt if the
pretensioners were deployed;
❒hand wash the seat belts with water and neutral soap, rinse and
leave to dry in the shade. Never use strong detergents, bleach,
paints or any other substance which could damage the belt fibres;
❒prevent the retractors from getting wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
❒replace the seat belt when there is wear or cuts.
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of an impact, all occupants must be
seated and wearing adequate restraint systems, including newborn
and other children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC countries according to EC
Directive 2003/20/EC.
Compared with an adult, a child's head is larger and heavier in
proportion to his/her body and the child's muscular and bone
structures are not fully developed. Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are necessary to reduce as much as possible
the risk of injuries in case of accident, braking or sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely and comfortably. As far as the
characteristics of the child restraint systems used allow, you are
advised to keep children in rear facing restraint systems for as long as
possible (at least until 3–4 years old), since this is the most protected
position in the event of an impact.
The choice of the most suitable child restraint device depends on the
weight of the child; there are various types of child restraint systems
and you are advised always to choose the one that is most suitable for
the child.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint
systems, children are considered as adults and wear seat belts
normally.
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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 kg
All 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 restraint systems for each
weight group. These devices are recommended having been
specifically tested for Alfa Romeo cars.
SEVERE DANGER. When an active passenger airbag is fitted,
DO NOT install rear facing child restraint systems on the
front seat. Deployment of the airbag in an accident could
cause fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of
the impact. It is advisable to always carry children in a
child restraint system on the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
On the sun visor there is a label with suitable symbols
remembering that it is compulsory to deactivate the
airbag if a rear facing child restraint system is fitted.
Always comply with the instructions on the passenger's side sun
visor (see the "Front airbag" paragraph).
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FITTING “UNIVERSAL” CHILD
SEAT (with seat belts)
GROUP 0 and 0+
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
Infants up to 13 kg must be carried with a child seat facing backwards
of a type as shown in fig. 96 which, supporting the head, does not
induce stress on the neck in the event of sudden decelerations.
The child seat is secured by the car seat belts, as shown in fig. 96 and
it must restrain the child in turn with its own belts.
GROUP 1
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
Children of weight from 9 to 18 kg may be carried in child seats
facing forwards fig. 97.
Child seats with Isofix attachments are available,
which allow them to be secured to the seat safely
without using the car seat belts.
fig. 96A0J0097fig. 97A0J0371
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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
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SUITABILITY OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR UNIVERSAL CHILD SEAT USE
According to the European Directive 2000/3/EC the suitability of each passenger seat position for the fixing of universal child seats is shown in
the following table:
Group Weight groups Front passengerRear side and central
passenger
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg
UU
Group 1 9-18 kgUU
Group 2 15-25 kgUU
Group 3 22-36 kgUU
U= Suitable for child restraint systems in the "Universal" category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified "Groups".
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