towing Alfa Romeo MiTo 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

IMPORTANT If the ignition key is turned
to MAR, all the LEDs will stay on for
approximately 4 seconds (check
function).
IMPORTANT If the ignition key is turned
to STOP, the LED for the operating mode
selected will stay on for approximately
2 seconds (LED 3 or 4).
Engine starting always occurs on petrol;
then, depending on the position of the
switch 1 the following occurs:
the switch pressed on the right side
(identified by the symbol
): indicates
petrol operation with activation of the
associated orange LED 3;
the switch pressed on the left side
(identified by the symbolG): indicates
LPG operation with activation of the
associated green LED 4.
If the LPG runs out, the system
automatically switches to petrol: theorange LED 3 comes on and the green
LED 4 indicating LPG operation goes off.
When the vehicle is refuelled with LPG
after a normal start-up on petrol, the fuel
system automatically returns to LPG: the
orange LED 3 switches off and the green
LED 4 for LPG operation switches on.
REFUELLING
12)
LPG
Maximum refuelling capacity (including
reserve): 39 litres. The figure already
takes into account the 80% tank filling
limit and the residual fluid required for
priming; this figure represents the
maximum permitted capacity. In addition,
after different refuelling processes, this
figure may vary due to differences
between the network pump supply
pressures, pumps having different
supply/locking features, tank not
completely run out of fuel.
IMPORTANT In order to avoid
inconsistent information by the LPG
gauge on the instrument panel, it is
recommended to refill with at least
10 litres each time.
WARNING
20)Note that in some countries (including
Italy) there are legal restrictions in force for
parking/garaging motor vehicles fuelled by
gas that is denser than air; LPG comes under
this category.
21)Do not switch between the two
operating modes whilst starting the engine.
22)If gas is smelt, switch from LPG
operation to petrol operation and
immediately go to an Alfa Romeo Dealership
to have the vehicle checked and possible
system faults excluded.
IMPORTANT
5)The car is equipped with a gaseous LPG
injection system designed specifically for it:
it is therefore absolutely forbidden to alter
the configuration of the system or its
components. The use of other components or
materials could cause malfunctions and lead
to a reduction in safety; therefore, in the
case of problems, contact a Fiat Dealership.
To prevent damage to the gas system parts
when towing or raising the vehicle, follow the
instructions in the "Towing the vehicle"
paragraph of the Owner Handbook.
6)The system operates at temperatures
ranging between −20°C and 100°C.
38A0J0321C
37

Let’s get to the core of the vehicle: seeing how you can exploit all
of its potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any situation, so that it can be
a welcome companion, with our comfort and our wallets in mind.
STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE . .........................90
PARKING THE VEHICLE ...........................91
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX .....................92
USING ALFA TCT TRANSMISSION . . . . ................93
START&STOP SYSTEM. ..........................95
CRUISE CONTROL ..............................97
PARKING SENSORS .............................98
TOWING TRAILERS . . . . . . . . .....................99
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE . . .....................100

STARTING THE ENGINE
93) 94) 95)
17) 18) 19) 20)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on the
display.
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
Except Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gearbox lever in neutral;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.
Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral or fully press the
clutch pedal if a gear other than neutral is
engaged;
turn the ignition key to AVV and
release it as soon as the engine starts.Versions with LPG system
To properly perform the starting
procedure, refer to as previously
described.
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected. There must therefore always be
some petrol in the tank to protect the
petrol pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG to petrol operation, if
high performance is required.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Except Turbo TwinAir versions:Ifthe
engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before
repeating the procedure.
For Turbo TwinAir versions only:Ifthe
vehicle does not start at the first
attempt, return the ignition key to STOP
and repeat the starting procedure placing
the gear lever in neutral and fully
pressing the clutch pedal.
If, with the ignition key turned to MAR,
the
symbol is shown on the display
together with the warning light
, turn
the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the symbol on the display is still shown,
try with the other keys provided with the
car. Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership if
the engine still does not start.
Never leave the ignition key in
MAR-ON position when the engine is
stopped.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
turn the ignition key to MAR position:
the
warning light will light up on
instrument panel;
wait for the warning light to switch off;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV; the
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.
WARNING
93)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.
94)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to apply
much more force than usual to the brake
pedal.
95)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
90
STARTING AND DRIVING

The following conditions may influence
the performance of the parking
assistance 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
car and carrying out specific tuning
operations that require the car 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.
IMPORTANT
26)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 must be
washed using clean water, with the addition
of vehicle 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.
WARNING
103)Only have the bumpers repainted or
any retouches to the paintwork in the area of
the sensors carried out by an Alfa Romeo
Dealership. Incorrect paint application could
affect the operation of the parking sensors.
104)Parking and other dangerous
manoeuvres are, however, always the
driver’s responsibility. While carrying out
these manoeuvres, always make sure that
no people (especially children) or animals are
in the area concerned. The parking sensors
are an aid for the driver, but the driver must
never allow their attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
TOWING TRAILERS
105) 106)
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be provided with a
type-approved tow hook and adequate
electric system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation must be carried out
by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional door
mirrors as specified by the Highway
Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the
braking spaces increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight.
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).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in the
case of vehicles towing trailers. In any
case do not exceed 100 km/h.
99

INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
WARNING
105)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.
106)Do not, under any circumstances,
modify the vehicle's braking system to
control the trailer breaking system. The
towing braking system must be completely
independent of the vehicle's hydraulic
system.
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE
During refuelling procedure, switch off
the engine, engage handbrake, rotate the
ignition key to STOP and do not smoke.
PETROL ENGINES
Only use unleaded petrol. The petrol
octane rating (RON) must not be lower
than 95. In order to prevent damage to
the catalytic converter never introduce
even the smallest amount of leaded
petrol, even in the event of an emergency.
DIESEL ENGINES
Only use diesel fuel compliant with
European specification EN590. The use
of other products or mixtures may
damage the engine beyond repair and
consequently invalidate the warranty,
due to the damage caused.
When using or parking the vehicle for a
long time in the mountains or cold areas,
it is advisable to refuel using locally
available Diesel. In this case, it is also
advisable to keep the tank over 50% full.
FUEL TANK CAP
107)
Opening
Open flap 1 fig. 76 pulling it outwards,
hold cap 2 still, insert the ignition key in
the lock and turn it anticlockwise. Then,turn the cap anticlockwise and remove it.
The cap has a loss prevention device
3 which secures it to the flap so that it
cannot be lost. Attach the cap to device
4 during refuelling.
Closing
Fit the cap (complete with key) and turn it
clockwise until it clicks once or more.
Then, turn the key clockwise and extract
it, then close the flap.
The sealing may cause a slight pressure
increase in the tank. A little breathing off,
while slackening the cap is absolutely
normal.
ENGINES WITH LPGSYSTEM
The gas filler is located next to the petrol
filler cap. It has a "non return", located in
the filler body itself.
To access the filler 2 fig. 77 open the
access flap 1.
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100
STARTING AND DRIVING

A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help you to deal with critical
situations independently and with calm. In an emergency we
recommend that you call the freephone number found in the
Warranty Booklet. You can also use the universal, national or
international freephone number to find your nearest Authorised
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
IN AN EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS . . . . . . .................104
REPLACING A BULB . . . . ........................104
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB....................108
REPLACING FUSES . ...........................110
CHANGING A WHEEL ...........................116
"Fix&Go Automatic" KIT. . . . ......................120
JUMP STARTING . . . . ..........................122
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM . ........................123
ALFA TCT TRANSMISSION - KEY REMOVAL . . . ..........124
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..........................125

JUMP STARTING(versions with Start&Stop system)
125)
When jump starting, never connect the
negative lead (–) of the auxiliary battery
to the negative pole 1 fig. 111 of the car
battery, but rather to an engine/gearbox
earth point.
BUMP STARTING
Never, under any circumstances, jump
start the engine by pushing, towing or
coasting downhill.
IMPORTANT
34)Never connect the negative terminals of
the two batteries directly! If the auxiliary
battery is installed on another car, prevent
accidental contact between metallic parts of
the two cars.35)Never use a fast battery-charger to
start the engine as this could damage the
electronic systems of your vehicle,
particularly the ignition and engine fuel
supply control units.
WARNING
124)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.
125)Before opening the bonnet, make sure
that the engine is off and that the ignition
key is in the STOP position. Please follow the
instructions on the decal near the front
crossmember. We recommend that you
remove the key from the ignition if other
people remain in the vehicle. The vehicle
should always be left after the key has been
removed or turned to the STOP position.
During refuelling, make sure that the engine
is off (and that the ignition key is in the STOP
position).
FUEL CUT-OFFSYSTEM
Operation
This intervenes in the case of an impact
causing:
the fuel supply cut-off with the engine
consequently switching off;
the automatic unlocking of the doors;
the switching on of the interior lights.
The intervention of the system is
indicated by a message shown on the
display.
Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks,
for instance in the engine compartment,
under the vehicle or near the tank area.
126)
After a collision, turn the ignition key to
STOP to prevent the battery from
running down.
To restore the correct operation of the
car, proceed as follows:
turn the ignition key to the MAR
position;
activate the right direction indicator;
deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
activate the right direction indicator;
deactivate the right direction
indicator;
activate the left direction indicator;
deactivate the left direction indicator;
111A0J0392C
123

IMPORTANT
36)It is advisable to contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership to have the refitting procedure
carried out. If you would like to proceed
autonomously, special attention must be
paid to the correct coupling of the retaining
clips. Otherwise, noise might be heard due to
an incorrect fastening of the lower cover
with the upper cover.
TOWING THE VEHICLE
The tow hook provided with the car is
located in the tool box in the luggage
compartment.
ATTACHING THE TOW RING
127) 128) 129)
Towing from the front
Remove cap 1 fig. 117 from its housing
using a screwdriver or similar tool in the
lower slot. Take care not to damage the
paint. Take tow hook 2 from its housing in
the tool support and screw it in fully on
the threaded pin.
Towing from the rear
Remove cap 1 fig. 118 from its housing
using a screwdriver or similar tool in the
upper slot. Take care not to damage the
paint. Take tow hook 2 from its housing in
the tool support and screw it in fully on
the threaded pin.
115A0J0570C
116A0J0574C
117A0J0038C
125

“VELOCE” versions: remove cap 1 by
pressing on the upper part, take tow hook
2 from its housing in the tool support and
screw it in fully on the threaded pin.
WARNING
127)For versions with key without remote
control, before towing, turn the ignition key
to MAR and then to STOP without removing
it. The steering column will automatically
lock when the key is removed and the wheels
cannot be steered. Also check that the
gearbox is in neutral (on versions equipped
with automatic transmission, check that the
gear lever is in N position). For versions with
electronic key, move the ignition device to
MAR and then to STOP, without opening the
door.128)The brake servo and the
electromechanical power steering will not
work while the vehicle is being towed. You
will therefore need to apply more force on
the brake pedal and steering wheel. Do not
use flexible ropes when towing, and avoid
jerky movements. During towing, make sure
that the trailer hitch does not damage any
components it is touching. When towing the
car, you must comply with all specific traffic
regulations and adopt an appropriate
driving behaviour. Do not start the engine
while towing the car. Before tightening the
ring, clean the threaded housing thoroughly.
Make sure that the ring is fully screwed into
the housing before towing the car.
129)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. In compliance with 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.
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126
IN AN EMERGENCY

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct servicing is crucial for
guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has planned
a series of checks and services at fixed
distance intervals and, where provided, at
fixed time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Regardless of the above, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
liquids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all Alfa
Romeo Dealerships according to fixed
time or kilometres/miles intervals. If,
during each operation, in addition to the
ones scheduled, the need arises for
further replacements or repairs, these
may be carried out with the owner's
explicit agreement only. If your vehicle is
used frequently for towing, the interval
between one service operation and the
next should be reduced.IMPORTANT NOTES
Scheduled Servicing interventions are
set out by the Manufacturer. Failure to
have them carried out may invalidate the
warranty.
It is advisable to inform the Alfa Romeo
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
128
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE