sensor Alfa Romeo MiTo 2015 User Guide
Page 67 of 280
Move the stalk upwards (unstable position) to limit operation to the
time for which the stalk is held in this position. When released, the
stalk will return to its default position and the wiper will be
automatically stopped.
Do not use the windscreen wiper to remove layers of
snow or ice from the windscreen. In such conditions,
the windscreen wiper may be subjected to excessive
stress and the motor protection, which prevents operation for a
few seconds, may intervene. If operation is not restored, even
after turning the key and restarting the engine, contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services.
Do not operate the windscreen wiper with the blades
lifted from the windscreen.
"Smart washing" function
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) to operate
the windscreen washer. Keep the stalk pulled for more than half a
second, with just one movement, to operate windscreen washer/wiper
jet at the same time.
The wiper stops working three strokes after the stalk is released. A
further stroke after approximately 6 seconds completes the cycle.
RAIN SENSOR
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an infra-red LED sensor fitted on the car windscreen fig. 37.
It is able to detect the presence of rain and consequently manage
windscreen wiping in accordance with the amount of water on the
windscreen.
Activation
The sensor is activated when ring nut A fig. 36 is turned to “automatic”
position (“AUTO” control): the windscreen wiper stroke frequency is
thus adjusted in accordance with the amount of water on the
windscreen.
This frequency can vary from no stroke (no rain - windscreen dry) up
to the 2
ndconstant speed operation (heavy rain - windscreen wet).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted through the Set-up
menu (see paragraph “Menu Items” in this section).
fig. 37A0J0189
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If the engine is stopped with the lever in “automatic” position, when it
is next started no wiping cycle will take place even if it is raining.
This prevents accidental activation of the rain sensor when the engine
is started (e.g. when the windscreen is being washed by hand or
the wipers are stuck to the windscreen when there is ice).
Carry out any of the following manoeuvres to restore automatic
operation of the system:
❒movement of left stalk from the automatic position to any other
position and then back to automatic;
❒sensitivity adjustment (by turning ring nut A to increase or decrease).
When the rain sensor is reactivated using any of the manoeuvres
described above, reactivation is indicated by a single stroke of the
windscreen wipers, regardless of the condition of the windscreen.
If the sensitivity is changed whilst the rain sensor is operating, a
windscreen wiper stroke is carried out to confirm the change.
In the event of malfunction of the rain sensor whilst it is active, the
windscreen wiper operates intermittently at a speed consistent with the
sensitivity setting of the rain sensor, regardless of whether there is
rain on the glass (sensor failure is indicated on the display).
The sensor continues to operate and it is possible to set the windscreen
wiper to continuous mode (1
stor 2ndspeed). The failure indication
remains for as long as the sensor is active.
REAR WINDOW WASHER/WIPER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Activation
This operates only with the ignition key turned to MAR.
Turn ring nut B fig. 36 from positionOto position
to operate the
rear window wiper as follows:
❒in intermittent mode when the windscreen wiper is not operating;
❒in synchronous mode (at half the speed of the windscreen wiper)
when the windscreen wiper is operating;
❒in continuous mode with reverse gear engaged and the control
active.
With reverse gear engaged and windscreen wiper on, the rear
window wiper is activated in continuous mode. Pushing the stalk
towards the dashboard (unstable position) will activate the rear
window washer jet.
Keep the stalk pushed for more than half a second to activate the rear
window wiper as well. Releasing the stalk will activate the smart
washing function, as described for the windscreen wiper.
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SAFETY FUNCTIONS
When 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 OPERATION
In 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.
CAR INACTIVITY
In the event of car inactivity (or if the battery is replaced), special
attention must be paid to the disconnection of the battery power
supply.
The procedure must be carried out as follows: press button A fig. 82 to
detach connector B from battery status monitoring sensor C (this is
located on the negative pole of the battery itself).
In case of battery replacement, always contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services. Replace the battery with
one of the same type (HEAVY DUTY) and with the same
specifications.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the electrical supply to the battery.
fig. 82A0J0379
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RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE
PHONES
Radio transmitter equipment (vehicle mobile phones, CB radios,
amateur radio, etc.) cannot be used inside the car unless a separate
aerial is mounted externally.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices inside the passenger
compartment (without separate aerial) produces radio-frequency
electromagnetic fields which, amplified by the resonance effects inside
the passenger compartment, may cause electrical systems equipping
the car to malfunction. This could compromise safety in addition to
constituting a potential hazard for the passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of these devices may be
affected by the shielding effect of the car body.
As far as the use of EC-approved mobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage instructions provided by the mobile
phone manufacturer.
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.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are activated by engaging reverse gear. As the obstacle
behind the vehicle gets closer to the car, the acoustic signal becomes
more frequent.
fig. 86A0J0088
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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 SIGNAL
When 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".
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.
fig. 87A0J0370
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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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TPMS (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car may be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
which informs the driver of the tyre inflation status via the "Check
tyre pressure" and "Low tyre pressure" messages on the display.
This system comprises a radio frequency transmitter fitted to each
wheel (on the wheel rim inside the tyre), which is able to send
information on the tyre inflation pressure of each wheel to the control
unit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THE TPMS
The fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be displayed
after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send the relative
indications to the instrument panel only after the car has been in
motion for a short time.
The presence of the TPMS does not permit the driver to
neglect regular checks of the tyre pressure, including
for the spare wheel.
Tyre pressure must be checked with tyres rested and
cold. Should it become necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the prescribed value, but
repeat the check when tyres are cold.
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.
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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.
The tyre repair kit ("Fix&Go Automatic") provided with the
car is compatible with the TPMS sensors; using sealants
not equivalent with that in the original kit may adversely
affect its operation. If sealants not equivalent with the original one are
used, it is recommended to have the TPMS sensors checked by a
qualified repair centre.
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In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
Operation Presence of sensor Failure indicationAlfa Romeo Authorised
Services intervention
– – YESContact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services
Wheel change with space-saver
wheelNO YES Repair the damaged wheel
Wheel change with winter tyres NO YESContact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services
Wheel change with winter tyres YES NO –
Wheel change with others of a
different size
(*)YES NO –
Switching wheels (front/rear)
(**)YES NO –
(*)Given as an alternative in the Owner Handbook and available from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
(**)Not cross-swapped (tyres must stay on the same side).
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PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The following devices are used for reducing petrol fuel engine
emissions: catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and evaporation control
system
The following devices are used for reducing diesel fuel engine
emissions: oxidising catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation
system (EGR) and particulate filter (DPF).
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
(Diesel Particulate Filter)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechanical filter, integral to the
exhaust system, that physically traps carbon particles present in the
exhaust gases of diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter is needed to eliminate almost all carbon
particle emissions in compliance with current/future regulations and
standards.
During standard use of the vehicle, the engine control unit records a set
of data (e.g.: travel time, type of route, temperatures, etc.) and it will
then calculate how much particulate has been trapped by the filter.Since this filter physically traps particulate, it should be periodically
regenerated (cleaned) at regular intervals by burning carbon particles.
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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