2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo wheel

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR77
1
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
With selector wheel A in position 2pull the lever towards the
steering wheel (stable position). The
1warning light will come
on in the instrument panel. To turn the main beams off, pull the
lever again towards the steering wheel (dipped beams will remain
on). It is not possible to switch on the main beam headlights in
fixed mode if the automatic lighting control system is active.
FLASHING THE HEADLIGHTS
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) re-
gardless of the position of selector wheel A. The
1warning light
will come on in the instrument panel.
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Push the lever to (stable) position:
❍upward adjustment: right-hand indicator ON;
❍downward adjustment: left-hand indicator ON.
Warning light
Îor¥will blink on the instrument panel. The di-
rection indicators are switched off automatically when the steering
wheel is straightened.
Lane change function
If you want to signal that you are changing lane, hold the left lever
in the unstable position for less than half a second. The direction
indicator on the selected side flashes three times and then switch-
es off automatically. IMPORTANT the sensor is not able to detect the presence of fog.
The fog lights must therefore be switched on manually if required.
When the lights are switched on by the sensor, the front and rear
fog lights (where provided) can also be switched on. When the
lights are automatically switched off, the front and rear fog lights
(if activated) are also switched off. The next time the lights are
switched on automatically, the fog lights must be reactivated man-
ually (if required).
With the sensor active, it is possible to flash the headlights but
the main beam headlights cannot be switched on. If you wish to
switch on the main beam headlights, rotate selector wheel
A-fig. 33 to
1and activate the fixed main beam headlights.
When the lights have been activated automatically and are then
switched off by the sensor, the dipped beam headlights are switched
off first, followed by the side lights a few seconds later.
If the sensor is activated but is malfunctioning, the side lights and
dipped beam headlights are switched on independently of the out-
side light level and the sensor failure is indicated on the instrument
panel display. It is also possible to deactivate the sensor and switch
on the side lights and dipped beam headlights.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 77

78GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
EXTERIOR COURTESY LIGHTS
This function lights up the vehicle and the space around it when
the doors are unlocked.
Activation
When the vehicle is parked and the doors are unlocked by press-
ing the
Ëbutton on the remote control (or the luggage compart-
ment is unlocked by pressing
R), the dipped beam headlights,
side lights and number plate lights are activated.
The lights remain lit for approximately 25 seconds unless the doors
and luggage compartment are locked once again, the doors or lug-
gage compartment are opened and closed or the instrument pan-
el is activated. In this case they go out after 5 seconds.
The exterior courtesy lights can be enabled/disabled using the Set-
up Menu (see the paragraph on“Menu Items” in this chapter).
“FOLLOW ME HOME” DEVICE
This device allows you to illuminate the area in front of the car
for a certain amount of time.
Activation
With the ignition key on STOP or removed, pull lever A-fig. 33 to-
wards the steering wheel within 2 minutes of switching off the
engine.
The amount of time the lights remain on is extended by 30 sec-
onds at each movement of the lever, up to a maximum of 210 sec-
onds; after this the lights are switched off automatically.
The
3warning light on the instrument panel will light up (and
the corresponding message will appear on the display) as long as
the function is active.
The warning light comes on when the lever is operated and stays
on until the function is automatically deactivated. Each movement
of the lever increases the amount of time the lights stay on.
Deactivation
Keep the lever pulled towards the steering wheel for more than 2
seconds.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 78

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR79
1
Moving the lever upwards (unstable position) limits operation to
the time the lever is held in this position. The lever will return to
position and the wiper will be automatically stopped when released.WINDOW WASHING
The right lever controls windscreen wiper/washer and heated rear
window wiper/washer operation.
WINDSCREEN WIPER/WASHER fig. 34
This only operates with the ignition turned to MAR. Selector wheel
A can take five different positions:
,intermittent (low speed);
Owindscreen wiper off;
AUTO rain sensor activation (where provided) (the windscreen
wipers adapt the operating speed automatically to suit the
intensity of the rain)
≤intermittent;
≥continuous slow;
¥continuous fast operation.
fig. 34A0J0064m
Do not use the windscreen wiper to remove lay-
ers of snow or ice from the windscreen. In such con-
ditions, the windscreen wiper may be subjected to
excessive stress and the motor protection which prevents
operation for a few seconds may trip. If operation is not
restored, even after turning the key and restarting the en-
gine, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
“Smart washing” function
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) to op-
erate the windscreen washer jet. By keeping the lever pulled for
more than half a second, it is possible to operate the washer jet
and the wiper at the same time with just one movement.
The wiper stops working three strokes after releasing the lever. A
further stroke after approx. 6 seconds completes the wiping cycle.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 79

80GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
If the vehicle is switched off with the lever in the automatic posi-
tion, when the vehicle is next started no wiping cycle will take place
even if it is raining. This is to prevent unwanted activation of the
rain sensor when the engine is started (i.e. when the windscreen
is being washed by hand or the wipers are stuck to the windscreen
by ice).
Carry out any of the following manoeuvres to restore automatic
operation:
❍move the left-hand lever from the automatic position to any
other position and then back to automatic;
❍adjust the sensitivity (by turning selector wheel A-fig. 34 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 wind-
screen. If the sensitivity of the rain sensor is adjusted whilst it is
in operation, a single stroke of the windscreen wiper takes place
to confirm the changed setting.
In the event of the malfunction of the rain sensor whilst it is ac-
tive, the windscreen wiper operates intermittently at a speed con-
sistent with the sensitivity setting of the rain sensor, regardless of
whether it is raining or not (the sensor failure is indicated on the
instrument panel 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 sen-
sor is active.
RAIN SENSOR (where provided) fig. 35
This is an infra-red LED sensor fitted on the vehicle windscreen. 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 by turning selector wheel A-fig. 34 to the
automatic position (AUTO): in this way the windscreen wiper strokes
are regulated in accordance with the amount of water on the wind-
screen. The frequency can vary between no strokes (no rain - wind-
screen dry) and the 2
ndcontinuous speed (intense rain – wind-
screen wet).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted by operating se-
lector wheel A-fig. 34.
fig. 35A0J0189m
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 80

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR81
1CRUISE CONTROL (where provided)
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is an electronic driving aid that allows you to drive at a speed
of above 30 km/h on long and straight dry roads (e.g. motor-
ways), at a preset speed without having to press the accelerator
pedal.
It is not recommended for use on extra-urban roads with traffic. Do
not use it in town.
DEVICE ENGAGEMENT
Turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to ON. The device cannot be engaged
when the vehicle is in 1stgear or reverse: It is advisable to engage
the device at 5thgear or higher.
REARSCREEN WIPER/WASHER
(where provided)
Activation
This only operates with the ignition turned to MAR. The function
stops when the lever is released. Turning selector wheel B-fig. 34
from position
Oto position 'activates the rearscreen wiper ac-
cording to the following:
❍intermittent operation if the windscreen wiper is off;
❍synchronised with the windscreen wiper (but with half stroke
frequency);
❍continuous operation with reverse engaged and windscreen
wiper on.
With reverse gear engaged and windscreen wiper on, the rearscreen
wiper is activated in continuous mode. Pushing the lever towards
the dashboard (unstable position) will activate the rear window
washer jet.
Keeping the lever pushed for more than half a second will also
activate the rearscreen wiper. Releasing the lever will activate the
smart washing function as described for the windscreen wiper.
fig. 36A0J0065m
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 81

82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INCREASING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Press the accelerator and store the new speed or move the lever
upwards (+). Each movement of the lever will correspond to a
slight reduction in speed (about 1 km/h), while keeping the lever
held downwards will reduce the speed continuously.
REDUCING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Deactivate the device and store the new speed or move the lever
downwards (–) until the new speed is reached. It will then auto-
matically be memorised. Each movement of the lever will corre-
spond to a slight reduction in speed (about 1 km/h), while keep-
ing the lever held downwards will correspond to a continuous speed
reduction.
DISENGAGING THE DEVICE
To disengage the device:
❍turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to OFF;
❍switch off the engine;
❍press the brake pedal, the clutch or the accelerator; in this
last case the system is not effectively disengaged but the sys-
tem gives priority to the acceleration request. The device still
remains active, without the need to press the RES button to re-
turn to the previous condition once acceleration is concluded. When travelling downhill with the device engaged, the car may
slightly exceed the preset speed. When the device is activated
the
Üwarning light comes on, together with the relevant mes-
sage on the instrument panel (where provided).
MEMORISING VEHICLE SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❍turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to ON and press the accelerator
until the vehicle reaches the desired speed;
❍push the lever up (+) for at least one second and release it:
the car speed will be stored. The accelerator pedal may be re-
leased.
If needed (e.g. for overtaking), press the accelerator pedal to ac-
celerate: the car will return to the previously set speed when the
pedal is released.
RESTORING STORED SPEED
If the device has been disengaged - for example by pressing the
brake or clutch pedal - the memorised speed can be reset as fol-
lows:
❍accelerate gradually until reaching a speed approaching the one
memorised;
❍engage the gear selected at the time of speed memorising;
❍press button B-fig. 36 (RES).
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 82

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR83
1COURTESY LIGHTS
FRONT COURTESY LIGHT fig. 37
Switch A turns these lights on/off.
Switch A positions:
❍central position (position 1): lights C and D are switched on/off
when the doors are opened/closed.
❍pressed to the left (position 0): lights C and D are always off;
❍pressed to the right (position 2): lights C and D are always on.
The switching on/off of the lights is gradual.
Automatic disengagement
The device is automatically switched off in any of the following
cases:
❍if the ABS or VDC systems cut in;
❍with car speed below the preset limit;
❍in the event of system failure.
When driving with the device active, do not posi-
tion the gear lever in neutral.
In the event of defective operation or device fail-
ure turn the selector wheel to OFF and contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
fig. 37A0J0066m
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 83

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR107
1ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which prevents the
wheels from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip
and gives the best control when performing emergency braking un-
der difficult road conditions.
The system is completed by EBD (Electronic Braking Force Distrib-
ution), which distributes the braking action between front and rear
wheels.
IMPORTANT To achieve maximum efficiency of the braking system,
a settlement period of about 500 km is required: During this time,
avoid sudden, repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
Intervention of the ABS is detected by a slight pulsing of the brake
pedal accompanied by noise: such an event indicates that you need
to adjust your speed to the type of road on which you are travel-
ling.
When the ABS intervenes it means that you are ap-
proaching the grip limit between tyres and road:
slow down to adjust the speed according to avail-
able grip.
The ABS optimally exploits grip between tyre and
road, but it cannot improve grip; you should there-
fore take every care not to take unnecessary risks
when driving on slippery surfaces.
When the ABS cuts in, and you feel the brake ped-
al pulsating, do not remove your foot, but keep it
pressed; by doing so you will stop in the shortest
amount of space possible in the current road conditions.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 107