Page 112 of 250
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR111
1“ALFA dna” SYSTEM
(Dynamic vehicle control system)
(where provided)
This device allows three different driving modes to be selected by
operating lever A-fig. 70 on the central tunnel.
❍d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❍n = Normal (normal driving mode);
❍a = All Weather (driving mode for poor grip conditions, i.e. rain
and snow on the road)
The device also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems (en-
gine, steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
fig. 70A0J0090m
DRIVING MODES
Lever A-fig. 70 is a one-way switch, i.e. it always remains in the cen-
tral position. The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED coming on in the panel and by an indication on the re-
configurable multifunctional display, as illustrated below:
A0J0188mA0J0290m
Dynamic Mode Mode
All Weather
When “NORMAL” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are
shown on the display.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 111
Page 121 of 250

120GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(where provided)
The vehicle can be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system
(T.P.M.S.), which informs the driver of the tyre inflation pressure
via the “Check the tyre inflation pressure” and “Insufficient tyre in-
flation pressure” warning messages.
This system comprises of 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 NOTES ABOUT
THE T.P.M.S. SYSTEM
The fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be dis-
played after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send fault infor-
mation to the instrument panel only after the vehicle has been in
motion for a short time.
Take the greatest of care when checking and top-
ping up the tyre inflation pressure. Excessive pres-
sure compromises road holding, increases the stress
on the suspension and wheels as well as increasing the risk
of the tyres wearing out un-evenly.
The tyre inflation pressure should be measured
with the tyres at rest and cold; if for any reason
the pressure is checked when the tyres are warm,
do not reduce the pressure if it is excessive but rather wait
until the tyres have cooled down and carry out the check
again.
The presence of the T.P.M.S. system does not mean
the driver should not carry out regular checks on
the tyre inflation pressure and spare wheel.
001-126 Alfa MiTo GB 13-11-2008 10:08 Pagina 120
Page 130 of 250

SAFETY129
2
IMPORTANT The backrest is correctly secured when the “red band”
B-fig. 3 on the backrest lowering levers A disappears. This red band
indicates that the backrest is not secured.
IMPORTANT After putting the seats back in their travel position,
restore the seat belt position to make them ready for use.S.B.R. SYSTEM
(Seat Belt Reminder)
This system comprises of a buzzer, which in conjunction with the
the driver and front passenger if their seat belts have not been
fastened.
On some versions there is also a panel (provided as an alterna-
tive to the warning lights on the instrument panel) located above
the rear-view mirror fig. 4, which warns the back seat passengers
via acoustic and visual signals if their seat belts have not been
fastened.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider to deactivate
this system permanently. The S.B.R. system can only be reactivated
via the display Set Up Menu (see chapter “1”).
Make sure the backrest is properly secured on both
sides (red bands B-fig. 3 not visible) to prevent it
from moving forward in the event of sharp brak-
ing, which may cause injuries to passengers.
fig. 4A0J0210m
AB
fig. 3A0J0182m
127-148 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:41 Pagina 129
Page 135 of 250

134SAFETY
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of a crash, all passengers must
be seated and wear adequate restraint systems. This is even more
important for children. This prescription is compulsory in all EC coun-
tries according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC. Compared with adults,
their head is proportionally larger and heavier than the rest of the
body, while the muscles and bone structure are not completely
developed. For this reason, they require restraint systems which
are different from those used by adults to protect them in the event
of an accident.
The results of research on the best child restraint systems are con-
tained in the European Standard EEC-R44. This Standard enforces
the use of restraint systems classified in five groups:
Group 0 up to 10 kg in weight
Group 0+ up to 13 kg in weight
Group 1 9-18 kg in weight
Group 2 15-25 kg in weight
Group 3 22-36 kg in weight
All restraint devices must bear the certification data, together with
the control brand, on a solidly fixed label which must absolutely
never be removed.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint
systems, children are considered as adults and have to wear the
standard seat belts.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended, having been specifically designed
for Alfa Romeo cars.
Do not arrange child seats facing backwards if the
front airbag on the passenger’s side is enabled. De-
ployment of the airbag in an accident could cause
fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of the
collision. It is advisable to carry children in dedicated child
seats on the rear seat, which is the most protected posi-
tion in the event of an accident.
Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child
on the front seat in a cradle seat facing away from
the direction of travel, the passenger’s front air bag
and Side Bag should be deactivated by using the
Set-Up Menu. Deactivation can be verified by
checking the
“warning light in the instrument panel.
Move the passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid
contact between the child seat and the dashboard.
127-148 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:41 Pagina 134
Page 145 of 250
144SAFETY
KNEE AIRBAG ON DRIVER’S SIDE fig. 17
This is located in a dedicated compartment under the steering wheel.
It provides additional protection in the event of a frontal impact.
fig. 17A0J0056m
To deactivate the air bags see chapter “1” para-
graph “Menu Items”.
Deactivating the passenger-side front Air
Bag and Side Bag
When carrying a chid on the front seat, deactivate the passenger-
side front Air Bag and Side Bag. With the air bags deactivated, the
“warning light is lit in the instrument panel.
127-148 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:41 Pagina 144
Page 153 of 250

152STARTING UP AND DRIVING
EMERGENCY START
If the Ywarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, before turning the engine off you
should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine com-
partment to fall.
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 vehi-
cle.
HANDBRAKE fig. 1
To engage the handbrake pull lever A upwards until the vehicle is
secured. To disengage slightly raise lever A, press and hold down
button B and lower the lever.
A quick burst on the accelerator before turning off
the engine serves absolutely no practical purpose,
it wastes fuel and is damaging, especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
fig. 1A0J0110m
149-158 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:41 Pagina 152
Page 161 of 250

160IN AN EMERGENCY
STARTING THE ENGINE
If the Ywarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider imme-
diately.
STARTING WITH AN AUXILIARY BATTERY
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
For engine starting follow the procedure below, fig. 1:
❍connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the
two batteries with a jump lead;
❍with a second lead, connect the negative terminal – of the aux-
iliary battery to an earth point
Eon the engine or the gear-
box of the car to be started;
❍start the engine; when engine has started, remove the cables
by reversing the sequence described for connection.If after several attempts the engine will not start, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative terminals of the two bat-
teries directly! If the auxiliary battery is installed on another car,
prevent accidental contact between metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving downhill.
fig. 1A0J0111m
159-196 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:45 Pagina 160
Page 191 of 250
190IN AN EMERGENCY
F23
F24
F31
F36
F37
F38
F43
F47
F4820
5
5
10
5
15
20
20
2041
41
43
43
43
43
43
43
43
CONSUMERS FUSE AMPERE FIGURE
Braking system control unit (control unit and solenoid unit)
Electric steering control unit
(power supply + Key),
Brake system control unit (power supply + Key),
Yaw sensor on tunnel
INT/A key exhaust relay coils
on engine fuse box
Radio, Blue&Me
TMcontrol unit, Climate control unit,
Alarm control unit, Volume sensing system control unit,
EOBD external diagnostic socket,
Tyre pressure detection control unit
Instrument panel, Brake light switch,
Gas discharge headlights management system
Door lock motor on door,
Safe Lock motor on doors,
Tailgate unlocking motor
Windscreen / rearscreen washer pump
Electric window motor complete with
control unit (driver-side door)
Electric window motor complete with
control unit (passenger-side door)
159-196 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:46 Pagina 190