2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo engine

108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
This is an electronic system that controls car stability in the event
of tyre grip loss.
The VDC system also includes the following systems:
❍Hill Holder
❍ASR
❍Brake Assist
❍MSR
❍CBC
❍“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❍DST
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the áwarning light flashing in the instru-
ment panel: this indicates that the vehicle is in critical stability
and tyre grip conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided
to facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❍uphill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal pressed, gearbox
to neutral or engaged gear other than reverse;
❍downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher
than 5%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
At take-off the VDC system control unit will keep brake force on
the wheels until reaching the torque suitable for starting, or in
any case for 1 second in order to move easily from the brake ped-
al to the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will de-
activate automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A
sound may be heard during this stage: this indicates that the ve-
hicle is about to move off.
IMPORTANT the Hill Holder system should not be used as a hand-
brake. Do not leave the vehicle without having engaged the hand-
brake, switched off the engine and engaged a gear.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR109
1
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
This is an integral part of the VDC system. It automatically cuts in
in the event of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on
wet roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads etc.
According to slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❍if slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR function inter-
venes by reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❍if the slipping involves only one drive wheel, the ASR system
intervenes by automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
If the spare wheel is in use the ASR system does
not work. in this case the
áwarning light will come
on in the instrument panel.
In order for the ESP and ASR systems to operate
correctly, it is essential that the tyres are of the
same brand and type on all wheels, in perfect con-
dition and, above all, of the specified type, brand and size.
If the spare wheel is used, the VDC system keeps
operating. Be aware however that the spare wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel, provides less
grip.
The performance of the VDC and ASR systems
should not encourage the driver to take unneces-
sary risks. Your driving style should always take
road conditions, visibility and traffic into account. The dri-
ver is ultimately responsible for road safety.
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110GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
This system, which cannot be excluded, recognises emergency brak-
ing (on the basis of the brake pedal operation speed) and allows
the braking system to react more quickly. The Brake Assist function
is deactivated in the event of VDC system failure.
MSR SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ASR system which, in the event of
sudden gear downshifting, cuts in, providing torque to the engine
thus preventing excessive drive wheel drag which, specially in poor
grip conditions, can lead to loss of stability.
CBC SYSTEM
This function optimises the brake force distribution between the
four wheels (in order to make maximum use of the available grip)
when braking whilst cornering and the ABS system cuts in. This
improves stopping distances and above all vehicle stability when
cornering.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an
effect similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking circuit, when accelerating around a corner, acts
on the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (in-
creased load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque
between the front drive wheels according to driving and road con-
ditions.
The system, combined with Mc Pherson front suspension, allows
for particularly effective and sporty driving.
DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering Torque)
This is an “active” vehicle control system. On road surfaces with
poor grip, it automatically corrects the steering and also controls
over-steer. This system applies torque to the steering wheel to in-
crease the feeling of safety, helping to keep the vehicle under
control and making the effects of the VDC system more discreet.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR113
1
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT
OF “All Weather” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A-fig. 70 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “All Weather” appears on the display (see diagrams).
A0J0187mA0J1180g
Disengagement
To disengage “All Weather” mode and return to “Normal”, carry
out the same procedure described for“Dynamic” mode, moving
lever A-fig. 70 to “a”. IMPORTANT NOTES
❍It is not possible to go from“Dynamic” mode straight to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You must always first go back
to “Normal” mode and then select the other mode.
❍If “Dynamic” mode was engaged when the engine was
switched off, the next time it is started “Normal” mode is au-
tomatically selected. If, however, “All Weather” or “Normal”,
was engaged when the engine was switched off, the selected
mode is maintained the next time it is started.
❍“Dynamic” mode cannot be engaged at speeds of above
110 km/h.
❍In the event of system failure or a fault with lever A-fig. 70,
no driving modes can be selected. The display will show a
warning message.
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114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
This only works with the key turned to MAR and the engine start-
ed. Power steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to adapt to driving conditions.
The different power assistance modes can be selected via the d,n,a
positions of the“DNA System” lever (see paragraph “ALFA dna Sys-
tem”).
EOBD SYSTEM (provided on
request for versions/markets
where provided)
The aim of the EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❍keep the system efficiency under control;
❍indicate an increase in emissions;
❍indicate the need to replace deteriorated components.
The vehicle 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 com-
pletely, Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are obliged to run tests
and, if necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
It is absolutely forbidden to carry out any after-
market operation involving steering system or
steering column modifications (e.g.: installation of
anti-theft device). This could badly affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also result in the non-
compliance of the car with approval requirements.
Before carrying out any maintenance operation
switch off the engine and remove the ignition key
to activate the steering lock. This is particularly im-
portant if the vehicle’s wheels are raised from the ground.
If this is not possible (if the key must be on MAR or the
engine must be running), remove the main fuse which
protects the electric power steering.
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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.
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124GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
AT THE FILLING STATION
Switch off the engine before refuelling.
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 intro-
duce 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.
Operation at low temperatures
If the outside temperature is very low, the diesel thickens due to
the formation of paraffin clots with consequent defective operation
of the fuel supply system.
In order to avoid these problems, different types of diesel are dis-
tributed according to the season: summer type, winter type and
arctic type (cold, mountain areas). If refuelling with diesel fuel
whose features are not suitable for the temperature of use, it is ad-
visable to mix TUTELA DIESEL ART additive with the fuel, in the pro-
portions shown on the container. Pour the additive into the tank
before the fuel.
When using or parking the vehicle for a long time in the mountains
or cold areas, it is advisable to refuel using locally available fuel.
In this case, it is also advisable to keep the tank over 50% full.
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126GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
The catalytic converter and particulate filter (DPF)
reach very high temperatures during operation.
Do not park on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or
other flammable material: fire risk.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The devices for limiting petrol engine emissions are: catalytic con-
verter, Lambda sensors and anti-evaporation system.
The devices for curtailing diesel engine emissions are the follow-
ing: oxidising catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.) and particulate filter (DPF).
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
(where provided)
This is a mechanical filter, fitted in the exhaust system, which al-
most completely eliminates carbon particle emissions.
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