2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo trailer

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message.
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Doors not closed correctly (red)
The warning light (or symbol on the display) lights up
when one or more doors or the boot tailgate are not
properly closed. A buzzer will sound when doors are open
and the car is moving. On some versions the warning light (or sym-
bol on the display) also lights up when the bonnet is not closed
correctly.´
Luggage compartment open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the luggage compartment is open.R
Bonnet open
On some versions a message + symbol on the display
are shown when the bonnet is open.S
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118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
BUZZER WARNINGS
When reverse gear is engaged a buzzer warning is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation.
The acoustic signal:
❍becomes louder as the distance between the car and the obsta-
cle decreases;
❍becomes continuous when the distance between the car and
the obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the
distance increases;
❍is constant if the distance is unchanged; if this situation con-
cerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 sec-
onds to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
Detection distances
Central action range: 140 cm
Side action range: 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the control unit indicates the near-
est one.
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 ca-
ble 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. Clean the sensors
with clean water with the addition of car shampoo if nec-
essary. In washing stations, clean sensors quickly keeping
the vapour jet/high pressure washing nozzles at a dis-
tance of at least 10 cm from the sensors.
For repainting the bumpers or retouching the paint-
work around the sensors contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service. The incorrect application of
paint may compromise the operation of the parking sen-
sors.
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING149
3
Starting the engine................................................................................ 150
Parking............................................................................................... 152
Using of the gearbox............................................................................. 153
Saving fuel .......................................................................................... 154
Towing trailers ...................................................................................... 156
Snow tyres .......................................................................................... 157
Snow chains ......................................................................................... 158
Car inactivity......................................................................................... 158
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154STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fuel and
lower the amount of toxic emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled servicing plan”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least once every four weeks: ex-
cessively low pressure will increase fuel consumption because rolling
resistance will be higher.
Unnecessar y loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and
its ride setting greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration of the car and have
a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer,
particularly for transporting bulky objects.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears cor-
rectly. For this reason, there must be no obstacles
on the floor under the pedals: ensure that any rub-
ber mats are correctly positioned, and do not interfere
with the pedals
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear
lever, because this pressure, even if light, can wear
out the gearbox internal components over time.
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156STARTING UP AND DRIVING
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. Consequently,
both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30% on an urban cycle )
and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance
when travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in
cities with many traffic lights. Mountain and rough roads also have
a negative effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation
must be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as specified
by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending 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 vehicle
by the same amount. Consider the weight of the fully-laden vehi-
cle weight, including accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on the reg-
istration certificate).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING157
3
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided
with the car: an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be able to
advise you on the best tyres for your requirements.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when the
tread depth is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving, during braking and better driveability. Re-
member that it is inappropriate to change the direction of rotation
of tyres.
The ABS system does not control the braking sys-
tem of the trailer. Take extra care when travel-
ling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the car’s hydraulic
system.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE203
5
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and top up the fol-
lowing if necessary:
❍engine coolant level, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid
❍tyre pressure and condition;
❍operation of lights (headlights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❍operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system, position
and wear of windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades;
Every 3,000 km check the following and top-up, if necessary: en-
gine oil level.
We recommend the use of FL Selenia products, designed and pro-
duced specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see “Consumables” table
in chapter 6).
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If you use the vehicle mainly under one of the following conditions:
❍trailer or caravan towing;
❍dusty roads;
❍repeated short distances (less than 7-8 km) and with exter-
nal temperatures below zero;
❍frequently idling the engine, travelling long distances at low
speeds or long term inactivity;
❍in cities;
perform the following inspections more frequently than shown on
the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❍check front disc brake pad condition and wear;
❍check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, and cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages;
❍visually inspect the condition of: engine, gearbox, transmission,
pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply - brakes) rubber ele-
ments (gaiters – hoses - bushes etc.);
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TECHNICAL DATA235
6
(*) If special equipment is fitted (sunroof, tow hitch, etc.) the unladen car weight increases, thus reducing the specified payload with respect to the
maximum permitted load.
(**) Loads not to be exceeded. The driver is responsible for arranging the loads in the boot and/or on the roof so that they comply with these limits.
1145 1145
480 560
950 950
850 850
1625 1705
500 500
400 400
40 40
60 601205 1205
480 560
1000 1000
850 850
1685 1765
1000 1000
400 400
40 40
60 601080 1080
480 560
850 850
850 850
1560 1640
500 500
400 400
40 40
60 601150 1150
480 560
950 950
850 850
1630 1710
1000 1000
400 400
40 40
60 60
WEIGHTS
Weights (kg) 1.4 Petrol1.4 Turbo Petrol1.3 JTDM1.6 JTDM
4 seater 5 seater 4 seater 5 seater 4 seater 5 seater 4 seater 5 seater
Unladen weight
(with all fluids,
fuel tank filled to 90% and
without optional equipment):
Carrying capacity (*)
including the driver:
Maximum permitted loads (**)
– front axle:
– rear axle:
– total:
Towable loads
– trailer with brakes:
– trailer without brakes:
Maximum load on roof:
Maximum load on tow hitch
(trailer with brakes):
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