2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo steering

120GETTING 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“Alfa DNA System” lever (see paragraph “Alfa DNA
System”).
EOBD SYSTEM
(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.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR127
1The T.P.M.S.system is not able to detect sudden tyre
inflation pressure losses (for example when a tyre
explodes). In this case stop the car, braking with
care and avoiding sharp steering actions.
Replacing the normal tyres with winter tyres and
vice versa requires the inspection of the T.P.M.S.
system, which should only be carried out by an Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
The T.P.M.S. system requires the use of specific equip-
ment. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to
find out which accessories are compatible with the
system (wheels, hub caps etc.). The use of other accessories
may affect the normal operation of the system.
When a tyre is removed, it is advisable to replace
the rubber gasket for the valve. Contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Tyre and wheel fit-
ting/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 specialists. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice Provider.
Strong radio frequency disturbance can compro-
mise the correct operation of the T.P.M.S. system.
The driver is warned of this condition via a mes-
sage on the display. The warning message will go off au-
tomatically as soon as the radio-frequency noise ceases to
disturb the system.
Tyre inflation pressure can vary according to out-
door temperature. The T.P.M.S. system may tem-
porarily indicate insufficient pressure. In this case
check the tyre inflation pressure with the tyres cold and,
if necessary top up the inflation pressure.
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146SAFETY
FRONT AIRBAGS
The vehicle is equipped with multi-stage front air bags (“Smart
bag”) for the driver and passenger and knee air bag for the dri-
ver.
“SMART BAG” SYSTEM
(MULTISTAGE FRONT AIR BAGS)
The front airbags (driver’s and passenger’s) and the driver knee
air bag have been designed to protect the occupants in the event
of head-on crashes of medium-high severity, by placing the cush-
ion between the occupant and the steering wheel or dashboard.
The air bag do not replace, but rather compliment the use of seat
belts, which should always be worn. In the event of a collision, a
person not wearing a seat belt may be thrown forward and come
into contact with the bag before it has fully opened. The protection
offered by the bag is reduced in such a case.
Front airbags may not be activated in the following situations:
❍in collisions against highly deformable objects not affecting the
car front surface (e.g. bumper collision against guard rail, etc.);
❍car penetration under other vehicles or protective barriers (e.g.
trucks or guard rails);
in these instances they could not provide any additional protec-
tion compared with seat belts, so their deployment would not be
useful. Non deployment in such cases does not constitute a fault.
FRONT AIRBAG ON DRIVER’S SIDE fig. 15
This is located in a dedicated compartment in the centre of the steer-
ing wheel.
Do not apply stickers or other objects on the steer-
ing wheel, passenger side airbag cover or side up-
holstery on roof. Do not place objects on the pas-
senger side dashboard because these could interfere with
the correct opening of the airbag and cause severe in-
jury to occupants.
fig. 15A0J0047m
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SAFETY147
2
FRONT AIRBAG ON PASSENGER’S SIDE
fig. 16
This is located in a dedicated compartment in the dashboard.
Always drive with your hands on the steering wheel
rim so that the airbag can inflate freely if need-
ed. Do not drive with your body bent forward.
Keep your back straight against the back rest.
fig. 16A0J0050m
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 sever-
ity of the collision. Always deactivate the passen-
ger’s airbag when placing a child seat on the front seat.
Move the passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid
contact between the child seat and the dashboard.
Although this is not mandatory by law, the airbag should
be immediately reactivated when children are no longer
carried to ensure better protection for adults.
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148SAFETY
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.
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING155
3
In the initial period of use, it is advisable to avoid
placing the car under excessive stress (for instance
excessive acceleration, extended travel at maxi-
mum speed, sharp braking etc.).
Remember that the servo brake and electric pow-
er steering are not operational until the engine has
been started, therefore more effort than usual is
required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Avoid jump starting the engine by pushing, towing
or driving downhill. These manoeuvres may dam-
age the catalytic converter.
When the engine is off, do not leave the key in
the ignition switch turned to MAR to avoid drain-
ing the battery.
HOW TO WARM UP THE ENGINE AFTER IT HAS
JUST STARTED (petrol and diesel engines)
Proceed as follows:
❍drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium speed. Do
not accelerate abruptly;
❍do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilo-
metres. Wait until the engine coolant gauge starts moving.
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.
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.
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166IN AN EMERGENCY
The jack may only be used to replace wheels on
the car to which it is fitted or other cars of the same
model. Never use the jack for other purposes, such
as lifting other car models. Never use the jack to carry out
repairs under the car. Incorrect positioning of the jack may
cause the car to fall. Do not use the jack for loads greater
than those shown on the label. Never install snow chains
on the small spare wheel; if a front tyre (driving wheel)
is punctured and you need to use snow chains, use a stan-
dard wheel from the rear axle and install the small spare
wheel on the rear axle. This way, with two normal front
driving wheels, you can install the snow chains on them.
If the hub cap is not installed properly, it can de-
tach itself when the vehicle is running. Never tam-
per with the inflation valve. Never introduce tools
of any kind between rim and tyre. Regularly check the in-
flation pressure of the tyres and small spare wheel (see
chapter 6).
Vehicle handling is modified with the small spare
wheel fitted. Avoid violent accelerations and brak-
ing, sharp steering and fast cornering. The over-
all lifetime of the small spare wheel is about 3000 km,
after which the relevant tyre must be replaced with an-
other one of the same type. Never install a traditional tyre
on a rim designed to be used as a small spare wheel. Re-
pair and refit the standard wheel as soon as possible. Us-
ing two or more small spare wheels at the same time is
forbidden. Do not apply grease to the bolt threading be-
fore assembly: they might loosen spontaneously.
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188IN AN EMERGENCY
If the fuse blows again contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
Never replace a blown fuse with anything other
than a new fuse.
Under no circumstances should a fuse be replaced
with one of a higher amperage; FIRE RISK.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems
(air bag system, braking system), power unit sys-
tems (engine system, transmission system) or
steering system is triggered, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
If a general protection fuse blows contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure you have re-
moved the key from the ignition and have turned
off and/or unplugged all energy-consuming
devices.
If a general protection fuse (MEGA-FUSE, MIDI-
FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) is activated, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
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