2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo engine

118GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
EMERGENCY STARTING
(with Start&Stop system with dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
In case of vehicle jump starting, never connect the negative cable
(–) of the auxiliary battery to the negative pole B - fig. 75 of the
vehicle battery, rather to the dummy pole A or to an en-
gine/gearbox earth point.
fig. 75A0J0251m
EMERGENCY STARTING
(with Start&Stop system without dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
When jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–) of the
auxiliary battery to the negative pole A - fig. 76 of the car bat-
tery, but rather to an engine/gearbox earth point.
fig. 76A0J0323m
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR119
1before opening the engine hood, make sure the
vehicle engine has been stopped and the ignition
key is in STOP position. Comply with the instruc-
tions of the plate under the engine hood, fig. 77.
Remove the key when other passengers are being trans-
ported inside the vehicle. Get off the vehicle only after
having removed the ignition key or having rotated it
to the STOP position. During refuelling, make sure the
vehicle engine has been stopped and the key is in STOP
position.
fig. 77A0J0341m
DYNAMIC SUSPENSION
(active shock absorber system)
(for versions/markets where provided)
This system interacts with the “Alfa DNA” system (see paragraph
“Alfa DNA”). The lever A - fig. 70 allows you to choose three dif-
ferent driving settings depending on the route type and on the road
surface:
❍d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❍n = Normal (normal driving mode);
❍a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, for
example, rain or snow)
In “Normal” and “All Weather” operating mode, the active
shock absorbers adjust the car suspension to suit the route type
and the driving stresses, thus considerably improving driving
comfort in particular on rough terrain.
The “Dynamic” function allows the driver to choose a sports dri-
ving setting featuring more responsive acceleration and suitable
steering characteristics. Further on, the shock absorber damping
action is correctly adjusted and divided to guarantee higher car's
precision and reactiveness combined with good comfort. The car
is more precise when entering bends and quicker in changing
direction.
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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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126GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, 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.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sen-
sors, the display will show a warning message and
the system will no longer be available until 4
wheels fitted with sensors are fitted.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR129
1AT 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, dif-
ferent types of diesel are distributed according to the season: sum-
mer 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 advisable to mix TUTELA DIESEL ART
additive with the fuel, in the proportions 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.
FUEL FILLER CAP
Opening
1) Open the flap A-fig. 81 pulling it outwards, keep the cap B
still, insert the ignition key in the lock and turn it anti-clockwise.
2) Turn the cap anti-clockwise and extract it. The cap has a de-
vice C retaining it to the flap so it cannot be lost. When refilling,
attach the cap to the flap D.
fig. 81A0J0327m
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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.
130GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Closing
1) Fit the cap (complete with key) and turn it clockwise until it
clicks once or more.
2) Turn the key clockwise and extract it, then close the flap.
The hermetic seal may cause a slight increase in pressure in the
tank. A suction noise when you release the cap is therefore entirely
normal.
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)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is a mechanical filter, fitted in the exhaust system, which al-
most completely eliminates carbon particle emissions.
Keep naked flames or lighted cigarettes away from
the fuel filler hole as there is a danger of fire. Do
not bend too close to the hole either so as not to
breathe in harmful vapours.
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134SAFETY
The warning lights can be red and green and they operate as fol-
lows (fig. 4):
❍1=front left seat (driver's condition for left-hand drive versions)
❍2=rear left seat (passenger)
❍3=rear centre seat (passenger)
❍4=rear right seat (passenger)
❍5=front right seat (passenger's condition for left-hand drive
versions)
Front seats (warning light no. 1 = driver and
no. 5 = passenger)
Driver
If the driver is the only occupant and his seat belt is unfastened,
when 20 km/h is exceeded or when travelling at a speed from 10
to 20 km/h for longer than 5 seconds, an acoustic reminder se-
quence will be started for front seats, consisting of a tone for 6 sec-
onds followed by a 90 second beep. The warning light will blink.
The warning lights will stay on fixed at the end of the cycle until
the engine is stopped. The acoustic reminder will be interrupted im-
mediately when the driver's seat belt is fastened and the warning
light will turn green. The reminder cycle (acoustic and visual) will
be repeated as described above and the red warning light will flash
if the seat belt is unfastened again while travelling.
Passenger
A similar situation arises for the front passenger, except that the
warning lights becomes green and the signal also stops when the
passenger leaves the car. In the event that both front seat belts are
unfastened with the vehicle in motion, a few seconds apart, the
acoustic signal refers to the most recent event, while both warning
lights display a visual signal independently of one another.
Rear seats (warning light no. 2, no. 3 and no. 4)
For rear seats, the reminder cycle is run only when any seat belt
is unfastened (red flashing warning light). In this condition, the
warning light referred to the seat belt which has been unfastened
will become red and blink for approximately 30 seconds. There is
also an acoustic signal.
The visual indication (red flashing) will start and stop independently
for each warning light if several seat belts are unfastened. The warn-
ing light will become green when the relevant seat belt is fas-
tened again.
After about 30 seconds from the last reminder, the warning lights
for rear seats will switch off, independently of the belt conditions
(red or green).
IMPORTANT NOTES
The warning lights are all off if all seat belts (front and rear) are
already fastened when the ignition key is turned on MAR.
All warning lights will light up when at least one belt goes from fas-
tened to unfastened or vice versa.
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SAFETY151
2
The expiry dates of the pyrotechnic charge and spi-
ral contact are shown in the plate installed inside
the glove compartment. Refer to an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services when it’s time to replace them.
Do not travel with objects on your lap, in front of
your chest, or between your lips (e.g. pipes, pen-
cils, etc.) In the event of a crash with airbag acti-
vation, you may be seriously injured.
If someone tries to steal or damage your car, and
in the event of floods, have the air bag system
checked by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
With the ignition key inserted and turned to MAR,
even if the engine is off, the air bags can activate
also with the car at a standstill, if it is hit by an-
other vehicle. For this reason, children must never sit on
the front seat, even if the car is not moving. Please re-
member that if the key is inserted and turned to the STOP
position, no safety device (airbag or pretensioner) acti-
vates following a collision. Non-deployment in such cas-
es must not be considered a sign of malfunction.
When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the “
warning light turns on (front airbag on passenger’s
side enabled) and blinks for a few seconds as a re-
minder that the passenger airbag will activate in the event
of a collision. Then it turns off.
The front airbags deploy in the event of more se-
vere collisions than those required for deploying
the pretensioners. For collisions in the range be-
tween the two thresholds, it is normal for only the pre-
tensioners to be activated.
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