2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo Owner handbook (in English)

80GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
If the vehicle is switched off with the lever in the automatic posi-
tion, when the vehicle is next started no wiping cycle will take place
even if it is raining. This is to prevent unwanted activation of the
rain sensor when the engine is started (i.e. when the windscreen
is being washed by hand or the wipers are stuck to the windscreen
by ice).
Carry out any of the following manoeuvres to restore automatic
operation:
❍move the left-hand lever from the automatic position to any
other position and then back to automatic;
❍adjust the sensitivity (by turning selector wheel A-fig. 34 to
increase or decrease).
When the rain sensor is reactivated using any of the manoeuvres
described above, reactivation is indicated by a single stroke of
the windscreen wipers, regardless of the condition of the wind-
screen. If the sensitivity of the rain sensor is adjusted whilst it is
in operation, a single stroke of the windscreen wiper takes place
to confirm the changed setting.
In the event of the malfunction of the rain sensor whilst it is ac-
tive, the windscreen wiper operates intermittently at a speed con-
sistent with the sensitivity setting of the rain sensor, regardless of
whether it is raining or not (the sensor failure is indicated on the
instrument panel display). The sensor continues to operate and it
is possible to set the windscreen wiper to continuous mode (1
stor
2ndspeed). The failure indication remains for as long as the sen-
sor is active.
RAIN SENSOR fig. 35
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This is an infra-red LED sensor fitted on the vehicle windscreen. It
is able to detect the presence of rain and consequently manage
windscreen wiping in accordance with the amount of water on
the windscreen.
Activation
The sensor is activated by turning selector wheel A-fig. 34 to the
automatic position (AUTO): in this way the windscreen wiper strokes
are regulated in accordance with the amount of water on the wind-
screen. The frequency can vary between no strokes (no rain - wind-
screen dry) and the 2
ndcontinuous speed (intense rain – wind-
screen wet).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted by operating se-
lector wheel A-fig. 34.
fig. 35A0J0189m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR81
1CRUISE CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is an electronic driving aid that allows you to drive at a speed
of above 30 km/h on long and straight dry roads (e.g. motor-
ways), at a preset speed without having to press the accelerator
pedal.
It is not recommended for use on extra-urban roads with traffic. Do
not use it in town.
DEVICE ENGAGEMENT
Turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to ON. The device cannot be engaged
when the vehicle is in 1stgear or reverse: It is advisable to engage
the device at 5thgear or higher.
REARSCREEN WIPER/WASHER
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Activation
This only operates with the ignition turned to MAR. The function
stops when the lever is released. Turning selector wheel B-fig. 34
from position
Oto position 'activates the rearscreen wiper ac-
cording to the following:
❍intermittent operation if the windscreen wiper is off;
❍synchronised with the windscreen wiper (but with half stroke
frequency);
❍continuous operation with reverse engaged and windscreen
wiper on.
With reverse gear engaged and windscreen wiper on, the rearscreen
wiper is activated in continuous mode. Pushing the lever towards
the dashboard (unstable position) will activate the rear window
washer jet.
Keeping the lever pushed for more than half a second will also
activate the rearscreen wiper. Releasing the lever will activate the
smart washing function as described for the windscreen wiper.
fig. 36A0J0065m

82GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INCREASING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Press the accelerator and store the new speed or move the lever
upwards (+). Each movement of the lever will correspond to a
slight reduction in speed (about 1 km/h), while keeping the lever
held downwards will reduce the speed continuously.
REDUCING THE MEMORISED SPEED
Deactivate the device and store the new speed or move the lever
downwards (–) until the new speed is reached. It will then auto-
matically be memorised. Each movement of the lever will corre-
spond to a slight reduction in speed (about 1 km/h), while keep-
ing the lever held downwards will correspond to a continuous speed
reduction.
DISENGAGING THE DEVICE
To disengage the device:
❍turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to OFF;
❍switch off the engine;
❍press the brake pedal, the clutch or the accelerator; in this
last case the system is not effectively disengaged but the sys-
tem gives priority to the acceleration request. The device still
remains active, without the need to press the RES button to re-
turn to the previous condition once acceleration is concluded. When travelling downhill with the device engaged, the car may
slightly exceed the preset speed. When the device is activated
the
Üwarning light comes on, together with the relevant mes-
sage on the instrument panel (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided).
MEMORISING VEHICLE SPEED
Proceed as follows:
❍turn selector wheel A-fig. 36 to ON and press the accelerator
until the vehicle reaches the desired speed;
❍push the lever up (+) for at least one second and release it:
the car speed will be stored. The accelerator pedal may be re-
leased.
If needed (e.g. for overtaking), press the accelerator pedal to ac-
celerate: the car will return to the previously set speed when the
pedal is released.
RESTORING STORED SPEED
If the device has been disengaged - for example by pressing the
brake or clutch pedal - the memorised speed can be reset as fol-
lows:
❍accelerate gradually until reaching a speed approaching the one
memorised;
❍engage the gear selected at the time of speed memorising;
❍press button B-fig. 36 (RES).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR83
1COURTESY LIGHTS
FRONT COURTESY LIGHT fig. 37
Switch A turns these lights on/off.
Switch A positions:
❍central position (position 1): lights C and D are switched on/off
when the doors are opened/closed.
❍pressed to the left (position 0): lights C and D are always off;
❍pressed to the right (position 2): lights C and D are always on.
The switching on/off of the lights is gradual.
Automatic disengagement
The device is automatically switched off in any of the following
cases:
❍if the ABS or VDC systems cut in;
❍with car speed below the preset limit;
❍in the event of system failure.
When driving with the device active, do not posi-
tion the gear lever in neutral.
In the event of defective operation or device fail-
ure turn the selector wheel to OFF and contact an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
fig. 37A0J0066m

84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
COURTESY LIGHT TIMING
On certain versions, two different timed switching-on modes have
been provided to facilitate getting in/out of the car at night or with
poor lighting.
Light timing when getting into the car
The courtesy lights will turn on as follows:
❍for about 10 seconds when the front doors are unlocked;
❍for about 3 minutes when one of the doors is opened;
❍for about 10 seconds when the doors are closed.
Timing is interrupted when the ignition key is turned to MAR.
Light timing when getting out of the car
After removing the key from the ignition switch, the courtesy lights
will turn on as follows:
❍within 2 minutes from turning the engine off for about 10 sec-
onds;
❍for about 3 minutes when one of the doors is opened;
❍when one of the doors is closed for about 10 seconds.
Timing will stop automatically when the doors are locked. Switch B works as a spotlight.
Switch B positions:
❍central position (position 1): lights C and D are always off;
❍pressed to the left (position 0): light C is on;
❍pressed to the right (position 2): light D is on.
IMPORTANT Before getting out of the car, make sure that both
switches are in the central position: lights off with doors closed in
order to avoid draining the battery.
In any case, if the switch is left inadvertently in the On position,
the lights will turn off automatically 15 minutes after turning the
engine off.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR85
1
COURTESY LIGHTS fig. 38
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions courtesy lights are fitted behind the sun visors.
Press switch A to switch on/off the light.
DOOR LIGHTS fig. 39
These are located in the doors and are activated when the door is
opened regardless of the position of the ignition key.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LIGHT fig. 40
This light comes on automatically when the luggage compartment
is opened and switches off when it is closed.
fig. 39A0J0176m
fig. 38A0J0067m
fig. 40A0J0270m

86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
CONTROLS
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS fig. 42
Press switch A to switch on/off the lights. Warning lights Ÿ
andΔare lit up on the instrument panel when these lights are
activated.
GLOVE COMPARTMENT LIGHT fig. 41
This light comes on automatically when the glove compartment is
opened and switches off when it is closed.
fig. 41A0J0177mfig. 42A0J0028m
The use of hazard lights is governed by the High-
way Code of the country you are in. Keep to the
rules.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR87
1
REAR FOG LIGHTS fig. 43
Press button 4to switch on/off the lights. The rear fog lights
are only enabled with the dipped beam headlights on. With lights
on, the
4warning light comes on in the instrument panel.
DOOR LOCK fig. 44
Press button A to centrally lock the doors. Locking takes place re-
gardless of the position of the ignition key.
Emergency braking
In the event of emergency braking the hazard warning lights are
lit up automatically as well as the
ŸandΔwarning lights in the
instrument panel.
The lights are switched off automatically when the nature of brak-
ing changes.
FRONT FOG LIGHTS fig. 43
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Press button
5to switch on/off the lights. The front fog lights are
only enabled with the dipped beam headlights on. With lights on,
the
5warning light comes on in the instrument panel.
fig. 43A0J0025mfig. 44A0J0030m