2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo ABS

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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR111
1“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM
(Dynamic vehicle control system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This device allows three different driving modes to be selected by
operating lever A-fig. 70 on the central tunnel.
❍d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❍n = Normal (normal driving mode);
❍a = All Weather (driving mode for poor grip conditions, i.e. rain
and snow on the road)
The device also acts on the dynamic vehicle control systems (en-
gine, steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
fig. 70A0J0090m
DRIVING MODES
Lever A-fig. 70 is a one-way switch, i.e. it always remains in the cen-
tral position. The selected driving mode is indicated by the corre-
sponding LED coming on in the panel and by an indication on the re-
configurable multifunctional display, as illustrated below:
A0J0227mA0J0290m
Dynamic Mode All Weather Mode
Normal Mode
When “NORMAL” mode is selected, no messages or symbols are
shown on the display.
VDCandASR: Standard calibration
Steering wheel tuning: Standard calibration
DST: Standard control of the brakes coordinated with ABS
Standard control of side acceleration
Steering wheel compensation: a slight pulse on the steer-
ing wheel tells on the driver to make a better manoeuvre
Engine: Standard response

112GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT OF
“Dynamic” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A-fig. 70 upwards (to the letter “d”) and hold in this
position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up or
the word “Dynamic” appears on the display (see diagrams). Up-
on release, lever A returns to the central position.
Disengagement
To disengage “Dynamic” mode and return to “Normal”, move
the lever as described above once again. In this case, the LED cor-
responding to “Normal” mode will light up and the words “Normal
engaged” will appear on the reconfigurable multifunctional display
(see diagram).
A0J0186mA0J1055g
A0J1052g
VDCandASR: Sporty calibration, intervention only in the event
of loss of control
Steering wheel tuning: Sportier calibration
DST: Standard control of the brakes coordinated with ABS
More control of side acceleration
Steering wheel compensation: a slight pulse on the steer-
ing wheel tells on the driver to make a better manoeuvre
Engine: Higher response speed + Overboost to maximise torque
speed (where provided)In the 1.4 Turbo Multi Air versions, selecting the "Dynamic" oper-
ation mode activates the turbocharger supercharging function (over-
boost): depending on the accelerator pedal position and for a lim-
ited time, the engine management control unit allows the system
to generate maximum pressure levels inside the turbocharger and
the engine torque can reach higher values than usual. This function
is particularly useful whenever maximum performance is required
for a short time (e.g. when overtaking).
IMPORTANT When the "Dynamic" function is used, during acceler-
ation the steering may shudder, which is typical of a sports setting.

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.

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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR121
1RADIO WIRING SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If no radio was requested at the time of purchase, the vehicle is
provided with a double oddment compartment on the dashboard
fig. 78.
The radio wiring system is composed of:
❍radio power supply cables, front and rear loudspeakers and
an aerial;
❍car radio housing;
❍an aerial on the vehicle roof.
fig. 78A0J0087m
The radio should be fitted in the dedicated compartment
A-fig. 78 , which should be removed by pressing on the two retaining
tabs in the compartment: the power supply cables can be found
here.
When connecting a car radio to the radio wiring
contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service to pre-
vent any faults from occurring that might com-
promise the safety of your vehicle.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR125
1
The ultimate responsibility when parking and car-
rying out other dangerous manoeuvres still rests
with the driver. When carrying out such manoeu-
vres, always ensure that the manoeuvring area is free
of people (particularly children) and animals. Parking sen-
sors are designed to assist drivers: in all cases, you must
always pay the utmost attention during potentially dan-
gerous manoeuvres, even when these are carried out at
low speed.
GENERAL WARNINGS
During parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost attention to any ob-
stacles that could be located above or below the sensors. Some-
times, objects located close to the rear part of the vehicle may
not be detected by the system and may damage the vehicle or
become damaged themselves.
Here below are some conditions that may influence the perfor-
mance of the parking system:
❍reduced sensor sensitivity and reduced parking aid system per-
formance could be caused by the presence of the following
on the sensors: ice, snow, mud, multiple layers of paint;
❍the sensors detect objects that are not there (“echo disturbance”)
caused by mechanical disturbances, for example: washing the
car, rain (extreme wind conditions), hail;
❍the indications sent by the sensors can also be altered by the
presence of ultrasound devices (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
or pneumatic drills) near the car;
❍sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of
the sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused
by the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading
the vehicle and carrying out specific tuning operations that re-
quire the vehicle to be lowered;
❍the detection of obstacles to the upper part of the vehicle is not
guaranteed as the system is designed to detect obstacles that
could impact the lower part of the vehicle.
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.

138SAFETY
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of a crash, all passengers must
be seated and wear adequate restraint systems. This is even more
important for children. This prescription is compulsory in all EC coun-
tries according to EC Directive 2003/20/EC. Compared with adults,
their head is proportionally larger and heavier than the rest of the
body, while the muscles and bone structure are not completely
developed. For this reason, they require restraint systems which
are different from those used by adults to protect them in the event
of an accident.
The results of research on the best child restraint systems are con-
tained in the European Standard EEC-R44. This Standard enforces
the use of restraint systems classified in five groups:
Group 0 up to 10 kg in weight
Group 0+ up to 13 kg in weight
Group 1 9-18 kg in weight
Group 2 15-25 kg in weight
Group 3 22-36 kg in weight
All restraint devices must bear the certification data, together with
the control brand, on a solidly fixed label which must absolutely
never be removed.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint
systems, children are considered as adults and have to wear the
standard seat belts.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child seats for each weight group.
These devices are recommended, having been specifically designed
for Alfa Romeo cars.
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 severity of the
collision. It is advisable to carry children in dedicated child
seats on the rear seat, which is the most protected posi-
tion in the event of an accident.
Should it be absolutely necessary to carry a child
on the front seat in a cradle seat facing away from
the direction of travel, the passenger’s front air bag
and Side Bag should be deactivated by using the
Set-Up Menu. Deactivation can be verified by
checking the
“warning light in the instrument panel.
Move the passenger’s seat as far back as possible to avoid
contact between the child seat and the dashboard.