2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo sensor

76GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SIDE LIGHTS/DIPPED BEAM HEADLIGHTS
With the ignition key turned to MAR, turn selector wheel A to 2. The
daylight lights are switched off and the side lights and dipped beam
headlights are switched on. The
3warning light on the instru-
ment panel will come on at the same time.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTING CONTROL (AUTOLIGHT)
(Dusk sensor)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
THIS is an infra-red LED sensor that works in conjunction with the
rain sensor and is fitted on the windscreen. It is able to detect
variations in outside lighting based on the sensitivity settings se-
lected in the Set-up Menu: the higher the sensitivity, the lower
the amount of external light needed to switch the lights on. The
system consists of two sensors: one multi-directional sensor able
to detect light from above, and one directional sensor able to de-
tect the light in the vehicle’s path: this allows the system to recog-
nise tunnels, roads and galleries. The dusk sensor is activated by
turning selector wheel A-fig. 33 to
2A. In this way the side lights
and dipped beam headlights are both switched on automatically
according to the outside light level.
EXTERNAL LIGHTS
LEFT-HAND LEVER fig. 33
The left-hand lever operates most of the external lights. The ex-
ternal lights can only be switched on when the ignition key is at
MAR. The instrument panel and the various controls on the dash-
board will come on when the external lights are switched on.
DAYLIGHT LIGHTS (D.R.L.)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
With the ignition key turned to MAR and selector wheel A turned
to position
Othe daylight lights are activated; the other lights
and internal illumination remain off. With regards to switching on
the Daylight lights, see the “Menu Items” paragraph in this chap-
ter. If the function is disabled, no lights are switched on when se-
lector wheel A is turned to position
O.
fig. 33A0J0063m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR77
1
MAIN BEAM HEADLIGHTS
With selector wheel A in position 2pull the lever towards the
steering wheel (stable position). The
1warning light will come
on in the instrument panel. To turn the main beams off, pull the
lever again towards the steering wheel (dipped beams will remain
on). It is not possible to switch on the main beam headlights in
fixed mode if the automatic lighting control system is active.
FLASHING THE HEADLIGHTS
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) re-
gardless of the position of selector wheel A. The
1warning light
will come on in the instrument panel.
DIRECTION INDICATORS
Push the lever to (stable) position:
❍upward adjustment: right-hand indicator ON;
❍downward adjustment: left-hand indicator ON.
Warning light
Îor¥will blink on the instrument panel. The di-
rection indicators are switched off automatically when the steering
wheel is straightened.
Lane change function
If you want to signal that you are changing lane, hold the left lever
in the unstable position for less than half a second. The direction
indicator on the selected side flashes three times and then switch-
es off automatically. IMPORTANT the sensor is not able to detect the presence of fog.
The fog lights must therefore be switched on manually if required.
When the lights are switched on by the sensor, the front and rear
fog lights ((for versions/markets, where provided) can also be
switched on. When the lights are automatically switched off, the
front and rear fog lights (if activated) are also switched off. The
next time the lights are switched on automatically, the fog lights
must be reactivated manually (if required).
With the sensor active, it is possible to flash the headlights but
the main beam headlights cannot be switched on. If you wish to
switch on the main beam headlights, rotate selector wheel
A-fig. 33 to
1and activate the fixed main beam headlights.
When the lights have been activated automatically and are then
switched off by the sensor, the dipped beam headlights are switched
off first, followed by the side lights a few seconds later.
If the sensor is activated but is malfunctioning, the side lights and
dipped beam headlights are switched on independently of the out-
side light level and the sensor failure is indicated on the instrument
panel display. It is also possible to deactivate the sensor and switch
on the side lights and dipped beam headlights.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR79
1
Moving the lever upwards (unstable position) limits operation to
the time the lever is held in this position. The lever will return to
position and the wiper will be automatically stopped when released.WINDOW WASHING
The right lever controls windscreen wiper/washer and heated rear
window wiper/washer operation.
WINDSCREEN WIPER/WASHER fig. 34
This only operates with the ignition turned to MAR. Selector wheel
A can take five different positions:
,intermittent (low speed);
Owindscreen wiper off;
AUTO rain sensor activation (for versions/markets, where pro-
vided) (the windscreen wipers adapt the operating speed
automatically to suit the intensity of the rain)
≤intermittent;
≥continuous slow;
¥continuous fast operation.
fig. 34A0J0064m
Do not use the windscreen wiper to remove lay-
ers of snow or ice from the windscreen. In such con-
ditions, the windscreen wiper may be subjected to
excessive stress and the motor protection which prevents
operation for a few seconds may trip. If operation is not
restored, even after turning the key and restarting the en-
gine, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service.
“Smart washing” function
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (unstable position) to op-
erate the windscreen washer jet. By keeping the lever pulled for
more than half a second, it is possible to operate the washer jet
and the wiper at the same time with just one movement.
The wiper stops working three strokes after releasing the lever. A
further stroke after approx. 6 seconds completes the wiping cycle.

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 CAR117
1
CAR INACTIVITY
(with Start&Stop system with dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
In case of vehicle inactivity conditions, pay special attention to
the disconnection of the battery power supply. The procedure must
be made by disconnecting the quick release negative terminal
A-fig. 73 from the dummy negative pole B, as the battery nega-
tive pole C has a sensor D for battery condition monitoring that
must never be disconnected (unless the battery is replaced).
CAR INACTIVITY
(with Start&Stop system without dummy pole)
(for versions/markets where provided)
In case of car inactivity, special attention must be paid due to the
disconnection of the battery power supply. Proceed as follows:
detach the connector A-fig. 74 (by pressing button B) from sen-
sor C for monitoring the battery status installed on the battery neg-
ative pole D. This sensor should never be disconnected from the
pole except if the battery is replaced.
fig. 73A0J0249m
In case of battery replacement, always contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. Replace the bat-
tery using a new one of the same type (HEAVY
DUTY) and having the same specifications.
fig. 74A0J0207m

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR123
1
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR PHONES
Radio transceiver equipment (vehicle mobile phones, CB radios,
amateur radio and similar equipment) shall not be used inside
the car unless a separate aerial is mounted on the roof.
IMPORTANT The use of these devices inside the passenger com-
partment (without a separate aerial) may cause the vehicle elec-
trical systems to malfunction. This could compromise safety in ad-
dition to constituting a potential hazard for passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of these devices may be af-
fected by the shielding effect of the car body. With regards to the
use of EC-approved mobile phones (GSM, GPRS, UMTS), adhere
strictly to the instructions for use provided by the mobile phone
manufacturer.
PARKING SENSORS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The parking sensors are located in the rear bumper fig. 80 and their
function is to inform the driver, through an intermittent buzzer, of
the presence of obstacles behind the car.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are activated by engaging reverse gear. As the distance
from the obstacle behind the car decreases, the acoustic alarm
becomes more frequent.
fig. 80A0J0088m

124GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INDICATIONS ON DISPLAY
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the sensor is activated, the "Reconfigurable multifunctional
display" (for versions/markets where provided) shows the screen
illustrated in fig. 81; the information about the presence of and
distance from the obstacle is given by the buzzer and also by a
visual indication on the instrument panel display. If there are
several obstacles the closest one is indicated.
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.
IMPORTANT The volume of the audible signal can be adjusted
through the option "Warning volume" of the "Set-Up menu".
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.
fig. 81A0J0370m

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.