2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo warning

108GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
VDC SYSTEM
(Vehicle Dynamics Control)
This is an electronic system that controls car stability in the event
of tyre grip loss.
The VDC system also includes the following systems:
❍Hill Holder
❍ASR
❍Brake Assist
❍MSR
❍CBC
❍“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❍DST
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is indicated by the áwarning light flashing in the instru-
ment panel: this indicates that the vehicle is in critical stability
and tyre grip conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine
is started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided
to facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❍uphill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal pressed, gearbox
to neutral or engaged gear other than reverse;
❍downhill: car at a standstill on a road with a gradient higher
than 5%, engine running, clutch and brake pedal pressed and
reverse gear engaged.
At take-off the VDC system control unit will keep brake force on
the wheels until reaching the torque suitable for starting, or in
any case for 1 second in order to move easily from the brake ped-
al to the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will de-
activate automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A
sound may be heard during this stage: this indicates that the ve-
hicle is about to move off.
IMPORTANT the Hill Holder system should not be used as a hand-
brake. Do not leave the vehicle without having engaged the hand-
brake, switched off the engine and engaged a gear.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR109
1
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
This is an integral part of the VDC system. It automatically cuts in
in the event of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on
wet roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads etc.
According to slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❍if slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR function inter-
venes by reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❍if the slipping involves only one drive wheel, the ASR system
intervenes by automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
If the spare wheel is in use the ASR system does
not work. in this case the
áwarning light will come
on in the instrument panel.
In order for the ESP and ASR systems to operate
correctly, it is essential that the tyres are of the
same brand and type on all wheels, in perfect con-
dition and, above all, of the specified type, brand and size.
If the spare wheel is used, the VDC system keeps
operating. Be aware however that the spare wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel, provides less
grip.
The performance of the VDC and ASR systems
should not encourage the driver to take unneces-
sary risks. Your driving style should always take
road conditions, visibility and traffic into account. The dri-
ver is ultimately responsible for road safety.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR113
1
ENGAGEMENT/DISENGAGEMENT
OF “All Weather” MODE
Engagement
Move lever A-fig. 70 downwards (to the letter “a”) and hold in
this position for 0.5 seconds until the corresponding LED lights up
or the word “All Weather” appears on the display (see diagrams).
A0J0187mA0J1180g
Disengagement
To disengage “All Weather” mode and return to “Normal”, carry
out the same procedure described for“Dynamic” mode, moving
lever A-fig. 70 to “a”.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❍It is not possible to go from“Dynamic” mode straight to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You must always first go back
to “Normal” mode and then select the other mode.
❍If “Dynamic” mode was engaged when the engine was
switched off, the next time it is started “Normal” mode is au-
tomatically selected. If, however, “All Weather” or “Normal”,
was engaged when the engine was switched off, the selected
mode is maintained the next time it is started.
❍“Dynamic” mode cannot be engaged at speeds of above
110 km/h.
❍In the event of system failure or a fault with lever A-fig. 70,
no driving modes can be selected. The display will show a
warning message.
VDCandASR: Calibration to ensure maximum safety
Steering wheel tuning: Standard comfort
DST: More control of the brakes coordinated with VDC
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

114GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
NoteThe engine automatic stop is allowed only after having run
at about 10 km/h, to prevent repeated engine stops when driving
at a very slow speed. The engine stopping is signalled by display-
ing the
Usymbol in fig. 71.
Engine re-starting mode
To restart the engine, press the clutch pedal.
SYSTEM MANUAL ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION
To activate/deactivate the system, press the button fig. 72 on
the trim next to the steering wheel. When the system is deacti-
vated, the
Uwarning light in the instrument panel switches on.
For versions/markets, where fitted, a message plus a symbol on
the display may appear in the event of activation/deactivation of
the system.
START&STOP SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically when the
vehicle stops and starts it again when the driver wants to resume
driving. In this way, the vehicle efficiency is increased, by reduc-
ing consumption, dangerous gas emissions and sound pollution.
The system is active every time the engine is started.
OPERATING MODE
Engine stopping mode
With stopped vehicle, the engine stops with gearbox in neutral and
released clutch pedal.
fig. 71A0J0279mfig. 72A0J0247m

116GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY CONDITIONS
When the engine is stopped by the Start&Stop system, if the dri-
ver releases his/her seat belt and opens the driver's or passenger's
door, the engine can be restarted only by the ignition key.
This condition is signalled by a buzzer and by a displayed message
and - for versions/markets where it has been fitted - by the flash-
ing of the
Usymbol on the display.
"ENERGY SAVING" FUNCTION
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, as a result of the engine automatic restarting, the driver does not
make any action on the vehicle for over 3 minutes, the Start&Stop
system stops the engine once and for all, to prevent fuel consump-
tion. In these cases, the engine can be restarted only by the igni-
tion key.
Note In any case, the engine can be still kept running by deactivat-
ing the Start&Stop system.
OPERATING IRREGULARITIES
In case of malfunctioning conditions, the Start&Stop system is
deactivated. The driver is informed about the failure through the
switching-on of the warning light
èon the instrument panel and
- for versions/markets where it has been fitted - through the dis-
playing of a message + symbol. In this case, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service.

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.

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.