2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo key

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR115
1
ENGINE FAILED STOPPING CONDITIONS
When the system is operating, due to comfort, emission control
and safety reasons, the engine could not stop in some conditions,
among which:
❍still cold engine;
❍especially cold outside temperature;
❍insufficiently charged battery;
❍operating heated rear window;
❍windscreen-wiper operating at max. speed;
❍particulate filter (DPF) regeneration in progress (only for Diesel
engines);
❍open driver's door;
❍unfastened driver's seat belt;
❍engaged reverse (for example during parking manoeuvres);
❍for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
(for versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate level
of thermal comfort has not been reached or MAX-DEF func-
tion activation;
❍during the first utilization period, for the system initialisation.
In these cases, the display shows a message and - for those ver-
sions/markets where it has been fitted - the
Usymbol on the
display flashes.
ENGINE RESTARTING CONDITIONS
Due to comfort, emission control and safety reasons, the engine
can be restarted automatically without any intervention by the
driver, under special conditions, such as:
❍insufficiently charged battery;
❍windscreen-wiper operating at max. speed;
❍low vacuum in the braking system (for example after repeat-
ed actions on the brake pedal);
❍moving vehicle (for example while driving downhills);
❍engine stopping by Start&Stop system for over 3 minutes;
❍for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
(for versions/markets where provided), to enable suitable ther-
mal comfort or MAX-DEF function activation.
With engaged gear, the engine automatic restarting is possible
only by fully pressing the clutch pedal. The driver is informed by
the displaying of a message and - for versions/markets where it
has been fitted - by the flashing of the
Usymbol on the display.
Notes
If the clutch is not pressed, after 3 minutes from the engine stop-
ping, the engine can be restarted only by the ignition key.
In case of undesired engine stopping conditions, for example as a
result of sudden clutch pedal release with engaged gear, if the
Start&Stop system is active, the engine can be restarted by fully
pressing the clutch pedal or placing the gearbox in neutral.
If temperature comfort is to be preferred, deac-
tivate the Start&Stop system to make the climate
control system work continuously

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.

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 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. 82 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. 82A0J0327m

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.

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.

SAFETY141
2
PASSENGER SEAT COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS ON UNIVERSAL CHILD’S SEAT USE
The car complies with the new European Directive 2000/3/EC which governs the arrangement possibilities for child restraints on the
various seats of the car as shown in the following table:
Key:
U = suitable for child restraint systems of the “Universal” category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified “Groups”.
Passenger Passenger rear
Group Weight ranges front side and central
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg U U
Group 1 9-18 kg U U
Group 2 15-25 kg U U
Group 3 22-36 kg U U