2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo ESP

REFUELLING
Petrol engines: only use unleaded petrol with an octane
value (RON) of no lower than 95.
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.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines: make sure that the handbrake is
engaged; set the gearshift lever to neutral; fully depress the
clutch pedal without pressing the accelerator, then turn the
ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
Diesel engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
warning lights to go out; Ythenmturn the ignition key to AVV
and release it as soon as the engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter reaches high temperatures
during operation. Do not park on grass, dry leaves,
pine needles or other flammable material: fire risk.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that carries out a
continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components
in order to help protect the environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If after having purchased your car you decide to add
accessories requiring electrical power (that may
otherwise cause the battery to gradually lose power),
please consult an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service. They
can calculate the overall electrical requirement and
check that the car’s electrical system can support the
required load
CODE CARD(for versions/markets, where provided)
Keep this in a safe place, not in the car. We
recommend that you always carry the electronic code
provided on the CODE card with you, in case you need
to perform an emergency start.
PROGRAMMED MAINTENANCE
Correct car maintenance is essential to ensure that the
performance, safety features, environmental
friendliness and low running costs stay in tip-top
condition over the years.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... important information, tips and warnings on the
correct use and maintenance of your car over time as
well as safe driving. Particular attention should be paid
to information marked with the following symbols:
"(personal safety) #(environmental protection) â(car
integrity).
READ THIS CAREFULLY!
K



24GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Display of selected driving mode
(“Alfa DNA” system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a “Reconfigurable multifunctional Dis-
play” a message + symbol associated with the selected driving
mode - “DYNAMIC”, “NORMAL” or “ALL WEATHER” - is shown.
A warning message is shown on the display if one of these dri-
ving modes is not available.
On versions equipped with a “Multifunctional display” a letter (d
or a) associated with the selected driving mode is shown togeth-
er with a dedicated message.
Engine oil level display
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR the display shows, for a few
seconds, the engine oil level. In the event of an insufficient engine
oil level, a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To determine the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the marks on the dipstick (see paragraph "Checking levels" in
"5" section).
IMPORTANT For a correct engine oil level indication, perform the check
with the car parked on a level surface.
IMPORTANT To perform the engine oil reading correctly, after turning
the key to MAR wait for about 2 seconds before starting the engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.
T.P.M.S. system failure (amber)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) when a fault is
detected in the T.P.M.S tyre inflation pressure monitoring system:
if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
as soon as possible.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the display
will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Check tyre inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
If this warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) this indicates that
the tyre pressure is below the optimum value recommended to
guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption. It may also in-
dicate a slow loss of pressure.
Should two or more tyres be discovered to be in the above men-
tioned condition, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tyre in sequence. Under these circumstances you should
restore the correct pressure values (see chapter 6).

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR33
1
Headlight sensor (Automatic/dusk sensor
headlights sensitivity adjustment)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This function enables the headlights to come on or go off depending
on external lighting conditions.
The sensitivity of the dusk sensor can be adjusted according to 3
levels (level 1= minimum sensitivity, level 2= average sensitivi-
ty, level 3= maximum sensitivity); the greater the sensitivity set,
the less the external light variation needed to control turning on
the lights (e.g. with a level 3 setting at sunset the headlights are
expected to come on in respect of levels 1 and 2).
Proceed as follows to set:
– briefly press MENU ESC: the previously set level will flash on the
display;
– press + or – to change the setting;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.
Rain sensor
(Rain sensor sensitivity adjustment)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
With this function it is possible to adjust the rain sensor sensitivi-
ty according to 4 levels.
To set the required sensitivity level proceed as follows:
– briefly press MENU ESC: the previously set sensitivity level will
flash on the display;
– press + or – to change the setting;
– briefly press the MENU ESC button to go back to the menu screen
or hold the button down to go back to the standard screen with-
out storing the new settings.

48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
KEY WITHOUT REMOTE CONTROL
The metal insert A-fig.14 operates:
❍the ignition switch;
❍the door locks;
❍the opening and closing of the fuel cap.
fig. 14A0J0211mfig. 15A0J0072m
Press button B-fig. 15 only after moving the key
away from your body, especially your eyes, and
from objects which could get damaged (e.g. your
clothes). Do not leave the key unattended, because some-
one, a child especially, may accidentally press the button
while handling the key.
KEY WITH REMOTE CONTROL
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The metal insert A-fig.15 operates:
❍the ignition switch;
❍the door locks;
❍the opening and closing of the fuel cap.
Press button B to open/close the metal insert.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR71
1
In FULL AUTO mode the climate control system automatically man-
ages the air distribution; the LEDs on the I and M buttons should
be off.
When set manually, the set distribution is shown by the LEDs on
the selected buttons.
In combined function mode the relevant function is enabled si-
multaneously with those already set by pressing the correspond-
ing button. If a button is pressed for a function that is active, the
operation is cancelled and the corresponding LED goes off. To re-
store automatic air distribution control after making a manual set-
ting, press the AUTO button.
When the driver selects air distribution to the windscreen, the air
distribution on the passenger’s side is also aligned to the wind-
screen. The passenger can select a different distribution mode by
pressing the corresponding buttons.SETTING THE AIR DISTRIBUTION
By pressing these buttons you can manually choose between 7 pos-
sible air distribution settings for the right and left-hand side of the
passenger compartment:
NAir flow to the windscreen and front side window vents to
demist/defrost them.
˙Air flow from central and side dashboard vents to ventilate
the chest and the face during the hot season.
OAir flow to the front and rear foot well vents. This air distribu-
tion mode heats the passenger compartment most quickly, giv-
ing a prompt sensation of warmth.
˙
OAir flow distributed between foot well vents (hotter air) and
central and side dashboard vents (cooler air). This distribution
mode is particularly useful in spring and autumn on a sunny
day.
N
OAir flow distributed between foot well vents and windscreen
and front side window defrosting/demisting vents. This allows
an adequate warming of the passenger compartment and pre-
vents the windows from misting up.
N
˙Air flow distribution between windscreen demisting/defrosting
vents and side and central dashboard vents. This allows air
to be sent to the windscreen in conditions of strong sunlight.
NAir flow distribution to all vents on the vehicle.˙
O

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR73
1
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM COMPRESSOR
Press button B to activate/deactivate the compressor. The deacti-
vation of the climate control compressor remains in the system
memory even when the engine has been stopped.
When the compressor is switched off the system deactivates air re-
circulation to prevent the windows from misting up. In this case,
although the system is capable of maintaining the required tem-
perature, the word FULL will disappear from the display. If, how-
ever, the system is unable to maintain the required temperature,
the temperature indication flashes and the word AUTO disappears.
IMPORTANT With the climate control compressor off, it is not pos-
sible to admit air into the passenger compartment with a temper-
ature below the outside temperature; moreover, under certain en-
vironmental conditions the windows could mist up very quickly since
the air cannot be dehumidified.
To restore automatic control for switching on the climate control
compressor, press button B again or press the AUTO button.
AIR RECIRCULATION
Air recirculation works according to the following operating logics:
❍automatic engagement: press one of the AUTO buttons. En-
gagement is indicated by the word AUTO appearing on the
display;
❍forced engagement (air recirculation always on): this is indi-
cated by the LED on button C lighting up and by the symbol
íappearing on the display;
❍forced disengagement (air recirculation always off, air drawn
from the outside): this is indicated by the LED on button C go-
ing out and by the symbol
êappearing on the display; Forced
engagement/disengagement can be selected by pressing but-
ton C.
IMPORTANT The air recirculation system makes it possible to reach
the required heating/cooling conditions faster.
It is, however, inadvisable to use it on rainy/cold days as it would
considerably increase the possibility of the windows misting up in-
side (especially if the climate control system is off).
When the outside temperature is low, recirculation is forced off (air
drawn from the outside) to prevent the windows misting up. In au-
tomatic operation, inside air recirculation is controlled automatically
by the system according to outside environmental conditions.
When manual recirculation is set, the word FULL disappears from
the display and AUTO disappears from the icon.
It is advisable not to use the air recirculation func-
tion when the outside temperature is low to pre-
vent the windows from rapidly misting up.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR75
1
ADDITIONAL HEATER
(only for diesel versions)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This device speeds up passenger compartment warming when it is
very cold. The additional heater turns off automatically after reach-
ing the required comfort conditions.
Automatic two-zone climate control system
The additional heater is turned on automatically by turning the ig-
nition to MAR
Manual heater and manual climate
control system
The additional heater is activated automatically by turning knob
A to the end of the red section and setting the fan (knob B) to at
least the 1
stspeed.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The heater only works if the outside temperature and engine coolant
temperature are low.
The heater will not activate if the battery voltage is too low.
SWITCHING OFF THE CLIMATE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Press the OFF button. With the climate control system switched off:
❍air recirculation is on, thus isolating the passenger compartment
from the outside;
❍the compressor is off;
❍the fan is off.
❍the heated rear windscreen can be switched on or off.
IMPORTANT The climate control system control unit will store the
temperatures set before turning off and will restore them when any
button is pressed (except button G); if the function corresponding
to the button pressed is off it will be turned on; if on, it will be kept
active.
To restart the climate control system in fully automatic mode press
AUTO.

78GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
EXTERIOR COURTESY LIGHTS
This function lights up the vehicle and the space around it when
the doors are unlocked.
Activation
When the vehicle is parked and the doors are unlocked by press-
ing the
Ëbutton on the remote control (or the luggage compart-
ment is unlocked by pressing
R), the dipped beam headlights,
side lights and number plate lights are activated.
The lights remain lit for approximately 25 seconds unless the doors
and luggage compartment are locked once again, the doors or lug-
gage compartment are opened and closed or the instrument pan-
el is activated. In this case they go out after 5 seconds.
The exterior courtesy lights can be enabled/disabled using the Set-
up Menu (see the paragraph on“Menu Items” in this chapter).
“FOLLOW ME HOME” DEVICE
This device allows you to illuminate the area in front of the car
for a certain amount of time.
Activation
With the ignition key on STOP or removed, pull lever A-fig. 33 to-
wards the steering wheel within 2 minutes of switching off the
engine.
The amount of time the lights remain on is extended by 30 sec-
onds at each movement of the lever, up to a maximum of 210 sec-
onds; after this the lights are switched off automatically.
The
3warning light on the instrument panel will light up (and
the corresponding message will appear on the display) as long as
the function is active.
The warning light comes on when the lever is operated and stays
on until the function is automatically deactivated. Each movement
of the lever increases the amount of time the lights stay on.
Deactivation
Keep the lever pulled towards the steering wheel for more than 2
seconds.