2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo power steering

6GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Interior fittings...................................................................................... 89
Electric sunroof ..................................................................................... 92
Doors .................................................................................................. 95
Electric windows................................................................................... 96
Luggage compartment........................................................................... 99
Bonnet................................................................................................ 103
Roof rack/ski rack ................................................................................ 104
Headlights ........................................................................................... 105
ABS system ......................................................................................... 107
VDC system ......................................................................................... 108
“Alfa DNA” system................................................................................. 111
Start&Stop system ................................................................................ 114
Dynamic Suspension.............................................................................. 119
EOBD system ....................................................................................... 120
Electric power steering ........................................................................... 120
Radio wiring system .............................................................................. 121
Wiring for navigation system................................................................... 122
Installation of electrical/electronic devices................................................. 122
Parking sensors.................................................................................... 123
T.P.M.S. system .................................................................................... 126
At the filling station ............................................................................... 129
Protecting the environment ..................................................................... 130

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message. If the warning light comes
on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Electric power steering failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) remains on, you will
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate
the steering wheel will be increased. Steering is, however, possi-
ble. In this case contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice. The display will show the dedicated message.g
Start&Stop system deactivation
(amber)
The warning light comes on when the Start&Stop sys-
tem is deactivated by pressing the button on the auxil-
iary control panel next to the steering wheel. On some versions the
display shows the associated message.T

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.

188IN AN EMERGENCY
If the fuse blows again contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
Never replace a blown fuse with anything other
than a new fuse.
Under no circumstances should a fuse be replaced
with one of a higher amperage; FIRE RISK.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems
(air bag system, braking system), power unit sys-
tems (engine system, transmission system) or
steering system is triggered, contact Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
If a general protection fuse blows contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure you have re-
moved the key from the ignition and have turned
off and/or unplugged all energy-consuming
devices.
If a general protection fuse (MEGA-FUSE, MIDI-
FUSE, MAXI-FUSE) is activated, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.

200IN AN EMERGENCY
The power brakes and the electrical power steer-
ing will not work while the car is being towed. More
effort on the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use wires for towing. Do not
jerk. Be careful not to damage parts in contact with the
car while towing. Respect the specific rules of the Highway
Code when towing the car, specifically in relation to the
towing device and conduct on the road. Do not start the
engine while towing the car. Clean the threaded seat care-
fully before fastening the hook. Make sure that the hook
is fully fastened in the seat before towing the vehicle.The front and rear tow hooks must only be used
for emergency situations on the road. THE vehi-
cle may be towed for short distances when a ded-
icated device is used in compliance with the Highway Code
(rigid bar), in order to move the vehicle on the road in
preparation for towing by a tow truck Tow hooks MUST
NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. Respecting the above condi-
tions, towing must only take place with two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) travelling as far as possible in
alignment along the same centreline.

INDEX253
7
Car maintenance......................... 201
– Heavy-duty use of the car ........ 207
– service schedule ..................... 202
Carrying children safely
– Isofix universal child
restraint system ..................... 143
– child seats ............................ 141
Car radio (wiring) ........................ 121
CBC system ................................ 110
Chassis marking .......................... 229
Checking fluid levels .................... 208
Cigar lighter................................ 90
Climatic comfort .......................... 63
CO
2emissions ............................ 249
CODE card .................................. 47
Compliance for use ...................... 141
Control buttons ........................... 29
Controls
– door lock.............................. 87
– front fog lights ....................... 87
– fuel cut-off system ................. 88
– hazard warning lights ............. 86
– rear fog lights ........................ 87
Courtesy lights ........................ 83-86
Courtesy mirror lights
– bulb replacement ................... 186
Cruise Control ............................. 81
Current outlet ............................. 90
ABS (system) ........................... 107
Air cleaner.................................. 217
Alarm ........................................ 53
Alfa “DNA” (system) ................... 111
Alfa Romeo CODE (system) .......... 46
Ashtray ...................................... 91
ASR system ................................ 109
At the filling station ...................... 129
Automatic two-zone climate
control system .......................... 68
Battery
– tips for extending duration ....... 217
– recharging............................ 196
– replacing .............................. 217
Bodywork (cleaning)................... 223
Bonnet ...................................... 103
Boot .......................................... 88
Boot light
– bulb replacement ................... 184
Brake lights ................................ 182
Brakes ....................................... 235
Bulb (replacement) ..................... 178
– general instructions ................ 178
– bulb types ............................ 178
Bulb replacement....................178-184
Capacities ................................. 128
– table capacities .................244-245
Dashboard............................ 7-243
Daylight lights (D.R.L.) ................. 76
Demanding use of the car ............. 207
Devices ...................................... 120
Dimensions ................................ 240
Dipped beam headlights
– activation............................. 76
– bulb replacement ................... 181
Direction indicators
– activation............................. 77
– replacement.......................... 182
Display ...................................... 26
Dynamic Suspension..................... 119
Door lock device .......................... 87
Doors ........................................ 95
DPF ........................................... 130
D.R.L. (daylight lights) ................. 76
DST system ................................ 110
Electric power steering system ...... 119
Electric sunroof ............................ 92
Electronic Q2 (“E-Q2”) ................ 110
Engine
– marking ............................... 229
– specifications ......................... 231
Engine codes
– bodywork versions ................. 230
Engine compartment (washing) ..... 223