2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo Owner handbook (in English)

IMPORTANT
❒It is not possible to switch directly from “Dynamic” mode to “All
Weather” mode and vice versa. You must always first go back
to “Natural” mode and then select the other mode.
❒If “All Weather” or “Natural ”mode was active when the engine was
stopped, the next time it is started the mode that was selected is
reactivated.
❒In the event of system failure or a fault with lever A fig. 72, no
driving modes can be selected. The display will show a warning
message.
START&STOP SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Start&Stop system automatically stops the engine each time the car
is stationary and starts it again when the driver wants to move off.
In this way, the efficiency of the car is increased, by reducing
consumption, emissions of harmful gases and noise pollution.OPERATING MODESEngine stopping mode
With the car stopped, the engine stops with gearbox in neutral and
clutch pedal released.
NoteNote: the engine can only be stopped automatically after
exceeding about 10 km/h, to prevent the engine from being
repeatedly stopped when driving at walking pace.
The
fig. 78 symbol appears on the display when the engine stops.fig. 78
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Restarting the engine
Press the clutch pedal to restart the engine.

SYSTEM MANUAL ACTIVATION/
DEACTIVATIONTo activate/deactivate the system manually, press the
fig. 79 button
on the trim next to the steering wheel.
When the system is deactivated, the
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on. For versions/markets where provided, a message
and symbol are also displayed in the event of system activation/
deactivation.
ENGINE STOPPING FAILURE
CONDITIONSWhen the system is operating, due to comfort, emission control and
safety reasons, the engine does not stop in some conditions, among
which:
❒engine still cold;
❒especially cold outside temperature;
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒particulate filter regeneration (DPF) in progress (diesel engines only);
❒driver's door not shut;
❒driver's seat belt not fastened;
❒reverse gear engaged (for example, for 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 with MAX-DEF function activation;
❒during the first period of use, to initialise the system.
If the climate comfort is to be favoured, the Start&Stop
system can be deactivated, for a continuous operation of
the climate control system.
fig. 79
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ENGINE RESTARTING CONDITIONSDue to comfort, emission control and safety reasons, the engine can
restart automatically without any action by the driver, under special
conditions, such as:
❒battery not sufficiently charged;
❒reduced braking system vacuum (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed
repeatedly);
❒car moving (e.g. when driving on roads with a gradient);
❒engine stopping by Start&Stop system for over 3 minutes;
❒for versions equipped with dual zone automatic climate control
system (for versions/markets, where provided), if an adequate level
of thermal comfort has not been reached or MAX-DEF function
activation.
With gear engaged, automatic engine restarting is possible only by
fully depressing the clutch pedal. The driver is informed by the
displaying of a message on the display and - for versions/markets,
where provided - by the flashing of the symbol
.
Notes
If the clutch is not pressed, about 3 minutes after the engine stops, the
engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
In cases when the engine stops and this is not desired, due for example
to the clutch pedal being released sharply with a gear engaged, if the
Start&Stop system is activated, the engine can be restarted by fully
depressing the clutch pedal or by placing the gear lever in neutral.
SAFETY FUNCTIONSWhen the engine is stopped by the Start&Stop system, if the driver
releases his/her seat belt and opens the driver's or passenger's door,
the engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
The driver is informed by a buzzer and by the flashing of the symbol
on the display; on some versions, a message is displayed as well.
"ENERGY SAVING" FUNCTION(for versions/markets, where provided)
If, following automatic engine restarting, the driver does not carry out
any action on the car for over 3 minutes, the Start&Stop system stops
the engine once and for all, to prevent fuel consumption. In these
cases, the engine can be restarted only using the ignition key.
NOTE In any case, it is possible to keep the engine running by
deactivating the Start&Stop system.IRREGULAR OPERATIONIn the event of malfunction, the Start&Stop system is deactivated.
The driver is informed of the fault by the
warning light switching
on in the instrument panel and, for versions/markets where provided,
a message and symbol on the display.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
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CAR INACTIVITYIn the event of car inactivity (or if the battery is replaced), special
attention must be paid to the disconnection of the battery power
supply.
The procedure must be carried out as follows: press button A fig. 80 to
detach connector B from battery status monitoring sensor C (this is
located on the negative pole of the battery itself).
In case of battery replacement, always contact Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services. Replace the battery with
one of the same type (HEAVY DUTY) and with the same
specifications.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the electrical supply to the battery.
JUMP STARTINGWhen jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–) of the
auxiliary battery to the negative pole A fig. 81 of the car battery, but
rather to an engine/gearbox earth point.
fig. 80
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fig. 81
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Before opening the bonnet, make sure the engine is off and
the ignition key is in the STOP position. Follow the
indications on the plate underneath the bonnet fig. 82. It is
advisable to extract the key when there are other people in the car.
Leave the car only after having removed the ignition key or having
turned it to STOP. During refuelling, make sure that the engine is off
and that the ignition key is in the STOP position.
DYNAMIC SUSPENSION (active
shock absorber system)(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system interacts with the “Alfa DNA” system (see paragraph “Alfa
DNA”).
The “Alfa DNA” system lever allows you to choose three different
driving settings depending on the route type and on the road surface:
❒d = Dynamic (sports driving mode);
❒n = Natural (mode for driving in normal conditions);
❒a = All Weather (mode for driving in poor grip conditions, such as
rain and snow).
In “Natural” 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" operating mode produces a sports driving setting
characterised by more responsive acceleration and greater effort on
the steering wheel to give a sporty feeling. The shock absorber
damping action is also adjusted and divided, to guarantee higher
precision and reactivity of the car, while maintaining a good comfort
level.
The car is more precise when entering bends and quicker in changing
direction.
fig. 82
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EOBD SYSTEM (European On
Board Diagnosis)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The aim of the EOBD system (European On Board Diagnosis) is to:
❒monitor the system efficiency;
❒indicate an increase in emissions;
❒indicate the need to replace damaged components.
The car 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 completely,
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services are obliged to run tests and, if
necessary, road tests which may also call for a long journey.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGThis only operates with the key turned to MAR-ON and the engine
started. Power steering allows the force required at the steering wheel
to be adapted to driving conditions.
The different power assistance modes can be selected via the "d,n,a"
positions of the “Alfa DNA System” lever (see “Alfa DNA System”
paragraph).
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)
that could badly affect performance and safety, invalidate the
warranty and also result in non-compliance of the car with
type-approval requirements.Before performing any maintenance operations,
always turn off the engine and remove the key from
the ignition to lock the steering column, especially
when the car’s wheels are not touching the ground.
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WIRING FOR RADIO SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
If no radio was requested with the car, it is provided with a dual
storage compartment in the dashboard fig. 83.
The radio setup system is composed of:
❒car radio power supply cables, front and rear speakers and an
aerial;
❒radio housing;
❒aerial on car roof.
The radio must be fitted in the special compartment A fig. 83, which
can be removed by pressing the two retaining tabs in the compartment
itself; the power supply cables are located in this area.
When connecting a car radio to the radio wiring
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to prevent any
faults from occurring that might compromise the safety
of the car.
PREPARATION TO INSTALL A
PORTABLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM(for versions/markets, where provided)
On cars equipped with theBlue&Me™system, there may be (on
request) the setup for installing theBlue&Me™TomTom
®portable
navigation system, which is available from Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
Install the portable navigation system in the housing illustrated in
fig. 84.
fig. 83
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fig. 84
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INSTALLING ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC DEVICESElectrical and electronic devices installed after buying the car in the
context of after-sales service must carry the following label: fig. 85
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. authorises the installation of transceiver
devices on condition that such installations are carried out in a
workmanlike fashion, following the manufacturer’s instructions, at a
specialised centre.
IMPORTANT Traffic police may not allow the car on the road if devices
have been installed which modify the features of the car. This may
also cause invalidation of warranty in relation to faults caused by the
change either directly or indirectly related to it.
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. shall not be liable for damage caused
by the installation of accessories either not supplied or recommended
by Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. and/or not installed in compliance
with the provided instructions.
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND MOBILE
PHONESRadio transmitter equipment (vehicle mobile phones, CB radios,
amateur radio, etc.) cannot be used inside the car unless a separate
aerial is mounted externally.
IMPORTANT The use of similar devices inside the passenger
compartment (without separate aerial) produces radio-frequency
electromagnetic fields which, amplified by the resonance effects inside
the passenger compartment, may cause electrical systems equipping
the car to malfunction. This could compromise safety in addition to
constituting a potential hazard for the passengers.
In addition, transmission and reception of these devices may be
affected by the shielding effect of the car body.
As far as the use of EC-approved mobile phones is concerned (GSM,
GPRS, UMTS), follow the usage instructions provided by the mobile
phone manufacturer.
fig. 85
DISPOSITIVI-ELETTRONICI
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