2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo maintenance

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
A0J0379
fig. 81
A0J0388
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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
A0J0341
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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
A0J0087
fig. 84
A0J0107
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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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PARKING SENSORS(for versions/markets, where provided)
The parking sensors are located in the car's rear bumper fig. 86 and
their function is to inform the driver, through an intermittent acoustic
signal, about the presence of obstacles behind the car.ACTIVATIONThe sensors are activated by engaging reverse gear. As the obstacle
behind the vehicle gets closer to the car, the acoustic signal becomes
more frequent.INDICATIONS ON DISPLAY(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the sensor is activated, the "Reconfigurable multifunction
display" (for versions/markets, where provided) shows the screen
illustrated in fig. 87.
Obstacle presence and distance information is therefore provided both
by the buzzer and the instrument panel display.
If there are several obstacles the closest one is indicated.
ACOUSTIC SIGNALWhen reverse gear is engaged an acoustic signal is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation.
The acoustic signal:
❒increases as the distance between the car and the obstacle
decreases;
❒becomes continuous when the distance between the car and the
obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the distance
increases;
❒remains constant if the distance remains unchanged; if this situation
concerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 seconds
to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
IMPORTANT The volume of the acoustic signal can be adjusted through
the option "Warning volume" of the "Set-Up menu".
fig. 86
A0J0088
fig. 87
A0J0370
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Detection distances
❒Central operating range: 140 cm
❒Side operating range: 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected by the sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.OPERATION WITH TRAILERParking 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's cable plug is
removed.
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. The sensors should be washed using clean water with
the addition of car shampoo if necessary. When using special washing
equipment such as high pressure jets or steam cleaning, clean the
sensors very quickly keeping the jet more than 10 cm away.When repainting the bumpers or touching up paint in
the sensor area, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services only. Incorrect paint application could affect
the operation of the parking sensors.
Parking manoeuvres however are always the driver’s
responsibility. When carrying out such manoeuvres,
always ensure that the manoeuvring area is free of
people (particularly children) and animals. The parking sensor is
designed to assist drivers, who must still never allow their
attention to lapse during potentially dangerous manoeuvres even
if performed at low speed.
GENERAL WARNINGSDuring parking manoeuvres, pay the utmost attention to any obstacles
that could be located above or below the sensors.
Objects located near the rear of the car are not detected under certain
circumstances and could therefore cause damage to the car or be
damaged.
The following conditions may influence the performance of the parking
sensor system:
❒reduced sensor sensitivity and a reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to the presence on the surface of
the sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick paint
❒the sensors may detect a non-existent obstacle (echo interference)
due to mechanical interference, for example when washing the
car, in rain (strong wind), hail;
❒The signals sent by the sensors can also be altered by the presence
of ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems or pneumatic
drills) near the vehicle.
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❒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 require the
vehicle to be lowered;
❒The detection of obstacles at the top part of the car may not be
guaranteed because the system detects obstacles that could cause an
impact with the car in the bottom part.
TPMS (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car may be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
which informs the driver of the tyre inflation status via the "Check
tyre pressure" and "Low tyre pressure" messages on the display.
This system comprises 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 INFORMATION ABOUT
THE TPMSThe fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be displayed
after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send the relative
indications to the instrument panel only after the car has been in
motion for a short time.
The presence of the TPMS does not permit the driver to
neglect regular checks of the tyre pressure, including
for the spare wheel.Tyre pressure must be checked with tyres rested and
cold. Should it become necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the prescribed value, but
repeat the check when tyres are cold.
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