2015 Alfa Romeo MiTo suspension

We really know your car because we invented, designed and built it: we really know every single detail.
At Alfa Romeo Service authorised workshopsyou can find technicians directly trained by us,
offering quality and professionalism for all service operations.
Alfa Romeo workshops are always close to you for the regular servicing operations, season checks
and practical recommendations by our experts.
With Alfa Romeo Genuine Parts you keep the reliability, comfort and performance features
of your new car unchanged in time: that's why you bought it for.
Always ask for Genuine Parts for the components used on our cars; we recommend them because
they come from our steady commitment in research and development of highly innovative technologies.
For all these reasons: rely on Genuine Parts, because they are the only ones
designed by Alfa Romeo for your car.
SAFETY:
BRAKING SYSTEMENVIRONMENT: PARTICULATE FILTERS,
CLIMATE CONTROL MAINTENANCECOMFORT: SUSPENSION
AND WINDSCREEN WIPERS PERFORMANCE: SPARK PLUGS,
INJECTORS AND BATTERIESLINEACCESSORI
ROOF RACK BARS, WHEEL RIMS
WHY CHOOSING
GENUINE PARTS
Cop Alfa Mito GB QUAD 13/03/14 15.41 Pagina 2

The failure relating to these lights could be: one or more blown bulbs,
a blown protection fuse or a break in the electrical connection.
Brake light failure
On some versions the display will show a message + symbol if a fault
is detected in the brake lights.
The fault may be caused by a blown bulb, a blown protection fuse or
an interruption of the electric connection.
Dusk sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message + symbol if there is
a fault in the dusk sensor.
Rain sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message + symbol if there is
a fault in the rain sensor.
Parking sensor failure
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions the display will show a message + symbol if there is
a fault in the parking sensors.
Dynamic Suspension failure (active
shock absorber system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On some versions, a message + symbol are displayed in the event of
active shock absorber system failure.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services as soon as
possible.
Display of selected driving mode
(“Alfa DNA” system)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On versions equipped with a "Reconfigurable multifunction display", a
message + symbol associated with the selected driving mode
“DYNAMIC”, “NATURAL” or “ALL WEATHER” is shown. A warning
message is shown on the display if one of these driving modes is not
available.
On versions equipped with "Multifunction display", a letter ("d" or "a")
associated with the selected driving mode is shown together with a
dedicated message.
Engine oil level display
(for versions/markets, where provided)
When the ignition key is turned to MAR-ON the display shows, for a
few seconds, the engine oil level. In case of insufficient engine oil level,
a warning message appears on the display.
IMPORTANT To find out the correct engine oil quantity, always check
using the dipstick (see paragraph “Checking levels” in the section
“Maintenance and care”).
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-ON, wait for about 2 seconds before starting the
engine.
IMPORTANT The engine oil level may increase after a long stop.
18
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system. It automatically operates in the
event of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on wet roads
(aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, the ASR
intervenes automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
For the ESC and ASR systems to function correctly, all
four tyres must be the same brand and type, must
be in excellent condition and, above all, must be of the
prescribed type and size.
The ESC system operates even when the space-saver
wheel is being used. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the original
wheel, provides less grip.
The performance of the ESC and ASR systems must not
encourage the driver to take unnecessary risks. Driving
style must always be adapted to road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
BRAKE ASSIST (emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be turned off, recognises emergency braking
(on the basis of the brake pedal operating speed) and speeding up
the response of the braking system. The Brake Assist device is
deactivated if there is a ESC system failure.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque to the engine, thereby
preventing excessive drive at the drive wheels which, especially in poor
grip conditions, could lead to a loss in stability of the car.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
SYSTEM
This function improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking on bends if the ABS intervenes. This improves stopping
distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an effect
similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking system, when accelerating around a curve, acts on
the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (increased
load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque between
the front drive wheels according to driving and road conditions.
The system, combined with MacPherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective and sports driving to be achieved.
90
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

DST SYSTEM (Dynamic Steering
Torque)
This function integrates Dual Pinion active steering into the operation of
ESC. For particular manoeuvres, the ESC system controls the steering
to actuate a steering torque and assist the driver in the best possible
way.
The system operates the brakes and steering in a coordinated manner
to increase the suspension and safety level of the car as a whole.
The steering provides additional torque on the steering wheel.
“Alfa DNA” SYSTEM (Car
dynamic control system)
This device allows, using lever A fig. 74 (on the central tunnel), three
car response modes to be selected according to driving style and road
conditions:
❒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).
The device also acts on the dynamic car control systems (engine,
steering, VDC system, instrument panel).
fig. 74A0J0090
91
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

JUMP STARTING
When jump starting, never connect the negative lead (–) of the
auxiliary battery to the negative pole A fig. 83 of the car battery, but
rather to an engine/gearbox earth point.
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. 84. 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).
fig. 83A0J0388fig. 84A0J0341
98
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

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.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.
99
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking 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 WARNINGS
During 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.
❒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.
103
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

BRAKES
Versions Front brakes Rear brakes Parking brake
Turbo TwinAir
Self-ventilated discs DiscControlled by hand lever, acting
on the rear brakes 1.4 petrol
1.4 Turbo MultiAir
1.3 JTD
M-2
1.6 JTDM
IMPORTANT Water, ice and salt spread on the roads may deposit on the brake disks reducing braking efficiency the first time the brakes are
applied.
SUSPENSION
Versions Front Rear
Turbo TwinAir
McPherson independent wheels with anti-roll bar Interconnected wheels with torsion beam 1.4 petrol
1.4 Turbo MultiAir
1.3 JTD
M-2
1.6 JTDM
207
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX