2016 Alfa Romeo MiTo maintenance

IMPORTANT
Do not wash the seats with water or pressurised steam (by hand or at
automatic seat washing stations).
The front and/or side bags may activate in the event of sharp knocks
to the underbody of the car (e.g. impact with steps, pavements,
potholes or road bumps etc.).
When the airbag deploys it emits a small amount of dust: the dust is
harmless and does not indicate the beginning of a fire. The dust may
irritate the skin and eyes however: in this case, wash with neutral soap
and water.
All operations on airbags (inspection, repair and replacement) must be
carried out by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
If the car is to be scrapped, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to
have the airbags deactivated.
Pretensioners and airbags are deployed in different ways, according to
the type of impact. Failure to deploy of one of the devices does not
necessarily indicate a system malfunction.
If thewarning light does not switch on when the
key is turned to MAR-ON, or stays on while driving (on
some versions together with a message on the
display) there may be a fault in the restraint systems. In this
case, airbags or pretensioners may not be activated in the case
of an accident or (in a lesser number of cases) they may be
activated incorrectly. Before proceeding, contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services to have the system checked immediately.
Do not travel carrying objects in your lap, in front of
your chest or between your lips (pipe, pencils, etc.):
they could cause severe injury if the airbag is
deployed.
If the car has been subject to theft, attempted theft,
vandalism, or flooding, have the airbag system
inspected at Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
When the ignition key is in and turned in the MAR-ON
position and the engine is off, the airbags may deploy
if the car is crashed by another moving vehicle.
Therefore, even if the car is stationary, when an active passenger
airbag is fitted, DO NOT install rear facing child restraint systems
on the front passenger seat. Deployment of the airbag following
an impact could cause fatal injuries to the child. Therefore,
always deactivate the passenger airbag when a rear facing child
restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat. The front
passenger seat must also be positioned back as far as possible
in order to avoid the child restraint system from coming into
contact with the dashboard. Immediately reactivate the
passenger airbag as soon as the child restraint system has been
removed. Also remember that, if the key is turned to STOP, none
of the safety devices (airbags or pretensioners) will be deployed
in the event of collision. Non-deployment in such cases does not
indicate a system malfunction.
128
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

When the ignition key is turned to MAR, the
warning light (with passenger side front airbag
activated) switches on and flashes for a few seconds to
remind you that the passenger airbag will be deployed in a
crash, after which it should switch off.
The front airbag is designed to be deployed for
impacts of a greater intensity than for the
pretensioners. For impacts whose intensity falls
between the two levels, it is normal for only the pretensioners to
be activated.
The airbag does not replace seat belts but increases
their effectiveness. Because front airbags are not
deployed for low-speed crashes, side collisions,
rear-end shunts or rollovers, occupants are protected, in addition
to any side bags, only by their seat belts, which must therefore
always be fastened.
129
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

STARTING AND DRIVING
STARTING THE ENGINE
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
(excluding Turbo TwinAir versions)
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox lever in neutral;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal, without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
IMPORTANT
❒If the engine does not start at the first attempt, return the ignition key
to STOP before repeating the starting procedure.
❒If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel warning
light
(or the symbol on the display) remains on together with
warning light
, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the warning light remains on, try the other keys provided. If you are
still unable to start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service Provider.
❒Never leave the ignition key at MAR when the engine is stopped.Engine starting for Turbo TwinAir versions
Proceed as follows:
❒Engage the handbrake and place the gear lever in neutral or fully
press the clutch pedal if a gear other than neutral is engaged;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine
starts.
NoteIf the vehicle does not start at the first attempt, return the ignition
key to STOP and repeat the starting procedure placing the gear lever
in neutral and fully pressing the clutch pedal.
IMPORTANT
❒If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the instrument panel warning
light
(or the symbol on the display) remains on together with
warning light
, turn the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the warning light remains on, try the other keys provided. If you are
still unable to start the engine contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service Provider.
❒Never leave the ignition key at MAR when the engine is stopped.
130
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake and place the gearbox lever in neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR-ON: the warning lights
and
(or the symbol on the display) on the instrument panel will
switch on;
❒wait for the warning lights (or the symbol on the display) to switch
off;
❒fully depress the clutch pedal, without touching the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVV;
warning light switches off.
Waiting too long will waste the heating work carried out by the
glow plugs. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
If thewarning light flashes for about 1 minute after
starting or during prolonged cranking, this indicates a fault
in the glow plug preheating system. Use the car normally
if the engine starts and go to Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.
It is dangerous to run the engine in enclosed areas. The
engine takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
It is advisable not to demand maximum performance from
your car (e.g. excessive acceleration, long distances at
maximum rpm, excessively intense braking, etc.) when it is
first used.
When the engine is off, do not leave the ignition key turned
to MAR to prevent unnecessary electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
Remember that the brake servo and electromechanical
power steering are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much more effort than
usual is required on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving
downhill. These manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
131
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

WARMING UP THE ENGINE JUST
AFTER IT HAS STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn at medium revs and without
accelerating abruptly;
❒do not demand maximum performance for the first few kilometres. It
is advisable to wait until the engine coolant temperature indicator
starts moving.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a demanding drive, before turning the engine off
you should allow it to idle to allow the temperature in the engine
compartment to decrease.
A quick burst on the accelerator before stopping the engine
serves absolutely no practical purpose. It wastes fuel and
is especially damaging to turbocharged engines.
PARKING
Switch off the engine and pull up the handbrake. Engage a gear (1stif
the car is facing uphill or reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered to one side.
If the car is parked on a steep slope block the wheels with a wedge or
stone. Always remove the ignition key when leaving the car.
Never leave children unattended in the car. Always
remove the key from the ignition when leaving the car
and take it with you.
132
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

HANDBRAKE
To engage the handbrake pull lever A fig. 111 upwards until the car is
secured. To release the handbrake, raise lever A slightly, hold down
button B and lower the lever.
IMPORTANT Carry out these manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a front armrest, lift this up to
ensure that it does not interfere with the action of the handbrake.
The car should be locked after a few notches: if this is
not the case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services
to have the handbrake adjusted.
USING THE GEARBOX
To engage the gears, fully depress the clutch pedal and put the gear
lever into the desired position (the diagram for gear engagement
is shown on the knob of the lever fig. 112, fig. 113, fig. 114).
fig. 111A0J0110
fig. 112A0J0265
fig. 113A0J0266
133
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

On models with 6 gears, to engage 6thgear, press the lever slightly to
the right to avoid changing into 4thby mistake. The same applies to the
shift from 6thto 5thgear.
To engage reverse (R) from neutral position, raise ring A underneath
the knob and, at the same time:
❒on 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 170 HP Quadrifoglio Verde and 1.6 JTD
Mversions, move the lever to the left and then forwards fig. 113;
❒on Turbo TwinAir, 1.4 Petrol, 1.4 Turbo MultiAir and 1.3 JTD
M-2versions, move the lever to the right and then backwards fig. 112
and fig. 114.
IMPORTANT Reverse can only be engaged when the car is completely
stationary.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears correctly. It
is therefore essential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying flat and do not
get in the way of the pedals.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear lever as
the force exerted, even if slight, could lead over time to
premature wear of the gearbox internal components.
fig. 114A0J0267
134
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which can help you to save fuel and lower
harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every 4 weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and its
arrangement greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. It is better to use a trailer to transport particularly
bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Only use electrical devices for the time needed. The heated rear
window, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan
require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the current uptake
increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an urban cycle).Climate control system
Using the climate control system will increase consumption: use the air
vents when the external temperature allows it.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when the vehicle is
stationary; this causes the engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable to
move off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds: in this way the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when at traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, like double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear when traffic and road conditions allow it. Using a
low gear for faster acceleration will increase consumption. In the same
way improper use of a high gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
135
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX