2018 Alfa Romeo MiTo handbrake

READ THIS CAREFULLY
REFUELLINGPetrol engines: only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating (RON) not less than 95 in compliance with the European specification EN228.
Diesel engines: refuel only with Diesel fuel motor vehicles conforming to the European specification EN590. The use of other products or mixtures
may damage the engine beyond repair and consequently invalidate the warranty, due to the damage caused.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Petrol engines.Versions with manual gearboxengage the handbrake, set the gear lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch pedal without pressing the
accelerator, then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has started.Versions with TCT gearbox(if available), engage the
handbrake and set the gear lever in P (Parking) or N (Neutral), then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine is started.Diesel
engines: turn the ignition key to MAR and wait for the
warning light to switch off. Then turn the ignition key to AVV and release it as soon as the
engine has started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry leaves, pine needles or other flammable
material: fire hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The vehicle is fitted with a system that carries out a continuous diagnosis of the emission-related components in order to help protect the
environment.
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to add electrical accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the battery), contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
They will calculate the overall electrical requirement and check that the car’s electrical system can support the required load.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct maintenance of the car is essential for ensuring that it maintains its performance and its safety features, its environmental friendliness and
low running costs for a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS
…important information, advice and warnings for correct use, driving safety and maintenance of the car over time. Special attention must be paid to
the symbols(personal safety)(environmental protection)(car integrity).

and turn the steering wheel until it locks.
Deactivation
Move the steering wheel slightly and turn
the ignition key to MAR.
WARNING
2)If the ignition device has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked over by the Alfa Romeo Dealership
before driving again.
3)Always remove the key when you leave
your car to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage first gear if the vehicle is parked
uphill or reverse if the vehicle is parked
downhill. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
4)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 adversely affect performance and
safety, invalidate the warranty and also
result in the car not meeting type-approval
requirements.
5)Never remove the key while the car is
moving. The steering wheel will
automatically lock as soon as it is turned.
This holds true for cars being towed as well.
ALFA ROMEO CODESYSTEM
The Alfa Romeo Code prevents
unauthorised use of the vehicle, disabling
engine starting.
Operation
Each time the car is started by turning
the ignition key to MAR, the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit sends an
acknowledgement code to the
Powertrain Control Module to deactivate
the inhibitor.
The code is sent only if the Alfa Romeo
CODE system control unit has recognised
the code transmitted by the key.
Each time the ignition key is turned to
STOP, the Alfa Romeo CODE system
deactivates the functions of the
Powertrain Control Module.
Irregular operation
If, during starting, the code is not
correctly recognised, the icon
appears on the instrument panel.
In this case, turn the key to STOP and
then to MAR-ON; if it is still locked, try
again with the other keys that come with
the car. If it is still not possible to start
the engine, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.Activation of warning light while
driving
If the iconappears on the display,
this means that the system is running a
self-diagnosis (for example due to a
voltage drop).
If the iconcontinues to be
displayed, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
IMPORTANT
1)The electronic components inside the key
may be damaged if the key is subjected to
strong shocks. In order to ensure complete
efficiency of the electronic devices inside the
key, it should never be exposed to direct
sunlight.
12
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IMPORTANT The warning light switches on in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative
to the information contained in the Owner Handbook, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this section in the event of a failure indication.
IMPORTANT Failure indications displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Serious faults are
indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning "cycle". Less serious faults are indicated by a warning "cycle" with a shorter duration.
The display cycle of both categories can be interrupted. The instrument panel warning light will stay on until the cause of the
malfunction is eliminated.
WARNING LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL
Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
LOW BRAKE FLUID/HANDBRAKE ENGAGED
The warning light switches on when the key is turned to
MAR-ON, but it should switch off after a few seconds.
Low brake fluid level
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on
when the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir falls
below the minimum level, possibly due to leaks in the
circuit.Restore the brake fluid level, then check that the warning
light has switched off.
If the warning light stays on, contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership.
Handbrake engaged
The warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on
when the handbrake is engaged. If the car is moving an
acoustic signal is also emitted.Release the handbrake, then check that the warning light
has switched off.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) stays on,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership.
46
KNOWING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL

Warning lights on
panelWhat it means What to do
ALFA TCT FAILURE
(where provided)
The warning light switches on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should switch off after a few
seconds.
The warning light begins to flash (on some versions, the
symbol and a message appear on the display) to indicate
a gearbox fault.
On the display, together with the warning light, the
following messages can be shown:
“Check transmission” message;
“Gear not available” message;
“Manual mode not available” message;
“Automatic mode not available” message;
“Required manoeuvre incompatibility” message;
“Clutch overheating” message.
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
If it is necessary to start the engine with a transmission
failure, follow the procedure described in the "Alfa TCT"
paragraph, in chapter "Starting and driving".
Clutch overheating
The
the display) switches on
to indicate clutch overheating.In this case limit the gear changes and/or change the
condition of use, until normal operating conditions are
restored. If the driver continues, the
warning light (or symbol on the display) will switch off and
the
will switch on,
on the display, to indicate an
automatic transmission fault. In this case, stop
immediately, operate the handbrake, and wait for
5 minutes: after this, transmission operation conditions
will be restored. If the fault persists, contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership as soon as possible.
49
warning light (or symbol on the display)
together with a message
warning light (or the symbol
(together with a message)

The ESC system corrects the car’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system comprises the active
safety systems such as: ABS, EBD, ASR,
HILL HOLDER, BRAKE ASSIST, MSR,
CBC, “ELECTRONIC Q2”, DST.
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
System intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light
on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the car is in
critical stability and grip conditions.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)SYSTEM
This system acts when braking on
corners, optimising the distribution of
brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside
of the corner (less affected by the weight
of the car) from locking, ensuring better
stability and direction for the car.
HILL HOLDERSYSTEM
This is an integral part of the ESC system
and facilitates starting on uphill or
downhill slopes by operating the brakes:
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the car without having engaged the
handbrake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear, so that it is parked in
safe conditions (for further information
read the "Parking" paragraph in the
"Starting and driving" chapter).
IMPORTANT There may be situations on
small gradients (less than 5%), with car
laden, in which the Hill Holder system
may not activate, causing a slight
reversing motion and increasing the risk
of collision with another vehicle or object.
The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
“ELECTRONIC Q2”SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The "Electronic Q2" system intervenes
during acceleration on corners, braking
the inner drive wheel and thus increasing
the traction of the outer wheel (which
bears more of the car’s weight): the
torque is thus distributed optimally
between the drive wheels in accordance
with the driving conditions and road
surface, permitting particularly effective,
sporty driving.
WARNING
28)The ESC system cannot alter the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase grip,
which depends on the condition of the road.
29)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
30)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to compromise
personal safety and the safety of others.
31)For the correct operation of the ASR
system, the tyres must of necessity be the
same make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
32)Do not take unnecessary risks, even if
your vehicle is fitted with the ESC and ASR
systems. Your driving style must always be
suited to the road conditions, visibility and
traffic. The driver is always responsible for
road safety.
33)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce the
pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on the
current road conditions.
34)To obtain the maximum efficiency of the
braking system, a bedding-in period of about
500 km is needed: during this period it is
better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
35)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that
the grip of the tyres on the road is nearing its
limit: you must slow down to a speed
compatible with the available grip.
67

STARTING THE ENGINE
93) 94) 95)
17) 18) 19) 20)
Before starting the engine, adjust the
seat, the interior rear view mirrors, the
door mirrors and fasten the seat belt
correctly.
Never press the accelerator pedal for
starting the engine.
If necessary, messages indicating the
starting procedure can be shown on the
display.
PROCEDURE FOR PETROL VERSIONS
Except 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.
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.Versions with LPG system
To properly perform the starting
procedure, refer to as previously
described.
The engine always starts up on petrol
independently of the mode previously
selected. There must therefore always be
some petrol in the tank to protect the
petrol pump and to guarantee temporary
switching from LPG to petrol operation, if
high performance is required.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Except Turbo TwinAir versions:Ifthe
engine does not start at the first attempt,
return the ignition key to STOP before
repeating the procedure.
For Turbo TwinAir versions only:Ifthe
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.
If, with the ignition key turned to MAR,
the
symbol is shown on the display
together with the warning light
, turn
the key to STOP and then back to MAR. If
the symbol on the display is still shown,
try with the other keys provided with the
car. Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership if
the engine still does not start.
Never leave the ignition key in
MAR-ON position when the engine is
stopped.
PROCEDURE FOR DIESEL VERSIONS
Proceed as follows:
engage the handbrake and place the
gear lever in neutral;
turn the ignition key to MAR position:
the
warning light will light up on
instrument panel;
wait for the warning light to switch off;
fully depress the clutch pedal, without
touching the accelerator;
turn the ignition key to AVV; the
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.
WARNING
93)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.
94)The brake servo is not active until the
engine is started, so you would need to apply
much more force than usual to the brake
pedal.
95)Do not start the engine by pushing,
towing or driving downhill. These
manoeuvres may damage the catalytic
converter.
90
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT
17)We recommend that during the initial
period, or during the first 1600 km
(1000 miles), you do not drive to full car
performance (e.g. excessive acceleration,
long journeys at top speed, sharp braking,
etc.).
18)When the engine is switched off never
leave the ignition device in the MAR position
to prevent useless current absorption from
draining the battery.
19)A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely no
practical purpose; it wastes fuel and is
damaging for the engine.
20)Warning light
will flash after starting
or during prolonged cranking to indicate a
fault with the glow plug heating system. If
the engine starts, the vehicle can be regularly
used, but an Alfa Romeo Dealership must be
contacted as soon as possible.
PARKING THE VEHICLE
96) 97)
Always remove the ignition key when
leaving the car.
When parking and leaving the car,
proceed as follows:
engage a gear (1stgear if facing uphill
or reverse if facing downhill) and leave
the wheels turned;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone
if the car is parked on a steep slope.
On versions equipped with Alfa TCT
transmission, before releasing the brake
pedal, wait for letter P to be displayed.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (or, on versions
equipped with Alfa TCT transmission,
before placing the gear lever at P).
HANDBRAKE
To engage the handbrake, pull lever 1
fig. 65 upwards until the car is secured.
When the handbrake is engaged and the
ignition key is on MAR-ON, the
instrument panel warning light
will
switch on.
To release it, raise lever 1 slightly, hold
down button 2 and lower the lever: the
warning light
on the instrument
panel switches off.
IMPORTANT Carry out these
manoeuvres with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANT For cars equipped with a
front armrest, lift it up to ensure that it
does not interfere with the action of the
handbrake.
WARNING
96)Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the car and take it with you.
97)The car should be braked after a few
clicks of the parking brake: if this is not so,
contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to have it
adjusted. Always park the car safely as
indicated by the Highway Code and as
described above.
65A0J0110C
91

IMPORTANT The inconsistency between
the speed actually engaged (shown on
the display) and the position of the gear
lever is indicated by the letter
corresponding to the position of the lever
flashing on the trim (also accompanied by
an acoustic signal). This condition should
not be interpreted as an operational
fault, but simply as a request by the
system to repeat the manoeuvre.
IMPORTANT With handbrake released
and brake pedal released, engine at idling
speed and gear lever in position D, R or
sequential, pay the utmost care because
the car can move even without the
operation of the accelerator pedal. This
condition can be used with the car on a
level surface during tight parking
manoeuvres using the brake pedal only.
AUTOMATIC DRIVING MODE
D can be selected from sequential
operation in any driving conditions.
In automatic driving mode, the best ratio
is selected by the electronic transmission
control unit depending on speed, engine
load (accelerator pedal position) and
gradient of the road.
“Kick-Down” function
To resume speed quickly, when the
accelerator pedal is pressed fully, the
transmission control system downshifts
("Kick-down" function).
IMPORTANT When driving on roads with
poor grip conditions (snow, ice, etc.) avoid
activating the kick-down function.
Gearshifting suggestion
With the transmission in automatic mode
(selector lever in position D), when
gearshifting is required by the paddles on
the steering wheel (where provided), the
system shifts to "Sequential mode",
displaying the engaged gear for about
5 seconds.
When this time has elapsed, if the
paddles are not operated anymore, the
system goes back to the automatic mode
(D), with following displaying.
SEQUENTIAL DRIVING MODE
In sequential driving mode, the
transmission works like a manual
gearbox.
Gearshifting through selector lever
Move the lever sideways (to the left)
from position D to the sequential
position:
lever towards "+": engage higher gear;
lever towards "-": engage lower gear.
The lever correct position in “Sequential
Mode” is signalled when the symbols “+”
and “−” come on and, simultaneously, the
symbol D comes off on the display.
The gear engaged is shown on the display.Gearshifting through steering wheel
paddles
(where provided)
24)
To use the paddles on the steering wheel
fig. 71, the gear lever must be in
sequential position or in D:
To use the paddles on the steering wheel,
the gear lever must be in "Sequential
mode" or in D:
steering wheel paddle "+" (pulling
paddle towards driver fig. 71 ): engage
higher gear;
steering wheel paddle "-" (pulling
paddle towards driver fig. 71 ): engage
lower gear.
71A0J0365C
94
STARTING AND DRIVING