2002 MINI Hardtop 2 Door warning

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTES REFUELING Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm),
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any
vehicle equipped with a catalytic
converter. Do not remove the heat protec-
tion plates fitted in the area of the exhaust
system and do not apply body-cavity
protectant to this area. When driving,
standing at idle or when parking, take
precautions to avoid contact between the
hot exhaust system and easily flammable
materials (grass, hay or leaves, for
example). Such contact could lead to a fire,
resulting in serious personal injury and
property damage.<
Always switch off the engine before
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot
be filled into the tank and the "Service
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door
2. Turn the filler cap counterclockwise
3. Put the filler cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these
containers can leak, cause an explosion,
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
Always observe all safety precautions
posted at the service station when
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling
>results in premature pump shutoff
>and will reduce the effect of the fuel
vapor recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly,
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Tank capacity: approx. 13.2 gallons
(50 liters).
Close the fuel cap carefully after
refuelling until a "click" is heard.
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the
strap which is fastened to the filler cap.
A loose or missing cap will activate the
"Service Engine Soon" warning lamp.<
Refill early to avoid damaging the
catalytic converter; never attempt to
drive to the last drop of fuel in the tank.<

90
ENGINE OILAdding engine oil Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower notch of
the dipstick, but before it goes below this
mark.
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the CVT, the manual
transmission, and the differential.<
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the oil changed only at your MINI
center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with all warning labels
and information on lubricant containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of used oil.<
Approved engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, the manufacturer approves only
certain grades of engine oil.
You can find out from your MINI
center which individual oils have
been approved by the manufacturer. you may use small volumes of other oils
between oil changes in exceptional cases.
One of the following oil specifications must
be on the oil package:
>Preferred: BMW Longlife-01
>Alternative: BMW Longlife-98,
BMW Longlife or ACEA A3.

92
BRAKE FLUIDWarning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low, see
page 15.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Adding brake fluidTo add brake fluid or to determine and
correct the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI center. Your MINI center is
familiar with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page 79.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a MINI center,
see also page 57 and the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US models)/
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). Brake fluid is toxic and also
damages vehicle paintwork. Always store
brake fluid in tightly-closed original
containers kept well away from the reach
of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of brake fluid.<

95
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE>Rubber parts:
Treat only with water or rubber care
products
>Plastic parts, imitation leather surfaces,
headliner, lamp glass, covering glass for
the instrument cluster, as well as matt
black molded parts:
Clean with water and, if necessary,
plastic care products. Do not dampen
seats and the headliner. Never use
solvents such as lacquer thinner, heavy-
duty grease remover, fuel or similar
>Safety belts:
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the
belts fitted; do not dry clean, as the
fabric can be destroyed.
Always unroll automatic safety belts
when dry. Dirty safety belts prevent
unrolling and thus negatively affect
safety
>Floor carpets and floor mats
*:
If heavily soiled, clean using interior
cleaner. Floor mats can be removed to
allow the interior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper
blades twice a year, before and after the
cold season. This is particularly impor-
tant on vehicles fitted with a rain sensor.Use only wiper blades which have
been approved by the manufac-
turer.<
Leather care The leather
* used by the manufacturer is a
high-quality natural product processed
using state-of-the-art methods, and it will
retain its quality level for many years if
cared for appropriately.
Regular cleaning and care are necessary, as
dust and road dirt scratches in pores and
creases and lead to heavy wear as well as
premature brittleness of the leather
surface. This is why you should use a cloth
or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the
leather on a regular basis.
As dirt and grease can slowly affect the
protective layer of the leather, the cleaned
leather surfaces must be treated with
leather care agent. This also helps to avoid
electrostatic charges.
Cleaning agents can contain
hazardous or health-damaging
substances. For this reason, always observe
the warnings on the package.
For interior cleaning, always open the doors
or windows of the vehicle. Do not use any
products (e.g. solvents) that are not
intended for cleaning the vehicle.<

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.<

106
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard
warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector lever
in P).
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, for
instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with space-saver spare tire, see
next column
>Vehicles with safety tires, see page 110.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change: change the
wheel only on a level, firm surface which is
not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the jack
could slip sideways.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object
as a support base for the jack, as this would
prevent it from extending to its full support
height and reduce its load-carrying
capacity .
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 107
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 108
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 108
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 109
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 109
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 109.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Jack
5 Spanner
6 Tow fitting
7 Lifting handle

113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
WARNING TRIANGLE
*
FIRST-AID KIT
*
JUMP-STARTING
The warning triangle is located beneath the
luggage compartment cover.
Comply with legal requirements
requiring you to carry a hazard
warning triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located together with the
onboard tool kit in the left of the luggage
compartment, behind the side trim panel.
Some articles in the first-aid kit are
perishable. For this reason, check the
expiration dates of each of the items regu-
larly, and replace any whose expiration
dates have passed.
Source: any pharmacy.
Comply with legislation requiring you to
carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Do not use spray starter fluids to start the
engine.
When your battery is discharged, you can
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle
with power from the battery in a second
vehicle. By the same token, you can provide
another vehicle with starting assistance.
To do so, use only jumper cables with fully
insulated terminal clamps.
Do not touch live wiring and cables
on a running engine. There is a risk of
fatal injury if you do this. Carefully observe
the following instructions to avoid personal
injury and/or damage to either vehicle or
both vehicles.<

114
JUMP-STARTINGPreparation for jump-starting1. Check whether the battery of the support
vehicle has 12 Volts and approximately
the same capacity (Ah) (printed on the
battery)
2. Switch off the engine of the support
vehicle
3. Switch off any electrical systems and
components in both vehicles Ð except
for the hazard warning flashers of the
support vehicle.
>Do not disconnect the discharged
battery from the vehicle electrical
system
>Make certain that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two
vehicles Ð short circuit hazard!
4. With the battery of the MINI COOPER,
remove the cover panel. To do so, press
both clips at the same time
or
with the MINI COOPER S, open the cover
of the positive terminal connection (for
jump-starting)
*, see arrow 1.
Connect the jumper cables
Adhere to the sequence also when
providing support for other vehicles;
failure to observe this procedure can lead
to sparks at the terminals and pose an
injury hazard.<
1. On the MINI COOPER S, the positive
terminal connection (for jump-starting),
see arrow 1, functions as the positive
battery terminal.
Use the jumper cable (+) to set up a
connection between the positive terminal
of the discharged battery and the positive
terminal of the support battery
2. Use the second jumper cable (Ð) to set
up the connection between the negative
terminals of both vehicles.
To do so:
>Connect one terminal clamp to the
negative terminal and/or to an engine
or body ground of the support vehicle
>Connect the second terminal clamp to
the negative terminal of the battery
and/or to an engine or body ground of
the vehicle to be started. For the MINI,
see arrow 2.
Performing the jump-start1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing
the current and allow to run at a fast idle
speed for several minutes
2. Start the engine on the vehicle with the
discharged battery in the usual manner.
>If the first start attempt is not
successful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge.
On the MINI:
Before disconnecting the jumper
cables, switch on the lighting, rear window
defroster and the highest blower speed as
well as the engine for at least approx.
10 seconds to prevent a voltage surge from
the regulator to the electrical systems and
components.<
3. Then disconnect the jumper cables in
the reverse order.
Depending on the cause of the
malfunction, have the battery
checked and recharged at your MINI
center.<