2003 MINI COOPER warning

52
PARKING LAMPS/LOW BEAMS SIGNAL/HEADLAMP FLASHER Switching on the parking lampsTurn to the first position. The front, rear
and side vehicle lighting is switched on.
Parking light on one side, see following
column.Switching on the low beamsTurn to the second position. With the low
beams on and with the ignition switched
off, only the parking lamps will remain on."Follow me home" lampsIf you switch off the engine with the low
beams on, and then switch off the low
beams, they remain lit for a set length of
time.
You can have this function set by
your MINI Dealer.<
Switching on the standing lampsFor parking, you can activate lights on one
side of the vehicle. Observe local laws.
In ignition key position 0:
Move the lever into the relevant turn signal
indicator position."Lights on" warningIf the lights have not been switched off and
the ignition key is in position 0, an acoustic
signal sounds for a few seconds when you
open the driver's door to remind you that
the lights have not been switched off.Daytime driving lamps*If you desire, the light switch can be left in
the second position:
When the ignition is switched off, the
external lighting is also switched off.
You can have this function set by
your MINI Dealer.<
1Turn signal indicator – green indicator
lamps and periodic clicking sound from
the relay
2High beams/Headlamp flasher – blue
indicator lampTo signal brieflyPress the lever up to but not beyond the
point of resistance.
If the blinking of the indicator lamp
and the clicking from the relay are
both faster than normal: one of the turn
signal indicators has failed.<
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59
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FUEL GAUGE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE In the navigation system
Please also comply with the instruc-
tions in the previous section.<
If the indicator light 1 changes from orange
to red, there are approx. 2.1 gallons /
8 liters of fuel in the tank.
Low temperatureThe needle is at the bottom or on the right
of the range.
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.Center positionNormal operating temperature of the
engine.High temperatureAs soon as there is a deviation from the
center position upwards or to the left:
Drive moderately and at low engine speed.
If necessary, switch off the engine and
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, see page 96.
1 Red indicator lamp When you switch on the ignition, warning
lamp 1 comes on briefly to confirm that the
system is operational.
Lights up while driving:
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.Navigation system option
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in tachometer lights up while
driving:
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow it to cool down.
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66
PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)*The conceptThe PDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. A signal tone tells you the
current distance to an object behind your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors
in the rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object.
The sensors on each side have a range of
approx. 2 ft / 60 cm, the middle sensors
one of approx. 5 ft / 1.5 m.
The system starts to operate automatically
about one second after you select reverse
with the ignition key in position 2.
Wait for this one second before you
drive backwards.<
PDC is deactivated when you shift away
from Reverse.
You can have a signal tone set by your
MINI Dealer as a confirmation that
PDC has been activated.<
Acoustical signalsThe distance to an object is indicated by a
tone sounding at intervals. As the distance
between vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates the
presence of an object less than 8 in / 20 cm
away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to the
object remains constant during this time,
for instance if you are moving parallel to a
wall.
System malfunctions will be indicated by a
continuous high-pitched tone when the
system is activated the first time. Please
have your MINI Dealer resolve the problem.Volume controlThe volume of the Park Distance Control
signal can be adjusted from level 1 – soft –
to level 6 – loud.
The volume can be set by your MINI
Dealer.<
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any objects always remains
with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there is a
blind spot in which objects cannot be de-
tected. Recognition of some objects can be
beyond the limits of physical ultrasonic
measurement, for example with towing
bars or hitches or with thin or wedge-
shaped objects. Moreover, low objects that
have already been detected – such as a curb
edge – can disappear out of the range of
the sensors before a continuous tone
sounds.
Loud sources of sound outside and inside
your vehicle can drown the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance which is
greater than 4 in / 10 cm.<
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95
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE OILThe oil volume between the two notches –
MIN, MAX – on the dipstick corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts / 1 liter. Do not fill
beyond the upper notch on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.
Adding engine oil
Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower
notch of the dipstick. However, never allow
the level to drop below the lower notch.<
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
That is also valid for the Continuously Vari-
able automatic Transmission (CVT), the
gear box and the power assisted steering.<
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you have the oil changed at
your MINI Dealer.
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.<
Specified 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 of your MINI
approves only certain grades of engine oil.
Use only approved MINI High Performance
Synthetic Oil.
If you are unable to obtain MINI High Per-
formance Synthetic Oil, you can add small
amounts of synthetic oil in between oil
changes. Only use oils with the API SH spec-
ification or higher.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT BRAKE FLUIDTo add coolant

MINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by pulling at the tab
to allow accumulated pressure to
escape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape.
2. Unscrew and open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
The coolant is made up of water and an
antifreeze with corrosion resistance. The
mixture ratio of 50 to 50 must be kept the
entire year due to the required anti-corro-
sion property. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every three years.
Warning 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 cor-
rect the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer is famil-
iar 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 84.
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 Dealer,
see also the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models. Brake fluid is toxic and also dam-
ages 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.<
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102
OBD SOCKET The interface socket for onboard diagnos-
tics is located on the driver's side, behind a
cover located beneath the instrument
panel. The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure
proper operation of the emission control
system for the vehicle‘s lifetime. The sys-
tem monitors emission-related compo-
nents for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the
need to stop the vehicle.
However, the system should be checked by
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest MINI Dealer as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sion control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp
for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator will light
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tight-
ened, the indicator lamp should go out
within a few days.<
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TECHNICAL MODIFICATIONS CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGAny MINI Dealer will be glad to inform you
of the advisability, legal regulations and
factory recommendations for technical
modifications to the vehicle.
To do so, they require the vehicle identifica-
tion number from your vehicle documents.California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing 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 and reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and cer-
tain products of component wear contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing thor-
oughly with soap and water.<
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112
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES – 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 warn-
ing 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 vehi-
cle and well away from your immediate
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
the next chapter
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, see page 116
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System, see
page 118.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change:
Change the wheel only on a level, firm sur-
face which is not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface – on 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 capac-
ity.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack – risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 113
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 114
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 114
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 115
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 115
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 115.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the cargo
area under the floor mat.
1Chock, folding
2Hubcap remover
3Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5Spanner
6Tow fitting
7Lifting handle
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