42
STARTING THE ENGINEStartingWhen starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately when the engine
starts.
Extended starting attempts, characterized
by excessively frequent or long periods
with the starter engaged, can lead to dam-
age in the catalytic converter.<
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt, for instance if the engine is very
hot or cold:
When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway.
When first starting the engine at very low
temperatures, from +57 / –156:
When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway. For the initial start
attempt, allow the starter to remain
engaged somewhat longer, approx.
10 seconds.
Manual transmission1. Engage the parking brake
2. Put the manual gearshift lever in neutral
3. Press the clutch pedal
4. Start the engine.
Move the gearshift lever to neutral
position and engage the parking
brake before leaving your vehicle with the
engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)1. Press the footbrake
2. Put the selector lever in position P or N
3. Start the engine.
Move the selector lever to position P
and engage the parking brake before
leaving your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
106
OBD SOCKETThe Onboard Diagnostic OBD interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
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.
Indicator lamp for Canadian mod-
els.
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.
When the gas cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can detect
the vapor leak and the indicator will light
up. If the cap is subsequently tightened, the
indicator lamp should go out within a few
days.<
EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
139
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brakes 86
ABS 61
brake fluid 101
break-in procedures 82
handbrake 43
indicator/warning
lamps 15, 16
Breaking in 82
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 111
Buttons in multifunction
steering wheel 18
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 46
C
California Proposition
65 warning 107
Capacities 135
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle 103
Car keys, refer to Keys 22
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket 74
Car wash 103 Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle 103
Car-care products 103
Care, vehicle 103
Cargo area 75
cover 75
emergency operation, refer
to Manual operation 27
foldable rear backrest 75
lid, refer to Tailgate 27
volume, refer to Weights 134
Cargo area lamps
bulb replacement 116
Cargo area net 77
Carpet care 104
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
High temperatures 83
CBC Cornering Brake Control 61
warning lamp 16
CD changer, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Center high-mount brake lamp
bulb replacement 114
Central locking system 23
interior 26
Changing bulbs, refer to Lamps
and bulbs 111 Changing tires
space-saver spare tire 117
Charge-current indicator
light 15
Child seat, refer to Child-
restraint systems 38
Child-restraint systems 38
Chock, folding
MINI Mobility System 121
Run Flat tires 93
space-saver spare tire 117
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle 104
Chrome-plated parts, care 104
Cigarette lighter 74
Cigarette lighter socket 74
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode 68, 71
Cleaning the rear window 51
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle 103
Clock 56
Closing
from inside 26
from outside 23
Clothes hooks 83
Clutch
break-in procedures 82
Cockpit 12
Cold start, refer to
Starting the engine 41 Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments 73
Compression, refer to Engine
data 132
Compressor, refer to MINI
Mobility System
operation, refer to
Reinflating tires 122
storage location 110
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer 57
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning 68, 71
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory 37
Consumption, refer to Average
consumption 58
Consumption, refer to Current
consumption 58
Contents 2
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT) 45
ignition 41
indicator lamp 47
interlock 41
selector lever lock 45
shiftlock 45
towing 129
