2006 MINI Hardtop 2 Door warning

117
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BRAKE SYSTEM
Brake fluid level
The warning lamp comes on
although the parking brake is
released:
The brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, refer to page16. At the same time,
brake pedal travel may become signifi-
cantly longer.
Have the system checked immediately.
If the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
If you continue driving, higher brake
application pressure may be neces-
sary, and there may be a slight pull to one
side. Brake pedal travel may also be longer.
Please remember to adapt your driving
style accordingly.<
Brake pads
Brake pad sensors in the left brake pads of
the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page18.
Use brake pads which the manufac-
turer of your MINI has approved for
your particular vehicle model. The manu-
facturer of your MINI cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if they
are suitable for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle
in the event of their use.<

119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SOCKET FOR ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS OBD CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Primary components of exhaust emissions
can be checked by a device via the OBD
socket.
This socket is located to the left of the
driver's side, on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp comes on. The
exhaust emissions have deterio-
rated. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
Under some circumstances, the lamp will
flash. This indicates severe engine misfir-
ing. In this case, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest MINI Dealer as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring
can quickly lead to serious damage of emis-
sions-related components, especially the
catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system may con-
clude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days. Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your new MINI or MINI Con-
vertible in automatic car washes from the
beginning. Preference should be for cloth
car washes. If, due to lack of availability,
brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given
preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-
pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/606. If
the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.
After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can
reduce braking efficiency over the short
term and the brake rotors can corrode.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing
through an automatic car wash, refer to
page62. Failure to do so could result in

131
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE 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 portable hazard warning lamp is avail-
able, set it up on the roadside at an appro-
priate distance from the rear of the vehicle.
Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your vehicle:
>Vehicles with Run Flat tires, refer to
page108
>Vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
refer to the following section
>Vehicles with MINI Mobility System,
refer to page135.To change a space-saver spare tire, proceed
as follows:
>Remove space-saver spare tire, refer to
the section after the next one
>Prepare for tire change, refer to page133
>Jack up the vehicle, refer to page134
>Mount the space-saver spare tire, refer
to page134
>Tighten the lug bolts, refer to page134
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, refer to
page133.
Tire change set
On vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set with onboard tools is
stored in the luggage compartment under
the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4Jack
5 Special wrench for removing the space-
saver spare tire
6 Towing eyelet
7 Lifting handle
The onboard tool kit includes a pouch with
a plastic bag in which you can place the
damaged wheel.

135
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM*
MINI Mobility System
The MINI Mobility System is provided to
help you repair a flat tire. With the help of
this system you can apply a liquid sealant
on the inside of the tire, which seals the
damaged area and enables you to continue
to drive.
Preparing for tire repair
Before using the MINI Mobility Sys-
tem read the warning and danger
precautions on the equipment.<
If possible, leave objects in which have
been forced into the tire.
Take off the tag regarding speed limits and
stick it onto the steering wheel.
Using the MINI Mobility System
In order to repair a flat tire with the MINI
Mobility System, proceed as follows:
>Pump in liquid sealant, refer to page136
>Reinflate the tire, refer to page136
>Distribute liquid sealant, refer to
page137
>Check tire inflation pressure, refer to
page137
>Drive on, refer to page137.
MINI Mobility System with onboard
tools
The MINI Mobility System with tire change
set and onboard tools is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor mat:
1Jack
2 Wheel stud wrench
3 Hubcap remover
4 Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screw-
driver, towing eyelet
5 Compressor, hose with manometer and
plug for cigarette lighter socket
6 Package with filling hose, valve remover
and valve core
7 Filling canister
8 Hex wrench/screwdriver
9 Adapter for wheel lug lock

142
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
Access to the threaded socket
The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.
Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in
position 1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win-
dow.
MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:
Put the gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page143.<
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

143
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
With a tow truck:
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible trans-
ported by a tow truck with a lift sling, or on
a flatbed.
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with the front wheels raised or on a special
transport vehicle; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged.
Do not lift the vehicle by the towing eyelet,
nor by parts of the body or chassis. Other-
wise damage could result.<
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start vehicles featuring
automatic transmission with Step-
tronic.
Jump-starting, refer to page140.<
Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic con-
verters if the engine is cold. It is better to
have the engine jump-started, refer to
page140.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers;
comply with national regulations
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine has
started, immediately depress the clutch
again completely
5. Pull over at a suitable location, remove
the tow bar or tow rope, and turn off the
hazard warning flashers
6. Have the vehicle checked.

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
154
A
ABS Antilock Brake System71
indicator lamp17,18
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle6
Activated-charcoal filter83
Adjusting interior
temperature79,82
Air circulation, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Air conditioning system78
Air distribution
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Air outlets, refer to
Ventilation80,83
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure101
Air volume
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Airbags75
passenger airbag status
lamp76
safe seating position42
warning lamp18
AKI, refer to Fuel quality99
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
indicator lamps17,18 All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires110
Antenna120
Antifreeze
coolant115
washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System (ABS)71
indicator lamp17,
18
Anti-theft system24
Approved axle load, refer to
Weights149,150
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle weight,
refer to Weights149,150
ASC All Season traction
Control71
indicator lamps17,18
Ashtray85
Assistant systems, refer to
All Season traction Control
(ASC)71
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)71
AUTO program, refer to
Automatic air distribution82
Automatic
air distribution82
air volume82
cruise control64
Automatic car washes119
Automatic climate control81 Automatic transmission with
Steptronic
ignition53
indicator lamp57
interlock53
selector lever lock56
shiftlock56
towing142
tow-starting143
Average consumption70
setting units70
Average speed70
setting units70
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149,150
B
Backrests, refer to
Adjusting seats44
Backup lamp
bulb replacement129
Bar, towing142
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone84
Battery138
charging138
disposal138
indicator lamp16
jump-starting140
power failure138
Battery care68,118 Belts, refer to Safety belts46
Beverage holders85
Black ice, refer to Temperature
warning69
Blower
air conditioning system79
automatic climate control82
Blower, refer to Air volume79
Blowers, refer to Draft-free
ventilation80,83
Bonnet111
indicator lamp17
Bottle holders, refer to
Beverage holders85
Brake discs
brake system97
break-in procedures96
Brake fluid117
level117
warning lamp16
Brake lamps, bulb
replacement129
Brake pads117
break-in procedures96

warning lamp18
Brake system117
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
disc brakes97
warning lamp17

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brake wear warning
brake pads117
warning lamp18
Brakes117
ABS71
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
handbrake54
indicator/warning
lamps16,17,18
Breaking in96
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Buttons on multifunction
steering wheel20
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
C
California Proposition 65
warning7
Capacities151
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle119
Car keys, refer to Keys24
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Car wash119
Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle119
Car-care products119
Care of plastics120
Care of synthetic leather120
Care, vehicle119
Cargo area
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume149,
150
Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
cover88
Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate29
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI88
Carpet care121
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio Center armrest84
Central locking system24
interior28
Changing bulbs127
Changing the wiper
blades126,127
Changing tires133
space-saver spare tire131
Charge-current indicator
light16
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems50
Children, transporting50
Child-restraint fixing system,
LATCH52
Child-restraint systems50
Chock, folding
space-saver spare tire131
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle120
Chrome-plated parts, care120
Cigarette lighter85
Cigarette lighter socket85
Cigarette tray, refer to
Ashtray85
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Cleaning the rear window63
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle119 Clock66
12-hour/24-hour mode66
changing the time66
Closing
from inside28
from outside25
Clothes hooks98
Clutch53
break-in procedures96
Cockpit12
Coding, tires105
Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments84
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer69
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning79,82
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption70
Current fuel consumption70
Contents2
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit12
Convenience operation
convertible top37
from outside26,27
glass sunroof, electric33
windows31