2009 MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
135
There must not be any contact between
the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise
there is a danger of shorting.<
Connecting jumper cables
Connect the jumper cables in the correct
order, so that no sparks which could cause
injury occur.<
1.Open the battery cover in the engine com-
partment to access the positive terminal of
your MINI.
2.Attach one terminal clamp of the plus/+
jumper cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the
vehicle providing assistance.
3.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive terminal
of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of
the vehicle to be started.
4.Attach one terminal clamp of the minus/–
jumper cable to the negative terminal of the
battery or to an engine or body ground of
the assisting vehicle.
Body ground in MINI:
5.Attach the second terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative termi-
nal of the battery or to the engine or body
ground of the vehicle to be started.
Starting the engine
1.Start the engine of the donor vehicle and
allow it to run for a few minutes at slightly
increased idle speed.
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle 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.
3.Let the engines run for a few minutes.
4.Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing
the above connecting sequence.
If necessary, have the battery checked and
recharged.
Never use spray fluids to start the
engine.<
Tow-starting, towing
away
Observe the applicable laws and regula-
tions for tow-starting and towing vehi-
cles.<
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed.<
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the MINI.
It is stored in the onboard tool kit in the cargo
bay underneath the cover on the right-hand
side, page123.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.<

Giving and receiving assistance
136
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page43, otherwise the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable. Do not
tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised, as
this would allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI or MINI Convertible transported
by a tow truck with a so-called lift sling or on a
flatbed.
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
137
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page134.
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page43.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.

Indicator and warning lamps
138
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1
or2. See the table for information on causes and
how to react. Note whether a lamp comes on
alone or in combination with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/headlamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to
page37.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
Outside temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page52.

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
139
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gallons/8 l of fuel
remain in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page53
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page43.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
openSwitch off the ignition, page43, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Bonnet open
Tailgate open
Luggage compartment roll-up cover
in the MINI ConvertibleConvertible top cannot be activated.
Bring luggage compartment cover in
required position, refer to page93.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and con-
tinue activation .
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
140
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed!Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If con-
vertible top securely locked, drive
may be continued.Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page32. Have your MINI Service
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page31.
Sliding/tilting sunroof or soft top of
MINI ConvertibleControl system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof manually, refer to
page32. Contact your MINI Service.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closedClose tailgate.
Gas cap missing or loose Make sure that the gas cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the gas cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page50.
Lights up in yellow:
The engine will start the next time the
start/stop button is touched, possibly
without the brake or clutch being
depressed
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with convenient access, not
detectedThe engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Battery in remote control discharged Use the remote control for a longer
journey or, in cars with convenient
access, replace the battery.
12Cause What to do

REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
141
Belt tensioners and/or airbag system
failedHave the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
Lights up:
Emergency calling system failed or
malfunctioningHave the system checked as soon as
possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine malfunction
Stop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converterYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissionsYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
12Cause What to do

Indicator and warning lamps
142
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop,
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the bonnet,
otherwise there would be a risk of
injury by scalding. Contact your MINI
Dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate
speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connectedHave the battery checked as soon as
possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
12Cause What to do