2012 MINI Coupe Owner's Manual

MOBILITYReplacing components
176
Disposal
After replacing old batteries, return the
used batteries to your MINI dealer or to
a recycling center. Maint ain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery against tipping over
during transport. <
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, some equipment
may not be fully function al and may require ini-
tialization. Individual settings are also lost and
must be reprogrammed:
> Time and date
These values must be updated, page 73.
> Radio
In some cases, statio ns may have to be
stored again, page 118.
Fuses
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse or
replace it with a fuse of a different color or
Ampere rating. To do this could cause a fire in
the vehicle resulting from a circuit overload.
Have fuses replaced by your MINI dealer. <
A fuse assignment diag ram is located on the
inside of the fuse box cover panels.
In the engine compartment
Opening the cover
Press the latch.
In the vehicle interior
On the right side of the footwell.
Opening the cover
Press out at the recess.
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
177
Giving and receiving assistance
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance is available by phone
24 hours a day in many countries. You can
receive assistance there in the event of an
emergency.
First aid pouch
Some of the articles co ntained in the first aid
pouch have a limited se rvice life. Therefore,
check the expiration dates of the contents
regularly and replace any items in good time,
if necessary.
The first aid pouch is located on the rear cargo
well by the left side trim panel.
Warning triangle
The warning triangle is located at the bottom of
the luggage compartment floor.
Jump-starting
If the car's own battery is flat, your MINI's engine
can be started by connecting two jumper cables
to another vehicle's battery. You can also use
the same method to help start another vehicle.
Only use jumper cables with fully-insulated
clamp handles.
Do not touch any electrically live parts
when the engine is running, or a fatal
accident may occur. Ca refully adhere to the
following sequence, both to prevent damage
to one or both vehicles, and to guard against
possible personal injuries. <
Preparation
1.Check whether the battery of the other vehi-
cle has a voltage of 12 volts and approxi-
mately the same capacitance in Ah. This
information can be found on the battery.
2. Switch off the engine of the support vehicle.
3. Switch off any consumers in both vehicles.
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
o r d e r , s o t h a t n o s parks which could cause
injury occur. <
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
178
1.Open the battery cover in the engine
compartment to access the positive terminal
of your MINI.
2. Release the tabs on the left and right sides of
the positive terminal cover, arrows 1, and lift
the cover to open, arrow 2.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:
6.
Attach the second te rminal 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
vehicles. <
Do not transport any passengers other
than the driver in a vehicle that is being
towed. <
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Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
179
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 toolkit in the cargo area under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side,
page165.
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. <
Access to screw thread
Push out the cover of the towing eye out of the
recess in the bumper.
Front
Rear
John Cooper Works with aerodynamic bumper:
Pull out the bottom of the cover panel of the
towing eye in the bumper, arrow.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page55; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, 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,
depending 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.
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
180
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to 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 pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported by a tow truck with a
so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page 177.
Vehicles with a catalyti c 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, page 55.
3. Shift into 3rd gear.
4. Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. Afte r the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5. Stop at a suitable lo cation, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard
warning flashers.
6. Have the vehicle checked.
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
181
Indicator and warning lamps
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in
various combinations an d colors in indicator
area 1 or 2. Refer to the table for information on
causes and how to react. Note whether a lamp
lights up alone or in co mbination with another.
Some lamps can light up in different colors.
Corresponding 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 page49.
External temperature wa rningDrive cautiously, refer also to page 66.
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
182
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page65
Engine refuses to start Depress th e brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page 55.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
55, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Tailgate open
Cargo area cover in the MINI
Convertible Convertible top cannot be activated.
Bring cargo area cover in required
position, re
fer to page 109.
Lights up in red:
Convertible top not locked Convertible top not locked. First
completely open or close the
convertible top, and then continue
the trip, page 35 and 42.
12Cause What to do
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
183
Sunroof/Convertible topExcessive vehicle speed, activation
not possible, reduce speed and
continue activation.
Lights up in red:
Control system for convertible top
failed! Position of convertible top and locking
mechanism not recognized. If
convertible top secu
rely locked, drive
may be continued. Manually close
convertible top/sliding roof, refer to
page 36. Have your MINI dealer
inspect the system.
Lights up in yellow:
Drive of convertible top overheated! Let drive of convertible top cool down,
refer to page 36.
Sunroof/Convertible top Control system of convertible top/tilt
roof malfunctioning. Close convertible
top/tilt roof ma
nually, refer to
page 36. Contact your MINI dealer.
Tailgate of MINI Convertible not
closed Close the tailgate.
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top is
completely open
MINI Roadster: indicator lamp lights
up. Semi-automatic convertible top
movement has ended. Close
convertible top using the handle
Lights up in yellow:
Rear spoiler extended, also see
page 78 Rear spoiler extended. Before driving
into a car wash, retract the rear
spoiler.
Rear spoiler, also see page 78Rear spoiler does not extend
completely. Drive slowly and have it
checked at your ne arest MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
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