check engine light MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2009 User Guide
Page 144 of 172
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 
Page 146 of 172
Indicator and warning lamps
144
Indication* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. 
Contact your MINI Dealer.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. 
Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked 
without delay.
>Starter failed or
>ignition malfunctioning. Engine 
restart only possible when brake 
is depressed or
>lighting system failed. Low 
beams/tail lamps and brake 
lamps still operational. All other 
lamps failedThe engine cannot be restarted.
Lights up in yellow:
>Control of the brake lamps failed 
or
>fuel supply malfunctioningYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the system in ques-
tion checked without delay.
Dynamic Traction Control activated, 
page 63
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC 
have failed.Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
12Cause What to do 
Page 149 of 172
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 147
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range 
of gears, possibly with reduced 
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the system 
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without 
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a 
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Manually unlock the selector lever 
lock, page47.
Lights up in yellow:  Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked: 
Selector lever locked in position P 
with engine running and brake 
depressed orManually unlock the selector lever 
lock, page47.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear 
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is 
at a standstill, always depress the 
brake. Before leaving the vehicle, 
move the selector lever to position P 
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the 
selector lever to position P. Allow the 
transmission to cool down. You can 
continue your journey, but moderate 
your speed and exercise due caution. 
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate 
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Vehicle not prevented from rolling 
12Cause What to do 
Page 150 of 172
Indicator and warning lamps
148
Selector lever position P not engaged. 
Ignition cannot be switched offEngage selector lever position P when 
you wish to switch off the ignition, 
page43.
Cruise control system failed Have the system checked.
Park Distance Control failed Have the system checked.
Bulb of exterior lighting system failedHave the exterior lighting checked as 
soon as possible.
Low-beam headlamp or fog lamp 
failedHave the lamps checked as soon as 
possible.
High-beam headlamp failed Have the high-beam headlamps 
checked.
Rear fog lamp failed Have the rear fog lamp checked.
Headlamp beam throw adjustment 
system failedHave the headlamp beam throw 
adjustment system checked.
Coolant level too low Add coolant immediately, page115.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately and switch off the 
engine. You cannot continue your 
journey. Contact your MINI Dealer.
Lights up in red:
Service appointment overdue Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page57.
Lights up in yellow:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, page57.
12Cause What to do 
Page 160 of 172
From A to Z
158
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your 
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for 
automatic climate control82
Additives
– coolant115
– engine oil115
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Air 
conditioner79
Adjusting temperature inside 
the car, refer to Automatic 
climate control80
Air conditioner78
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air distribution
– automatic81
– individual80
– manual80
Air flow rate79,81
– air conditioning system79
– automatic climate control81
– heating, ventilation79
Air outlets, refer to Air vents78
Air pressure, checking, refer to 
Tire inflation pressure102
Air recirculation, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode79,81
Air supply
– air conditioner79
– automatic climate control80
– ventilation82
Air vents78
Airbags70
– sitting safely34
– warning lamp72
Airing, refer to Ventilation82AKI, refer to Fuel 
specifications101
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter 
tires112
Always Open Timer54
Ambient air, refer to 
Recirculated-air 
mode79,81
Ambient lighting77
Antenna, care119
Antifreeze
– coolant115
– washer fluid50
Antilock Brake System ABS63
Anti-theft alarm system, refer 
to Alarm system
24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to 
Weights155
Approved engine oils115
Approved gross vehicle 
weight, refer to Weights155
Armrest, refer to Center 
armrest85
Ashtray87
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control81
Audio device, external85
AUTO program for automatic 
climate control81
Automatic
– air distribution81
– air flow rate81
– cruise control50
– headlamp control73
Automatic climate control78
– automatic air distribution81
Automatic recirculated-air 
control AUC81Automatic transmission with 
Steptronic45
– interlock46
– overriding selector lever 
lock47
– shiftlock46
– sport program46
AUX-In, refer to External audio 
device85
Average fuel consumption53
– setting the units56
Average speed54
Axle loads, refer to 
Weights155B
Background lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting77
Backrests, refer to Seats34
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb126,127
Band-aids, refer to First aid 
pouch134
Bar, refer to Tow-starting, 
towing away136
Battery132
– charging132
– disposal27,132
– jump starting134
– temporary power failure132
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed136
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety 
belts37
Belts, refer to Safety belts37
Beverage holders, refer to Cup 
holders87
Blower, refer to Air flow 
rate79,81
Bonnet113 
Page 161 of 172
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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Bottle holders, refer to Cup 
holders87
Brake Assist63
Brake fluid, refer to Service 
requirements57
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs127
Brake pads, breaking in90
Brake rotors91
– brakes90
– breaking in90
Brake system90
– breaking in90
– disc brakes91
– MINI Maintenance 
System117
Brakes
– ABS63
– breaking in90
– MINI Maintenance 
System117
– parking brake45
– service requirements57
Brakes, refer to Braking 
safely91
Breakdown service, refer to 
Roadside Assistance134
Break-in period90
Breaking in the clutch90
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps 
and bulbs123
Button for starting the 
engine43
Buttons on the steering 
wheel11
C
California Proposition 65 
warning5
Can holders, refer to Cup 
holders87
Capacities156
Car battery, refer to Vehicle 
battery132
Car care119
Car key, refer to Keys/remote 
controls18Car phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Car wash91
Car wash, care119
Car washes119
Care119
– Car washes119
– Car-care products119
– CD/DVD drives122
– High-pressure washers120
– internal121
– Leather121
– Manual washing120
– Upholstery and fabrics121
– Windows120
– Wiper blades120
Cargo area
– capacity155
Cargo bay92
– convenient access26
– cover92
– lamp76
– opening from outside23
Cargo bay, expanding92
Cargo bay lamp76
Cargo bay lid, refer to 
Tailgate23
Cargo loading94
– securing cargo95
– stowing cargo94
– vehicle92
Cargo, securing95
Carpets, care121
Catalytic converter, refer to 
Hot exhaust system90
Center armrest85
Center brake lamp127
Center console, refer to 
Around the center 
console14
Central locking system19
– convenient access26
– from inside22
– from outside19
Changing bulbs
123
Changing wheels129Chassis number, refer to 
Engine compartment114
Check Control60
Child's seats40
Child-restraint fixing system 
LATCH41
Child-restraint systems40
Chock, folding
– space-saver spare tire130
Chrome parts, care121
Chrome parts, refer to 
Care119
Cigarette lighter87
Cleaning headlamps49
– washer fluid50
Clock52
– 12h/24h mode56
– setting time59
Closing
– from inside22
– from outside19
Clothes hooks87
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting the 
engine44
Comfort access
– what to observe before 
entering a car wash27
Comfort access, refer to 
Convenient access26
Comfort area, refer to Around 
the center console14
Compartment for remote 
control, refer to Ignition 
lock43
Computer53
Condensation, refer to When 
the vehicle is parked91
Condition Based Service 
CBS117
Configuring settings, refer to 
Personal Profile18
Confirmation signals for 
vehicle locking/unlocking20
Connecting vacuum cleaner, 
refer to Connecting electrical 
appliances87
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption53 
Page 162 of 172
From A to Z
160
Consumption, refer to Average 
fuel consumption53
Control Display
– settings55
Controls and displays10
Convenience operation
– convertible top22
Convenience start, refer to 
Starting the engine44
Convenient access26
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Convertible top29
Coolant115
– checking level115
– filling115
Coolant temperature52
Cooling fluid, refer to 
Coolant115
Cooling, maximum81
Copyright2
Cruising range53
Cup holders87
Curb weight, refer to 
Weights155
Current fuel consumption54
D
Dashboard instruments, refer 
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data152
– capacities156
– dimensions153
– engine152
– weights155
Date
– setting59
Daytime running lamps74
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, 
refer to Brake assist63
Deactivating front passenger 
airbags71
Deadlocking, refer to 
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
Defogging windows80,82
Defrost position, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows80,82
Defrosting windows and 
removing condensation
– air conditioner80
– automatic climate control82
Differential, breaking in90
Digital clock52
Dimensions153
Dipstick, engine oil114
Directional indicators, refer to 
Turn signals47
Displacement, refer to Engine 
data152
Display lighting, refer to 
Instrument lighting76
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care122
Disposal
– of coolant115
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery132
Distance remaining to service, 
refer to Service 
requirements57
Distance warning, refer to Park 
Distance Control PDC62
Diving stability control 
systems62
Door key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control18
Door lock22
Door lock, confirmation 
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades109
Drinks holders, refer to Cup 
holders87
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill 
Start Assist64
Driving dynamics control, refer 
to Sport button64Driving lamps, refer to Parking 
lamps/low beams73
Driving notes90
Driving off on inclines, refer to 
Hill Start Assist64
Driving through water91
Driving tips, refer to Driving 
notes90
Dry air, refer to Cooling 
function82
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 
DTC63
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, 
refer to Brake assist63
Dynamic Stability Control 
DSC63
Dynamic Traction Control63
E
Electric power windows
– initializing29
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– trunk lid24
Electronic brake-force 
distribution63
Electronic Stability Program 
ESP, refer to Dynamic 
Stability Control DSC63
Emergency operation, refer to 
Manual operation
– convertible top32
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission47
– trunk lid24
Emergency services, refer to 
Roadside Assistance134 
Page 165 of 172
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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License plate lamp, bulb 
replacement127
Light switch73
Light-alloy wheels, care121
Light-emitting diodes 
LEDs124
Lighter87
– socket87
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs123
– of the instruments76
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps73
Limit149
Load94
Load securing equipment, 
refer to Securing cargo95
Lock buttons of doors, refer to 
Locking22
Locking
– adjusting confirmation 
signal20
– from inside22
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer 
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals20
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low beams73
– automatic73
– replacing bulb124
Lower back support, refer to 
Lumbar support35
Luggage compartment
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual release24
– Increasing the capacity93
– opening from the inside24
Luggage compartment lid
– emergency operation, refer 
to Manual release24
Luggage compartment lid, 
refer to Tailgate23
Luggage compartment, refer 
to Cargo bay23
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack95
Lumbar support35M
M+S tires, refer to Winter 
tires112
Maintenance, refer to Service 
Booklet
Maintenance system117
Malfunction
– convertible top32
– trunk lid24
Malfunction warnings, refer to 
Check Control60
Manual air distribution80
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic46
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door100
– power convertible top32
– transmission lock, automatic 
transmission47
– trunk lid24
Manual transmission45
Manual washing120
Master key, refer to Integrated 
key/remote control18
Maximum cooling81
Maximum speed
– with winter tires112
Medical assistance, refer to 
First aid pouch134
Microfilter
– for air conditioner80
– for automatic climate 
control82
– MINI Maintenance 
System117
Microfilter/activated-charcoal 
filter
– MINI Maintenance 
System117
Microphone for telephone14
MINI Internet page4
MINI Maintenance System117
Mirror dimming feature38Mirrors38
– exterior mirrors38
– heating38
– interior rearview mirror38
Mobile phone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest85
– refer to separate Owner's 
Manual
Mobile phone, installation 
location, refer to Center 
armrest85
Mobile phone, refer to the 
separate Owner's Manual
Mobility System128
Modifications, technical, refer 
to For your own safety4
Monitoring system for tire 
pressures, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor65
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher47
– refer to Wiper system48
Multifunctional steering 
wheel, refer to Buttons on 
the steering wheel11
N
Neck support, refer to Head 
restraints36
Nets, refer to Storage 
compartments86
New tires111
Number of cylinders, refer to 
Engine data152
Nylon rope, refer to Tow 
rope136
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for 
Onboard Diagnosis117
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel 
specifications101
Odometer52
Oil consumption114
Oil level114 
Page 169 of 172
REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
 167
Trailer operation
– Trailer loads and gross 
vehicle weight155
Transmission
– automatic transmission with 
Steptronic45
– manual transmission45
– overriding selector lever lock 
for automatic transmission 
with Steptronic47
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing cargo95
Transporting children safely40
Tread depth, refer to Minimum 
tire tread110
Trip odometer52
Trip-distance counter, refer to 
Trip odometer52
Triple turn signal activation47
Trunk lid
– emergency operation24
– releasing manually24
Trunk, refer to Luggage 
compartment in the MINI 
Convertible93
Turn signal indicator47
– front, replacing bulb125
– indicator lamp12
– rear, replacing bulb126
– side, replacing bulb126
Turning circle, refer to 
Dimensions153
Tying down loads, refer to 
Cargo loading95
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading 
UTQR109
Units
– average fuel consumption56
– temperature56
Universal garage door opener, 
refer to Integrated universal 
remote control83
Universal remove control83
Unlatching, refer to 
Unlocking26Unlocking
– from inside22
– from outside19
– tailgate26
– without remote control, refer 
to Convenient access26
Upholstery, care121
USB-audio interface86
V
Valve
– dust cap131
Vehicle
– battery132
– breaking in90
– cargo loading92
– dimensions153
– Identification Number, refer 
to Engine compartment114
– parking44
– storage122
– weight155
Vehicle jack130
– jacking points131
Ventilation
– air conditioner82
Vents, refer to Air vents78
Vents, refer to Ventilation82
Volume of cargo area155
W
Warning and indicator 
lamps13,138
Warning messages, refer to 
Check Control60
Warning triangle134
Washer fluid50
– capacity of reservoir50
Washer fluid reservoir50
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray87
Water on roads, refer to 
Driving through water91
Waterfall lighting, refer to 
Ambient lighting77
Wear indicators in tires, refer to 
Minimum tread depth110
Weights155Welcome lamps73
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire130
Wheelbase, refer to 
Dimensions153
Wheels and tires102
Wheels, new111
Width, refer to 
Dimensions153
Wind deflector33
Window washer, refer to 
Washer fluid50
Window washer reservoir, 
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to 
Capacities156
Windows28
– closing28
– convenient operation20
– opening28
– pinch protection system29
Windshield
– cleaning49
– defrosting and removing 
condensation80,82
Windshield, defrosting, refer to 
Defrosting windows80,82
Windshield washer system48
– washer fluid50
– washer nozzles50
Windshield wiper blades, 
changing123
Windshield wipers, refer to 
Wiper system48
Winter tires112
– storage112
Wiper blade replacement123
Wiper system48
Work in the engine 
compartment113
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to 
Onboard tool kit123
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb124