MINI Coupe 2012 Owner's Manual
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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
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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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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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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
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Fuel cap missing or looseMake sure that the fuel cap is correctly 
positioned and close it until it audibly 
clicks. Do not jam the strap between 
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
Window washer fluid level too low Add  washer fluid as soon as possible, 
page 62.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements, 
page 159.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop 
button is pressed, the engine starts, 
possibly even without a foot on the 
brakes or without depressing the 
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in 
cars with Comfort Access, not 
detected The engine cannot be started. Have 
the remote control checked, if 
necessary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer  journey or, in cars with Comfort 
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system 
failed Have 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.
12Cause What to do
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Lights up in red:
Engine malfunctionStop 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 Y ou can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the engine 
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp 1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load. 
High engine load will result in 
damage to the catalytic converter You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the vehicle 
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp 1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse 
effect on exhaust emissions You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the car checked as 
soon as possible.
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 hood; 
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from 
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 
without delay if the situation reoccurs.
12Cause What to do
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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 connected C h a r g e  i t  b y  t a k i n g  a longer drive or by 
using an external charger. Possibly 
automatic switch-off of power 
consuming devices. Have the battery 
checked as soon as possible.
Display in US models
Parking brake applied
Display in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Display in US models
Parking brake applied while driv ing Release the parking brake.
Display in Canadian models
Parking brake applied while driv ing Release the parking brake.
Display in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with 
care. Contact your nearest MINI 
dealer.
12Cause What to do
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Display in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too lowBraking action is reduced, stop with 
care. Contact your nearest MINI 
dealer.
Display in US models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads 
checked without delay.
Display in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads 
checked without delay.
Display in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. 
Contact your MINI dealer.
Display in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. 
Contact your MINI dealer.
12Cause What to do
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Lights up in red:Have the system in question checked 
without delay.
> Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
> 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 failed Depress the brake to start the engine 
again.
Lights up in yellow:
> Control of the brake lamps failed 
or
> fuel supply malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the system in 
question checked without delay.
> Drive malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Transmission limp-home 
program active with restricted range 
of gears. Have the system checked 
immediately.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or 
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is 
controlling drive and braking forces, 
refer also to page 76
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is 
activated, refer also to page 77
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC 
are deactivated, refer also to page 76Driving stability limited during 
acceleration and cornering. 
Driving style must be adjusted.
12Cause What to do
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The Dynamic Stability Control DSC 
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC 
systems have failedDriving stability limited during 
acceleration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but 
moderate your speed and exercise 
due caution. Have the system 
checked as soon as possible.
Display in US models
The driving stabili ty control systems, 
including ABS and the Tire Pressure 
Monitor, have failed, refer also to 
page 76 Reduced braking and driving stability. 
Drive cautiously and think well ahead. 
Avoid braking with full force, driving 
on rough tracks, and depressing the 
accelerator pedal to full throttle or 
kickdown position. Have the system 
checked immediately.
Display in Canadian models
The driving stabili ty control systems, 
including ABS and the Flat Tire 
Monitor or the Tire Pressure Monitor, 
have failed, refer also to page 76Reduced braking and driving stability. 
Drive cautiously and think well ahead. 
Avoid braking with full force, driving 
on rough tracks, and depressing the 
accelerator pedal to full throttle or 
kickdown position. Have the system 
checked immediately.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor
Light up in yellow and red:
> Tire damage Carefully bring the car to a stop. 
Observe the information starting on 
page
80.
> Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Tire Monitor, page
80.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are 
not indicated Have the system checked.
12Cause What to do
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