traction control MINI 3 door 2014 Owner's Manual

The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the currently se‐
lected gear.
Manual mode M/S: prevent automatic
upshifting
Once maximum engine speed is attained, M/S
manual mode is automatically upshifted as
needed.
For vehicles with Steptronic Sport transmission,
automatic shift operations are not performed if
one of the following conditions is met:▷DSC is deactivated.▷TRACTION is activated.
In addition, the kickdown is deactivated.
Ending the sport program/manual
mode
Push the selector lever to the right.
D is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Shift paddles for Steptronic Sport
transmission
The shift paddles on the steering wheel allow
you to shift gears quickly while keeping both
hands on the steering wheel.
If the shift paddles on the steering wheel are
used to shift gears in automatic mode, the
transmission temporarily switches to manual
mode.
If the shift paddles are not used and the vehicle
is not accelerated for a certain time, the system
switches back into automatic mode when the
selector lever is in selector lever position D.
▷Shift up: pull right shift paddle.▷Shift down: pull left shift paddle.
The vehicle only shifts up or down at appropri‐
ate engine and road speeds, e.g., it does not
shift down if the engine speed is too high.
The selected gear is briefly displayed in the in‐
strument cluster, followed by the current gear.
Displays in the instrument cluster The selector lever position is dis‐
played, e.g.: P.
Manually release the transmission lock
Should the selector lever be blocked in selector
lever position P despite the ignition being
turned on, the brake being depressed and the
unlock button being pressed, the transmission
lock can be manually canceled:
Before unlocking the transmission lock man‐
ually, engage the parking brake forcefully to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
1.Loosen the sleeve of the selector lever.2.Pull the sleeve over the selector lever. Un‐
plug the cable connector if needed.3.Using the screwdriver from the onboard ve‐
hicle tool kit, refer to page 195, press the
yellow release lever downward, arrow.4.Move the selector lever slightly toward the
rear; to do this press the unlock button on
the front of the selector lever.Seite 70CONTROLSDriving70
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Release the release lever.5.Bring the selector lever into the desired po‐
sition.
Steptronic Sport transmission: Launch
Control
The concept
Launch Control enables optimum acceleration
on surfaces with good traction.
Hints Component wear
Do not use Launch Control too often; oth‐
erwise, this may result in premature wear of
components due to the high stress placed on
the vehicle. ◀
Do not use Launch Control during the break-in,
refer to page 152, period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
An experienced driver may be able to achieve
better acceleration values in DSC OFF mode, re‐
fer to page 109.
Requirements Launch Control is available when the engine is
warmed up, that is, after uninterrupted driving
of at least 6 miles/10 km.
To start with Launch Control do not steer the
steering wheel.
Start with launch control
While the engine is running:
1. Press button and select Sport+ with
Driving Dynamics Control, refer to
page 111.
The instrument cluster displays TRACTION
in combination with SPORT. The DSC OFF
indicator lamp lights up.2.Engage selector lever position S.3.With the left foot, forcefully press down on
the brake.4.Step on the accelerator pedal beyond the
resistance point at the full throttle position.
A flag symbol appears in the instrument
cluster.5.The starting engine speed adjusts. Within
3 seconds, release the brake.
Before using Launch Control, allow the trans‐
mission to cool down for approx. 5 minutes.
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be activated if objects are placed on the front
passenger seat.
Make sure that the safety belts are positioned
correctly.
Airbag system Airbag system and belt tensioner are
defective.
Have the vehicle checked by the service
center immediately.
Parking brake, brake system The parking brake is set.
For additional information, refer to Re‐
lease parking brake, refer to page 64.
Front-end collision warning Illuminated: advance warning is issued,
e.g., when there is the impending dan‐
ger of a collision or the distance to the
vehicle ahead is too small.
Increase distance.
Flashing: acute warning of the imminent dan‐
ger of a collision when the vehicle approaches
another vehicle at a relatively high differential
speed.
Intervention by braking or make an evasive
maneuver.
Pedestrian warning If a collision with a person detected in
this way is imminent, the symbol lights
up and a signal sounds.
Orange lights
Active Cruise Control The number bars shows the selected
distance from the vehicle driving ahead.For more information, see Camera-based cruise
control, ACC, refer to page 113.
Vehicle detection, Active Cruise Control Illuminated: vehicle driving ahead de‐
tected.
Flashing: the conditions are not ade‐
quate for operating the system.
The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively resume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator
pedal.
Yellow lights Antilock Brake System ABS It reduces the braking distance to a
minimum during emergency stops.
Illuminated: avoid abrupt braking if
possible. Braking force boost in some cases de‐
fective. Stop carefully. Take into account longer
brake travel. Have this checked by the service center immediately.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control Flashing: DSC controls the drive and
braking forces. The vehicle is stabilized.
Reduce speed and adapt driving profile
to the driving circumstances.
Illuminated: DSC failed. Have the system
checked by the service center.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC, refer to page 109.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated
or DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
switched off or Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC is switched on.Seite 74CONTROLSDisplays74
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For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control, refer to page 109, and Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 110.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM Illuminated: the Tire Pressure Monitor
signals a loss of tire inflation pressure in
a tire.
Reduce your speed and stop cautiously. Avoid
sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
Flashing and then continuously illuminated: no
flat tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be
detected.▷Interference through systems or devices
with the same radio frequency: after leav‐
ing the area of the interference, the system
automatically becomes active again.▷RDC could not conclude the reset: perform
the reset of the system again.▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if needed.▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.
For additional information, refer to Tire Pres‐
sure Monitor, refer to page 96.
Steering system Steering system in some cases defec‐tive.
Have the steering system checked by
the service center.
Engine functions Illuminated: vehicle generates in‐
creased exhaust emissions. It is possible
to continue driving. Exhaust system in
some cases defective.
Flashing: increased engine load damages the
catalytic converter. Continue driving with a
lower engine load. Possible engine problem.
Have the vehicle checked by the service center.
For additional information, refer to On-board
Diagnostics socket, refer to page 194.
Green lights
Turn signal Turn signal on.
Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator
lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb
has failed.
For additional information, refer to Turn signal,
refer to page 65.
Parking lights, headlight control Parking lights or headlights are acti‐
vated.
For additional information, refer to
Parking lights/low beams, headlight control, re‐
fer to page 88.
Front fog lights Front fog lights are activated.
For additional information, refer to
Front fog lights, refer to page 91.
High-beam Assistant High-beam Assistant is switched on.
High beams are activated and off auto‐
matically as a function of the traffic sit‐
uation.
For additional information, refer to High-beam
Assistant, refer to page 90.
Cruise control The system is switched on. It maintains
the speed that was set using the control
elements on the steering wheel.Seite 75DisplaysCONTROLS75
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Head-up Display
The concept
This system projects important information into
the driver's field of vision, e.g., the speed.
The driver can quickly absorb information and
concentrate on the traffic situation.
Hints Do not move the moving parts manually
Do not move the moving parts manually,
and keep the area of movement of these parts
clear; otherwise, the system is damaged. ◀
Do not place objects on the Head-up Dis‐
play
Do not place any objects on the Head-up Dis‐
play, attach them to components of the system
or insert them in the system, or else the system
can be damaged. ◀
Keep the closing path clear
Monitor retraction of the projection lens
of the Head-up Display and make sure that the
closing path is clear; otherwise, injuries may re‐
sult. ◀
Follow the instructions for cleaning the Head-
up Display, refer to page 215.
Display visibility
The visibility of the displays in the Head-up Dis‐
play is influenced by the following factors:
▷Certain sitting positions.▷Objects on the cover of the Head-up Dis‐
play.▷Sunglasses with certain polarization filters.▷Wet roads.▷Unfavorable light conditions.
Switching on/off
When switching on, the projection lens of the
Head-up Display is extended. When switching
off, the projection lens of the Head-up Display
is retracted again.
Press button.
Display
Overview
▷Speed.▷Navigation system.▷Check Control messages.▷Selection list from the instrument cluster.▷Speed limit detection.▷Driver assistance systems.
Some of this information is only displayed
briefly as needed.
Selecting displays in the Head-up
Display
On the Control Display:
1. "Settings"2."Head-Up Display"Seite 86CONTROLSDisplays86
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System limitsSudden tire damage
Sudden serious tire damage caused by
external circumstances cannot be recognized in
advance. ◀
A natural, even tire inflation pressure loss in all
four tires will not be recognized. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
The system could be delayed or malfunction in
the following situations:▷When the system has not been initialized.▷When driving on a snowy or slippery road
surface.▷Sporty driving style: spinning traction
wheels, high lateral acceleration (drifting).▷When driving with snow chains.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
The tire pressure gauge of the Mobility Sys‐
tem, refer to page 181, can be used for this
purpose.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
If an identification is not possible, please
contact the service center.2.Fix the flat tire using the Mobility System,
refer to page 181.
Run-flat tires
Maximum speed
You may continue driving with a damaged tire at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at the
next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires is
correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have
been initialized. In this case, initialize the
system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on cargo load, driv‐
ing style and road conditions.
A vehicle with an average load has a possible
driving range of approx. 50 miles/80 km.
A vehicle with a damaged tire reacts differently,
e.g., it has reduced lane stability during brak‐
ing, a longer braking distance and different
self-steering properties. Adjust your driving
style accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering ma‐
neuvers or driving over obstacles, e.g., curbs,
potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance depends
on how the vehicle is used during the trip, the
actual distance may be shorter or longer de‐
pending on the driving speed, road conditions,
external temperature, cargo load, etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Your car handles differently when you lose tire
inflation pressure, e.g., your lane stability is re‐
duced when braking, braking distances are lon‐
ger and the self-steering properties will
change. ◀
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and op‐
tions
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Antilock Brake System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels duringbraking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop. This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the power wheels
when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle conditions
such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within the
physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehicle on
a steady course by reducing engine speed and
by applying brakes to the individual wheels.
Adjust your driving style to the situationAn appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner. ◀
Indicator/warning lights The indicator lamp flashes: DSC controls
the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC has
failed.
Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is re‐
duced during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Deactivating DSC Press and hold this button but not lon‐
ger than approx. 10 seconds, until the
indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights up in the in‐
strument cluster and displays DSC OFF.Seite 109Driving stability control systemsCONTROLS109
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The DSC system is switched off.
Activating DSC Press button.
DSC OFF and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
When DSC is deactivated, DSC OFF is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC is de‐
activated.
Automatic activation When DSC is deactivated, automatic activation
occurs in the following situations:▷Failure of Dynamic Damping Control.▷The vehicle has a flat tire.▷When activating cruise control in TRACTION
or DSC OFF mode.
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC where
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum headway on
special road conditions or loose road surfaces,
e.g., unplowed snowy roads, but with some‐
what limited driving stability.
Activating the Dynamic Traction Control DTC
provides maximum traction. Driving stability is
limited during acceleration and when driving in
curves.
Therefore drive with appropriate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:
▷When driving in slush or on uncleared,
snow-covered roads.▷When freeing vehicle from deep snow or
driving off from loose grounds.▷When driving with snow chains.
Deactivating/activating DTC Dynamic
Traction Control
Activating DTC Press button.
TRACTION is displayed in the instru‐
ment cluster and the indicator lamp for DSC
OFF lights up.
Deactivating DTC Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indicator
lamp go out.
Performance Control
Performance Control enhances the agility of the
vehicle.
To increase maneuverability, with a corre‐
spondingly sporty driving style, wheels are
braked individually.
Dynamic Damping Con‐
trol
The concept
The tuning of the suspension can be changed
with the system.
Programs
The system offers several different programs.
Select the programs via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 111.
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At a glance
Buttons on the steering wheelPress buttonFunctionCruise control on/off, interrupt, re‐
fer to page 114Store/maintain speed, refer to
page 115Resume speed, refer to page 115Reduce distance, refer to
page 115Increase distance, refer to
page 115Increase, maintain, and store
speed, refer to page 115Reduce, maintain, and store
speed, refer to page 115
Buttons are arranged according to vehicle's ser‐
ies, optional features and country specifica‐
tions.
Camera
The camera is found near the interior rearview
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rearview mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/off and interrupting cruise control
Switching on Press button on the steering wheel.
Display in the instrument cluster lights
up.
Display in the instrument cluster lights up. The current speed is adopted as de‐sired speed and displayed with symbol.
Cruise control can be used.
Switch off Deactivated or interrupted system
With deactivated or interrupted system
use your brakes, steering and moves as usual
to avoid the chance of an accident. ◀
Press button on the steering wheel.▷If active: press twice.▷If interrupted: press once.
The displays go out. The stored desired speed
and distance are deleted.
Interrupting Press button on the steering wheel.
The system is automatically interrupted if:
▷The brakes are applied.▷The clutch pedal is depressed for a few sec‐
onds or released while a gear is not en‐
gaged.▷Selector lever position N is set.▷DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.▷DSC is actively controlling stability.Seite 114CONTROLSDriving comfort114
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▷Selector lever position N is set.▷DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
or DSC is deactivated.▷DSC is actively controlling stability.
Maintaining, storing, and changing the
speed
Hints Adjusting the desired speed
Modify desired speed to road conditions
and be ready to brake at all times; otherwise,
there is the risk of an accident. ◀
Maintaining/storing the speed Press button.
Or
or button: press while the system is in‐
terrupted.
When the system is switched on, the current
speed is maintained and stored as the desired
speed.
This is displayed in the instrument cluster.
When cruise control is maintained or stored,
DSC Dynamic Stability Control will be turned on
if needed.
Changing the speed
or button: press repeatedly until the de‐
sired speed is set.
If active, the displayed speed is stored and the
vehicle reaches the stored speed when the
road is clear.
▷ or button: each time it is pressed to
the point of resistance, the desired speed
increases or decreases by approx.
1 mph/1 km/h.▷ or button: each time it is pressed
past the point of resistance, the desired
speed increases or decreases by a maxi‐
mum of 5 mph/10 km/h.The maximum speed that can be set de‐
pends on the vehicle.▷ or button: pressing it to the resist‐
ance point and holding it there accelerates
or decelerates the vehicle without requiring
pressure on the accelerator pedal. After the
button is released, the vehicle maintains its
final speed. Pressing the reel beyond the
resistance point causes the vehicle to accel‐
erate more rapidly.
Resuming the desired speed
Press button.
The stored speed is reached and maintained.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Indicator lamp Depending on how the vehicle is equip‐
ped, the indicator lamp in the instru‐
ment cluster indicates whether the sys‐
tem is switched on.
Desired speed The desired speed is displayed together
with the symbol.
▷The indicator lights up green: the
system is active.▷The indicator lights up orange: the system
has been interrupted.▷No display: system is switched off.
Brief status display
Selected desired speed.
If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the system
requirements are currently not ready for opera‐
tions.
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