traction control MINI Clubman 2011 Owner's Manual

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
1Microphone for voice activation system*
and for telephone in hands-free mode*
2Indicator/warning lamp* for front passen-
ger airbags 70
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Speedometer 12
6 Radio/CD
7 Air conditioner or automatic climate
control
*78 8
Switches in the center console
9 AUX-IN connection
USB audio interface
*107
10 Buttons on the center console
3
Reading lamps
*76
Color of ambient lighting
*77
Glass roof, electric
*30
Interior lamps 76
Temperature
Recirculated-air mode
Air distribution for air conditioner
Air distribution to the windshield
*
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*
Air distribution to the footwell*
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*
Maximum cooling*
Cooling function
Defrosting windows
*
Rear window defroster
Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Seat heating
*35
Power windows 30
Rear fog lamp 75
Fog lamps
*75
Central locking system, inside 24
Sport button
*63
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Dynamic Traction Control

DTC*62

DrivingCONTROLS
43
Automatic transmission*
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ig nition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, pre ss the button and lower
the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car, do
not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so, con-
tinuously press the button of the parking brake
lever. Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle.
<
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5th or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear.<
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance ha s to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 45.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
Removing the key
To remove the key from the ignition lock, first
move the selector lever into position P and then
switch off the engine: interlock. Remove the key
from the ignition lock, refer to page 41.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
61
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering respon se is maintained even
during full braking. Act ive safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 91.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking dis-
tance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or accel-
erate. DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle'
s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through brakin g actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion promoting actions are
no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
Indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and brak-
ing forces.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
62
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
> When rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
> When driving with snow chains
Activating the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer. The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press the button again ; the indicator light
DSC OFF on the speedometer and TRACTION on
the tachometer go off.
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light DSC OFF on the speedometer comes
on and DSC OFF is displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic
Stability Control DSC are both deactivated. There
will be no more stabilizing interventions.

MOBILITYWheels and tires
132
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government co urse as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corre sponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overlo aded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC - run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page 134.
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 0211

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
167
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 ques-
tion 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 con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page 60
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated, refer also to page 62
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 60Driving stability limited during accel-
eration and cornering.
Driving style must
be adjusted.
12Cause What to do

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
168
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.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page 60 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.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page 60Reduced 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
63.
> Flat Tire Monitor not initialized Initialize Flat Ti
re Monitor, page 64.
Light up in yellow:
Flat Tire Monitor failed. Punctures are
not indicated Have the system checked.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
183
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 63
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 63
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 72
Driving notes 90
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 63
Driving stability control
systems 60
Driving through water 91
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes 90
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 82
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 61
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 62
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 61
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 62
E
Eject button 106
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
Electronic brake-force distribution 61
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock 24
– fuel filler flap 126
– transmission lock, automatic transmission 45
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance 157Engine
– breaking in
90
– data 176
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature 139
– speed 176
– starting 42
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 42
Engine compartment 137
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 139
Engine oil
– adding 138
– additives, refer to Approved engine oils 138
– alternative oil types 138
– approved engine oils 138
– capacity 138
– checking level 137
– dipstick 137
– intervals between changes,
refer to Service
requirements 56
– MINI Maintenance
System 140
Engine oil level, checking 137
Engine output, refer to Engine
data 176
Engine starting, refer to
Starting the engine 42
ESP Electronic Stability Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 61
Exhaust system, refer to Hot exhaust system 90
Exterior mirrors 36
– adjusting 36
– automatic heating 36
– folding in and out 36
External audio device 85,100
External temperature display
– change units of measure 55
– in the on-board computer 55Eyes
– for tow-

starting and towing
away 159
– for tying down loads 95
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 58
Failure of an electrical
consumer 156
Fast forward
– CD 106
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 35
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 58
Filter
– microfilter for air
conditioner 80
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 82
Fine wood, care 145
First aid pouch 157
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 41
Flash when locking/
unlocking 22
Flat load floor 94
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 134
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 65
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 63
– indicating a flat tire 64
– initializing the system 64
– snow chains 64
– system limits 64
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition 133
Floor mats, care 144
Floor plate, refe r to Flat load
floor 94
Fog lamps
– replacing bulb 149,150
Folding rear seat backrest 92

REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
190
Tow rope159
Towing 158
– car with automatic transmission 159
– methods 159
Tow-starting 158
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor 65
Track width, refer to Dimension 177
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control DSC 61
Transmission
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 43
– manual transmission 43
– overriding selector lever lock for automatic transmission
with Steptronic 45
Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 95
Transporting children safely 38
Tread depth, refer to Minimum tire tread 133
Trip odometer 51
Trip-distance counter, refer to Trip odometer 51
Triple turn si gnal activation 46
Turn signal 46
– front, replacing bulb 149
– indicator lamp 12
– rear, replacing bulb 150
– side, replacing bulb 150
Turning circle, refer to Dimensions 177
Tying down load s, refer to
Cargo loading 95
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
UTQR 132
Units
– average fuel consumption 55
– temperature 55 Universal garage-door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control 83
Universal remote control 83
Unlatching, refer to Unlocking 28
Unlocking
– from inside 25
– from outside 21
– liftgate 29
– without remote control, refer
to Comfort Access 28
Upholstery, care 144
USB audio interface 107
V
Vehicle
– battery155
– breaking in 90
– cargo loading 92
– dimensions 177
– identification number, refer to Engine compartment 137
– parking 42
– storage 145
– weight 178
Vehicle jack 146
– jacking points 154
Ventilation
– air conditioner 82
Vents, refer to Air vents 78
Vents, refer to Ventilation 82
Voice commands
– telephone 120
Voice phone book 121
Volume
– bell 100
– mobile phone 117
– PDC 100
– setting speed- dependent 100
Volume of cargo area 178
W
Warning and indicator
lamps 13,161
Warning messages, refer to Check Control 58
Warning triangle 157
Washer fluid 49
– capacity of reservoir 49
Washer fluid reservoir 49
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray 87
Water on roads, refer to Driving through water 91
Waterfall lighti ng, refer to
Ambient lighting 77
Wear indicators in tires, refer to
Minimum tread depth 133
Weights 178
Welcome lamps 72
Wheel stud wrench
– space-saver spare tire 146
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 177
Wheels and tires 128
Wheels, new 134
Width, refer to Dimensions 177
Window washer, refer to
Washer fluid 49
Window washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid
– volume, refer to Capacities 179
Window washer system 47
– washer fluid 49
– washer jets 48
Windows 30
– closing 31
– convenient operation 22
– opening 31
– pinch protection system 31
Windshield
– cleaning 48
– defrosting and removing condensation 80,82