ABS MINI COOPER 2003 User Guide

89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATIONS WINTER TIRESThe right choiceThe factory-approved normal and Run Flat
tires are matched to your vehicle and have
been selected to provide optimum safety
and driving comfort if used properly.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends never mounting wheels
and tires that have not been specifically
approved by the manufacturer for use on
your particular model. Although other
wheels and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances can result in
contact between tire and bodywork, ulti-
mately leading to serious accidents. The
manufacturer of your MINI cannot evaluate
non-approved wheels and tires to deter-
mine if they are suited for use, and there-
fore cannot ensure the operating safety of
the vehicle if they are fitted.<
The manufacturer of your MINI has tested
certain tire brands in each size, categorized
them as safe for use on the road, and
approved them. Contact your MINI Dealer
for more details.
The correct wheel and tire combina-
tion affects various systems that
would otherwise be impaired, e.g. ABS,
ASC+T and DSC. For this reason, use only
tires of the same manufacture and tread
configuration. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.<
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible.
Protect the tires against contact with oil,
grease and fuel.
Choosing the right tireThe manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends winter tires – M+S radial tires – for
driving in adverse winter road conditions.
While so-called all-season tires with M+S
designation provide better winter traction
than summer tires with the load ratings S,
T, H, V, W, they do not achieve the perfor-
mance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and steering
response, install winter tires made by the
same manufacturer having the same tread
configuration on all four wheels.
Before purchasing winter tires, check
whether your MINI is fitted with Run Flat
tires. You will recognize Run Flat tires by a
circular symbol containing the letters RSC
on the side of the tire, see page 116. In this
case, use only Run Flat tires, as in the event
of a flat tire there is no space-saver spare
tire.
Any MINI Dealer will be glad to advise you
on the selection of the right winter tires for
the relevant operating conditions.
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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT BRAKE FLUIDTo add coolant

MINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by pulling at the tab
to allow accumulated pressure to
escape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape.
2. Unscrew and open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached – do not
overfill.
The coolant is made up of water and an
antifreeze with corrosion resistance. The
mixture ratio of 50 to 50 must be kept the
entire year due to the required anti-corro-
sion property. No other additives are
required.
Replace the coolant every three years.
Warning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low, see
page 15.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Adding brake fluidTo add brake fluid or to determine and cor-
rect the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer is famil-
iar with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids – DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page 84.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's safety
and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a MINI Dealer,
see also the Service and Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for US models or the Warranty
and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models. Brake fluid is toxic and also dam-
ages vehicle paintwork. Always store brake
fluid in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the MAX
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of brake fluid.<
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122
BATTERYLocation in the MINI COOPERThe battery is located in the engine com-
partment.
Exact location, see page 92.Location in the MINI COOPER SThe battery is located in the cargo area
under the floor mat.
Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-free,
that is, the original electrolyte will normally
last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions regarding the bat-
tery, please consult your MINI
Dealer.<
Charging the battery Only charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine switched off, see "Jump-
starting" on page 124.
Whenever working on the electrical
system, disconnect the cable from
the negative terminal of the battery. Fail-
ure to do this could result in fire hazards or
injury due to short circuits. Return used batteries to a recycling
point or your MINI Dealer. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery to pre-
vent it from tilting during transport.<
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127
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
TOWINGTow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of a
vehicle equipped with an automatic trans-
mission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump starting, refer to
page 124.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to push
another car, since damage to the energy-
absorbing bumpers could result.Towing a vehicle
Only tow vehicles with Continuously
Variable automatic Transmission
(CVT) with the front wheels raised or on a
special transport vehicle, otherwise the
transmission can be damaged.<
1. Place gear selector lever in neutral or idle
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph / 70 km/h
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles / 150 km
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nals, horn and windshield wipers remain
operative, and to prevent the steering
lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard-warning system,
observe country-specific regulations.
Find some means of identifying the vehicle
in tow, for instance, place a sign or warning
triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when the
electrical system has failed to prevent the
steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without power
assist when the engine is off. This means
that increased effort is required for steer-
ing and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow truck >Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in a
towed vehicle for any reason.<
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
136
A
ABS (Antilock Brake
System)16,17,83
Accessories7,99
Activated-charcoal filter72
Adjusting
backrest35
steering wheel38
Air conditioner operation
air conditioning system68
automatic climate
control71
Air conditioning system67
Air distribution
air conditioning system68
automatic climate
control71,72
Air outlets, ventilation69
Air pressure85
Air recirculation68,71
Air supply
air conditioning system68
automatic climate
control71
Air vents69,72
Air, dry68
Air, drying71
Airbags16,33,40
Airing out69
Alarm system31
All-season tires89 Antenna99
Antifreeze96
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)16,17,83
Anti-theft system31
Aquaplaning, see
Hydroplaning81
ASC+T (Automatic Stability
Control plus
Traction)16,17,62
Ashtray73
AUTO Program, see Automatic
air distribution71
Auto washing99
Automatic
air distribution71
air supply71
cruise control56
Automatic car wash99
Automatic climate control70
Automatic Stability Control
plus Traction
(ASC+T)16,17,62
Average fuel consumption61
Average speed61
Axle loads132
B
Backrest, adjusting35
Backup lamps48
bulb replacement109 Bar, towing126
Battery124
charge current15
charging122
disposal122
maintenance122
Battery, remote control22
Belts33,38
Beverage holder73
Blower71
BMW6
Bonnet16,91
Bore130
Brake fluid level15,84,97
Brake hydraulic system15
Brake lamp
bulb replacement109
Brake pads80,84
Brake rotors80
Brake system80,84
brake fluid97
Brakes81,84
Braking system16
Breaking-in80
Bridging124
Bulb replacement
backup lamps109
brake lamp, center110
cargo area lamps111
footwell lamps111
front fog lamps108 front turn signal
indicators108
glove compartment
lamp111
interior lamps110
license plate lamp110
parking lamps108
reading lamps110
rear lamps109
side turn signal
indicators108
standing lamps108
tail lamps109
vanity mirror111
C
California Proposition
65 warning103
Capacity
fuel tank133
Car care99
Car wash99
Car-care products99
Care99
chrome parts100
floor mats100
imitation leather100
leather101
light-alloy wheels100
plastic parts100
rubber parts100
Hilfsrahmen für Querverweise
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