check engine MINI COOPER 2003 Owners Manual
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15 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
 
Technology
that monitors itself  
The system runs a check on the warning 
and indicator lamps marked by  
● 
 each time 
you switch on the ignition. They each light 
up once for different periods of time. 
If a malfunction should occur in one of 
these systems, the corresponding lamp 
does not go out after the engine is started 
or it lights up while the vehicle is moving. 
You will see below the correct way to react 
to this. 
Red: stop immediately 
Battery charge current  
● 
The battery is no longer being 
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the 
charge circuit. Please contact the nearest 
MINI Dealer.
If this lamp lights up, the power-assist for 
steering can be deactivated.
If the drive belt is defective, do not 
continue driving. The engine could be 
damaged due to overheating. When the 
power-assist is deactivated, increased 
steering effort is required. 
< 
Engine oil pressure
 
  
● 
Stop immediately. Switch off 
engine. Check the engine oil and fill 
as needed. Please contact the nearest MINI 
Dealer.
Do not continue driving, otherwise, 
the engine could be damaged 
because of inadequate lubrication. 
<
 
Brake warning lamp  
●   
If the lamp comes on when the 
parking brake is not engaged: 
Check the brake fluid level. Before driving 
further, be sure to comply with the infor-
mation on pages 84 and 97.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian 
models.
With navigation system option:
Coolant temperature warning 
lamp in the speedometer  
●  
Lights up while driving: 
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine 
immediately and allow to cool down, see 
also page 59.
 
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17 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS
 
Yellow: check as soon as possible 
Flat Tire Monitor  
● 
Stays lit: the system is defective. 
Please have the system inspected 
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
● 
ABS has been deactivated in 
response to system malfunction. 
Conventional braking efficiency is avail-
able. Please have the system inspected at 
your MINI Dealer. 
More information on pages 83
ABS indicator lamp for Canadian 
models.
 
Automatic Stability Control plus 
Traction (ASC+T)/Dynamic Stabil-
ity Control (DSC)  
● 
 
Indicator lamp flashes: 
System active: drive and braking forces are 
regulated. 
The indicator lamp stays lit: ASC+T/DSC 
switched off with button or defective. In 
the event of a defect: please have the sys-
tem inspected at your MINI Dealer.
More information on pages 62, 63 
Service Engine Soon  
● 
If the warning lamp comes on 
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a malfunction in the 
emissions-related electronic systems. 
Although the vehicle remains operational, 
you should have the systems checked by 
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible 
opportunity. 
Service Engine Soon warning lamp 
for Canadian models.
Engine electronics 
* 
  
● 
Malfunction in the engine electron-
ics. You can continue to drive with 
reduced engine output or engine speed. 
Please have the system inspected at your 
MINI Dealer.
Check Filler Cap 
*  
● 
This indicator lamp comes on when 
the fuel filler cap is loose or miss-
ing. Close the filler cap tightly: 
Refer to page 82
Depending on the level of equipment, 
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of 
the navigation system. 
<
 
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41
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGS TRANSPORTING CHILDREN SAFELYIndicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment panel shows the airbag sys-
tem status starting from ignition 
key position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on
>The indicator lamp fails to go out after 
the engine has been started, or it comes 
on during normal driving.
A system defect could prevent the airbags 
from deploying in response to a severe 
impact occurring within the system's nor-
mal triggering range.
Have the airbag system checked as soon as 
possible by your MINI Dealer. 
Children younger than 12 years of age or 
smaller than 5 ft / 150 cm must be trans-
ported in suitable child-restraint system. 
Otherwise there is an increased risk of 
injury in the event of an accident.
Commercially-available child-restraint sys-
tems are designed to be secured with a lap 
belt or with the lap belt portion of a combi-
nation lap/shoulder belt. Improperly or 
inadequately installed restraint systems 
can increase the risk of injury to children. 
Always read and follow the instructions 
that come with the system. 
If you use a child-restraint system with a 
tether strap:
Your vehicle has one of two different types 
of child-restraint anchor fittings on the 
back of the rear seats, see arrows 1 or 2.
Depending on the location selected for 
seating in the rear passenger area, attach 
the tether strap to the corresponding 
anchorage point to secure the child-
restraint system.
Adjust the tether strap according to the 
child-restraint manufacturer's instructions.
Anchor fitting 1 is shown above.
Anchor fitting 2 is shown in the next 
column.<
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59
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FUEL GAUGE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE In the navigation system
Please also comply with the instruc-
tions in the previous section.<
If the indicator light 1 changes from orange 
to red, there are approx. 2.1 gallons / 
8 liters of fuel in the tank.
Low temperatureThe needle is at the bottom or on the right 
of the range.
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate 
engine and vehicle speeds.Center positionNormal operating temperature of the 
engine.High temperatureAs soon as there is a deviation from the 
center position upwards or to the left:
Drive moderately and at low engine speed. 
If necessary, switch off the engine and 
allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, see page 96.
1 Red indicator lamp When you switch on the ignition, warning 
lamp 1 comes on briefly to confirm that the 
system is operational.
Lights up while driving: 
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine 
immediately and allow it to cool down.Navigation system option
Coolant temperature warning 
lamp in tachometer lights up while 
driving: 
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine 
immediately and allow it to cool down.
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82
REFUELING 
Always switch off the engine before 
refueling. If you do not, fuel cannot 
be filled into the tank and the "Service 
Engine Soon" lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door 
2. Turn the filler cap counterclockwise
3. Put the filler cap in the bracket attached 
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tions and regulations when handling 
fuels. Never carry spare fuel containers in 
your vehicle. Whether empty or full, these 
containers can leak, cause an explosion, 
and lead to fire in the event of a collision.<
Simple and environmentally friendly
Always observe all safety precautions 
posted at the service station when 
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle 
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the 
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling 
>results in premature pump shutoff
>will reduce the effect of the fuel vapor 
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly, 
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle 
shuts off the first time.
Close tank:
1. Put on filler cap 
2. Turn filler cap clockwise until it clicks
3. Close fuel filler door.
Fuel tank capacity: 
approx. 13.2 gallons / 50 liters, of which 
approx. 2.1 gallons / 8 liters are reserve 
capacity.
Close the filler cap carefully after 
refueling until a click is heard. 
While closing, be sure not to squeeze the 
strap which is fastened to the filler cap. 
US models only: 
A loose or missing cap will activate the 
message CHECK FILLER CAP in the Check 
Control* or the Check Filler Cap lamp
*.<
Do not drive until the fuel tank is 
totally empty, otherwise engine oper-
ations are not guaranteed and damage 
could occur.<
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96
ENGINE OIL COOLANT
Ask your authorized MINI Dealer for 
details concerning the specific MINI 
High Performance Synthetic Oil or syn-
thetic oils which have been approved.< 
ViscositiesViscosity is the oilflow rating as established 
in SAE classes.
The choice of the proper SAE class depends 
on the climatic conditions in the area 
where your MINI is used.
Approved oils are in SAE classes 
5W-40 and 5W-30.<
These oils can be used at all ambient tem-
peratures.
Do not add coolant to the cooling sys-
tem when the engine is hot. Escaping 
coolant can cause burns.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
hazardous to health. Always store these 
agents in tightly-closed original containers 
kept well away from the reach of children.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are 
flammable. Therefore, do not spill them 
over hot engine parts; otherwise they may 
ignite and cause burns. Always observe the 
instructions for use provided on the con-
tainers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal 
of antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents.<
The illustration shows as an example the 
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level with cold engine – 
approx. 68 7 / 20 6:
Up to the MAX mark of the transparent 
expansion tank.
Only open the cap of the expansion 
tank when the engine has cooled 
down. The needle on the coolant tempera-
ture gauge in the instrument cluster must 
be no higher than in the first quarter, oth-
erwise there is a danger of scalding.<
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98
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI Maintenance System has been 
designed as a reliable means of providing 
maximum driving and operating safety – 
and as cost-effective for you as possible. 
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety of 
your vehicle, but also plays a significant 
role in maintaining the resale value of the 
vehicle. 
Service Interval DisplayWhile conventional systems specify main-
tenance according to fixed distances 
driven, the MINI Maintenance System takes 
account of the operating conditions of the 
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many 
different ways:
60,000 miles / 100,000 km short distance 
operation can not be equated with 
60,000 miles / 100,000 km long distance 
operation from a maintenance standpoint.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance 
System includes the Engine Oil Service and 
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals 
according to the actual use of the vehicle 
covers every kind of operating situation. 
People who drive very little – much less 
than 6,000 miles / 10,000 km per year – 
should have the engine oil changed at least 
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over 
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the service inter-
val display, see page 60.
Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models, Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian 
models For additional information on maintenance 
intervals and procedures, please refer to 
the Service and Warranty Information 
Booklet for US models or the Warranty and 
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. 
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable 
to have the body checked for damage from 
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending 
upon operating conditions.
Have your vehicle's maintenance and 
repairs performed at your MINI 
Dealer. Be sure that all maintenance work 
is confirmed in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet for US models or the 
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for 
Canadian models. These entries are your 
proof that the vehicle has received regular 
maintenance. They are also a requirement 
for warranty claims.<
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102
OBD SOCKET The interface socket for onboard diagnos-
tics is located on the driver's side, behind a 
cover located beneath the instrument 
panel. The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to ensure 
proper operation of the emission control 
system for the vehicle‘s lifetime. The sys-
tem monitors emission-related compo-
nents for deterioration and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of 
the need for service, not of the 
need to stop the vehicle. 
However, the system should be checked by 
your MINI Dealer at the earliest possible 
opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will 
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe 
level of engine misfire. When this occurs, 
you should reduce speed and consult the 
nearest MINI Dealer as soon as possible. 
Severe engine misfire over only a short 
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sion control components, especially the 
catalytic converter.
Service Engine Soon warning lamp 
for Canadian models.
When the filler cap is not properly 
tightened, the OBD system can detect 
the vapor leak and the indicator will light 
up. If the filler cap is subsequently tight-
ened, the indicator lamp should go out 
within a few days.<
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123
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
FUSESIf an electrical device fails, switch it off and 
check the fuse. 
Plastic tweezers that you can use to pull 
fuses out of their sockets can be found in 
the fuse box in the vehicle interior, see next 
column.In the engine compartmentIn the MINI COOPER on the right next to the 
battery. 
In the MINI COOPER S on the right next to 
the air filter box.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do 
so, press the clip fastener.
In the vehicle interiorOn the left side of the footwell in the side 
trim panel.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do 
so, press the fastener.
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse 
or replace it with a fuse of a different 
color or Ampere rating. To do this could 
cause a fire in the vehicle resulting from a 
circuit overload.<
If a fuse blows a second time, have 
the cause of the damage rectified by 
your MINI Dealer.<
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124
WARNING TRIANGLE
*
FIRST-AID KIT
*
JUMP-STARTING
The warning triangle is located beneath the 
luggage compartment cover.
Comply with legal requirements 
requiring you to carry a hazard warn-
ing triangle in the vehicle.<
The first-aid kit is located on the left in the 
luggage compartment, behind the side 
trim panel.
Some articles in the first-aid kit are 
perishable. For this reason, check the 
expiration dates of each of the items regu-
larly, and replace any whose expiration 
dates have passed. Source: any pharmacy. 
Comply with legislation requiring you to 
carry a first-aid kit in the vehicle.<
Do not use spray starter fluids to start 
the engine.<
When your battery is discharged, you can 
use two jumper cables to start your vehicle 
with power from the battery in a second 
vehicle. Correspondingly you can help start 
another vehicle. Only use jumper cables 
with fully insulated handles on the termi-
nal clamps.
Do not touch live wiring and cables 
on a running engine. There is a risk of 
fatal injury if you do this. Carefully observe 
the following instructions to avoid personal 
injury and/or damage to either vehicle or 
both vehicles.<
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