engine coolant MINI COOPER 2003 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MINI, Model Year: 2003, Model line: COOPER, Model: MINI COOPER 2003Pages: 148, PDF Size: 3.17 MB
Page 5 of 148

 
3 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
Driving:  
Ignition lock45
Starting the engine46
Switching off the engine47
Parking brake47
Manual transmission48
Continuously Variable automatic Trans-
mission (CVT)49
Parking lamps/Low beams52
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp 
flasher52
Instrument lighting53
Fog lamps53
Interior lamps53
Light-emitting diodes54
Washer/wiper system54
Cruise control56  
Everything under control:  
Odometer58
Tachometer58
Fuel gauge58
Coolant temperature gauge59
Service interval display60
Clock60
Computer60  
Technology for safety and driving 
convenience:  
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction 
(ASC+T)62
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)63
Flat Tire Monitor64
Park Distance Control (PDC)66  
Controlling the climate for pleasant 
driving:  
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70  
Interior conveniences:  
Glove compartment73
Ashtray/Beverage holder73
Cigarette lighter/12 V power supply73  
Loading and transporting cargo:  
Cargo area cover74
Foldable rear backrest74
Loading cargo75
Roof-mounted luggage rack76
 
Operation, care, maintenance 
Special operating instructions:  
Break-in procedures80
General driving notes81
Refueling82
Fuel specifications83
Antilock Brake System (ABS)83
Brake system84  
Wheels and tires:  
Tire inflation pressure85
Tire condition87
Tire replacement87
Wheel and tire combinations89
Winter tires89
Snow chains90 
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CONTENTS
 
4 
In the engine compartment:  
Bonnet91
Engine compartment – MINI COOPER92
Engine compartment – MINI COOPER S93
Washer fluid94
Engine oil94
Coolant96
Brake fluid97  
Maintenance and care:  
MINI Maintenance System98
Caring for your vehicle99
Vehicle immobilization101  
Laws and regulations:  
OBD socket102
Technical modifications103
California Proposition 65 warning103
 
Owner service procedures 
Replacement procedures:  
On-board tool kit106
Windshield wiper blades106
Lamps and bulbs107
Repairing a flat tire112
Changing tires – 
MINI with space-saver spare tire112
Flat tire – 
Run Flat tires116
MINI Mobility System118
Battery122
Fuses123  
Giving and receiving assistance:  
Warning triangle124
First-aid kit124
Jump-starting124
Towing126 
Technical data 
Engine data130
Dimensions131
Weights132
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13 
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
 
DISPLAY ELEMENTS
 
1Tachometer58
with indicator and warning lamps, see 
from page 15
2Display for the computer, refer to 
page 60 – if there is no computer, display 
of the outside temperature
3Speedometer with indicator and warning 
lamps, see from page 154Indicator for 
> 
Odometer58 
> 
Trip odometer58 
> 
Service interval60 
> 
Program display for Continuously 
Variable automatic Transmission 
(CVT)515Trip odometer, reset to zero58
6Fuel gauge58
7Engine coolant temperature gauge59
 
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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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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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92
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – MINI COOPER1Reservoir for windshield washer 
system94
2Coolant expansion tank963Engine oil filler neck95
4Battery122
5Brake fluid reservoir976Reservoir for headlamp cleaning 
system94
7Engine oil dipstick94
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93
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – MINI COOPER S1Reservoir for windshield washer 
system94
2Coolant expansion tank963Engine oil filler neck95
4Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting124
5Brake fluid reservoir976Reservoir for headlamp cleaning 
system94
7Engine oil dipstick94
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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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97
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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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
137
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
safety belts100 
upholstery material99 
wiper blades100 
wood parts100 
Cargo 
stowing75 
Cargo area75 
cover74 
lamps53,111 
opening, remote control 
volume132 
Caring for your vehicle99 
Carpets100 
Cassette player, see separate 
Owner's Manual 
CD changer, see separate 
Owner's Manual 
CD player, see separate 
Owner's Manual 
Center high-mount brake lamp 
bulb replacement110 
Central locking 
system23,26 
Changing battery, remote 
control22 
Changing bulbs107 
Changing lamps107 
Changing tire 
space-saver spare tire112 
tire change 
set112,117,121 Checking oil level94 
Checking tire inflation 
pressure121 
Child seat41 
Child seat fastening system 
LATCH43 
Child-restraint systems41 
Chrome parts100 
Cigarette lighter73 
socket73 
Cleaning headlamps99 
Cleaning rear window55 
Cleaning windshield55 
Clock60 
Closing 
from inside26 
from outside23 
Clothes hooks81 
Clutch80 
Cockpit12 
Combination of wheels/
tires89 
Compact Disc player, see 
separate Owner's Manual 
Compression ratio130 
Compressor118,120 
Computer60 
average fuel 
consumption61 
average speed61 cruising range61 
outside temperature61 
Condensation68,71 
Consumption61 
Consumption display, see
Fuel gauge58 
Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission 
(CVT)49 
electronic transmission 
control module EP51 
gear display51 
ignition45 
interlock45 
manual mode50 
parking50 
reverse gear50 
selector lever shift-
lock45,49 
shiftlock49 
sport program50 
towing127 
transmission 
malfunction51 
Control elements12 
Convenience opening 
from inside26 
Convenience operation 
sliding/tilt sunroof25,29 
windows25 Coolant96 
level96 
thermometer59 
Cooling68,71 
Copyright2 
Cosmetic mirror, see
Vanity mirror39 
Cruise control18,19,56 
Cruising range61 
Cup holder, see Beverage 
holder73 
Curb weight132 
Currency of the Owner's 
Manual7 
CVT (Continuously Variable 
automatic Transmission)49 
Cylinders130 
D 
Dashboard12 
Data 
dimensions131 
engine130 
technical130 
weight132 
Daytime driving lamps52 
Deep water, see Water on 
roadways81 
Defrost setting69 
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