snow chains MINI COOPER 2003 Owners Manual

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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62
AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL PLUS TRACTION (ASC+T)
*
The concept
This system optimizes vehicle stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present in
traction loss and will increase driving sta-
bility and traction by reducing the engine's
output and, if necessary, by applying the
brakes to the front wheels. ASC+T is opera-
tional each time you start the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unnecessary
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
ASC+T system. Allow only authorized tech-
nicians to perform service procedures on
the ASC+T.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, see pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T controls the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and stays
on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
You can, however, drive the vehicle nor-
mally without ASC+T.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, see pages 16, 17.<
Switch off the ASC+TBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains or to "rock
free" in snow, it can be helpful to switch off
the ASC+T for a brief period.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the ASC+T switched on
whenever possible. Indicator lamp goes out.
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63
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system maintains driving stability
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability dur-
ing acceleration and when starting from a
full stop, as well as optimizing traction. In
addition, it recognizes unstable vehicle
conditions, such as understeering or over-
steering, and, as far as is possible within
the laws of physics, helps keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing the rpms
and by brake applications to the individual
wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC contains the functions
Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and ASC+T.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. We therefore
urge you to avoid using the additional
safety margin of the system as an excuse
for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
DSC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, see pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and stays
on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
The vehicle will remain completely opera-
tional, however, without DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, see pages 16, 17.<
To switch off the DSCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
effective to switch off the DSC for a brief
period.
To maintain stability, always drive
with the DSC switched on whenever
possible. Indicator lamp goes out.
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65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE MONITORInitializing the systemOnly initialize the system if the inflation
pressure has been corrected or changed,
e.g. after a tire change.
1. Ignition key in position 2
2. Press the button long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster to light up for a few seconds
3. Start the engine.
After a few minutes driving time, the Flat
Tire Monitor sets the current inflation pres-
sure in the tires as the target values to be
monitored.Do not initialize the system when
snow chains are fitted. When driving
with snow chains, false alarms can occur or
pressure losses might not be detected.<
In the following situations false
alarms can also occur under certain
circumstances or the detection of inflation
pressure loss can be delayed:
>When driving on roads covered with
snow or on other slippery road surfaces
>With a sporty driving style – slip at the
driven wheels, high lateral accelera-
tions.<
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90
WINTER TIRES SNOW CHAINS
*
Observing speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled profes-
sionals only. Your MINI Dealer will be glad
to assist you with both their expertise and
the proper equipment for your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire inflation pressure
Below a tread depth of
3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a percepti-
ble decrease in their ability to cope with
winter driving conditions, and should be
replaced in the interest of safety.<
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures and be sure to have the wheel
and tire assemblies balanced every time
you change the tires.
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your
MINI, classified as road-safe and approved.
Contact your MINI Dealer for more details.
The manufacturer of your MINI recom-
mends that you use these fine-link snow
chains only. Their use is only permitted in
pairs on the front wheels on winter tires of
the following type:
175/65 R 15.
When fitting, comply with the manufac-
turer's instructions. With chains, do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph / 50 km/h.
After fitting the snow chains, do not
activate the Flat Tire Monitor.
When driving with snow chains, it can be
helpful to switch off the ASC+T or DSC for a
brief period, see pages 62, 63.<
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
141
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Q
Quality grading, tire88
R
Radiator96
Radio, see separate Owner's
Manual
Rain sensor54
Reading lamps53
bulb replacement110
Rear backrest
foldable74
Rear fog lamp
bulb replacement109
Rear lamps48,109
Rear shelf, see Cargo area
cover74
Rear window defroster
air conditioning system68
automatic climate
control71
Rear window wiper55
replacing106
Rearview mirror39
Recirculated air mode
air conditioner system68
automatic climate
control71
Recirculation of air68,71
Reclining seat34 Recommended grades of
oil96
Refueling, fuel filler door82
Remaining distance for
service60
Remote control23
battery22
changing battery22
initialization22
Removing fog on windows
air conditioning system69
automatic climate
control72
Replacement key22
Reporting safety defects8
Reserve indicator light58
Restore tire inflation
pressure120
Restraint system41
Reverse gear48,50
Rod antenna99
Roller sun blind, rear window
blind30
Roof load132
Rope, towing126
Rubber parts100
Run Flat tires85,88,116
winter tires89 S
Safety belts16,33
adjusting38
care100
Safety lock buttons26
Seat heater36
Securing cargo75
Selector lever
shiftlock45,49
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
for US models98
Service interval
display60,98
Setting up the car44
Shiftlock49
Side airbags40
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement108
Sitting safely with airbags33
Sitting safely with safety
belts33
Size131
Sliding/tilt sunroof29
convenience
operation25,29
Snow chains90
Space-saver spare tire
changing tires112
Spare key22
Speed130 Speed control see Cruise
control56
Speed, winter tires90
Split rear backrest74
Spray jets55
Standing lamps52
bulb replacement108
Starting46
problems46,124,126
with a discharged
battery124
Steering lock45
Storage, tires89
Storing the vehicle101
Sun visors39
Switches12
Symbols6
T
Tachometer13,14,58
Tail lamps
bulb replacement109
Tailgate16,27
manually unlocking27
opening, remote control24
Tank display58
Technical data130
Technical modifications103
Temperature
air conditioning system68
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
142
automatic climate
control71
engine coolant59
high81
layering69,72
outside temperature61
tires88
The right tires89
Third brake lamp
bulb replacement110
Tilt alarm sensor31
remote control25
turning off32
Tire change set112,117
Tire failure16
Tire inflation pressure85,90
Tires85,89
all-season tires89
break-in80
changing112
condition87,90
damage87
inflation pressure85
M+S tires89
pressure85
replacement87
Run Flat tires85,88,116
snow chains90
storage89
temperature88
the right choice89 tread87
winter tires89
with emergency running
properties, see Run Flat
tires85,88,116
Tools106
Torque130
Total weight132
Tow bar126
Tow socket for towing
eyelet126
Towing126
with Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)127
Towing eyelet126
Towing rope126
Traction88
Transmission48
Transmission malfunction
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)51
Transporting children
safely41
Tread wear88
Trip odometer58
Trunk
cover, see Cargo area
cover74
lid, see Tailgate27 opening, remote control24
see Cargo area
volume132
Turn signal indicators18,52
bulb replacement108
Turning off
engine47
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading88
Unwanted alarm32
V
Valve core and
spare valve118
Valve remover118
Vanity mirror
bulb replacement111
illuminated39
Vehicle
breaking-in80
dimensions131
exterior finish99
operating46
parking81
starting46
storing101
turning off47
washing99
weight132 Vehicle Memory44
Ventilation
draft-free69,72
heater67
Vents, ventilation72
W
Warning lamp15
Warning triangle124
Warranty98
see Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet
for Canadian models
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models98
Washer systems94
Washer/wiper system54
Waste container73
Water on roadways
deep water81
Weight132
Wheel and tire
combination89
Wheel chock
foldable112,117,118
Wheel lug bolts
wrench112,113,118
Wheelbase131
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