brake sensor MINI COOPER 2005 Owners Manual

96
BRAKE SYSTEMBrake fluid levelIf the brake fluid level is too low and brake
pedal travel has become longer, there may
be a defect in one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits.
Proceed to the nearest MINI Dealer. Higher brake application pressure
may be necessary under these conditions,
there may be a slight pull to one side, and
brake pedal travel may be longer. Please
remember to adapt your driving style
accordingly.<
Disc brakesWhen the vehicle is driven only occasion
-
ally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten
-
dency for corrosion of the brake rotors and
accumulation of contamination on the
brake pads. This occurs because the mini
-
mal pressure that must be exerted by the
pads to clean the rotors by brake applica
-
tions is not reached. Corrosion on brake rotors is signaled by a
running or pulsation during braking; even
extended subsequent braking will not cure
this phenomenon.
It is a good idea to periodically dry the
brakes with a gentle application when driv
-
ing in rain and on wet roads.

Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The resulting heat dries the
brake rotors and pads. Then if the braking
force is needed, it is immediately available.Driving downhill
To prevent overheating and the resulting reduced efficiency of the
brake system, drive down extended or
steep mountain gradients in the gear
which requires the least brake applications.
Otherwise, even light but consistent pedal
pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake fail
-
ure. -
ther utilized by downshifting, to first gear if
necessary, in the manual mode of the auto
-
matic transmission, refer to page
55. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal pressed or with the transmission or
selector lever in Neutral. Do not coast with
the engine switched off. The engine pro
-
vides no braking effect when the transmis
-
sion is in Neutral, and there is no power-
assist for braking or steering when the
engine is switched off.

Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the brake or accelerator pedal, as the
travel path of the pedals could otherwise
be impeded. the front axle and in the right brake pads of
the rear axle monitor the brake pad condi
-
tion. When the brake pads reach the wear
limit, the brake wear warning lights up,
refer to page
18.
Use brake pads which the manufac
-
turer of your MINI has approved for
your particular vehicle model. The manu
-
facturer of your MINI cannot evaluate non-
approved brake pads to determine if they
are suitable for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle
in the event of their use.<
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113
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
OBD SOCKET
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
The Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) interface socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.

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.
Display of the malfunction described above in Canadian mod
-
els.
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.
When the gas cap is not properly tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator will
light up. If the cap is subsequently tight
-
ened, the indicator lamp should go out
within a few days.<
Suitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod
-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI or MINI Con
-
vertible in automatic car washes from the
beginning. Preference should be for cloth
car washes. If, due to lack of availability,
brush car washes must be used, modern
systems with soft brushes should be given
preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 140
7/ 60
6. If
the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo
-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.

After washing the vehicle, apply the brakes
briefly to dry them, otherwise water can
reduce braking efficiency over the short
term and the brake rotors can corrode.

Switch the rain sensor off when passing
through an automatic car wash, refer to
page
59. Failure to do so could result in
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EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
R Radiator, refer to Coolant
110

Radio, refer to separate Owner's Manual

Rain sensor
59
Range
66
Reading lamps
59
Rear backrest, foldable
85, 86
Rear fog lamp
58
bulb replacement
124

indicator lamp
58
Rear lamps, bulb
replacement
123

Rear seats, adjusting head
restraints
43
Rear shelf, refer to Luggage
compartment cover
85
Rear turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement
123

Rear window wiper
60
replacement
121

Rearview mirror
46
Recirculated air mode

air conditioning system
76
automatic climate control
79
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt
43
Refueling
94
fuel filler door
94
Remaining distance for
service
65
Remaining distance, refer to
Range
66
Remote control
25, 26
garage door opener
83
malfunction
27
Remote control key, refer to
Master keys with remote
control
24
Replacement key
24
Replacement of tires

changing tires
125

new wheels and tires
102

Reporting safety defects
9
Reserve indicator light, refer to
Fuel gauge
63, 64
Reservoir, washing
systems
108

Restraint systems

for children
48
refer to Safety belts
45
Retaining straps
88
Reverse

Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
55
manual transmission
54
Roller sun blind
34
Roof load, refer to
Weights
143
, 144

Roof-mounted luggage rack
89
Rope, refer to Towing and Tow-
starting
137

RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to

Run Flat tires
101

Run Flat tires
101

tire failure
101

tire inflation pressure
98
tire replacement
102

winter tires
103

Runflat System Component
(RSC), refer to Run Flat
tires
101

Runflat Tyres, refer to Run Flat
tires
101

S Safety belt height
adjustment
45
Safety belts
45
care
115

height adjustment
45
indicator lamp
17, 45
safe seating position
41
Safety lock buttons, doors,

refer to Locking
28
Safety systems, refer to

Airbags
72
All Season traction Control
(ASC)
68
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
70
Brake system
70
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
69
Safety tires, refer to

Run Flat tires
101

Screwdriver, refer to Onboard
tool kit
120

Seat adjustment
42
Seat heating
46
Seat-belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts
45
Seats

heating
46
safe seating position
41
Securing loads, refer to Loading
cargo
86
Securing the load
88
Securing the vehicle

from inside
28
from outside
26
Selector lever positions,
Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission
(CVT)
54
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