automatic transmission MINI COOPER 2009 User Guide

Things to remember when driving
84
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to
each other. Please follow the instructions below
in order to achieve the optimal service life and
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do
not exceed the following:
>Gasoline engine
4,500 rpm or 100 mph/160 km/h
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the
transmission's kick-down mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized
contact and wear patterns between brake pads
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal
level only after a distance driven of approx.
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period,
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be
observed if any of the components mentioned
above have to be renewed in the course of the
vehicle's operating life.
General driving notes
Close the tailgate
Drive the vehicle only when the tailgate is
closed. Otherwise, exhaust fumes could
penetrate the interior of the vehicle.<
If special circumstances make it absolutely nec-
essary to drive with the tailgate open:
1.Close all windows and the glass sunroof.
2.Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automatic climate control,
page73 or75.
Hot exhaust system
In all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated in the exhaust system.
Do not remove the heat shields installed adjacent
to various sections of the exhaust system, and
never apply undercoating to them. When driving,
standing at idle and while parking, take care to
avoid possible contact between the hot exhaust
system and any highly flammable materials such
as hay, leaves, grass, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire, with the risk of serious personal injuries
and property damage. Do not touch hot exhaust
tail pipes. Otherwise there is a risk of burns.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a wedge
of water can form between tires and road sur-
face. This situation, known as hydroplaning, can
cause partial or complete loss of tire contact
with the road surface, so that the car cannot be
steered or braked properly.<
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REFERENCEAT A GLANCE CONTROLS DRIVING TIPS MOBILITY
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The risk of hydroplaning increases with declining
tread depth on the tires, refer also to Tread
depth on page100.
Driving through water
Drive through water on the road only if it is
not deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only
at walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the
vehicle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Parking brake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle with
the clutch; use the parking brake. Other-
wise greater clutch wear will result.<
For information on driving off using Hill Start
Assist
*, refer to page58.
Braking safely
Your MINI is equipped with ABS. If you are in a
situation which requires full braking, it is best to
brake using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle maintains steering responsiveness, you
can still avoid possible obstacles with a mini-
mum of steering effort.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together with
the sound of hydraulic regulation, indicates that
ABS is actively taking effect.
Driving in wet conditions
When roads are wet or there is heavy rain, briefly
exert gentle pressure on the brake pedal every
few miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger other
road users. The heat generated in this process
helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure that
Then full braking force will be immediately avail-
able when it is needed.
Hills
To prevent overheating and the resulting
reduced efficiency of the brake system,
drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear in which the least braking is required. Even
light but consistent brake pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure. shifting down, all the way to first gear if necessary.
This strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system. Downshifting in man-
ual mode of the automatic transmission, page40.
Never drive with the clutch held down,
with the transmission in neutral or with
the engine switched off; otherwise, engine brak-
ing action will not be present or there will be no
power assistance to the brakes or steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
pedals, otherwise pedal function could be
impaired.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
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 tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating effect
that even extended application will fail to cure.
When the vehicle is parked
Condensation forms while the automatic climate
control is in operation, and then exits under the
vehicle. Traces of condensed water under the
vehicle are therefore normal.
In the MINI Cooper S, the coolant pump may
continue to run for some time after the engine is
switched off. This will generate noise in the
engine compartment.
Before driving into a car wash
Avoid car washes with tracks higher than
4 in/10 cm, otherwise the chassis could be
damaged.<
For general information about vehicle care for
your MINI, refer to the chapter beginning on
page109.
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Things to remember when driving
86
With convenient access and automatic
transmission
Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off when the selec-
tor lever is in position N. Refer also to page26.
Cargo loading
To avoid loading the tires beyond their
approved carrying capacity, never over-
load the vehicle. Overloading can lead to over-
heating and increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate result can
assume the form of a sudden blow-out.<
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo bay as they
could damage the vehicle.<
Cargo bay cover
Do not place any objects on the cover,
otherwise they could endanger the car's
occupants, e.g. in the case of braking or sudden
swerving.<
When you open the tailgate, the cargo bay cover
is raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1.Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2.Pull the cover out of the holders toward the
rear.
Expanding the cargo bay
The rear set backrest is split. Both sides can be
folded separately to expand the cargo bay.
1.Pull the lever.
2.Fold rear seat backrests forward.
When folding the backrest back up, make
sure that the seat's locking mechanisms
engage properly. Otherwise, cargo could be
thrown around in the event of sharp braking or
swerving and endanger the occupants.<
Adjusting rear seat backrest*
Expand the cargo bay by raising the split rear
seat backrests to a steeper angle.
1.Pull the lever, arrow1, and fold the rear seat
backrest forward.
2.Fold up the lever of the backrest lock until it
audibly engages, arrow2.
3.Fold back the backrest until it engages.
If the rear seat backrests are positioned at
a steeper angle, do not install child-
restraint systems in the rear of the vehicle as
their protective features may be ineffective.<
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Care
Car-care products
Regular cleaning and care helps to maintain the
value of your MINI.
The manufacturer of your MINI recommends
using manufacturer-approved products to clean
and care for your vehicle.
MINI Service would be pleased to advise you on
cleaning and care products and services for your
MINI.
The ingredients of original MINI CareProd-
ucts have been tested, and the products
have been tested in the laboratory and in prac-
tice. They offer optimum care and protection for
your vehicle.<
Do not use any cleansers containing alco-
hol or solvents as these may cause dam-
age.<
Cleaning agents may contain hazardous
or health-damaging substances. Follow
the warning and hazard instructions on the
packaging. For interior cleaning, always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not intended
for cleaning the vehicle.<
External care
Washing your vehicle
Especially during the winter months the
vehicle should be frequently washed. Dirt
and road salt can damage the vehicle.<
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.<
Car washes
Preference should be given to cloth car washes.Do not use high-pressure car washes
because drops of water can penetrate
around the windows.<
Before driving into the car wash, check if the sys-
tem is suitable for your MINI. Observe the fol-
lowing points:
>Dimensions of the vehicle, page143
>If necessary: Fold in the outside mirrors
(page 33)
>Maximum permissible tire width
Preparations for driving into the car wash:
>Unscrew the rod antenna.
>Deactivate the rain sensor
* to prevent unin-
tentional wiping.
>Deactivate the rear windshield wiper and
protect it from damage. Ask the car wash
operator about measures that can be taken
to protect the wipers.
>Remove additional detachable body com-
ponents such as spoilers or telephone
antennas that could be damaged.
Automatic transmission
Before driving into the car wash, make sure that
the vehicle can roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with conve-
nient access, in the ignition lock.
2.Move the selector lever to position N.
3.Release the parking brake.
4.Switch off the engine.
5.Insert the remote control in the ignition lock
so that the vehicle can roll.
Steam jets/high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a suffi-
cient distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/606.
If the distance is too close, the pressure too high,
or the temperature too high, parts of the vehicle
can be damaged, or water can penetrate.
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Giving and receiving assistance
126
Automatic transmission
Tow vehicles with automatic transmission
only with a tow truck or with the front
wheels lifted; otherwise the transmission can be
damaged.<
Towing with a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
be impossible to maintain control.<
The tow fittings used should be on the same side
on both vehicles. Should it prove impossible to
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
>The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only,
as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle
could result in damage.<
Towing with a tow rope
When starting off in the towing vehicle, make
sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated
stresses on vehicle components when
towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as
attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could
result in damage.<
Towing with a tow truck
Have the MINI transported with a tow truck with
a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise damage
may result.<
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Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page123.
Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only
be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles
with an automatic transmission cannot be tow-
started at all.
1.Switch on hazard warning flashers, comply
with local regulations.
2.Switch on the ignition, page37.
3.Shift into 3rd gear.
4.Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch
completely depressed and then slowly
release the clutch. After the engine starts,
immediately depress the clutch completely
again.
5.Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow
bar or rope and switch off the hazard warn-
ing flashers.
6.Have the vehicle checked.
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Indicator and warning lamps
136
Lights up in red:
>Transmission limp-home pro-
gram active with restricted range
of gears, possibly with reduced
accelerationYou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked without delay.
>Gears can be engaged without
depressing the brakeAlways depress the brake to engage a
gear.
>Automatic selector lever locked Overriding the selector lever lock,
page41.
Lights up in yellow: Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
>Automatic selector lever locked:
Selector lever locked in position P
with engine running and brake
depressed orOverriding the selector lever lock,
page41.
>brake signal malfunctioning: gear
can be engaged without depress-
ing the brakeTo engage a gear while the vehicle is
at a standstill, always depress the
brake. Before leaving the vehicle,
move the selector lever to position P
and switch off the engine.
Lights up in red:
Transmission overheating Bring the car to a stop and move the
selector lever to position P. Allow the
transmission to cool down. You can
continue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Have the system checked if the situa-
tion reoccurs.
Lights up in yellow:
Transmission too hot Avoid high engine loads. You can con-
tinue your journey, but moderate
your speed and exercise due caution.
Selector lever position P not engaged.
Vehicle not prevented from rolling
12Cause What to do
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Technical data
144
Weights
Never exceed either the approved axle loads or
the gross vehicle weight.
Capacities
MINI COOPERMINI COOPER SJOHN COOPER WORKS
Curb weight, ready for travel, with all optional extras
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 2,546/1,155 2,668/1,210 2,701/1,225
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 2,634/1,195 2,723/1,235 –
Approved gross weight
>Manual transmission lbs/kg 3,362/1,525 3,483/1,580 3,516/1,595
>Automatic transmis-
sion lbs/kg 3,450/1,565 3,538/1,605 –
Approved front axle load lbs/kg 1,929/875 1,984/900 1,918/870
Approved rear axle load lbs/kg 1,653/750 1,664/755 1,675/760
Approved roof load
capacitylbs/kg 165/75 165/75 165/75
Cargo bay capacity cu ft/
Liters5.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 6805.7 - 24.0/
160 - 680
US gal/US quartsLitersNotes
Fuel tank 13.2/– approx. 50 Fuel grade: page93
including reserve of 2.1/– approx. 8
Window washer system incl.
headlamp washer system –/4.8 approx. 4.5 For more details: page44
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From A to Z
146
From A to Z
INDEX
A
Accessories, refer to Your
individual vehicle4
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control76
Additives
– coolant105
– engine oil105
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner73
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control74
Air conditioner72
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air distribution
– automatic75
– individual74
– manual74
Air flow rate73,75
– air conditioning system73
– automatic climate control75
– heating, ventilation73
Air outlets, refer to Air vents72
Air pressure, checking, refer to
Tire inflation pressure94
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Air supply
– air conditioner73
– automatic climate control74
– ventilation76
Air vents72
Airbags64
– sitting safely29
– warning lamp66
Airing, refer to Ventilation76AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications93
Alarm system24
All-season tires, refer to Winter
tires102
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode73,75
Ambient lighting71
Antenna, care109
Antifreeze
– coolant105
– washer fluid44
Antilock Brake System ABS57
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights144
Approved engine oils105
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights144
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest79
Arrival time
– computer49
Ashtray81
Assistant systems, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control75
Audio device, external79
AUTO program for automatic
climate control75
Automatic
– air distribution75
– air flow rate75
– cruise control45
– headlamp control67
Automatic climate control72
– automatic air distribution75Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC75
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
– interlock40
– overriding selector lever
lock41
– shiftlock40
– sport program40
AUX-In, refer to External audio
device79
Average fuel consumption48
– setting the units50
Average speed49
Axle loads, refer to
Weights144B
Background lighting, refer to
Ambient lighting71
Backrests, refer to Seats29
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb116
– replacing bulbs in MINI116
Band-aids, refer to First aid
pouch123
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away126
Battery122
– charging122
– disposal27,122
– jump starting123
– temporary power failure122
Battery renewal
– remote control27
Being towed125
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts32
Belts, refer to Safety belts32
Beverage holders, refer to Cup
holders81
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From A to Z
148
Consumption indicator
– average fuel consumption48
Consumption, refer to Average
fuel consumption48
Control Display
– settings49
Controls and displays10
Convenience start, refer to
Starting the engine38
Convenient access25
– replacing the battery27
Convenient operation
– windows20
Coolant105
– checking level105
– filling105
Coolant temperature47
Cooling fluid, refer to
Coolant105
Cooling, maximum75
Copyright2
Cruising range48
Cup holders81
Curb weight, refer to
Weights144
Current fuel consumption49
D
Dashboard instruments, refer
to Displays12
Dashboard lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Dashboard, refer to Cockpit10
Data142
– capacities144
– dimensions143
– engine142
– weights144
Date
– setting54
Daytime running lamps68
DBC Dynamic Brake Control,
refer to Brake assist57
Deactivating front passenger
airbags65
Deadlocking, refer to
Locking20Defect
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Defogging windows74,76
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows74,76
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation
– air conditioner74
– automatic climate control76
Differential, breaking in84
Digital clock47
Dimensions143
Dipstick, engine oil104
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals41
Displacement, refer to Engine
data142
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting70
Displays12
– instrument combination12
Displays and controls10
Displays, care111
Disposal
– of coolant105
– remote control battery27
– vehicle battery122
Distance remaining to service,
refer to Service
requirements52
Distance warning, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC56
Diving stability control
systems56
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control18
Door lock
22
Door lock, confirmation
signals20
Doors, manual operation22
DOT Quality Grades99
Drinks holders, refer to Cup
holders81
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Start Assist58
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button59Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams67
Driving notes84
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Start Assist58
Driving through water85
Driving tips, refer to Driving
notes84
Dry air, refer to Cooling
function76
DTC Dynamic Traction Control
DTC58
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake assist57
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC57
Dynamic Traction Control58
E
Electrical malfunction
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
Electronic brake-force
distribution57
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC57
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door92
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission41
Emergency services, refer to
Roadside Assistance123
Engine
– breaking in84
– data142
– overheated, refer to Coolant
temperature47
– speed142
– starting38
– starting, convenient
access25
– switching off38
Engine compartment104
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant105
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