traction control MINI COOPER 2011 Owners Manual

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
1MINI: microphone for voice activation
system
* and for hands-free telephone*
MINI Convertible: microphone in the
steering column
2 Indicator/warning lamp
* for front
passenger airbags 76
4 Hazard warning flashers
5 Speedometer 12
6 Radio/CD
7 Air conditioner or automatic climate
control
*84 8
Switches in the center console
9 AUX-IN connection
USB audio interface
*113
10 Buttons on the center console
3
Reading lamps
*82
Color of ambient lighting
*83
Glass roof, electric
*30
MINI Convertible: opening and
closing the sliding/tilting roof 32
Interior lamps 82
Temperature
Recirculated-air mode
Air distribution for air conditioner
Air distribution to the windshield
*
Air distribution to the upper body
area
*
Air distribution to the footwell*
Automatic air distribution and flow
rate
*
Maximum cooling*
Cooling function
Defrosting windows
*
Rear window defroster
Windshield heating
*
Air flow rate
Seat heating
*40
Power windows 31
MINI Convertible: central power
window unit 31
Rear fog lamp
*81
Fog lamps
*81
Central locking system, inside 25
Sport button
*69
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control

DTC*68

CONTROLSDriving
48
Automatic transmission*
1.With the car at a stop, move the selector
lever to position P.
2. Press the Start/Stop button.
3. Forcefully apply the parking brake.
Before driving into a car wash
By following these steps, the vehicle is able to
roll:
1.Place the remote control, even with Comfort
Access, in the ignition lock.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Move the selector lever to position N.
4. Switch off the engine.
Parking brake
The parking brake is primarily intended to
prevent the vehicle from rolling while parked;
it brakes the rear wheels.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull slightly upward, press the button and lower
the lever.
In exceptional cases, if the parking brake
has to be used to slow or stop the car,
do not pull the lever up too hard. In doing so,
continuously press the button of the parking
brake lever.
Otherwise, excessive force could lead to over-
braking and loss of traction, i.e. fishtailing, at the
rear axle. <
Manual transmission
When shifting into 5t h or 6th gear, press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise,
the engine could be damaged if you inadvert-
ently shift into 3rd or 4th gear. <
Reverse gear
Select this only when the vehicle is stationary.
When the gearshift lever is pressed to the left, a
slight resistance has to be overcome.
Automatic transmission*
with Steptronic
In addition to the fully automatic mode, you can
shift gears manually using Steptronic, page 49.
Parking the vehicle
To prevent the vehicle from rolling, always
select position P and apply the parking
brake before leaving the vehicle with the engine
running. <
Removing the key
To remove the key from the ignition lock, first
move the selector lever into position P and then
switch off the engine: in terlock. Remove the key
from the ignition lock, refer to page 46.
Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
67
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's st ability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stab ility control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safety margin by engaging
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking. Safe steering response is maintained
even during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 97.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and steering characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or
during a lane change.
Electronic brake-forc e distribution EBV
The system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
Brake Assist
Rapidly depressing the brake causes this system
to automatically develop maximum braking
force. Thus, the system helps keep braking
distance to a minimum. At the same time, all the
benefits provided by ABS are exploited.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake for the
duration of the full braking application.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC
The concept
DSC prevents the driving wheels from losing
traction when you pull away from rest or
accelerate.
DSC also detects unstable driving conditions
such as when the vehicle' s rear end fishtails or
the vehicle is sliding on its front wheels. In these
cases, DSC helps the vehicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through br aking actions at the
individual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, the DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light
on the speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer. DSC is deactivated.
Stabilizing and pr opulsion promoting actions are
no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to 'rock free'
in snow, it can be helpfu l to switch off DSC for a
brief period.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
68
For better control
Indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
The DSC controls the driving and
braking forces.
The indicator light DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is
displayed on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
The concept
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The syst em ensures maximum
propulsion though with restricted driving stabil-
ity. You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptiona l situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> When driving on snow-c overed inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
> When rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
> When driving with snow chains
Activating the DTC*
Press the button; the indicator light DSC OFF on
the speedometer comes on and TRACTION is
displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deacti-
vated; the Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated.
For better control
The indicator light on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator light on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating the DTC*
Press the button again ; the indicator light
DSC OFF on the speedometer and TRACTION on
the tachometer go off.

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
69
Deactivating the DTC* and DSC together
Press the button for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator light DSC OFF on the speedometer comes
on and DSC OFF is displayed on the tachometer.
The Dynamic Traction Control DTC and Dynamic
Stability Control DSC are both deactivated. There
will be no more stab ilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock
*) in braking
occur to improve propulsion when drive wheels
are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is
deactivated.
Activating DSC
Press the button again: the indicator lamps go
out.
Hill Assist
Hill Assist aids you in co mfortably driving off on
inclines. It is not necessary to use the parking
brake for this.
1. Hold the MINI with the brake.
2. Release the brake and immediately drive
off.
Hill Assist holds the car in place for approx.
2 seconds after the brake is released. Depending on the load and gradient, the
vehicle can roll backwa rd slightly during
this period. After you release the brake, immedi-
ately start driving since the Hill Assist only holds
the vehicle for about 2 seconds, and it will start
to roll backward. <
Sport button*
Pressing the button causes your MINI to respond
even more sportily.
>Engine responds more spontaneously to
movements of the accelerator.
> Steering response is more direct.
> Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds more sporty in coasting mode.
With automatic transmission:
> More rapid gear shifting in Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the SPORT button.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the SPORT button again.
> Switch off the engine.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The system does not measure the actual
inflation pressure in the tires.
The system detects a pre ssure loss in a tire by
comparing the rotational speeds of the
individual wheels while moving.
In the event of a pressure loss, the diameter
and therefore the rota tional speed of the
corresponding wheel chan ge. This is detected
and reported as a flat tire.

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
96
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 kickdown 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
traction potential until af ter 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 distan ce 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 liftgate
Only drive with the liftgate closed. Failure
to do so may endanger passengers or
other road users or may damage the vehicle in
the event of an accident or a braking and eva-
sive maneuver. In addi tion, exhaust gas may
flow into the passenger compartment. <
If special circumstances make it absolutely
necessary to drive with the liftgate open:
1. Close all windows and the glass roof
*.
2. Switch off the recirculated-air mode and sig-
nificantly increase the air flow rate of the air
conditioner or automa tic climate control,
page 85 or 87.
Hot exhaust system
As in all vehicles, extremely high tempera-
tures are generated on the exhaust sys-
tem. Do not remove the heat shields installed
adjacent to various sections of the exhaust sys-
tem, and never apply undercoating to them.
Make sure that when driving, idling or when
parking, no easily flamma ble materials, such as
hay, leaves, grass, etc. come into contact with
the hot exhaust system. 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. <

MOBILITYWheels and tires
142
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B CAll passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades. <
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 γ) times as
well on the government co urse as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditio ns of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not incl ude acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or pe ak traction characteris-
tics. <
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor labo ratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corre sponds to a level of
performance which all pa ssenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent lev-
els of performance on the laboratory test wheel
that exceed the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overlo aded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combin ation, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. <
RSC - run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of
the tire, page 144.
For instance:
Manufacturer's
code for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 0211

Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
179
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failedYou cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Indication
* in Canadian models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in red: Have the system in question checked
without delay.
> Starter failed or The engine cannot be restarted.
> Ignition malfunctioning. Engine
restart only possible when brake
is depressed or
> Lighting system failed. Low
beams/tail lamps and brake
lamps still operational. All other
lamps failed Depress the brake to start the engine
again.
Lights up in yellow:
> Control of the brake lamps failed
or
> Fuel supply malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked without delay.
> Drive malfunctioning You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-home
program active with restricted range
of gears. Have the system checked
immediately.
Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
controlling drive an d braking forces,
refer also to page 67
12Cause What to do

MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
180
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is
activated, refer also to page68
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 67Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
Driving style must be adjusted.
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
have failed. Driving stability limited during
acceleration and cornering.
You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page 67 Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
Indication
* in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS and the Flat Tire Moni-
tor or the Tire Pressure Monitor
*,
have failed, refer also to page 67Reduced braking and driving stability.
Drive cautiously and think well ahead.
Avoid braking with full force, driving
on rough tracks, and depressing the
accelerator pedal to full throttle or
kickdown position. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
197
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Drive-off assistan t, refer to Hill
Assist 69
Driving dynamics control, refer to Sport button 69
Driving lamps, refer to Parking
lamps/low beams 78
Driving notes 96
Driving off on inclines, refer to
Hill Assist 69
Driving stability control systems 67
Driving through water 97
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 96
Dry air, refer to Cooling function 88
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 67
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 68
Dynamic Brake Control DBC, refer to Brake Assist 67
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 67
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 68
E
Eject button 112
Electrical malfunction
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
Electric power windows
– initializing 31
Electronic brake-force distribution 67
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– convertible top 34
– door lock 25
– fuel filler flap 132
– liftgate 26
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 50
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 169
Engine
– breaking in 96
– data 188
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 149
– speed 188
– starting 47
– starting, Comfort Access 28
– switching off 47
Engine compartment 147
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 149
Engine oil
– adding 148
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils 149
– alternative oil types 149
– approved engine oils 149
– capacity 148
– checking level 147
– dipstick 147
– intervals between changes, refer to Service
requirements 62
– MINI Maintenance System 151
Engine oil level, checking 147
Engine output, refer to Engine data 188
Engine starting, refer to Starting the engine 47
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 67
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system 96 Exterior mirrors
41
– adjusting 41
– automatic heating 41
– folding in and out 41
External audio
device91,106
External temperature display
– change units of measure 61
– in the on-board computer 61
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away 171
– for tying down loads 101
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control 64
Failure of an electrical consumer 168
Fastening safety be lts, refer to
Safety belts 40
Fast forward
– CD 112
Fault messages, refer to Check
Control 64
Filter
– microfilter/activated- charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 88
– microfilter for air
conditioner 86
Fine wood, care 156
First aid pouch 169
Fixture for remote control, refer to Ignition lock 46
Flash when locking/
unlocking 23
Flat tire
– run-flat tires 144
– Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 72
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 69
– indicating a flat tire 71
– initializing the system 70
– snow chains 70
– system limits 70
Flat tires, refer to Tire condition 143