check engine MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2007 Owners Manual

16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPSTechnology that monitors itselfThe system runs a check on the indicator
and warning lamps marked by
+ when you
turn the key in the ignition lock. 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 your MINI
Dealer.
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
+
The engine oil pressure is too low.
Pull over immediately and switch
off the engine. Please contact your MINI
Dealer.
Do not continue driving; otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.<
Brake warning lamp
+
Lights up although the parking
brake is released. The brake fluid
level is too low. Before driving further, be
sure to comply with the information on
page120. Have the system checked imme-
diately.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
If equipped with a navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack:
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in the navigation system or
Cockpit Chrono Pack+
Lights up while driving:
engine is too hot. Pull over to the side of
the road immediately, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down, refer also
to page68. Have the system checked
immediately.

17
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPSYellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
+
The warning lamp indicates a flat
tire or a system malfunction. In the
event of a flat tire, an acoustic signal also
sounds.
Reduce speed immediately and stop the
vehicle.
It is possible that the acoustic signal was
not heard. In this case, in order to deter-
mine if there is a flat tire or a system mal-
function:
1. Switch off the ignition, ignition key posi-
tion 0
2. Switch the ignition back on, ignition key
position 2, or start the engine.
If an acoustic signal sounds, you have a flat
tire. Otherwise, the system has a malfunc-
tion or has failed.
For instructions on how to proceed further,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor, page75 ff.
Red and yellow: continue to drive, but
use great caution
Brake warning lamp together with
yellow indicator lamps for ABS,
CBC, EBD and ASC/DSC:
driving stability control has failed.
Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake applications.
Have the system checked as soon
as possible.
More information on page72.
Canadian models display these
warning lamps.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp with parking
brake applied.
More information on the parking
brake on page54.
Warning lamp in Canadian models.
Fasten safety belts
+
Lights up for several seconds or
until the safety belt has been fas-
tened.
A signal* also sounds depending on the
version.
More information on page46.
Bonnet/tailgate/sliding sunroof
*
Comes on if the bonnet, tailgate or
sliding sunroof is open.
More information on pages29, 35, 114.

18
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPSRed: have it checked soon
Airbags
+
There is a malfunction in the airbag
system. Have the system checked
as soon as possible.
More information on page77.
Brake pads
The brake pads have reached the
minimum safe limit for lining wear.
Have the brake pads replaced immediately.
More information on page99.
Yellow: have it checked soon
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
+
The ABS has failed. Conventional
braking efficiency is available. Have
the system checked as soon as possible.
More information on page72.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Automatic Stability Control plus
Traction ASC/Dynamic Stability
Control DSC
+
Indicator lamp flashes:
System active: drive and brake forces are
regulated.
Indicator lamp lights up continuously:
ASC/DSC has been deactivated at the but-
ton or is malfunctioning.
If there is a malfunction: have the system
checked as soon as possible.
More information on page72.
Engine
+
The exhaust emissions have deteri-
orated.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as possi-
ble.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Engine electronics
* +
The engine electronics are mal-
functioning. You can continue to
drive with reduced engine output or engine
speed. Have the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.

58
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH STEPTRONIC
*
Switching from M/S + – Manual mode into
the selector lever positions P, R and N is
only possible via D.Shifting with the selector lever>Briefly press the selector lever in the +
direction:
Transmission shifts up
>Briefly press the selector lever in the –
direction:
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 appear in the gear indicator.
Shifting on the steering wheel*The shift paddles allow the gears to be
changed rapidly and, above all, safely, since
both hands can remain on the steering
wheel.
To shift up or down with one of the two
shift paddles:
>Pull the shift paddle:
Transmission shifts up
>Press the shift paddle:
Transmission shifts down.
M1 to M6 appear in the gear indicator.
The transmission will execute only gear
changes that result in a plausible combina-
tion of vehicle speed and engine rpm, e.g. it
will not shift down if that would result in
excessive engine speed.
In the MINI COOPER S, with the selec-
tor lever in position D, automatic
mode, you can shift gears using the shift
paddles on the steering wheel. The trans-
mission automatically switches to manual
mode. If you do not shift gears with the
shift paddles or accelerate for a certain
amount of time, the transmission auto-
matically returns to automatic mode.<
MalfunctionEP appears on the display. The transmission
system is malfunctioning. Avoid high loads.
All selector lever positions can still be
engaged; in the forward driving positions,
however, the vehicle can only be driven
with a limited gear selection.
Have the system checked immediately.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
page142 ff.

68
FUEL GAUGE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE In the navigation system*
Please also comply with the instruc-
tions in the previous section.<
If the LED changes from orange to red,
there are approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters of fuel
left in the tank.
Coolant temperature gaugeDepending on the equipment version, a
coolant temperature gauge is located in
the speedometer or the Cockpit Chrono
Pack.
Low temperature:
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate
engine and vehicle speeds.
Center position:
Normal operating temperature of the
engine.
High temperature:
As soon as there is a deviation from the
center position upwards or to the left:
Drive with moderation and at low engine
speeds. If necessary, switch off the engine
and allow it to cool down.
Checking coolant level, refer to page118.Temperature warning LED 1 comes on while the vehicle is in
motion: engine is too hot. Switch off the
engine immediately and allow it to cool
down.
When you switch on the ignition, the LED 1
lights up briefly to confirm that the system
is operational.Equipment with navigation system* or
Cockpit Chrono Pack*
Coolant temperature warning
lamp 2 comes on while the vehicle
is in motion: engine is too hot.
Switch off the engine immediately and
allow it to cool down.

71
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ONBOARD COMPUTER
*
Average speed, average fuel
consumption
To reset average consumption, average
speed:
Press the button in the turn signal indicator
lever for a long time.
The average consumption is determined
for the time during which the engine is run-
ning.
If the vehicle is equipped with a navi-
gation system, the displays are
shown in the area of the navigation sys-
tem.<
You can have a different unit of mea-
sure set. can check how economically and environ-
mentally friendly you are currently driving.
You can have a different unit of mea-
sure set.<

101
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
REFUELING
Always switch off the engine before
refueling; otherwise no fuel can be
added to the tank and the SERVICE ENGINE
SOON lamp may come on.<
1. Open the fuel filler door
2. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise
3. Put the gas cap in the bracket attached
to the fuel filler door.
Always observe all applicable precau-
tionary measures and regulations
when handling fuels. Do not carry any
spare fuel containers in the vehicle. They
can leak and cause an explosion or fire in
the event of an accident.<
Observe the following when refueling
Always observe all safety precautions
posted at the service station when
handling fuel.<
When refueling, insert the filler nozzle
completely into the filler pipe. Pulling the
nozzle out of the pipe during refueling:
>Results in premature pump shutoff
>Will reduce the effect of the fuel vapor
recovery system on the pump.
As long as the filler nozzle is used properly,
the fuel tank is full whenever the nozzle
shuts off the first time.
Closing the gas cap1. Insert gas cap
2. Turn gas cap clockwise until it clicks
3. Close fuel filler door.
Insert the cap and turn it clockwise
until it audibly clicks.
Do not jam the strap between the gas cap
and the vehicle. The following message is
displayed if the cap is loose or missing.<
US models only:
The warning lamp
* comes on.
The gas cap is not correctly closed
or missing. Check if the gas cap is
correctly closed.
Fuel tank volumeApprox. 13.2 gallons/50 liters, of which
approx. 2.1 gallons/8 liters are reserve
capacity.
Do not drive until the fuel tank is
totally empty. Otherwise engine
operations are not guaranteed and damage
could occur. Do not fill the tank with leaded gaso-
line; otherwise the catalytic con-
verter will be permanently damaged. Do
not fill the tank with E85, i.e. fuel contain-
ing 85 % ethanol, nor with flex fuel. Other-
wise the engine and fuel supply system will
be damaged.<
Required fuelSuper Premium gasoline/AKI 91

119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANTAs an example, the illustration shows the
coolant tank of the MINI COOPER and the
MINI COOPER Convertible.Checking coolant level 1. The engine must be at ambient temper-
ature
2. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Slowly pull the cap of the expansion
tank by the tab until the excess pressure
can escape. Then remove the cap com-
pletely.
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Slightly unscrew the cap of the expan-
sion tank counterclockwise until the
excess pressure can escape. Then
remove the cap completely
3. The coolant level is correct if it is
between the MIN and MAX markings on
the transparent expansion tank
4. If necessary, slowly add coolant until the
correct level is reached; do not overfill
5. MINI COOPER and MINI COOPER Con-
vertible:
Reattach the cap and press it down
firmly
MINI COOPER S and MINI COOPER S Con-
vertible:
Screw the cap back on and tighten it
firmly
6. Have the cause of the coolant loss
removed as soon as possible.

121
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI maintenance system helps main-
tain your vehicle's road safety and opera-
tional safety.
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety of
your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service interval displayWhile conventional systems determine
maintenance intervals according to fixed
kilometer readings, the MINI Maintenance
System takes the vehicle's driving condi-
tions into account because not every mile is
the same as another in this respect.
From a maintenance standpoint,
60,000 miles/100,000 km accumulated
through short-distance driving cannot be
treated the same as 60,000 miles/
100,000 km accumulated through long-dis-
tance highway travel.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little, i.e. much less
than 6,000 miles/10,000 km per year,
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the service inter-
val display, refer to page69.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian
models For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet for US models or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models.
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
The manufacturer of your MINI rec-
ommends having maintenance and
repair work carried out only by a MINI
Dealer or a workshop that has specially
trained personnel working in accordance
with the specifications of the MINI manu-
facturer.
Make sure that maintenance work is con-
firmed with an entry in the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet for
US models or the Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for Canadian models. These
entries are your proof that the vehicle has
received regular maintenance.<

122
SOCKET FOR ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS OBD CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLEPrimary components of exhaust emissions
can be checked by a device via the OBD
socket.
This socket is located to the left of the
driver's side, on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel underneath a cover.Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp comes on. The
exhaust emissions have deterio-
rated. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Canadian models display this
warning lamp.
Under some circumstances, the lamp will
flash. This indicates severe engine misfir-
ing. In this case, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest MINI Dealer as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring
can quickly lead to serious damage of emis-
sions-related components, especially the
catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system may con-
clude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator 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 1407/606. 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
page63. Failure to do so could result in