brake sensor MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE 2008 Owners Manual

103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTESSafe braking Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stan-
dard feature. If you are in a situation which
requires full braking, it is best to brake
using maximum brake pressure. Since the
vehicle remains maneuverable, you can still
go around any obstacles with the smallest
possible steering movements.
The pulsation of the brake pedal, together
with the sound of hydraulic regulation,
indicates to you that ABS is actively taking
effect.
Wet roads:
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 hinder other road users. The
resulting heat dries 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 pres-
sure on the brake can lead to high tempera-
tures, brake wear and possibly even brake
failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be
increased by downshifting in the manual
mode of the automatic transmission, to
first gear if necessary, refer to page58. This
protects the brakes from excessive loads.
Do not coast with the clutch
depressed, the transmission in idle or
the engine switched off. Otherwise, the
engine provides no braking effect, and
there is no power-assist for braking or
steering.
Make sure that there are no floor mats,
floor carpets or other objects in the vicinity
of the pedals; otherwise pedal function
could be impeded.<
Corrosion on the brake rotors:
When 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.Brake pads
Sensors in the left front and right
rear brake pads monitor pad condi-
tion. When the brake pads have
worn to the permissible limit, this is indi-
cated by the brake wear warning light,
refer to page18.
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 surface. This phenomenon is char-
acterized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road sur-
face. The ultimate results are loss of steer-
ing and braking control.<

126
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

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
167
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Oil change intervals, refer to
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models, Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption121
Oil level121
indicator lamp16
Oil pressure, indicator lamp16
Oil service69
Onboard computer70
Onboard tool kit132
MINI Mobility System141
Run-Flat Tires132
space-saver spare tire137
Opening and closing
from inside28
from outside25
via remote control26
via the door lock27
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation82
,85
Outside air83
air conditioning system83
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control86
Outside temperature
display70
changing units70
in the onboard computer70Outside temperature
warning70
Overriding the selector lever
lock59
P
Paintwork care, refer to Vehicle
paintwork127
Park Distance Control (PDC)81
Parking
the vehicle104
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC)81
Parking brake54
warning lamp17
Parking lamps60
bulb replacement134
Parking lamps/Low beams60
Parking lock, refer to
PParking56
Parts and accessories, refer to
Your individual vehicle6
Pathway lighting60
PDC Park Distance Control81
Pinch protection system,
glass sunroof, electric34
Plastic127
Pollen, refer to
Microfilter84
Microfilter/Activated-
charcoal filter87Power convertible top35
Power failure144
Power output, refer to Engine
data152
Power supply, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket90
Power windows31
Pressure, tires108
reinflation using MINI
Mobility System142
Pressure monitoring of tires,
refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM76
Protective function, electric
glass sunroof34
Pumping in liquid sealant142
Q
Quality grades, refer to
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading112
R
Radiator, refer to Coolant122
Radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Rain sensor
63
Range70
Reading lamps63
Rear backrest, foldable93
,94Rear fog lamp62
bulb replacement136
indicator lamp62
Rear lamps, bulb
replacement135
Rear lamps, refer to Tail
lamps135
Rear seats, adjusting head
restraints44
Rear shelf, refer to Luggage
compartment cover93
Rear turn signal indicators, bulb
replacement135
Rearview mirror48
Rear window wiper64
,65
replacement133
Recirculated air mode
air conditioning system83
automatic climate control86
Reclining seat, refer to Backrest
tilt44
Refueling105
fuel filler door105
Remaining distance, refer to
Range70
Remaining distance for
service69
Remote control25
,26
garage door opener91
malfunction27