warning MINI Countryman 2012 Owner's Guide

Giving and receiving assistanceMOBILITY
167
Using a tow fitting
The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried
in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or at
the right rear.
Depending upon the vehicle features, the tow
fitting is located
>under the right or left front seat.
> in the pouch for the tire-changing set in the
luggage compartment.
Use only the tow fitting provided with the
vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the
tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid
lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift
the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow
fitting and the vehicle could be damaged. <
Access to screw thread
Press sideways on the cover, vehicle outer side.
This will push out the oppo site side of the cover,
which can then be removed.
Front Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page
45; otherwise, the low
beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and windshield
wipers may be unavailable. Do not tow the vehi-
cle with just the rear ax le raised, as this would
allow the steering to turn. <
There is no power assist while the engine is off.
Thus, braking and steering will require increased
effort.
Switch on the hazard warning flashers, depend-
ing on local regulations.
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
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 methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, otherwise damage may
result. <
With towbar
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
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MOBILITYGiving and receiving assistance
168
avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle, please
observe the following:
>Clearance and maneuver ing capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
Only attach the tow bar to the tow fittings,
as attachment to other vehicle parts can
lead to damage. <
With 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 pa rts of the vehicle could
result in damage. <
With tow truck: vehicles without ALL4
all-wheel drive
Have the MINI Countryman transported by a tow
truck with a so-called lift bar or on a flat bed.
With tow truck: vehicles with ALL4 all-
wheel drive
Do not have your vehicle with ALL4 all-
wheel drive towed with the front or rear
axle raised individually; otherwise, the wheels
may lock and the transfer case may be dam-
aged. < Only have your MINI Countryman transported
on a flat bed.
Tow-starting
Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possi-
ble; instead, jump-start the engine, page
165.
Vehicles with a catalyti c 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, page 45.
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 lo cation, 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 lampsMOBILITY
169
Indicator and warning lamps
Vehicle equipment
In this chapter, all production, country, and
optional equipment that is offered in the model
range is described. Equipment is also described
that is not available because of, for example,
selected options or count ry version. This also
applies to safety related functions and systems.
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in indicator area 1
or 2. Refer to the table for information on causes
and how to react. Note wh ether a lamp lights up
alone or in combinatio n with another. Some
lamps can light up in different colors. Corre-
sponding distinctions are made in the text.
12Cause What to do
Turn signals
High beams/head lamp flasher
switched on
Fog lamps switched on
Rear fog lamp switched on
Fasten safety belts Fasten your safety belt, refer also to page39.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
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MOBILITYIndicator and warning lamps
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Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied Release the parking brake.
External temperature warning Drive cautiously, refer also to page56.
Lights up briefly:
Approx. 2.1 US gal/8 liters of fuel are
still in the tank
Remains on:
Cruising range is no more than
30 miles/50 km, page 55
Engine refuses to start Depress the brake or clutch in order to
start the engine, page 45.
Ignition switched on and driver's door
open Switch off the ignition, page
45, or
close the driver's door.
Lamps still on
Roadside parking lamps on
Door open
Hood open
Fuel cap missing or loose Make sure that the fuel cap is correctly
positioned and close it until it audibly
clicks. Do not jam the strap between
the fuel cap and the vehicle.
12Cause What to do
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
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Window washer fluid level too low Add washer fluid as soon as possible,
page 53.
Lights up in red:
Service due Arrange a service appointment.
Check service requirements,
page 149.
Lights up in yellow:
The next time that the Start/Stop
button is pressed, the engine starts,
possibly even without a foot on the
brakes or without depressing the
clutch
Remote control malfunctioning or, in
cars with Comfort Access, not
detected The engine cannot be started. Have
the remote control checked, if neces-
sary.
Remote control battery is discharged Use the remote control for a longer journey or, in cars with Comfort
Access, replace the battery.
Belt tensioners and/ or airbag system
failed Have the system checked immedi-
ately. Fasten the safety belts anyway.
Power steering failed You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Steering response will be
markedly different. Have the system
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
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Lights up in red:
Engine malfunctionStop the car and switch off the
engine. You cannot continue your
journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Full engine power no longer available Y ou can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the engine
checked as soon as possible.
Indicator lamp 1 flashes:
Engine malfunction under high load.
High engine load will result in dam-
age to the catalytic converter You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the vehicle
checked without delay.
Indicator lamp 1 comes on:
Engine malfunction with adverse
effect on exhaust emissions You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the car checked as
soon as possible.
Lights up in red:
Engine overheating Carefully bring the car to a stop, switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down. Do not open the hood;
otherwise, there is a risk of injury from
scalding. Contact your MINI dealer.
Lights up in yellow:
Engine too hot Continue driving at more moderate speed so that the engine can cool
down. Have the engine checked with-
out delay if the situation reoccurs.
12Cause What to do
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Lights up in red:
Battery is no longer being charged.
Alternator malfunctionSwitch off all unne
cessary electrical
consumers. Have the battery checked
without delay.
Lights up in yellow:
Battery charge level very low, battery
aged or not securely connected Charge it by taking a longer drive or by
using an external
charger. Possibly
automatic switch-off of power con-
suming devices. Have the battery
checked as soon as possible.
Indication in US models
Parking brake applied
Indication in Canadian models
Parking brake applied
Indication in US models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
Indication in Canadian models
Lights up in red:
Brake fluid level too low Braking action is reduced, stop with care. Contact your nearest MINI
dealer.
Indication in US models
Brake pads worn Have the co ndition of the brake pads
checked without delay.
12Cause What to do
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Indication in Canadian models
Brake pads worn Have the condition of the brake pads checked without delay.
Indication in US models
Vehicle electronics failed You cannot continue your journey. Contact your MINI dealer.
Display 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 engi ne 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 ques-
tion 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.
12Cause What to do
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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
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Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is con-
trolling drive and braking forces, refer
also to page65
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti-
vated, refer also to page 66
The Dynamic Stability Control DSC
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC
are deactivated, refer also to page 65Driving 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 stabili ty control systems,
including ABS and the Tire Pressure
Monitor, have failed, refer also to
page 65 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 US models
The driving stabili ty control systems,
including ABS, ALL4 all-wheel drive,
and the Tire Pressu re Monitor, have
failed, refer also to page 65Reduced 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
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Display 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 page65Reduced 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.
Display in Canadian models
The driving stability control systems,
including ABS, ALL4 all-wheel drive,
and the Flat Tire Monitor or the Tire
Pressure Monitor, have failed, refer
also to page 65 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.
ALL4 all-wheel drive has failed. Con tinued driving is possible. Drive
cautiously and thin k well ahead. Avoid
rough track driving, full-throttle oper-
ation, and use of the transmission's
kickdown mode. Have the system
checked immediately.
ALL4 all-wheel drive and DSC have
failed. Continued driving is possible. Drive
cautiously and thin
k well ahead. Avoid
rough track driving, full-throttle oper-
ation, and use of the transmission's
kickdown mode. Have the system
checked immediately.
12Cause What to do
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