power steering MINI Countryman 2012 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPSThings to remember when driving
98
You can increase the engine's braking effect by
shifting down, all the way to first gear if neces-
sary. This strategy helps you avoid placing
excessive loads on the brake system. Downshift-
ing in manual mode of the automatic trans-
mission, page49.
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 op erating 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.
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 blowout. <
Avoid fluid spills in the cargo area as they
could damage the vehicle. <
Expanding cargo area
Cargo area 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, or they may damage the cover. <
When you open the tailgate, the roll-up cover is
raised.
To load bulky luggage, the cover can be
removed.
1. Unhook the lift straps from the tailgate.
2. Lift the cover slightly, arrow 1, and pull it
rearward out of the bracket, arrow 2.
Rear seat backrest
Before folding down the rear seat back-
rests, ensure that th e range of motion for
the backrests is unobstructed. Particularly with a
folded down middle section, ensure that there is
no one within the range of motion of the back-
rest and that no one re aches into that region.
Otherwise, injury or damage can result. <
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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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Indicator and warning lampsMOBILITY
171
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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Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
189
Base plate for telephone or mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter 130
Battery 163
– disposal 31,163
– jump-starting 165
– temporary power failure 164
Battery renewal
– remote control 31
Being towed 167
Belts, refer to Safety belts 37
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety belts 37
Beverage holders, refer to Cupholders 93
Black ice, refer to External
temperature warning 56
Blower, refer to Air flow rate 82,84
Bluetooth, activating/ deactivating 122
Bottle holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Brake Assist 65
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements 61
Brake lamps
– replacing bulbs 159
Brake pads, breaking in 96
Brake rotors 98
– brakes 96
– breaking in 96
Brakes
– ABS 65
– breaking in 96
– MINI Maintenance
System 149
– parking brake 47
– service requirements 61
Brakes, refer to Braking safely 97
Brake system 96
– breaking in 96
– disc brakes 98
– MINI Maintenance
System 149 Breakdown service, refer to
Roadside Assistance 165
Breaking in the clutch 96
Break-in period 96
Bulb changing, refer to Lamps and bulbs 155
Button for starting the
engine 45
Buttons on the steering wheel 11
C
California Proposition 65
warning 5
Call ending 126
Calling, refer to Phone numbers, dialing 126
Can holders, refer to
Cupholders 93
Capacities 187
Car battery, refer to Vehicle
battery 163
Car care 151
Care 151
– car-care products 151
– car washes 151
– CD/DVD drives 154
– high-pressure washers 152
– leather 153
– manual washing 152
– upholstery and fabrics 153
– windows 152
– wiper blades 152
Cargo, securing 102
Cargo area 98
– capacity 186
– Comfort Access 30
– lamp 79
– opening from outside 28
– trunk lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area, expanding 98
Cargo area lamp 79
Cargo area lid, refer to Tailgate 28
Cargo area partition net, refer to Cargo net 100 Cargo loading
101
– securing cargo 102
– stowing cargo 102
– vehicle 98
Cargo net 100
Car key, refer to Keys/remote controls 22
Carpets, care 153
Car phone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest 90
Car phone, refer to Telephone 120
Car wash
– before driving in 47
Car wash, care 151
Car washes 151
Catalytic converter, refer to Hot exhaust system 97
CD player 113
– changing the track 113
– fast forward/reverse 113
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
– volume 108
Center armr

est90
Center brake lamp 159
Center console, refer to
Around the center
console 14
Center Rail 91
Center Rail, refer to Storage compartments 91
Central locking system 23
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– setting unlocking behavior 23
Changing bulbs 155
Changing wheels 162
Charging the battery 163
Chassis number, refer to Engine compartment 145
Check Control 62
Child restraint fixing system LATCH 42
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REFERENCEEverything from A to Z
194
Manual mode
– automatic transmission with Steptronic 49
Manual operation
– door lock 26
– fuel filler flap 134
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 49
Manual station search 109
Manual transmission 47
Manual washing 152
Master key, refer to Integrated key/remote control 22
Maximum cooling 84
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 144
Medical assistance, refer to First aid pouch 165
Microfilter
– for air conditioner 83
– for automatic climate control 85
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– MINI Maintenance System 149
Microphone for telephone 14
MINI Internet page 4
MINI Maintenance System 149
Mirror dimming feature 40
Mirrors 39
– exterior mirrors 39
– heating 40
– interior rearview mirror 40
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume 125
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing 122
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 90
– pairing 122
– What to do if…. 124
Mobility Kit 160
Modifications, technical, refer to For your own safety 4Monitoring syst
em for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor 68
MP3 113
Multifunctional steering wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel 11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/ headlamp flasher 50
– refer to Wiper system 51
Music tracks
– playing a track 114
– random order 113
N
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints 36
Nets, refer to Storage compartments 91
New tires 143
Number of cylinders, refer to Engine data 184
Number of safety belts 34
Nylon rope, refer to Tow rope 168
O
OBD socket, refer to Socket for
On-Board Diagnosis 150
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications 135
Odometer 56
Oil, refer to Engine oil 146
Oil consumption 146
Oil level 146
Oil types 147
Old batteries, refer to Disposal 163
Opening and closing
– Comfort Access 30
– from inside 26
– from outside 23
– using the door lock 26
– using the remote control 23Opening and unlocking
– from inside
26
Outlets
– refer to Ventilation 85
Outlets, refer to Air vents 81
Output, refer to Engine data 184
Outside-air mode
– automatic climate control 84
Overheated engine, refer to
Coolant temperature 148
P
Paintwork, care152
Park Distance Control PDC 64
Parking
– vehicle 46
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control PDC 64
Parking brake 47
Parking lamps, replacing
bulb 157
Parking lamps/low beams 76
Parts and accessories, see
Vehicle equipment 4
Pathway lighting 77
PDC
– volume 108
Personal Profile 22
Phone numbers
– dialing 126
Pinch protection system
– windows 33
Plastic parts, care 154
Playing a track, scan
– CD 114
Pollen
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control 85
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner 83
Power failure 164
Power window
– safety switch 33
Power windows 32
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 914 828 - \251 07/12 BMW AG