traction control MINI Countryman 2013 Owner's Manual

CockpitAT A GLANCE
15
5Switches in the center console 6
Storage compartment
7 Changing to a differen t menu on the Control
Display 18
8 MINI joystick 16
Move in four directions, turn or press
9 USB audio interface 154
10 Accessing the main me nu on the Control
Display 17
Around the headliner
1Indicator/warning lamp for front passenger
airbags 82
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
42
Central locking system, inside 30
Front fog lamps 86
Sport button 74
Driving stability control systems
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 72
Dynamic Traction Control
DTC 73
2
Reading lamps 87
Ambient lighting 87
Glass roof, electric 35
Interior lamps 87

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSDriving
52
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 pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked; it
brakes the rear wheels.
In addition, follow the instructions on page 51
under Switching off the engine.
Applying
The lever locks in position automatically.
Releasing
Pull upward slightly, pr ess the button, arrow,
and guide the lever down.
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, con-
tinuously 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 54.
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 50.

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
72
enter the sensors' blind spots before or after a
continuous audible signal is given. Higher, pro-
truding objects, such as wall ledges, may not be
detectable. Therefore, always drive cautiously;
otherwise, there is a risk of personal injury or
property damage. Loud sound sources outside
or inside the car can drown out the PDC signal. <
Driving stability control
systems
Your MINI has a number of systems that help to
maintain the vehicle's stability even in adverse
driving conditions.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed,
even with driving stability control systems.
An appropriate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Therefore do not
reduce the additional safe t y m a r g i n b y e n g a g i n g
in hazardous driving thereby running the risk of
an accident. <
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during brak-
ing. Safe steering response is maintained even
during full braking. Active safety is thus
increased.
Braking safely, refer to page 105.
ABS is operational every time you start the
engine.
Cornering Brake Control CBC
Driving stability and stee ring characteristics are
further enhanced while braking in turns or dur-
ing a lane change.
Electronic brake-force 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 dis-
tance 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 accel-
erate.
DSC also detect
s 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 ve hicle maintain a safe
course within physical limits by reducing engine
output and through braking actions at the indi-
vidual wheels.
Every time that the engine is started, DSC is
ready to operate.
Deactivating DSC
Press the switch until the DSC OFF indicator
lamp on the speedometer lights up and DSC OFF
is displayed on the tachometer. DSC is deacti-
vated. Stabilizing and propulsion 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 stabil ity, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Technology for driving comfort and safetyCONTROLS
73
Activating DSC
Press the switch again: the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DSC controls the dr iving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp DSC OFF on the
speedometer is on and DSC OFF is dis-
played on the tachometer:
DSC is deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC
The concept
D TC is a ty pe o f DSC t hat is prop ulsion op timiz ed
for special road conditio ns 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 exceptional 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 DTC
Press the switch; the indicator lamp 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 acti-
vated.
For better control
The indicator lamp on the tachometer is
flashing:
DTC controls the driving and braking
forces.
The indicator lamp on the speedometer
is on and TRACTION is displayed on the
tachometer:
DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTC
Press switch again, the indicator lamps DSC OFF
on the speedometer and TRACTION on the
tachometer go out.

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

CONTROLSTechnology for driving comfort and safety
74
Deactivating both DTC and DSC
Press the switch for at least 3 seconds; the indi-
cator lamp 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 stabilizing interventions.
Interventions (differential lock) in braking occur
to improve propulsion when drive wheels are
rotating unevenly, even when DSC is deacti-
vated.
Activating DSC
Press the switch again: the indicator lamps in the
display elements 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. <
ALL4 all-wheel drive system
ALL4 is the all-wheel driv e system of your MINI.
The combined effects of ALL4 and DSC further
optimize the traction and dynamic driving char-
acteristics. The ALL4 all- wheel drive system vari-
ably distributes the drive force to the front and
rear axle depending on the driving situation and
prevailing road conditions.
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 switch.
The LED lights up.
SPORT is briefly displayed in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
>Press the switch again.
> Switch off the engine.

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Things to remember when drivingDRIVING TIPS
115
>Depending on the condition of the surface, it
may be practical to briefly activate DTC, refer
to DTC Dynamic Traction Control on
page 73.
> If the drive wheels spin on one side, depress
the accelerator pedal sufficiently so that the
driving stability control systems can distrib-
ute the drive forces to the individual wheels.
After driving on poor roads, please observe the
following points to maintain the driving safety of
the vehicle:
> Clean the coarsest dirt from the body.
> Clean mud, snow, ice, etc. from the wheels
and tires and check the tires for damage.

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

MOBILITYWheels and tires
210
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire
makes it easier to identify and choose the right
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
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 C
All 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 course 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.
These grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement, as measured under con-
trolled conditions on sp ecified government test
surfaces of asphalt and co ncrete. 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
e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating,
(not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter,
(before the R on ZR tires)
225/45 R 17 91 V
For instance:
Manufacturer's code
for tire make
tire size and
tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1012

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
263
DBC Dynamic Brake Control, refer to Brake Assist 72
Deactivating front passenger airbags 82
Deadlocking, refer to Locking 28
Defect
– door lock 29
Defective
– fuel filler flap 200
Defining a home address 189
Defogging windows 89,91
Defrosting windows 89,91
Defrosting windows and removing condensation
– air conditioner 89
– automatic climate control 91
Defrosting windshield, refer to Defrosting windows 89,91
Defrost position, refer to Defrosting windows 89,91
Deleting contacts 173,190
Destination address
– entering 120,126
Destination for navigation
– entering 120
– entering via map 125
Differential, breaking in 104
Digital compass 95
Digital radio, refer to HD
Radio 144
Dimensions 246
Dipstick, engine oil 215
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 55
Direction announcements,
refer to Voice
instructions 133
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions 133
Directory for navigation, refer to Address book 122
Displacement, refer to Engine data 244
Display, refer to Onboard
computer controls 16Displaying contact
pictures 190
Displaying contacts 172
Displaying special
destinations 125
Display lighting, refer to Instrument lighting 86
Displays 12
– instrument combination 12
– on the Control Display 16
Displays, care 223
Disp lays and controls
10
Disp osal
– of

coolant 217
– remote control battery 35
– vehicle battery 234
Distance, refe r to Computer 62
Distance remaining to service, refer to Service
requirements 64
Distance to dest ination, refer
to Computer 62
Distance warning, refer to Park Distance Control PDC 71
Door key, refer to Integrated
key/remote control 26
Door lock 29
Door lock, confirmation
signals 28
Doors, manual operation 29
DOT Quality Grades 210
Drinks holders, refer to Cupholders 100
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill
Assist 74
Driving dynamics control, refer
to Sport button 74
Driving lamps, refer to Parking lamps/low beams 84
Driving notes 104
Driving off on inclines, refer to Hill Assist 74
Driving stability control systems 72
Driving through water 105
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 104 Dry air, refer to Cooling
function 91
DSC Dynamic Stability Control 72
DTC Dynamic Traction Control 73
Dynamic Brake Control DBC,
refer to Brake Assist 72
Dynamic route guidance 136
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 72
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 73
E
Editing a contact 172
Eject button, refer to Buttons on the CD player 140
Electrical malfunction
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 200
Electronic brake-force distribution 72
Electronic Stability Program
ESP, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC 72
E-mail 191
Emergency operation, refer to Manual operation
– door lock 29
– fuel filler flap 200
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission 54
Emergency services, refer to Roadside Assistance 236
Ending a call 168,180
Engine
– breaking in 104
– data 244
– overheated, refer to Coolant temperature 217
– speed 244
– starting, Comfort Access 33
Engine compartment 214
Engine coolant, refer to Coolant 217

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003

Everything from A to ZREFERENCE
271
Telephone
– hands-free system171,183
– installation location, refer to Center armrest 97
– voice commands 183
Telephone receiving power, refer to Status
information 19
Temperature display
– setting the units 64
Temperature of coolant, refer to Coolant temperature 217
Temperature setting
– air conditioner 89
– automatic climate control 91
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 58
Tensioning straps, refer to Securing cargo 112
Text message 190
Third brake lamp, refer to Center brake lamp 229
Three-point safety belt 42
Tightening the lug bolts
– torque 233,234
Tightening torque, refer to Tightening lug bolts 233
Tire failure
– Flat Tire Monitor 76
– indicator/warning lamp 76
– MINI Mobility Kit 230
– run-flat tires 76
– Tire Pressure Monitor 77
Tire inflation pressure 203
– loss 76,77
Tire pressure monitoring, refer
to Flat Tire Monitor 75
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM 77
– limitations of system 77
– resetting system 78
– warning lamp 78
Tire Quality Grading 210Tires
– age
212
– breaking in 104
– changing, refe r to Changing
wheels 232
– condition 211
– damage 211
– inflation pressure 203
– inflation pressure loss 78
– minimum tread depth 211
– new tires 212
– pressure monitoring, refer to Flat Tire Monitor 75
– pressure monitoring, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 77
– puncture 76
– s ize
210
– wear in

dicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth 211
– winter tires 213
– with emergency operation
properties 212
Tires with emergency operation properties, refer to
Run-flat tires 212
Tires with safety features, refer
to Run-flat tires 212
TMC station, refer to Traffic information 133
Tone
– middle setting 142
Tone during audio playback
– adjusting 141
Torque 244
– lug bolts 233
Tow bar 239
Tow fitting 238
– screw thread 238
Tow fittings for tow-starting and towing away 238
Towing 237
– car with automatic transmission 238
– methods 239 Tow rope
239
Tow-starting 237
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 77
Track
– selecting on CD 151
Track width, refer to
Dimension 246
Traction control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 72
Traffic bulletins
– categories 135
Traffic bulletins, filtering 135
Traffic congestion
– displaying traffic
information 133
– refer to Route, bypassing segments 130
Traffic information for navigation
– displaying 134
Traffic information in navigation
– screen display in the map
view 135
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic 52
– manual transmission 52
– overriding selector lever lock for automatic transmission
with Steptronic 54
Transporting children safely 46
Transport securing devices, refer to Securing cargo 112
Tread depth, refer to Minimum tire tread 211
Treble, refer to Tone
control 141
Tr ip computer
62
Trip-dista n

ce counter, refer to
Trip odometer 61
Triple turn signal activation 55
Trip odometer 61

00320051004F004C00510048000300280047004C0057004C005200510003