traction control MINI Coupe 2014 Owner's Manual

Driving stability control systemsVehicle equipment
This chapter describes all series equipment as
well as country-specific and special equipment
offered for this model series.Therefore, it also
describes equipment that may not be found in
your vehicle, for instance due to the selected
special equipment or the country version. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems.
Antilock Brake System
ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels duringbraking.
Steerability is maintained even during full brak‐
ing. This increases active driving safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Electronic brake-force distribution EBVThe system controls the brake pressure in the
rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior.
CBC Cornering Brake Control
When braking in curves or during a lane
change, driving stability and steering response
are improved further.
Brake assistant When the brakes are applied rapidly, this sys‐
tem automatically produces the maximum
braking force boost. In this way, the system
helps keep the braking distance as short as
possible. This system utilizes all of the benefits
provided by ABS.Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of full braking.
Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol DSC
The concept
DSC prevents traction loss in the driving wheels
when driving away and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions, such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Subject
to physical limits, DSC helps to keep the vehicle
on a steady course by reducing engine speed
and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
DSC is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even
with DSC.
Do not reduce the additional safety margin
with a risky driving style, as otherwise there is a
risk of an accident. ◀
Deactivating DSCSeite 89Driving stability control systemsControls89
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Press the button until the DSC OFF indi‐
cator lamp lights up in the speedometer
and DSC OFF appears in the tachome‐
ter. DSC is deactivated. Intervening measures to
stabilize the vehicle and give it forward mo‐
mentum are no longer executed.
When driving with snow chains or to rock the
vehicle free of snow, it may be useful to deacti‐
vate DSC temporarily.
To increase vehicle stability, activate DSC again
as soon as possible.
Activating DSC
Press the button again; the DSC indicator lamps
in the display elements go out.
Indicator/warning lamps The indicator lamp in the tachometer
flashes: DSC is controlling the drive
forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and DTC has
failed.
The indicator lamp in the speedometer
lights up and DSC OFF appears in the
tachometer.
DSC and DTC deactivated.
Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC
The concept
The DTC system is a version of the DSC in which
forward momentum is optimized.
The system ensures maximum forward mo‐
mentum on special road conditions, e.g., unp‐
lowed snowy roads, but driving stability is lim‐
ited.
It is therefore necessary to drive with appropri‐
ate caution.
You may find it useful to briefly activate DTC
under the following special circumstances:▷When driving in sand, on snowy inclines, in
slush, or on unplowed, snow-covered road
surfaces▷When rocking a vehicle free or starting off
in deep snow, sand, or on loose ground▷When driving with snow chains.
Activating DTC
Press the button; the DSC OFF indicator
lamp lights up in the speedometer and
TRACTION appears in the tachometer.
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is deactivated,
Dynamic Traction Control DTC is activated.
Deactivating DTCPress the button again; the DSC OFF indicator
lamp in the speedometer and TRACTION in the
tachometer go out.
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Indicator/warning lampsThe indicator lamp in the tachometer
flashes: DTC is controlling the drive
forces and brake forces.
The indicator lamp lights up: DSC and DTC has
failed.
The indicator lamp in the speedometer
lights up and TRACTION appears in the
tachometer.
DTC is activated.
Hill drive-off assistant This system supports driving away on gradients.
The handbrake is not required.
1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive away
without delay.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin
rolling back. ◀
Sport button
When this button is pressed, the vehicle re‐
sponds in an even sportier manner.
▷The engine responds more spontaneously
to accelerator movements.▷The steering responds more directly.▷Cooper S, John Cooper Works: the engine
sounds sportier when coasting.▷For automatic transmissions: more rapid
gear changes in the Sport program.
Activating the system
Press the button; the LED in the button
lights up and SPORT is displayed briefly
in the tachometer.
Deactivating the system
▷Press the button again.▷Switch the engine off.
MINI Coupe, MINI Road‐
ster: automatic rear
spoiler
General information The automatic rear spoiler increases the driving
stability of the vehicle.
Note the area of movement
Make sure that the area of movement of
the rear spoiler is clear; otherwise, damage or
injuries may result. ◀
Do not use the rear spoiler for pushing, or else
it could be damaged.
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Notes on the car washes and care, refer to
page 191.
Automatic operation
If the rear spoiler is retracted, it is in automatic
mode when the engine is started. In this case,
the system is initialized when the vehicle is set
into motion; this may cause a short noise to be heard.
Automatic extension:
When the vehicle exceeds a speed of ap‐
prox. 50 mph/80 km/h.
Automatic retraction:
When the vehicle drops below a speed of ap‐
prox. 38 mph/60 km/h.
The rear spoiler cannot be manually retracted
in automatic mode at speeds above
38 mph/60 km/h.
Manual mode Manual mode can, for example, be used to
clean the rear spoiler when the ignition is
switched on or the engine is running. In manual
mode, the LED in the switch is lit.
If the rear spoiler stops in an intermediate posi‐
tion after it is extended and retracted multiple
times, the system is overheated. The rear
spoiler can be operated again after a short
cooling period.
Extending the rear spoiler
Press the switch back.
Retracting the rear spoiler
If the rear spoiler was manually extended and a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h has not been ex‐
ceeded, the rear spoiler can be retracted again.
Otherwise, it can only be retracted after the
speed drops to below 38 mph/60 km/h.▷Speed range between 12 mph/20 km/h and
50 mph/80 km/h: press the switch forward
briefly or hold.▷Speed below 12 mph/20 km/h: press the
switch forward and hold.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp lights up briefly
when the ignition is switched on and an
acoustic signal is issued.
Display in the following situations:
▷The rear spoiler is extended.
Retract the rear spoiler manually, or it is re‐
tracted again automatically at ap‐
prox. 12 mph/20 km/h.▷The rear spoiler cannot be extended from
the rear spoiler box.
Check whether the rear spoiler is free of
snow or ice, for example. Clear the rear
spoiler or de-ice it.
The warning lamp lights up and an
acoustic signal is issued a number of
times.
Display in the following situation:
The rear spoiler cannot be fully extended; re‐
frain from exceeding a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h. Have the system checked.
If a malfunction occurs, Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol DSC is activated at speeds greater than
30 mph/50 km/h.
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Conform to Federal Safety Requirements
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. ◀
Treadwear
The treadwear 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 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving hab‐
its, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under control‐
led conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. 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 include acceleration, cornering, hy‐
droplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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 laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐
terial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehi‐cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure. ◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
page 164.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire treadSummer tiresThe tread depth should not be less than
0.12 in/3 mm, although European legislation,
for example, requires a minimum tread depth
of only 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths less
than 0.12 in/3 mm, there is a great danger of
hydroplaning even in low water depths and at
raised speeds.
Winter tires
The suitability of winter tires for winter driving
is reduced noticeably when their tread depth
becomes less than 0.16 in/4 mm.Seite 161Wheels and tiresMobility161
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12CauseHow to respondIndication in US modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Indication in Canadian modelsThe vehicle electronics have failed.You cannot continue your journey.
Contact your service center.Lights up in red:Have the system in question checked
immediately.The starter has failed orThe engine cannot be restarted.Ignition malfunctioning. The engine can
only be restarted when the brake is de‐
pressed or
Lighting system failed. Low beams/tail
lamps and brake lights still operational. All
other lamps failed.Depress the brake to restart the en‐
gine.Lights up in yellow:Brake light control failed or
The fuel supply is malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Have the system in
question checked immediately.Drive malfunctioning.You can continue your journey, but
moderate your speed and exercise
due caution. Transmission limp-
home program with reduced accel‐
eration is active. Have the system
checked immediately.Flashing:
Dynamic Stability Control DSC or Dynamic
Traction Control DTC is controlling drive
and braking forces, refer to page 89.Seite 202MobilityIndicator/warning lamps202
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12CauseHow to respondDynamic Traction Control DTC is activated,
refer to page 90.Dynamic Stability Control DSC and Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC are deacti‐
vated, refer to page 89.Driving stability limited during accel‐
eration and cornering.
Driving style must be readjusted.Dynamic Stability Control DSC and Dy‐
namic Traction Control DTC failed.Driving stability limited during accel‐
eration 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 modelsThe driving stability control systems in‐
cluding ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor
display have failed, refer to page 89.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake application, opera‐
tion on poor roads, and use of the
full throttle and kickdown positions
of the accelerator. Have the system
checked immediately.Indication in Canadian modelsThe driving stability control systems in‐
cluding ABS and the Flat Tire Monitor or
the Tire Pressure Monitor have failed, refer
to page 89.Reduced braking and driving stabil‐
ity. Drive cautiously and defensively.
Avoid full brake application, opera‐
tion on poor roads, and use of full
throttle and kickdown positions of
the accelerator. Have the system
checked immediately.In vehicles with the Flat Tire MonitorSeite 203Indicator/warning lampsMobility203
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Defroster– Rear window 97, 100
Defrosting windows 97
Defrost setting, refer to De‐ frosting windows 97
Dip stick, engine oil 170
Directional indicators, refer to Turn signals 58
Displacement, refer to Engine data 210
Display lighting, refer to In‐ strument lighting 77
Displays 14
Displays and controls 12
Displays, care 195
Displays, cleaning 195
Displays, refer to Instrument cluster 14
Disposal
– Remote control battery 30
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
PDC 94
Door key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key 20
Door lock 25
Door lock, confirmation sig‐ nals 23
Doors, manual operation 25
Doors, unlocking and locking
– Confirmation signals 23– From the inside 25– From the outside 22
DOT Quality Grades 160
Drive-off assistant, refer to Hill drive-off assistant 91
Driving notes, breaking in 112
Driving off on hills, refer to Hill drive-off assistant 91
Driving stability control sys‐ tems 89
Driving tips, refer to Driving notes 112
Dry air, refer to Cooling func‐ tion 100
DSC Dynamic Stability Con‐
trol 89
DTC Dynamic Traction Con‐ trol 90
Dynamic Stability Control DSC 89
Dynamic Traction Control DTC 90
E Electrical convertible top 33
Electrical malfunction– Convertible top 35, 41– Door lock 25– Fuel filler flap 150– Tailgate 27
Electronic brake-force distri‐
bution 89
Electronic Stability Program ESP, refer to Dynamic Stabil‐
ity Control DSC 89
Emergency activation
– Automatic transmission, re‐
fer to Overriding selector
lever lock 64
Emergency activation, refer to
Manual activation
– Tailgate 27
Emergency operation, fuel
filler flap, unlocking man‐
ually 150
Emergency operation, refer to
Manual operation
– Convertible top 35, 41– Door lock 25
Energy, saving, refer to Saving
fuel 119
Engine, breaking in 112
Engine compartment 168
Engine oil, adding 170
Engine oil, additives, refer to Approved engine oils 171
Engine oil, alternative oil types 171
Engine oil change intervals,
refer to Service require‐
ments 70
Engine oil, dip stick 170
Engine oil, filling capacity 213
Engine oil, MINI maintenance system 173
Engine oil types, alterna‐ tive 171
Engine oil types, ap‐ proved 171
Engine, overheating, refer to Coolant temperature 66
Engine power, refer to Engine data 210
Engine, RPM 210
Engine start, assistance 186
Engine, starting 56
Engine, starting– Comfort Access 28
Engine, starting, Start/Stop
button 55
Engine, stopping, Start/Stop
button 55
Engine, switching off 57
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐ gram, refer to Dynamic Sta‐
bility Control DSC 89
Exchanging wheels/tires 163
Exterior mirrors 48
Exterior mirrors, adjusting 48
Exterior mirrors, folding in and out 48
Exterior sensors, care 194
External temperature dis‐ play 65
External temperature display
– Changing the units 69– On the computer 69
External temperature warn‐
ing 65
Externel temperature dis‐ play 65
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Shift paddles on the steeringwheel 63
Side airbags 80
Side windows, refer to Win‐ dows 31
Slot for remote control 55
Snap-in adapter, mobile phone 145
Socket, OBD Onboard Diagno‐ sis 174
Special equipment, series equipment 6
Speed, average 67
Speedometer 14
Speed, with winter tires 164
Sport button 91
Sport program, automatic transmission with Step‐
tronic 63
Stability control systems 89
Start/Stop button 55
Start/Stop button, starting the engine 56
Start/Stop button, switching off the engine 57
Starting the engine 56
Start problems, refer to Jump- starting 186
Steering wheel 49
Steering wheel– Shift paddles 63
Steering wheel, adjusting 49
Steering wheel lock 55
Stopping, engine 57
Storage, tires 164
Storing the vehicle 195
Summer tires, refer to Wheels and tires 154
Summer tires, tread 161
Switches, refer to Cockpit 12
Switching off, engine 57
Switching off, vehicle 57
Symbols 6
T
Tachometer 66
Tailgate– Comfort Access 29– Emergency activation 28– Emergency unlocking 28– Opening/closing 27– Opening from the out‐
side 27– Unlocking manually 27– Unlocking with remote con‐
trol 24
Tail lamps 179
Tank gauge, refer to Fuel gauge 66
Technical changes, refer to Safety 6
Technical data 210
Telephone 138
Temperature
– Air conditioner 97– Automatic climate con‐
trol 100
Temperature, coolant, refer to
Coolant temperature 66
Temperature display
– External temperature 65– External temperature warn‐
ing 65– Setting the units 69
Temperature warning 65
Theft alarm system, refer to Alarm system 31
Time
– Setting the time 70
Tire age 162
Tire identification marks 160
Tire inflation pressure 154
Tire inflation pressure
– Pressure loss 84
Tire pressure monitor, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor 83
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
– System limits 85– System reset 86– Warning lamp 86
Tire Quality Grading 160
Tires– Flat tire 84– Inflation pressure 154– Inflation pressure loss 86– Pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 85
Tires, breaking in 112
Tires, changing 163
Tires, condition 161
Tires, damage 162
Tire size 160
Tires, minimum tread 162
Tires, retreaded tires 163
Tires, storage 164
Tire tread 161
Tool kit, refer to Onboard ve‐ hicle tool kit 175
Tools, refer to Onboard vehi‐ cle tool kit 175
Torque, refer to Engine data 210
Towing another vehicle 188
Towing, being towed 188
Tow-starting 188
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure Monitor 85
Traction control 90
Transmission
– Overriding selector lever
lock in case of automatic
transmission with Step‐
tronic 64
Transmission lock
– Refer to Changing selector
lever positions 62
Transmission, manual 61
Transporting children safely 50
Trip-distance counter, refer to Trip odometer 65
Triple turn signal activa‐ tion 58
Trip odometer 65
Trunk
– Opening from the inside 27Seite 221Everything from A to ZReference221
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