wheel MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2002 User Guide

42
IGNITION LOCK STARTING THE ENGINE 0 Steering locked
1 Steering unlocked
2 Ignition switched on
3 Starting the engine0 Steering locked The key can be inserted or removed in this
position only.
To lock the steering:
1. Remove the key
2. Turn the steering wheel slightly to the
left or right until the lock engages.
Vehicles with Continuously Variable
automatic Transmission (CVT):
Do not move the selector lever from posi-
tion "P" until the engine is running.
Your vehicle is equipped with an interlock.
Therefore, the ignition key cannot be
turned to position 0 and removed until the
selector lever is in position "P" (Interlock).<
1 Steering unlocked Individual electrical accessories are ready
for operation.
You will find that it is often easier to turn
the ignition key from position 0 to posi-
tion 1 when you move the steering wheel
slightly to help disengage the lock.2 Ignition switched onAll electrical accessories are ready for oper-
ation.3 Starting the engine
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Step on the clutch when starting the
vehicle. A lockout prevents the engine from
starting if the clutch is not depressed.<
Do not allow the engine to warm up with
the vehicle at a standstill. Move off imme-
diately at a moderate engine speed.
Do not allow the engine to run in
enclosed spaces. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
colorless, but highly toxic gas.
Breathing the exhaust gases poses an
extreme health risk, and can lead to uncon-
sciousness and death.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. An unattended vehicle
with a running engine represents a poten-
tial safety hazard. When driving, standing
at idle or when parking, take precautions to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust
system and easily flammable materials
(grass, hay or leaves, for example). Such
contact could lead to a fire, resulting in
serious personal injury and property
damage.<

44
PARKING BRAKE The parking brake is designed primarily to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is
parked. It operates against the rear wheels.To engageLever automatically locks in position.
The warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on when the ignition key is in posi-
tion 2, see page 16.To release1. Pull up slightly
2. Press the button
3. Push the lever downwards.
If, in exceptional circumstances,
it should be necessary to engage the
parking brake while the vehicle is
in motion, do not pull the lever with
excessive pressure. Keep your thumb
pressed against the release button while
carefully pulling the lever up to apply
moderate pressure.
Excessive pressure can lead to overbraking
and loss of traction (fishtailing) at the rear
axle.
The brake lamps do not come on when the
parking brake is engaged.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
Always engage the parking brake when
parking on hills and inclined surfaces, as
first gear or reverse may not provide
adequate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with CVT:
Place the selector lever in P.<

47
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CVT)
*
P Park
Select "P" only when the vehicle is
completely stopped. Transmission locks to
prevent rear wheels from turning.R ReverseSelect "R" only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.N NeutralSelect "N" only if your journey is inter-
rupted for a long period.D Drive (CVT driving position)This position is designed for driving under
all normal operating conditions. "Kickdown"In "kickdown", you achieve maximum
acceleration and maximum speed in posi-
tion D.
Press the accelerator pedal past the
increased resistance point at the full-
throttle position.
M/S +
Ð Manual mode and Sport
program
Switch from D into M/S + Ð:
Activates the Sport program and indicates
SD in the gear indicator in the speedo-
meter.
>Press briefly:
CVT shifts from the Sport program to the
manual mode
>Press selector lever briefly towards "+":
Transmission shifts upwards
>Press selector lever briefly towards "Ð":
Transmission shifts back.
1 to 6 appear in the gear indicator.
The transmission will only execute upshifts
and downshifts that will result in a plau-
sible combination of vehicle speed and
engine rpm, for instance, downshifts that
would result in excessive engine speed are
not executed.
Switching from M/S + Ð into the selector
lever positions P, R and N and switching
from manual mode back into the Sport
program is only possible via D.

60
AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL PLUS TRACTION (ASC+T)
*
The concept
This system optimizes vehicle stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
ASC+T recognizes the danger present in
traction loss and will increase driving
stability and traction by reducing the
engine's output, and if necessary, by
applying the brakes to the front wheels.
ASC+T is operational each time you start
the engine.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC+T. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. Avoid using the
additional safety margin provided by the
system as an excuse for taking unnecessary
risks.
Do not make any modifications to the
ASC+T system. Allow only authorized tech-
nicians to perform service procedures on
the ASC+T.<
Switch off the ASC+TBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains or to "rock
free" in snow, it can be helpful to switch off
the ASC+T for a brief period.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the ASC+T switched on
whenever possible. Indicator lamp goes out.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, see pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC+T controls the drive and braking
forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and stays
on:
If the system is either defective or was
switched off with the button, then the
stabilizing applications described are no
longer available. You can, however, drive
the vehicle normally without ASC+T.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI center, see pages 16, 17.<

61
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system maintains driving stability
even in critical driving situations.
The system optimizes vehicle stability
during acceleration and when starting
from a full stop, as well as optimizing trac-
tion. In addition, it recognizes unstable
vehicle conditions, such as under- or over-
steering, and, as far as is possible within
the laws of physics, helps keeping the
vehicle on a steady course by reducing the
rpms and brake applications to the indi-
vidual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. DSC contains the functions
Antilock Brake System ABS/Electronic Brake
Force Distribution EBV/ASC+T.
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appro-
priate driving style always remains the
responsibility of the driver. We therefore
urge you to avoid using the additional
safety margin of the system as an excuse
for taking risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
DSC.<
To switch off the DSCBriefly press the switch.
The indicator lamp stays lit.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
effective to switch off the DSC for a brief
period.
To maintain stability, always drive
with the DSC switched on whenever
possible. Indicator lamp goes out.
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp on the instru-
ment cluster will go out shortly
after the ignition has been
switched on, see pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out
after the engine is started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and stays
on:
If the system is either defective or was
switched off with the button, then the
stabilizing applications described are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI center, see pages 16, 17.<

63
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE MONITOR PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)*
Do not initialize the system when
snow chains are fitted. When driving
with snow chains, false alarms can occur or
pressure losses might not be detected.<
In the following situations false
alarms can also occur under certain
circumstances or the detection of inflation
pressure loss can be delayed:
>When driving on roads covered with
snow or on other slippery road surfaces
>A sporty driving style (slip at the driven
wheels, high lateral accelerations).<
The conceptThe PDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. A signal warns you of the
distance to an obstacle. To do this, four
ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper
measure the distance to the nearest object.
The range for the sensors located at both
rear corners ends approx. 2 ft (60 cm)
behind the bumpers. The range for the two
middle sensors is slightly less than 5 ft
(1.5 meters).
The system starts to operate automatically
about one second after you select reverse
with the ignition key in position 2. PDC is
deactivated when you shift back out of
reverse. Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is indi-
cated by a tone sounding at various inter-
vals. As the distance between vehicle and
object decreases, the intervals between the
tones become shorter. A continuous tone
indicates the presence of an object less
than 9 in (20 cm) away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to the
obstacle remains constant during this time
(if you are moving parallel to a wall, for
instance).System malfunctions will be indicated by
a continuous high-pitched tone when the
system is activated the first time. Please
have your MINI center resolve the problem.
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any obstructions always
remains with the driver. Even when sensors
are involved, there is a blind spot in which
objects cannot be detected. Moreover, the
detection of obstructions can approach the
physical limits of ultrasonic measurement,
as occurs e. g. in the case of thin and
wedge-shaped objects.
Certain sources of sound, such as a loud
radio, could drown out the PDC signal
tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free of ice
or snow in order to ensure that they
will continue to operate effectively.
Do not apply high pressure spray to the
sensors for a prolonged period of time.
Always maintain a distance of more than
4 in (10 cm).<

68
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
*
Automatic air distribution and supply
Automatic program (AUTO):
Indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic adjustment of the air distribu-
tion and the air supply and adaptation of
the specified temperatures to external
influences (outside temperature and
sunlight).
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
Switching the automatic climate
control on/off
The blower, heating and air condi-
tioner are switched off.
To switch the automatic climate control on
again:
Press any button of the automatic climate
control.
Air conditioner
Air conditioner switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidified and Ð
depending on the temperature setting Ð
rewarmed.
In the automatic program (AUTO), the air
conditioner is activated automatically.
After the engine start, the windshield can
fog over briefly. Switching on the air condi-
tioner reduces condensation on the
windows.
Condensation forms in the air condi-
tioner system during operation, and
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of
condensed water under the vehicle are
therefore normal. Supply of outside air into the
vehicle is blocked:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
In the automatic program (AUTO) in hot
weather conditions, the recirculated-air
mode is activated temporarily to enable
faster cooling.
Do not run the recirculated-air mode
for longer than approx. 30 minutes,
as otherwise the air quality in the interior
will deteriorate.<
If the windows fog over in the recir-
culated-air mode, switch the recircu-
lated-air mode off and increase the air
supply as required.<
Rear window defroster and windshield
heating*
Rear window defroster and wind-
shield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is lit, the
heating operates at high power output
(rapid defrosting).
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Temperature
Setting the temperature:
Move or turn the wheel in the
appropriate direction to increase
the temperature step by step.
The figures in the display provide a general
indication of interior temperature. When
you start the vehicle, the system ensures
that the selected temperature is achieved
as quickly as possible and then maintained.
Permanent heating with maximum
power output at temperature selec-
tion "HI". Permanent cooling at "LO".<

78
FUEL SPECIFICATIONS ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The engine uses lead-free gasoline only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index.
Do not use leaded fuels. The use of
leaded fuels will cause permanent
damage to the emissions-control system's
oxygen sensor and the catalytic
converter.<
The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBV).Braking with ABSTo achieve optimal performance from ABS
when reacting to critical situations you
should apply maximum pressure to the
brake pedal ("panic stop").
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can nevertheless avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of
steering effort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal in conjunction
with the sound of hydraulic regulation indi-
cates to you that you are driving at the limit
and reminds you to readapt your vehicle's
speed to road surface conditions.

82
TIRE CONDITIONTire tread/tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
The tread depth should not fall below
0.12 in (3 mm), although e. g. European
legislation only prescribes a minimum
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm).
Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread pattern depth,
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning,
even at relatively moderate speeds and
with only small amounts of water on the
road.
Wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
see arrow, are spread around the circum-
ference of the tire and are marked on the
side wall of the tire with TWI Ð Tread Wear
Indicator.
The indicators in the tread indicate at
0.063 in (1.6 mm) tread depth that the
legally permitted wear limit has been
reached. Do not continue driving on depres-
surized (flat) tires, except with safety
tires. A flat tire greatly impairs steering and
braking response, and can lead to complete
loss of control over the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permitted load on the tires is not exceeded.
Overloading can lead to overheating and
increases the rate at which damage
develops inside the tires. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden air
loss.
Unusual vibrations while driving, e. g.
driving over a curb or similar, can indicate
tire damage or other damage to the
vehicle. This is also true for irregularities in
the vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest MINI center or
professional tire center, or have the vehicle
towed in to have its wheels and tires
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blowouts)
can endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users.<

83
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
TIRE REPLACEMENT To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
The manufacturer of your MINI tests and
approves wheel and tire combinations.
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired. This
is due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a decrease
in their durability. 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 wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1 g) 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
habits, 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
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment 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, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< TemperatureThe 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
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to a sudden flat tire. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Car Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the labora-
tory test wheel than the minimum required
by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A