engine MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2002 Owner's Guide

88
ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð MINI COOPER S1 Reservoir for windshield washer
system 89
2 Coolant expansion tank 913 Engine oil filler neck 90
4 Auxiliary terminal for jump-
starting 113
5 Brake fluid reservoir 926 Reservoir for headlamp cleaning
system 89
7 Engine oil dipstick 89

89
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
WASHER FLUID ENGINE OILHeadlamp* and
windshield washer systemCapacity approx. 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters) per
reservoir.
Fill with water and Ð if required Ð with anti-
freeze (according to manufacturer's recom-
mendations).
We recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the
reservoir.<
Antifreeze agent for the washer
systems is flammable. Always keep it
well away from sparks and open flames,
and store it in tightly closed containers well
out of the reach of children. Always observe
the instructions for use provided on the
container.<
Measuring the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch off the warmed-up engine
3. Pull the dipstick out after approx.
5 minutes and wipe it off with a lint-free
cloth, paper towel, or similar material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the way
into the guide tube and pull it out again.
The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption is
directly influenced by your driving style and
vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks on
the dipstick ("MIN", "MAX") corresponds to
approx. 1.1 quarts (1 liter). Do not fill
beyond the upper notch on the dipstick.
Excess oil will damage the engine.

90
ENGINE OILAdding engine oil Only top up oil when the oil level has
dropped to just above the lower notch of
the dipstick, but before it goes below this
mark.
MINI engines are designed to operate
without oil additives; the use of addi-
tives could lead to damage in some cases.
This also applies to the CVT, the manual
transmission, and the differential.<
The manufacturer recommends that you
have the oil changed only at your MINI
center.
Continuous exposure to used oil has
caused cancer in laboratory testing.
For this reason, any skin areas that come
into contact with oil should be thoroughly
washed with soap and water.
Always store oil, grease, etc., out of reach of
children. Comply with all warning labels
and information on lubricant containers.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of used oil.<
Approved engine oilsThe quality of the engine oil selected has
critical significance for the operation and
service life of an engine. Based on extensive
testing, the manufacturer approves only
certain grades of engine oil.
You can find out from your MINI
center which individual oils have
been approved by the manufacturer. you may use small volumes of other oils
between oil changes in exceptional cases.
One of the following oil specifications must
be on the oil package:
>Preferred: BMW Longlife-01
>Alternative: BMW Longlife-98,
BMW Longlife or ACEA A3.

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
COOLANT
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot.
Escaping coolant can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later on,
never use anything other than factory-
approved, nitrite and amino-free extended-
duty antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor.
Every MINI center is aware of these.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents are
hazardous to health. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene-glycol. For this reason,
do not spill extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor on hot engine parts. It
could catch fire and cause serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor.<
The illustration shows an example of the
coolant tank on the MINI COOPER.Checking coolant level Correct coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7/20 6):
Up to the mark "MAX" of the transparent
expansion tank.
Only open the cap of the expansion
tank when the engine has cooled
down. The needle on the coolant tempera-
ture gauge in the instrument cluster must
be no higher than in the first quarter,
otherwise there is a danger of scalding.<
To add coolantMINI COOPER:
1. Slowly open the cap by turning it with
the tab to allow accumulated pressure
toescape.
2. Pull open the cap completely.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
MINI COOPER S:
1. Open the cap by turning it slightly coun-
terclockwise to allow accumulated pres-
sure to escape.
2. Unscrew the cap completely and open.
3. If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do not
overfill.
The coolant consists of water and
extended-duty antifreeze with corrosion
inhibitor. The mixing ratio of 50 to 50 must
be maintained all the year round due to the
required corrosion resistance. No other
additives are required.
Replace the coolant every 4 years.

92
BRAKE FLUIDWarning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low, see
page 15.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Adding brake fluidTo add brake fluid or to determine and
correct the cause of brake fluid loss, consult
your MINI center. Your MINI center is
familiar with the specifications for factory-
approved brake fluids (DOT 4).
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page 79.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, that is, it
absorbs moisture from the air over
time.
In order to ensure the brake system's
safety and reliability, have the brake fluid
changed every two years by a MINI center,
see also page 57 and the Service and
Warranty Information Booklet (US models)/
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). Brake fluid is toxic and also
damages vehicle paintwork. Always store
brake fluid in tightly-closed original
containers kept well away from the reach
of children.
Do not spill the brake fluid and do not fill
the brake fluid reservoir beyond the "MAX"
mark. The brake fluid could ignite upon
contact with hot engine parts and cause
serious burns.<
Comply with the applicable environ-
mental laws regulating the disposal
of brake fluid.<

93
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MAINTENANCE SYSTEMThe MINI Maintenance System has been
designed as a reliable means of providing
maximum driving and operating safety Ð
and as cost-effectively as possible for you.
Please bear in mind that regular mainte-
nance is not only necessary for the safety
of your vehicle, but also plays a significant
role in maintaining the resale value of the
vehicle.
Service Interval DisplayWhile conventional systems specify main-
tenance according to rigid distances driven,
the MINI Maintenance System takes
account of the operating conditions of the
vehicle, for distances can be driven in many
different ways:
From the point of view of maintenance,
60.000 miles (100 .000 km) of short-
distance driving cannot be regarded in the
same way as 60.000 miles (100 .000 km) of
long-distance highway travel.
The condition-based MINI Maintenance
System includes the Engine Oil Service and
Inspections I and II.
Determining the maintenance intervals
according to the actual use of the vehicle
covers every kind of operating situation.
People who drive very little Ð much less
than 6 .000 miles (10.000 km) per year Ð
should have the engine oil changed at least
every 2 years since oil deteriorates over
time, regardless of use.
For more information on the Service
Interval Display, see page 57.
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models)/Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian
models) For additional information on maintenance
intervals and procedures, please refer to
the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet (US models) or the Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet (Canadian models).
As a precaution against rust, it is advisable
to have the body checked for damage from
rocks or gravel at the same time, depending
upon operating conditions.
Have your vehicle's maintenance
and repairs performed at your MINI
center.
Be sure that all maintenance work is
confirmed in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US models) or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet (Cana-
dian models). These entries are your proof
that the vehicle has received regular main-
tenance. They are also a requirement for
warranty claims.<

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OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNINGCalifornia laws require us to state the
following warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.<

106
REPAIRING A FLAT TIRE CHANGING TIRES Ð MINI WITH SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE
*
Safety measures in the event of a flat
tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Switch on the hazard
warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead wheel position and engage the
steering lock. Engage the parking brake and
shift into 1st or reverse gear (selector lever
in P).
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail, for
instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on the
roadside at an appropriate distance from
the rear of the vehicle. Comply with all
safety guidelines and regulations.<
In the event of a flat tire, different proce-
dures should be followed depending on the
equipment included in your MINI:
>Vehicles with space-saver spare tire, see
next column
>Vehicles with safety tires, see page 110.
Additional safety measures in the
event of a wheel change: change the
wheel only on a level, firm surface which is
not slippery.
Avoid jacking the vehicle on a soft or slip-
pery support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as either the vehicle or the jack
could slip sideways.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object
as a support base for the jack, as this would
prevent it from extending to its full support
height and reduce its load-carrying
capacity .
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack Ð risk of fatal injury.<
To change a space-saver tire, proceed as
follows:
>Remove the space-saver spare tire, see
page 107
>Prepare the vehicle, see page 108
>Jack up the vehicle, see page 108
>Fit the space-saver spare tire, see
page 109
>Tighten the lug bolts, see page 109
>Drive with space-saver spare tire, see
page 109.
Tire change setOn vehicles with a space-saver spare tire,
the tire change set is stored in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
1 Chock, folding
2 Hubcap remover
3 Wheel stud wrench
4 Jack
5 Spanner
6 Tow fitting
7 Lifting handle

111
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
BATTERYLocation in the MINI COOPERThe battery is located in the engine
compartment.
Exact location, see page 87.Location in the MINI COOPER SThe battery is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor mat.
Battery careThe battery is absolutely maintenance-free,
that is, the original electrolyte will normally
last for the service life of the battery under
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions regarding the
battery, please consult your MINI
center. the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine switched off, see "Jump-
starting" on page 113.
Whenever working on the electrical
system, disconnect the cable from
the negative terminal of the battery.
Failure to do this could result in fire hazards
or injury due to short circuits.<
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or your MINI center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery to
prevent it from tilting during transport.<

112
FUSESIf an electrical device fails, switch it off and
check the fuse.
Plastic tweezers that you can use to pull
fuses out of their sockets can be found in
the fuse box of the interior, see next
column.In the engine compartmentTo the right of the battery.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do
so, press the clip fastener.
In the interiorOn the left side of the footwell in the side
trim panel.
Open the cover panel of the fuse box. To do
so, press the fastener.
Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse
or replace it with a fuse of a different
color or amperage rating. To do this could
cause a fire in the vehicle resulting from a
circuit overload.<
If a fuse blows a second time, have
the cause of the damage rectified by
your MINI center.<