MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Repair Manual

59
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ALL SEASON TRACTION CONTROL (ASC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering.
ASC recognizes the danger present in trac-
tion loss and will increase driving stability
and traction by reducing the engine's out-
put and, if necessary, by applying the
brakes to the front wheels.
ASC is operational each time you start the
engine. It contains the following functions:
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with ASC. An appropri-
ate 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
system. Allow only authorized technicians
to perform service procedures on the
ASC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to pages 16, 17.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
ASC controls the drive and braking forces.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
You can, however, drive the vehicle nor-
mally without ASC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
To switch off the ASCBriefly 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 for a brief period.
To maintain vehicle stability, always
drive with the ASC switched on
whenever possible. Indicator lamp goes out.

60
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC)
*
The concept
This system optimizes driving stability and
traction, especially when just starting off,
when accelerating or when cornering. It
also maintains driving stability even in criti-
cal driving situations.
DSC recognizes unstable vehicle conditions,
such as understeering or oversteering, and,
as far as is possible within the laws of phys-
ics, helps keep the vehicle on a steady
course by reducing the rpms and by brake
applications to the individual wheels.
The DSC is operational every time you start
the engine. It contains the following func-
tions:
>All Season traction Control (ASC)
>Antilock Brake System (ABS)
>Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
>Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The laws of physics cannot be
repealed, even with DSC. An appropri-
ate driving style always remains the respon-
sibility of the driver. Avoid using the addi-
tional safety margin provided by the system
as an excuse for taking unnecessary risks.
Do not make any modifications to the DSC
system. Allow only authorized technicians to
perform service procedures on the DSC.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements will go out shortly after
the ignition has been switched on,
refer to 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 dur-
ing normal driving and stays on:
The system is defective or was turned off
using the button.
The described stabilizing operations are no
longer available.
The vehicle will remain completely opera-
tional, however, without DSC.
In the event of a malfunction, please see
your MINI Dealer, refer to pages 16, 17.
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.

61
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The concept The ABS keeps the wheels from locking
while braking, thereby enhancing active
driving safety.
ABS also includes Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD).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 remains maneuverable,
you can still go around any obstacles with
the smallest possible steering movements.
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.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)Cornering Brake Control (CBC) is an
enhancement of ABS that improves vehicle
stability especially when braking during
cornering.
When the vehicle is being braked, the rear
wheels are relieved from load, and this can
cause the vehicle to oversteer in curves.
CBC counteracts this by making use of uni-
lateral braking pressure to generate a stabi-
lizing counter torque while braking outside
of the ABS control range.Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD)In order to achieve a short braking distance
when the vehicle is fully loaded, your vehi-
cle is equipped with relatively large brakes
on the rear axle. EBV continuously moni-
tors the speeds of the rear wheels in rela-
tion to the front wheels in order to prevent
overbraking of the rear wheels even when
the vehicle has a light load. If the rear
wheels tend to lock, the EBV controls their
slip, ensuring operating stability.

62
FLAT TIRE MONITOR The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor keeps
track of the tire inflation pressure in all four
tires. The system alerts you when there is a
substantial pressure loss in one of the tires
relative to another.
The tire inflation pressures are monitored
based on the speeds of the four wheels in
relation to one another. A flat tire is
detected as the result of differences in cer-
tain speed ratios, and a warning is gener-
ated.System requirementsSo that the system can 'familiarize' itself
with the correct inflation pressure, please
do the following:
1. Check the tire inflation pressure in all
tires
2. Compare them with the inflation pres-
sure table, refer to page 88, and adjust
the pressures if necessary
3. Initializing the system.
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot alert you
to severe and sudden tire damage
caused by external factors, nor does it
detect the gradual and minor loss of pres-
sure in all four tires.<
On the other hand, the following situations
could lead to a delayed detection of pres-
sure loss or to the system not functioning:
>Driving on snow-covered or slippery
roads
>Performance-oriented driving: slip at the
drive wheels, high rates of lateral accel-
eration
>When driving with snow chains, false
warnings and undetected pressure loss
may occur
>When driving with a space-saver spare
tire, the Flat Tire Monitor cannot func-
tion.
Initializing the system
The system must be re-initialized
immediately after changing a tire
and wheel, or after correcting the pressure
in any tire. This requires a bit of driving.<
1. Before a journey, start the engine, but do
not start driving
2. Press the button long enough for the
indicator lamp in the display elements to
light up for a few seconds
3. Drive off.
It takes a few minutes before the Flat Tire
Monitor can detect a flat tire and issue an
alert.
Do not initialize the system if you are
driving with snow chains or a space-
saver spare tire.<

63
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
FLAT TIRE MONITORFlat tireIndicator lamp:
The indicator lamp in the display
elements flashes. In addition, an
acoustic signal sounds.
1. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle with
caution. Avoid hard brake applications
and steering maneuvers
2. Determine which tire is damaged
If this cannot be determined, con-
tact your MINI Dealer.<
3. Replace the damaged tire, refer to
Changing tires on page 117, or repair the
flat tire using the MINI Moblity System,
refer to page 121.
Vehicles with Run Flat tires:
1. Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph / 80 km/h. Avoid hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph /
80 km/h
Since Run Flat tires are reinforced
on the flanks, it is usually not pos-
sible to detect a loss of pressure from
the outside, refer to Run Flat tires on
page 93.<
2. To continue driving, follow the instruc-
tions on driving with damaged tires on
page 93.System malfunctionIndicator lamp:
The symbol in the instrument clus-
ter lights up. The Flat Tire Monitor
is malfunctioning or out of order.
Please contact your MINI Dealer.

64
PARK DISTANCE CONTROL (PDC)
*
The concept
The PDC assists you when you back into a
parking space. A signal tone tells you the
current distance to an object behind your
vehicle. To do this, four ultrasonic sensors
in the rear bumper measure the distance to
the nearest object.
The sensors on each side have a range of
approx. 2 ft / 60 cm, the middle sensors
one of approx. 5 ft / 1.5 m.
PDC is a parking aid that can identify
objects if they are approached slowly,
as is generally the case when parking.
Avoid driving towards objects rapidly; due
to underlying physical principles, the sys-
tem may otherwise alert you too late for
you to take evasive steps. tem starts to operate automatically about
one second after you select reverse gear or
place the selector lever in position R.
Wait for this one second before you
drive backwards.<
The system is deactivated when you shift
away from Reverse.
You can have a signal tone set by your
MINI Dealer as a confirmation that
PDC has been activated.<
Acoustical signalsThe distance to an object is indicated by a
tone sounding at intervals. 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 8 in / 20 cm
away.
The warning signal is canceled after
approx. three seconds if the distance to the
object remains constant during this time,
for instance if you are moving parallel to a
wall.MalfunctionSystem malfunctions will be indicated by a
continuous high-pitched tone when the
system is activated the first time. Please
have your MINI Dealer resolve the problem.Volume controlThe volume of the Park Distance Control
signal can be adjusted from level 1, soft, to
level 6, loud.
The volume can be set by your MINI
Dealer.<
System limitations
Even with PDC, final responsibility for
estimating the distance between the
vehicle and any objects always remains
with the driver.
Even when sensors are involved, there is a
blind spot in which objects cannot be de-
tected. Recognition of some objects can be
beyond the limits of physical ultrasonic
measurement, for example with towing
bars or hitches or with thin or wedge-
shaped objects. Moreover, low objects that
have already been detected, such as a curb
edge, can disappear out of the range of the
sensors before a continuous tone sounds.
Loud sources of sound outside and inside
your vehicle can drown 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 which is
greater than 4 in / 10 cm.<

65
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIRBAGS1Side airbags in seatback on the driver
and passenger side: front
2Head airbags on the driver and passenger
sides for both rows of seats: front/rear
3Front airbags on the driver and passen-
ger sidesProtective effectThe front airbags supplement the safety belts
by providing additional protection for the
driver and front passenger in the event of a
frontal collision in which the protection
afforded by the belts alone may no longer be
sufficient.
When needed, the head and side airbags help
to furnish protection in the event of side
impact.
Each of the side airbags is designed to help
support the seat occupant's upper body.
The airbags are designed to not be trig-
gered in certain types of collisions, e.g. in
minor accidents, certain kinds of vehicle
rollover and rear impact.
For information on the ideal seating position,
refer to page 31.
Do not apply adhesive materials to the
cover panels of the airbags, cover them
or modify them in any other way. Do not fit
covers, cushions or other items to the front
seats that have not been specially approved
for seats with side airbags. Do not hang cloth-
ing, e. g. jackets, over the backrests.
Do not attempt to remove the airbag
restraint system from the vehicle. Do not
make any changes yourself to the individual
components and wiring. This includes the
padded covers of the steering wheel, instru-
ment panel and roof supports, as well as the
sides of the roofliner and the original back-
rest covers on the front seats. Do not attempt
to remove or dismantle the steering wheel.
Do not touch the individual components
directly after the system has been triggered,
as otherwise there is a danger of burns. In the
event of malfunctions, immobilization or use,
i.e. triggering, of the airbag restraint system
in accordance with its intended function,
please commission a MINI Dealer with the
inspection, repair or disassembly. Unprofes-
sional attempts to service the system could
lead to failure in an emergency or undesired
airbag activation, either of which could result
in personal injury. In view of the applicable
safety regulations, please arrange for your
MINI Dealer to dispose of the airbag genera-
tors.<
Airbag warning information is also pro-
vided on the sun visors.Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp in the display
elements shows the status of the
entire airbag system and the seat
belt tensioners starting from ignition key
position 1.
System operational:
>The indicator lamp comes on briefly.
System malfunction:
>The indicator lamp does not come on
starting from ignition key position 1
>The indicator lamp stays lit
>The indicator lamp lights up while driving.

66
AIRBAGS

A system malfunction could prevent
the airbags from deploying in
response to a severe impact occurring
within the system's normal triggering
range. Please have the airbag system
checked as soon as possible by your MINI
Dealer.
<

67
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
*
1Air onto the windshield and onto the
side windows
2Air for the upper body area69
3Air for the front and rear footwells4Temperature68
5Windshield heating68
6Blower for air supply68
7Air conditioning688Air distribution68
9Recirculated air mode68
10 Rear window defroster68

68
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
*
Air supply
You can select blower speeds
from 1 to 4. Position 0: fan is
turned off. The button for recir-
culated air mode fully blocks the
supply of air from outside.
Heating and ventilation operate as of
position 1.
Temperature
Turn to the right, red, to increase
the temperature of the passen-
ger compartment.
Rapid heating: turn to the
extreme right. Then select a pleasant inte-
rior temperature.
Air distribution
Air distribution in upper body
region , upper body region
and footwell , footwell ,
footwell and windows , and
windows .
All intermediate positions are possible,
refer to illustration and overview on
page 67.
Rear window defroster
Rear window defroster 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.
Windshield heating*
Windshield heating switched on:
Indicator lamp lights up.
As long as the indicator lamp is
lit, the heating operates at high power out-
put: rapid defrosting.
Indicator lamp goes out.
The heating continues to run with reduced
power output and then switches itself off
automatically.
Air conditioning
Air conditioner switched on: indi-
cator lamp lights up.
The air is cooled and dehumidi-
fied and – depending on the temperature
setting – rewarmed.
Condensation on the windows is reduced
when the air conditioning is turned on.
When the air conditioner is operat-
ing, condensation is formed which
then exits under the vehicle. Traces of con-
densed water on the ground are therefore
normal.<
Recirculated air mode
Supply of outside air into the
vehicle is blocked:
Indicator lamp lights up.
The air within the vehicle is recirculated.
Do not run the recirculated air mode
over a longer period of time, as the air
quality in the vehicle's interior will other-
wise diminish.<
If the windows fog up in the recircu-
lated air mode, turn the recirculated
air mode off and if necessary increase the
air supply.<