parking brake MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2004 Owner's Manual

3
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

Driving:
Ignition lock41
Starting the engine41
Switching off the engine43
Parking brake43
Manual transmission44
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)45
Parking lamps/Low beams48
Turn signal indicator/Headlamp
flasher49
Instrument lighting49
Fog lamps49
Interior lamps50
Washer/wiper system50
Cruise control52
Everything under control:
Odometer54
Tachometer54
Fuel gauge54
Coolant temperature gauge55
Service interval display56
Clock56
Onboard computer57
Technology for safety and driving
convenience:
All Season traction Control (ASC)59
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)60
Antilock Brake System (ABS)61
Flat Tire Monitor62
Park Distance Control (PDC)64
Airbags65
Controlling the climate for pleasant
driving:
Air conditioning system67
Automatic climate control70
Interior conveniences:
Glove compartment73
Ashtray, beverage holders74
Cigarette lighter, 12 V power supply74
Loading and transporting cargo:
Cargo area75
Loading cargo76
Roof-mounted luggage rack78

OPERATION, CARE, MAINTENANCE
Special operating instructions:
Break-in procedures82
General driving notes83
Refueling84
Fuel specifications85
Brake system86
Wheels and tires:
Tire inflation pressure87
Tire coding89
Tire condition91
Wheel and tire replacement92
Run Flat tires93
Snow chains94

15
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX

INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Technology that monitors itself
The system runs a check on the indicator
and warning lamps marked by
+

each time
you switch on the ignition. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
If a malfunction should occur in one of
these systems, the corresponding lamp
does not go out after the engine is started
or it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see below the correct way to react
to this.
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current
+

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective alter-
nator drive belt or a problem with the
charge circuit. Please contact the nearest
MINI Dealer.
If this lamp lights up, the power-assist for
steering can be deactivated.
If the drive belt is defective, do not
continue driving. The engine could be
damaged due to overheating. When the
power-assist is deactivated, increased
steering effort is required.
<
Engine oil pressure

+

Stop immediately. Switch off
engine. Check the engine oil and fill
as needed. Please contact the nearest MINI
Dealer.
Do not continue driving; otherwise,
the engine could be damaged
because of inadequate lubrication.
<

Brake warning lamp
+


Lights up although parking brake is
released: check the brake fluid
level. Before driving further, be sure to
comply with the information on pages 86
and 101.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
With navigation system option:
Coolant temperature warning
lamp in the speedometer
+

Lights up while driving:
Engine is too hot. Switch off the engine
immediately and allow to cool down, also
refer to page 55.

16
INDICATOR AND WARNING LAMPS

Yellow: stop immediately
Flat Tire Monitor
+

Flashes: tire failure.
Reduce speed immediately and
stop the vehicle.
With Run Flat tires:
Carefully reduce the driving speed to below
50 mph / 80 km/h and continue to a safe
location.
In both cases, avoid hard brake applications
and steering maneuvers. Check the tire
inflation pressures.
Conduct in the event of a flat tire, refer to
pages 93, 116, 117, 121.
General information on the system, refer to
page 62.
Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously
Brake warning light together with
yellow indicator lamp for ABS, CBC,
EBD and ASC/DSC:
The control system ABS, CBC, EBD
and ASC/DSC has failed. Drive cau-
tiously and defensively. Avoid full
brake applications.
Please have the system checked by
your MINI Dealer as soon as possible.
More information on pages 59, 60.
Brake warning lamp together with
the yellow indicator warning lamps
ABS, CBC, EBV and ASC/DSC for
Canadian models.
Red: an important reminder
Brake warning lamp
with parking brake applied.
More information on the parking
brake on page 43.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Fasten safety belts
+

Lights up for several seconds or, de-
pending on the version, until after
the safety belts are fastened. A signal
*
also
sounds depending on the version.
More information on page 35.
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<
Airbags
+

Please have the system inspected
at your MINI Dealer.
More information on page 65.
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<
Bonnet/Tailgate
Lights up when the bonnet and/or
tailgate are open.
More information on pages 27, 95.
Brake pads
Have the condition of the brake
pads checked.
More information on page 86.
Depending on the level of equipment,
the indicator lamp is in the vicinity of
the navigation system.
<

42
STARTING THE ENGINEStartingWhen starting the engine, do not press the
accelerator pedal.
Do not actuate the starter for too
short a time. Do not turn it for more
than approx. 20 seconds. Release the igni-
tion key immediately when the engine
starts.
Extended starting attempts, characterized
by excessively frequent or long periods
with the starter engaged, can lead to dam-
age in the catalytic converter.<
If the engine does not start on the first
attempt, for instance if the engine is very
hot or cold:
When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway.
When first starting the engine at very low
temperatures, from +57 / –156:
When starting the engine, press the gas
pedal down halfway. For the initial start
attempt, allow the starter to remain
engaged somewhat longer, approx.
10 seconds.
Manual transmission1. Engage the parking brake
2. Put the manual gearshift lever in neutral
3. Press the clutch pedal
4. Start the engine.
Move the gearshift lever to neutral
position and engage the parking
brake before leaving your vehicle with the
engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)1. Press the footbrake
2. Put the selector lever in position P or N
3. Start the engine.
Move the selector lever to position P
and engage the parking brake before
leaving your vehicle with the engine run-
ning.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<

43
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SWITCHING OFF THE ENGINE PARKING BRAKE
You should never remove the ignition
key when the vehicle is in motion, as
the steering lock could engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key and engage the steering
lock.
When you park on downward slopes,
engage the parking brake.<
Manual transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Continuously Variable automatic
Transmission (CVT)Engage selector lever position P, turn the
ignition key to position 1 or 0.
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 indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up from ignition key position 2,
refer to 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, i.e. 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 ade-
quate resistance to rolling.
Vehicles with CVT:
Place the selector lever in P.<
To avoid corrosion and one-sided
braking, apply the parking brake
lightly from time to time when coasting to
a standstill, for instance at a traffic light,
provided that it is safe to do so.<

44
MANUAL TRANSMISSION 6-speed transmission*
When changing gear in the 5th/6th
gear plane, press the gearshift lever
to the right to prevent inadvertently shift-
ing to a gear of the 3rd/4th gear plane.<
Reverse gearBefore selecting reverse gear, ensure the
vehicle is stationary; then, fully depress the
clutch pedal and pause briefly before mov-
ing the gearshift lever into position.
5-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever to the right and to
the back.
6-speed transmission:
Press the gearshift lever towards the left.
Thereby overcome the slight resistance and
press forward.
As you do this, the backup lamps will turn
on automatically when the ignition key is
in position 2.
Do not hold the vehicle in place on
slopes by slipping or 'riding' the
clutch. Use the parking brake instead.
Riding the clutch causes the clutch assem-
bly to wear out sooner.<

45
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CVT)
*
You can drive with a continuously variable
shifting CVT. In addition, you can also shift
manually.
When in manual selection mode, you have
the option of changing gears by using
either the selector lever or the shift paddles
on the steering wheel.
Under normal operating conditions, fuel
consumption is lowest when driving in
position D.Selector lever positions
P R N D M/S + –
Range selection Inadvertent engaging of certain selector
lever positions is prevented by a lock.
Press the button on the front side of the
selector lever knob. The lock is released.
While the vehicle is stationary, and
before shifting out of P or N, press the
brake pedal in order to disengage the selec-
tor lever lock mechanism, shiftlock.
If the engine speed is too high when the
vehicle is at a standstill, the selector lever is
also blocked to protect the transmission.
Hold the brake pedal down until starting
off. Otherwise the vehicle will 'creep' when
a drive position is engaged.<
To prevent the vehicle from starting
off on its own, always move the
selector lever to position P and engage the
parking brake before getting out of your
vehicle with the engine running.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the engine running. This is a safety haz-
ard.<
If the selector lever is not placed in
position P when the vehicle is parked,
the position display of the selector lever
stays on. This can lead to battery dis-
charge.<

83
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
GENERAL DRIVING NOTESParking the vehicle Condensation forms in the air conditioner
system during operation, and then exits
under the vehicle. Traces of condensed
water on the ground are therefore normal.Brakes
Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Hydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce road speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water can form between tires and
road surface. This phenomenon is charac-
terized by a partial or complete loss of con-
tact between the tires and the road surface.
The ultimate results are loss of steering and
braking control.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft / 30 cm,
and then only at walking speed at the
most. Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the
electrical systems and the transmission
may be damaged.<
Clothes hooks
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, ensure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do so,
they could cause personal injury during
braking or evasive maneuvers.<
High temperatures
High temperatures occur in any vehi-
cle equipped with a catalytic con-
verter. Do not remove the heat protection
plates fitted in the area of the exhaust sys-
tem and do not apply body-cavity pro-
tectant to this area. When driving, standing
at idle, and parking the vehicle, take care to
avoid contact between the hot exhaust sys-
tem and flammable materials, e.g. hay,
grass, leaves, etc. Such contact could lead
to a fire resulting in serious personal injury
and property damage.<

101
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
BRAKE FLUIDWarning lamp
If the brake warning lamp comes
on with the parking brake released:
The brake fluid level is too low,
refer to page 15.
Brake warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Adding brake fluid To add brake fluid or to determine and cor-
rect the cause of brake fluid loss, please
consult your MINI Dealer. Your MINI Dealer
is familiar with the specifications for fac-
tory-approved brake fluids, DOT 4.
Brake fluid loss may result in extended
brake pedal travel. If this occurs, refer to
the information on page 86.
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 Dealer,
also refer to the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian 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.<

103
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLESuitable car-care products
Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicleYou can wash your new MINI from the out-
set in automatic car washes. Preference
should be for cloth car washes. If, due to
lack of availability, brush car washes must
be used, modern systems with soft brushes
should be given preference.
When using steam cleaners or high-
pressure cleaners, maintain sufficient
distance to the vehicle and do not exceed a
maximum temperature of 1407/ 606 .
If the jet is too close or the pressure is too
high, this can lead to damage or initial
damage that can develop into more serious
damage. Water that enters vehicle compo-
nents can lead to damage over the long
term.<
After washing the vehicle, apply the
brakes briefly to dry them, otherwise
water can reduce braking efficiency over
the short term and the brake rotors can cor-
rode.<
Switch the rain sensor off when pass-
ing through an automatic car wash,
refer to page 50. Failure to do so could
result in damage caused by undesired
wiper activation.<
Rod antenna
If necessary, for example before
entering a car wash or a garage with
elevator ramp, remove the rod antenna.
To do so, grip the rod antenna at the base
and unscrew it from the antenna foot by
turning it to the left.<
Headlamps
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following: do not
rub them dry, and never use abrasives or
strong solvents. Remove dirt and contami-
nation, such as insects, by soaking with
shampoo and then rinsing with plenty of
water. Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow; never use a
scraper.<
Vehicle paintwork Regular care contributes greatly to driving
safety and value retention.
Environmental influences varying from one
region to the next can affect the vehicle
paintwork. Please base the frequency and
scope of car care on these various influ-
ences.Care of upholsteryDepressions that come about on the uphol-
stery material of the seats in daily use can
be brushed out using a slightly damp brush
against the grain.
The fact that velour lays down is not a qual-
ity defect, but rather is inevitable in the
case of home textiles or clothing materials.
In the case of strong sunlight and longer
parking periods, cover the seats or all win-
dows to prevent discoloration.