light MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2006 Owner's Guide

119
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
SOCKET FOR ONBOARD DIAGNOSTICS OBD CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Primary components of exhaust emissions
can be checked by a device via the OBD
socket.
This socket is located to the left of the
driver's side, on the bottom of the instru-
ment panel underneath a cover.
Exhaust emission values
The warning lamp comes on. The
exhaust emissions have deterio-
rated. Have the vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Display of the malfunction
described above in Canadian mod-
els.
Under some circumstances, the lamp will
flash. This indicates severe engine misfir-
ing. In this case, you should reduce your
speed and visit your nearest MINI Dealer as
soon as possible. Severe engine misfiring
can quickly lead to serious damage of emis-
sions-related components, especially the
catalytic converter.
If the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system may con-
clude that fuel vapors are escaping, causing
an indicator to light up. If the filler cap is
then tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days. Use the cleaning and car-care prod-
ucts available at your MINI Dealer.<
Washing your vehicle
You can wash your new MINI or MINI Con-
vertible in automatic car washes from the
beginning. 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 corrode.
Switch the rain sensor off when passing
through an automatic car wash, refer to
page62. Failure to do so could result in

120
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
damage caused by undesired wiper activa-
tion.<
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 upholstery
Depressions 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.
Care of special parts
>Light-alloy wheels*:
Use wheel cleaner especially during the
winter months, but do not use any
aggressive, acidic, strong alkali or rough
cleansers or steam jets above 1407/
606. Observe the manufacturer's
instructions
>Chrome parts
* such as bonnet grill, door
handles, etc.:
Especially if exposed to road salt, care-
fully clean these parts with plenty of
water and possibly with a shampoo addi-
tive. For additional treatment, use
chrome polish
>Rubber parts:
Treat only with water or rubber care
products.
Do not use silicon sprays or other
silicon-containing care products,
otherwise noise and damage could
occur.<
>Plastic parts, imitation leather surfaces,
headliner, lamp glass, covering glass for
the display elements, as well as matt
black molded parts:
Clean with water and, if necessary, plas-
tic care products. Do not dampen seats
and the headliner.
Never use solvents such as lacquer thin-

121
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATIONCONTROLS DATA INDEX
CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
ner, heavy-duty grease remover, fuel or
similar
>Wood paneling
*:
Please clean wood paneling and other
wood parts only with a damp cloth. Dry
off with a soft cloth
>Safety belts:
Only clean using mild soap, leaving the
belts fitted.
Do not dry clean, as the fabric can be
destroyed.
Always roll up safety belts only when
dry.
Dirty safety belts prevent unrolling and
thus negatively affect safety
>Floor carpets and floor mats
*:
If heavily soiled, clean using interior
cleaner. Floor mats can be removed to
allow the interior to be cleaned
>Wiper blades:
Clean with soapy water. Replace wiper
blades twice a year, before and after the
cold season. This is particularly impor-
tant on vehicles fitted with a rain sensor.
Caring for leather* and imitation
leather
The leather and imitation leather used by
the manufacturer of your MINI are high
quality products processed using state-of-
the-art methods and will retain their qual-ity level for many years if cared for prop-
erly.
Regular cleaning and care are necessary, as
dust and road dirt scratch in pores and
creases and lead to heavy wear as well as
premature brittleness of the leather and
imitation leather surface.
This is why you should use a cloth or vac-
uum cleaner to remove dust on a regular
basis.
Since dirt and oil slowly destroy the protec-
tive layer of the leather and imitation
leather, a treatment with a leather care
product is necessary twice a year. This pre-
serves the quality of the leather and pre-
vents electrostatic charging.
Cleaning agents can contain hazard-
ous or health-damaging substances.
For this reason, always observe the warn-
ings on the package. For interior cleaning,
always open the doors or windows of the
vehicle.
Do not use any products that are not
intended for cleaning the vehicle. The appearance and service life of the con-
vertible top largely depend on the proper
care and operation of the convertible top.
You should therefore observe the following
notes in particular:
>Whenever possible, park your vehicle in
the shade to protect it from intense sun-
light
>Do not fold the convertible top when it is
wet, dirty or frozen; otherwise water
marks, moisture stains and chafing could
result
>If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed
area for a longer period of time, make
sure that there is sufficient ventilation
>Remove bird droppings immediately
because they have corrosive properties.
Never use spot removers, paint thin-
ner, solvents, cleaning fuel or similar
since these products can destroy the rubber
seals and cause leaks.<

130
LAMPS AND BULBS
Rear fog lamp*
With the space-saver spare tire option:
Access to the lamp via the back or under-
side of the bumper.
1. Press the clips together
2. Push the lamp out of the bumper
3. Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left
4. Remove and replace the bulb.
Other equipment:
In the event of a malfunction, please
contact your MINI Dealer or a work-
shop that has specially trained personnel
working in accordance with the specifica-
tions of your MINI manufacturer.<
License plate lamps
5watt bulb
As an example, the illustration shows the
license plate lamp of the MINI.
1. Apply a screwdriver to the recess and
lever out the lamp cover
2. Replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light
sources for many of the controls and dis-
plays in your vehicle. These light-emitting
diodes are related to conventional lasers,
and legislation defines them as light-emit-
ting diodes, Class 1.
Do not remove the protective lenses
and avoid staring directly at the unfil-
tered beam for several hours, as inflamma-
tion of the retina could result.<

132
SPACE-SAVER SPARE TIRE*
Removing the space-saver spare tire
The screw connection of the space-saver
spare tire is in the luggage compartment
under the floor mat, on the base of the
storage compartment for the tire change
set.
1. Loosen the screw connection using the
special wrench
2. Take out the cover panel
3. Screw the lifting handle from the
onboard tool kit onto the thread
4. Raise the lifting handle slightly5. Squeeze the securing spring
6. The space-saver spare tire is released
and must be held by the lifting handle
7. Lower the space-saver spare tire with
the lifting handle
8. Unscrew the lifting handle

135
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM*
MINI Mobility System
The MINI Mobility System is provided to
help you repair a flat tire. With the help of
this system you can apply a liquid sealant
on the inside of the tire, which seals the
damaged area and enables you to continue
to drive.
Preparing for tire repair
Before using the MINI Mobility Sys-
tem read the warning and danger
precautions on the equipment.<
If possible, leave objects in which have
been forced into the tire.
Take off the tag regarding speed limits and
stick it onto the steering wheel.
Using the MINI Mobility System
In order to repair a flat tire with the MINI
Mobility System, proceed as follows:
>Pump in liquid sealant, refer to page136
>Reinflate the tire, refer to page136
>Distribute liquid sealant, refer to
page137
>Check tire inflation pressure, refer to
page137
>Drive on, refer to page137.
MINI Mobility System with onboard
tools
The MINI Mobility System with tire change
set and onboard tools is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the floor mat:
1Jack
2 Wheel stud wrench
3 Hubcap remover
4 Wrench, screwdriver/Phillips screw-
driver, towing eyelet
5 Compressor, hose with manometer and
plug for cigarette lighter socket
6 Package with filling hose, valve remover
and valve core
7 Filling canister
8 Hex wrench/screwdriver
9 Adapter for wheel lug lock

136
MINI MOBILITY SYSTEM*
Pumping in liquid sealant
1. Shake the filling canister
2. Screw the filling hose onto the filling
canister
3. Unscrew the dust protection cap from
the valve of the defective tire
4. Screw out the valve core with the valve
remover. The valve remover is located in
a package with the filling hose.
Place the valve core and valve
remover only on clean surfaces.<
5. Remove the cap from the filling hose
6. Push the filling hose onto the tire valve
7. Hold the filling canister with the cap
down and squeeze.
Squeeze the entire contents of the canis-
ter into the tire
8. Remove filling hose
9. Screw valve core into the tire valve with
the valve remover.
In the event of a lost or dirty valve
core you will find another valve core
in a package with the filling hose.
Please remember that the liquid canister
must be replaced every four years if the
equipment has not been used.<
Reinflating the tire
1. Screw hose 1 with manometer onto the
tire valve
2. Connect plug 3 to the cigarette lighter
socket in the vehicle interior, refer to
page85
3. Ignition key in position 1:
Turn on compressor 2
4. Inflate the tires to at least 26 psi/
180 kPa, but not to more than 36 psi/
250 kPa.
To check the current air pressure, shut
off the device for a short time.
Do not run the compressor for
longer than 6 minutes, otherwise
the device will overheat and possibly be
damaged.<

141
OVERVIEW REPAIRSOPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
JUMP-STARTING TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
Open the cover of the auxiliary jump-
starting terminal, arrow 1
2. Connect one terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive bat-
tery terminal or to an auxiliary jump-
starting terminal of the support vehicle
3. Connect the other terminal clamp of the
plus/+ jumper cable to the positive bat-
tery terminal or to an auxiliary jump-
starting terminal of the vehicle to be
started
Engine or body ground in your MINI or MINI
Convertible: arrow 2.
4. Connect one terminal clamp of the
minus/– jumper cable to the negative
battery terminal or to an engine or body
ground of the support vehicle
5. Connect the second terminal clamp of
the minus/– jumper cable to the nega-
tive terminal of the battery or to the
engine or body ground of the vehicle to
be started.Performing the jump-start
1. Start the engine of the support vehicle
and allow it to run at increased idle
speed for several minutes
2. Start the engine of the other vehicle in
the usual manner.
If the first start attempt is not success-
ful, wait a few minutes before another
attempt in order to allow the discharged
battery to recharge
3. Allow the engines of both vehicles to run
for several minutes.
On the MINI or MINI Convertible:
Before disconnecting the jumper
cables, switch on the lighting, the rear
window defroster and the highest
blower speed to prevent a voltage surge
from the regulator to the electrical sys-
tems and components.<
4. Then disconnect the jumper cables in
the reverse order.
If necessary have the battery checked and
completely charged at a MINI Dealer.
Do not use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.<
Observe all applicable laws and regu-
lations for towing and tow-start-
ing.<
Do not transport any occupant other
than the driver in a vehicle that is
being towed.<
Using the towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit, refer to page126; be sure
that it remains with the vehicle at all times.
It can be attached at the front or rear of
your vehicle.
Use only the towing eyelet supplied
with the vehicle and screw it in firmly
until it stops. Use the towing eyelet for
towing on paved roads only. Avoid subject-
ing the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing eye-
let. Otherwise, the towing eyelet and the
vehicle could be damaged.<

142
TOWING AND TOW-STARTING
Access to the threaded socket
The illustration shows by way of example
the MINI COOPER and the MINI COOPER
Convertible.
Pry out the cover in the front or rear
bumper by inserting a screwdriver into the
recess.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in
position 1; otherwise the steering
lock could engage and prevent the vehicle
from being steered. There is no power
assist while the engine is off. Therefore,
you will need to exert more force to brake
and steer the vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly identify
the vehicle being towed, e.g. by placing a
sign or a warning triangle in the rear win-
dow.
MINI or MINI Convertible with manual
transmission:
Put the gearshift lever in idle position.
MINI or MINI Convertible featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic:
Only tow vehicles featuring auto-
matic transmission with Steptronic
with a tow truck; otherwise the transmis-
sion can be damaged, refer to page143.<
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow rope
on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in which
you are driving.
With a tow bar:
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being towed;
otherwise, vehicle handling can no longer
be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles should
be on the same side. If the tow bar can only
be used in a diagonal position, please note
the following:
>Clearance and maneuverability will be
strictly limited in corners
>The inclination of the tow bar produces
lateral force.
Attach the tow bar to the towing eye-
let only. Attaching it to other parts of
the vehicle can result in damage.<
With a tow rope:
When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.
Use nylon ropes or straps for towing
because they prevent sudden jerking
movements. Attach the tow rope to the
towing eyelet only. Attaching it to other
parts of the vehicle can result in damage.<

EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z
155
OVERVIEW REPAIRS OPERATION CONTROLS DATA INDEX
Brake wear warning
brake pads117
warning lamp18
Brakes117
ABS71
brake fluid117
brake pads117
break-in procedures96
handbrake54
indicator/warning
lamps16,17,18
Breaking in96
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs127
Buttons on multifunction
steering wheel20
automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
C
California Proposition 65
warning7
Capacities151
Car care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle119
Car keys, refer to Keys24
Car radio, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Car telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual Car vacuum cleaner,
connecting, refer to Cigarette
lighter socket85
Car wash119
Car wash, refer to Washing
your vehicle119
Car-care products119
Care of plastics120
Care of synthetic leather120
Care, vehicle119
Cargo area
opening from the outside29
opening with the remote
control26
volume149,
150
Cargo area cover, refer to
Luggage compartment
cover88
Cargo area lid, refer to
Tailgate29
Cargo area, refer to Luggage
compartment in the MINI88
Carpet care121
Cassette operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system98
CD changer, refer to Owner's
Manual for Radio
CD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio Center armrest84
Central locking system24
interior28
Changing bulbs127
Changing the wiper
blades126,127
Changing tires133
space-saver spare tire131
Charge-current indicator
light16
Child seat, refer to Installing
child-restraint systems50
Children, transporting50
Child-restraint fixing system,
LATCH52
Child-restraint systems50
Chock, folding
space-saver spare tire131
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle120
Chrome-plated parts, care120
Cigarette lighter85
Cigarette lighter socket85
Cigarette tray, refer to
Ashtray85
Circulation of air, refer to
Recirculated air mode79,82
Cleaning the rear window63
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
Caring for your vehicle119 Clock66
12-hour/24-hour mode66
changing the time66
Closing
from inside28
from outside25
Clothes hooks98
Clutch53
break-in procedures96
Cockpit12
Coding, tires105
Compact disk operation, refer
to Owner's Manual for Radio
Compartments84
Computer, refer to Onboard
computer69
Condensed water, refer to Air
conditioning79,82
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory49
Consumption, refer to
Average consumption70
Current fuel consumption70
Contents2
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit12
Convenience operation
convertible top37
from outside26,27
glass sunroof, electric33
windows31