Resetting the MINI Oil Indicator

If you do your own oil changes, this is a helpful tip to keep in mind. Typically, it is best to wait until your dealer maintenance service warranty expires, as an ‘owner’ reset could result in a missed oil change, particularly if the dealer checks the indicator it does not believe an oil change is due.

1. Locate the trip odometer button and depress and hold.
2. Insert the key into the ignition and partially turn into the first position.
3. Pay attention to the trip odometer to display the word ‘RESET’.
4. Release the trip odometer button, then press & hold it again.
5. The ‘RESET’ message will flash.
6. Release the button, and then press & release again (once only)
7. The service interval is now reset to 10,000 miles

Resetting MINI Cooper & Cooper S Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The MINI Cooper Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is designed to warn you when the tire pressure significantly drops below the recommended pressure in any one tire. This system works in tandem with the MINI’ ABS brakes system to monitor tire pressure. Any time you change your tires or adjust tire pressure, the TPS system should be reset.

To reset the system, the first step is to set all the tire pressures to the recommended pressures. You will find these pressures on a sticker attached to the door opening with the driver’s door open.

Resetting the TPMS on MINI Cooper & Cooper S vehicles from 2002 �" 2006 (and convertibles up to 2008):

1. Locate the reset button positioned in front cabin on the emergency brake handle.
2. Turn the ignition to position 2, press and hold the reset button until the yellow indicator on the dash lights up for a few seconds.
3. The vehicle is now ready to recalibrate the TPS system on your next drive. After a few minutes of driving, the system will calibrate to the newly-installed or adjusted tires and properly set the pressures to be monitored.

Resetting the TPMS on MINI Cooper & MINI Cooper S vehicles from 2007 �" On (excluding convertibles):

1. Begin by starting the engine. Push the button on the end of the turn signal lever until “SET/INFO” is displayed in the dashboard vehicle message center (next to your odometer display.)
2. Press and hold the button until the message changes and continue scrolling through messages by pushing the button until you see the tire monitor symbol and reset is displayed.
3. Press and hold the button until the display changes. The monitoring system is now initialized.
4. The vehicle is now ready to recalibrate the TPS system on your next drive. After a few minutes of driving, the system will calibrate to the newly-installed or adjusted tires and properly set the pressures to be monitored. (The system DOES NOT display a notification once the reset is complete.)

MINI Cooper & Cooper S Windows Don't Drop

There are a few cute characteristics of your MINI that may cause you some concern, chief among them the habit of the window not dropping when you open the door. Although there is always the possibility of a more significant problem, it is most likely caused by a “confused” system. Some of us flick the window switch just to make sure the windows are all the way up, which confuses our Minis into thinking the window wasn't already all the way up in the first place. The solution is to press �" and hold �" the window switch in the up position. You can do this with the door closed (as a preventative measure), or when they're open (if you realize they have not dropped when you open the door). You'll know this little tip has worked when your window drops down slightly. Simple, eh?

Low A/C Air Pressure �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

Many MINI Cooper Owners aren't even aware of the little air filter inside their cabin. Not to be confused with the engine's air filter, the A/C cabin filter is designed to clean the air inside your car. One way to tell is to turn on your air conditioning system and see if a) it has lost some of its force, or b) it smells like you're sticking your face in the exhaust of your shop vac. If this happens, change your filter. You'll find it at the underside of your glove box. Buy a replacement �" either the dust-trapping electrostatic filter or, to help remove unpleasant odors inside the cabin, the carbon filter �" and slide it in. (Note: save a little time and frustration by noting how the old filter came out and the new one will slide in easy.) Depending upon the type of driving you do �" in traffic, dusty conditions, etc �" you should change your filter annually.

Clunking Sound �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

When you start out from the curb and hit about 10-12 mph you may hear a disturbing “clunk” but it's really nothing to be concerned about. In fact, it means your MINI is working just fine, thank you. All MINI Coopers run a self-test of their ABS when getting up to speed. Additionally, you may also hear the central locking system set in, which adds yet another “clunk” at about the same speed. Again, nothing to worry about (but it shows you're paying attention)!

Cold Weather Beep �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

From about mid-March 2002-on, the engineers worked a warning into the MINI Cooper that alerts you of the dangerous possibility of black ice on the roads. At around 3-degrees Celsius or 37-degrees Fahrenheit, the system will beep or chime and your temperature readout will flash to alert you of this potential driving hazard. Nothing is wrong with your MINI �" just pay extra attention to road conditions!

Speedometer Shake �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

If you're seeing your speedometer shake or rattle it's likely because you either a) removed the battery recently or b) turned the key to the second position and held it there for over a minute after shutting down. The system is basically re-setting itself to the factory pre-sets, so it's nothing to worry about. If it gets really bad and doesn't stop, have it re-set at your dealer or an independent shop.

Hood Doesn't Open �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

If, like many of your fellow MINI owners, you've occasionally been bothered by an obstinate hood, the problem is easily fixed. First, try “popping” the hood by applying pressure to it as a buddy pulls the lever. If that doesn't do it, remove the right front wheel and manually release the catch you'll see in the inner liner. What's happening is that the tension of the cable is preventing the ball from slipping from the release lever. The cable is simply too long, and this sometimes lets the ball drop out of the yoke in the release lever. Once you've found the cable, take a nylon wire tie to it to hold it into place. This should keep the yoke and ball assembly together, preventing future problems.

Engine Overheating �" MINI Cooper & Cooper S

Here is a strange suggestion that just may save your engine long enough for you to drive to the nearest garage for help. If you find your engine is running too hot, turn on the heater and turn it up to high. The heater core transfers engine heat into the passenger cabin, which in turn helps blow the hot air out of your engine compartment. It won't fix the problem, but it will allow you to get to a place that can.

Low Oil Pressure �" MINI Cooper

If you see your oil pressure light register LOW after a filter and oil change… don't panic. It probably just means that you or your mechanic forgot something. Your MINI Cooper's oil filter has a cartridge that slips over a perforated center core that is attached to the inside of the oil filter cap. This core is spring loaded and is intended to add pressure to the filter when installing that seals it against the base. This must NOT be discarded! If it is thrown out with the old filter, the new filter won't seal properly and you'll register low oil pressure at idle �" a dangerous condition that can seriously damage your engine. So remember…don't throw this baby out with the bad oil! (Hey, if a simple oil change were really simple, it wouldn't be any fun, would it?)