Dashboard warning lights on a current model Mini Cooper S

By Stuart Johnston

The Mini Cooper S has a funky set of dials arranged in semi-overlapping format. The speedometer is the larger dial and contains the majority of the warning lights that you will need to pay attention to. This series of lights flashes on for a few seconds, after you hit the starter button.  Most of the  lights will disappear about a second or two after you have  started the car.

Things that glow in the dark

Those lights that don’t switch off automatically indicate a function, or malfunction, that needs your attention. For instance, a function that will need attention would be the  handbrake light, which  will stay on until you release the brake.

Here’s a quick list of those lights and messages and what they mean, if they suddenly illuminate on your Mini’s dashboard, one you are on the move.

1. Steering system faulty

Have the system checked out as soon as possible by a BMW or Mini agent. This could indicate a minor glitch or it could be serious. Steering systems are amongst the most vital safety systems in a car, so get it checked immediately.

2. DSC lamp flashing

This warning lamp could have had a sub-text that reads: Slow down, stupid!”

If the indicator lamp is flashing then it  the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) has “stepped in” and is electronically regulating the acceleration and braking forces. It usually means you have entered a corner too fast, or you are applying too much pressure on the accelerator pedal for the road conditions. And the tyres are losing traction momentarily. A flashing light means the vehicle is being stabilised electronically. It’s also advising you to slow down and adjust your driving style to the road conditions. As soon as you slow down and regain traction to the tyres, the light should stop flashing.

If the indicator lamp stays  illuminated it means  DSC has failed, so have the car checked out at the agents.

3. Loss of tyre pressure

Mini’s official explanation for  this light is that “ The run-flat indicator reports a loss of tyre inflation pressure in a tyre”.

This could indicate a slight loss of pressure, or a more serious loss of pressure. Tyres, like brakes and steering, are critical to your safety.  Reduce speed and pull over in a safe spot and visually check whether any of the tyres look flat. Mini tyres are of a run flat design, so even with a complete loss of pressure, you may slowly drive to a service centre for attention.

Even if the tyres look correctly inflated, visit a service station as soon as possible and check the tyre pressures out on all four wheels.

4. ABS braking system

This is the ABS braking light. ABS braking systems prevent the tyres locking up, or skidding, when applying extreme amounts of brake pressure, such as in an emergency. This light glowing could  mean that other braking components may be faulty as well. Avoid sudden braking, and drive slowly to a BMW-Mini agent to have the system checked out.

5. Fault with airbag or seat-belt tensioner system

The airbag system and belt tensioner may be faulty. This is a very vital safety system in a car, so get this checked out immediately if this light continues to glow.

6. Fasten seat belt sign

This light will glow when driver's side seat belt is not fastened. Check whether the seat belt has been fastened correctly. It is  a good habit to make buckling up the first thing you do when entering a car, even before you turn the engine on. This applies to you and all passengers in the car. Sensors on the passenger seats will detect whether a passenger is in place and whether the passenger belts need to be buckled up too.

7. Parking brake is on

 This will glow (red)  if you attempt to drive away with the parking brake still applied. The simple and obvious fix is to release the parking brake immediately

8. Traction control or stability control system is switched off.

 This indicates you have consciously switched off these driver aids, and that the tyres are more likely to slip or skid  or wheel-spin if you drive more enthusiastically than the road conditions permit.

This switch-off  function is available for use in severe  icy weather or muddy road conditions, and also for track day fun, where a sporty car like the Mini Cooper S will react to expert driver inputs more favourably with the traction and corner assists switched off.

9. Service indicator.

This read-out indicates when your next service on the Mini Cooper S is due. This reading is not illuminated by colour and remains visible whether the car’s engine is switched on or not.