R50/53 Things You Didn't Know About Your MINI
#901
#902
#903
#904
#905
From what's been said around the forums, the needle doesn't give a real indication of temperature either--it normalizes the temp so that the needle is always in the middle when at operating temp regardless of what the actual temp is, so long as it's acceptable.
But to see the temp, try hooking up a ScanGauge to your OBDII port.
But to see the temp, try hooking up a ScanGauge to your OBDII port.
#907
Things I wish I could change....
I'd like the windows to roll up with one touch, just like they do when you want them to go down.
There should be a boot opening lever somewhere. I sometimes want to load the car when I don't have the key with me.
How does one reset the Average MPG on the OBC? I'd like to see it reset whenever I reset the trip odometer, but it doesn't seem to. I'd like to see it measure Avg MPG per tankful.
And a question - do the key fobs contain settings that change between keys? If so, which ones? (ok, that's two).
There should be a boot opening lever somewhere. I sometimes want to load the car when I don't have the key with me.
How does one reset the Average MPG on the OBC? I'd like to see it reset whenever I reset the trip odometer, but it doesn't seem to. I'd like to see it measure Avg MPG per tankful.
And a question - do the key fobs contain settings that change between keys? If so, which ones? (ok, that's two).
#908
How does one reset the Average MPG on the OBC? I'd like to see it reset whenever I reset the trip odometer, but it doesn't seem to. I'd like to see it measure Avg MPG per tankful.
#909
Thanks!
Thanks for that tip! I had pushed the reset button while displaying Avg MPG, but I probably didn't hold it down long enough. Knowing that it can be done is all I needed - although two reset presses per tankful - I'm not sure I can handle all that complexity. Our Prius resets avg mpg automatically when it senses the tank has been filled.
#912
Thanks for that tip! I had pushed the reset button while displaying Avg MPG, but I probably didn't hold it down long enough. Knowing that it can be done is all I needed - although two reset presses per tankful - I'm not sure I can handle all that complexity. Our Prius resets avg mpg automatically when it senses the tank has been filled.
#913
BTW this is an AWESOME thread; had my 04 IB/W stripes MCS for about 2 weeks now and learned all kinds of stuff and yes I READ the manual,(all of them) before I read this thread or knew of it's existence! Excellent work by all who contributed!!Thank you all!!
#914
No no that's not right.
The FOG lamps work as long as the headlamps are on.
The DRIVING lamps, by law (technically) are wired with the high beams. The point is so that you use them when you would need high beams. If you use them when you only need low beams, you'd blind people (they're really bright and focused).
You CAN make them work without the high beams. You either need to wire them to their own seperate switch, or else you can get a circuit from Ian (see post above) to work it through an unused toggle.
But you really do NOT want to use them when you have people coming your way, you will blind them.
The FOG lamps work as long as the headlamps are on.
The DRIVING lamps, by law (technically) are wired with the high beams. The point is so that you use them when you would need high beams. If you use them when you only need low beams, you'd blind people (they're really bright and focused).
You CAN make them work without the high beams. You either need to wire them to their own seperate switch, or else you can get a circuit from Ian (see post above) to work it through an unused toggle.
But you really do NOT want to use them when you have people coming your way, you will blind them.
#916
Tip: (this happened to me last night)
If shortly after leaving Taco Bell you feel like your a-- is on fire, before blaming the food establishment for your condition and discomfort, check that you didn't accidentally press the driver's heated seat switch when you released the parking brake.
If shortly after leaving Taco Bell you feel like your a-- is on fire, before blaming the food establishment for your condition and discomfort, check that you didn't accidentally press the driver's heated seat switch when you released the parking brake.
#919
Loved It!
I'm a noob to this Forum from all the way in Perth, Western Australia. I decided to join (hope noone really minds - even tho I'm not IN North America), simply because I stumbled upon this brilliant thread - which I have read from start to finish.
I have a November 04 (MY05) Cooper S Chilli over here. Keep up to good work everyone.
I have a November 04 (MY05) Cooper S Chilli over here. Keep up to good work everyone.
#920
Learned about the run-flat reset button
My wife and I were driving through the Virginia countryside with our 3-year old Schnoodle (a designer mutt - half Schnauzer/half Poodle) in the car with us. He's having a great time, bouncing around the back seat when he decided to check out the view from the passenger seat. Shortly afterwards I noticed our tire deflation light was illuminated so I pulled off the road and did a quick inspection. Nothing looked out of place so we proceeded at the designated 50 mph until we could get to a gas station.
While I'm driving, my wife is reviewing the owner's manual and reading the checklist to me. We noticed the entry about resetting the run-flat button if the tires seem to be okay. After checking the pressure in each tire we discovered our beloved Schnoodle must have stepped on the run-flat reset button which is conveniently located next to the emergency brake. Good thing too - we were in a location that had never heard about run-flat tires.
Lesson learned - it's pretty easy to hit the run-flat reset button if you've got a hyper active dog in the car.
While I'm driving, my wife is reviewing the owner's manual and reading the checklist to me. We noticed the entry about resetting the run-flat button if the tires seem to be okay. After checking the pressure in each tire we discovered our beloved Schnoodle must have stepped on the run-flat reset button which is conveniently located next to the emergency brake. Good thing too - we were in a location that had never heard about run-flat tires.
Lesson learned - it's pretty easy to hit the run-flat reset button if you've got a hyper active dog in the car.
#921
To unlock all of the doors at once, including the boot...
On my '03 MC, the drivers side door lock has stopped working with the Key Fob, so I've been having to use lock the door the old fashioned way, by putting the key into the lock on the drivers side door and turning it.
When you do this, you can accomplish a few things.
When locking, hold the key in the 'lock' position and all of the windows and sunroof will close.
When unlocking with the key, it will not only unlock the passenger side door, but the boot as well.
At least it does on mine.
When you do this, you can accomplish a few things.
When locking, hold the key in the 'lock' position and all of the windows and sunroof will close.
When unlocking with the key, it will not only unlock the passenger side door, but the boot as well.
At least it does on mine.
#922
And when it's real hot, it's nice to use the remote on the key to open up the windows and sunroof. But if you've not already done that by the time you open the door for your SO, (and I suppose you might be quick to get the AC going, despite any lack of performance ), it's easy to click "lock" from your key, then unlock twice and depress as you walk around to the driver's door.
Provided the key is functioning properly.
Provided the key is functioning properly.
#923
I need to get all the good bits activated, but will probably need to wait for the next oil change (another 16000k's) to do so. My key doesn't do much at the moment - isn't linked to the Sunroof etc.
Also, I read on one of the pages about a 'chime' when you jiggle your keys near the ignition or something to that effect? Mine doesn't seem to do anything?!
Also, I read on one of the pages about a 'chime' when you jiggle your keys near the ignition or something to that effect? Mine doesn't seem to do anything?!
#924
Every car with cruise control I've ever had - the gas pedal itself would move as the cruise control system gave the engine more gas. The MINIs pedal doesn't move at all. Of course that's because it is "throttle by wire" but still made for an "Aha!" moment a few days ago. Yes, it took me months to notice.