mini cooper warning light question

February 9, 2013 12:03 PM

Any mini cooper owners have any experience with the warning light that looks like a mini on stilts?

My gf is out of town for the weekend with her mini cooper, and this light is coming on. She's in Harrisburg, PA, with no local service departments available until Monday am - not an option for her. Apparently the manual suggests that this light refers either to the ignition, the starter, or the lights. But the car starts fine. Still, us being not too knowledgeable about cars, we are hesitant to assume that it's ok to drive it - especially all the way from Harrisburg back to NYC. Does anyone have any experience with this?

posted by fingers_of_fire to grab bag (5 answers total)

Is this the stilty indicator you are talking about?
posted by the Real Dan at 12:16 PM on February 9

To be honest I'm not sure, as I'm not with the car - just posting to try to gather information on her behalf. But this looks really helpful. Thanks so much.
posted by fingers_of_fire at 12:17 PM on February 9

Most likely this is a harmless warning - service due, emissions check or some such. If it was a serious engine fault like the timing chain, then the mini will automatically refuse to start. If it's still starting and running normally then for peace of mind, I would just check the lights all work, check the tyre pressures and the dipstick oil level and test the brakes on a clear road.
Drop into a dealer when you get back on Monday and they will figure out whats wrong.
posted by Lanark at 1:01 PM on February 9

Looks like a check engine light. Have her tighten her gas cap till it clicks a couple of times.Most auto stores will read the error for free. You can have her bring it to an auto parts store and have them read the message.

If she recently got gas then its probably the gas cap wasn't tight. if its a gas cap message the auto store will tell you and can clear it.
posted by majortom1981 at 1:09 PM on February 9

Also a check engine light usually is an emmisions thing. could be as simple as the gas cap , or needed a tuneup or needing an o2 sensor.
posted by majortom1981 at 1:22 PM on February 9