I've posted this question before but only gotten 2 responses so I'd like to see if I can get more. I picked up my 2012 MINI Countryman (base) in the middle of May and have two warning lights on the entire time I'm driving alone. I need to see if this is a new feature that the 2012's Countryman has added because that's what I'm being told by my MA (motoring advisor).

When driving with a front-seat passenger, I have no warning lights on. When I'm driving alone, the "Pass Airbag is Off" light and the "seatbelt" icon, up above, by the map lights, stays on steady the whole time I'm driving by myself. Then, when a passenger gets in, the light goes off (and stays off) until that person leaves the car. I do not sit anything on the passenger seat while driving alone because I'm aware of the sensors in the seat.

Some MINI owners say this happens in their car, too, and some say to go to the service department immediately - that there's a problem. Calls to MINI assure me that these lights are normal if I'm driving alone and are there to remind me that the airbag on that side is not working. Other Countryman owners say that the lights come on during the start up sequence, but then go off within a few seconds. I've very confused! If anyone who owns a 2012 Countryman can share their experience, it would be most helpful. Thanks!!!

 

i have the same light on when no passenger. i was told it was normal by the service dept. but would like to hear from more knowledgable members as well.

 

Mine stays on when I'm alone in car.

 

The passenger side airbags are *supposed* to be armed, by having adult body weight, in the front pax seat.

With that in mind, the light should be *On*, when no one is occupying the seat...that is normal.

Think of it more as a condition light, than a warning light.

If the light were to be on when someone *is* in the seat...that's when you'd want to have it checked out.

 

Do your warning lights stay ON during the whole time you are driving alone?

That's the part that other MINI owners tell me I have a problem with. (My lights go off when I have a passenger in the car.)

Thank you, Connor - that's exactly what the dealership told me, too. Is this a new feature for MINI's? Owners of 2011 and later say they do not have this happen.

 

I have a 2012 and what you are describing is normal... If you are saying that the pass seatbelt chime is repeatedly going off then you have a problem... I know some other owners have an issue with that if their iPod is plugged in and resting on the pass seat... Odd right?

Kyle

 

I had the same concerns when I notice that the passenger air bag was lit while driving alone when I first got my CM.

I was about ready to call my Motoring Advisor then I decided to check the manual. Then lo and behold...it is normal for the "Passenger Air bag is off" light to be "on" when you do not have a passenger sitting on the front passenger seat. I'll be more concern if the light for the " Passenger Air bag is off" remains lit when you have a passenger w/ you.

 

While I don't have a Countryman, or even a Mini for that matter, what you're describing sounds normal. It's the same setup as in the BMWs and is actually designed to save money in the even of a collision. The reason is that If you were to get into a collision without any other passengers in the car then it's not necessary to have that airbag go off. This saves everybody money. When somebody is sitting in the seat the airbag is activated so that in the event of a collision it will deploy and protect the passenger. I've seen it on countless cars and suvs dating back almost 10 years now.

 

Thanks! I read the manual, too, but I was still kind of unsure of the interpretation. My husband read it the same way you did, so I guess it's a female thing or just me, in general (haha!)

Thank you all for your responses! I don't have any "chiming" sounds so I'll just get used to the warning light being on when I drive and tell myself it's a good thing. I agree that this feature will save money in the long run in case of collision - not having to replace ALL airbags if discharged.

I need to quit listening to other MINI owners who have older/different models - too many of them tell me I have a problem and I need to sip the service dept.'s coffee.