I have a 2002 mini cooper base with 63,000 miles on it. I just got it 3 weeks ago. I have had this issue twice now. I start the car and a little ways down the road notice that my traction control light is stuck on and switching the toggle wont turn it off and then also at the same time the run flat light is on. Now I no longer have run flats on the car they where replaced with regular tires right before I bought the car. The first time I cut the car off at a stop light and then turned it back on and everything went back to normal and traction control switch worked fine. This time, about 15 minutes ago, I started up and went out for a fun drive and both lights where on again. I tried switching the toggle and it didnt work also tried turning the car off again which didn't work the first time. Tried again still no luck. Third time didnt seem to work again and then as I was turning back towards the house magically they both went off and the toggle worked again. Anyone else have this problem or have any ideas. I have not had a check engine light with any of this so would see no reason to check the computer to see if it is throwing a code.

 

It's my understanding the it's a more of a 'low pressure light', not a 'run flat light', so non run flats tires won't make a difference. It senses a difference in the wheel spin of one of the wheels. Just make sure the tire pressure is equal in all tires. Sorry i can't help you on the traction control light.

 

Check to see if the battery is original and take it to a local auto parts store and get it checked for health. These cars are sensitive to low battery levels and can have various lights come on when the battery starts to get low. Your car is about the age where it might have gone through two batteries at this point. Not likely to have the original in there though stranger things have happened. But a 2002 with 63K indicates low usage. If so then the battery may not have been receiving a strong charge through normal use. Combine that with a new purchased vehicle that may have been sitting for awhile before you bought it, or at least not driven regularly and that is the first place I would check. Simple and free, just costing you your time.

 

Wow all logical things I should have thought to check. Thanks for the great responses I will check both ASAP. Now that I think about it, it does seem to happen mainly when I have been cleaning the inside of the car for a while with the door open wich would have run down the battery level as well. But a new strong battery wouldn't be a horrible thing to invest in regardless.