All,

I'm confused about two pieces of information regarding safety. The brochure (miniature book) states that in the event of a crash, the internal lights and flashers are activated. Really cool. Also, in the event of a crash, the battery is automatically disconnected. Huh?!

How can both of these features be accurate?

Thanks,
Bill

 

HI,
I looked in my 2002 Owner's Manual and online and this is what I found:

After an impact, the doors will be unlocked and the interior lights and the emergency flashers will turn on. If the airbags are deployed, the fuel pump is cut off.

Maybe it's not the battery that gets disconnected - only the fuel.
Anyone else?

_________________
Indi Blue Cooper w/ Black top & mirrors, sport seats and Prem. Pkg. Christened "Ringo".

 

Correct on fuel.....not battery....Lights cannot function without power. As you thought.

 

Battery - yes
Fuel - no

correlation:

hazard lights - yes
explosion - no

 

>>Correct on fuel.....not battery....Lights cannot function without power. As you thought.

I double checked to measure my level of stupidity, while still somewhat high, it did list as a safety feature "Battery Safety Terminal" disconnects in the event of a collision. It was listed under the "Fuel Cutoff" feature in the event of airbag deployment.

Misprint maybe?

Bill

 

Hmmm.

And MINI USA wonders why there are so many questions coming their way. Okay, who's gonna volunteer to test this?

 

It has been tested...not by me though...but the unfortunate ones who have been in shunts have said that these features DO work effectively. Motor on...safely.

 

Bill--You're not crazy, I saw this too. I was hoping it was a misprint!

 

I have to say, I was to busy running down the road trying to catch the woman who caused the accident to realize whether or not the flashers turned on. Though, when I hopped over my passenger, the door was unlocked.
-Chris

 

This is getting somewhat confusing. I'm just not
going to have any accidents.

 

OK, the following is what I learned from my Motoring Advisor, Gibson Olpp @ Cincinnati MINI (less than a 1hr turnaround time too!) She says...

'OK, what I read said, "automatic fuel pump shut-off triggered by crash
sensor." Also, " Crash sensor that automatically unlocks doors, lowers
windows and turns on hazard lights and interior lighting." What I found
about the battery disconnecting was related to the "S" only and it says, "in
case of a severe accident impact, the Battery Safety Terminal fires a tiny
pyrotechnic chargeto break the connection between the batter and started
able. This is triggered whenever an airbag deploys. Once the connection is
severed, the engine can't be cranked, but seperate wiring is provides power
for all operating and safety systems, such as power windows, central locking
system and 4-way flashers."

Hope this helps clarify. I looked in the owner's manual and it wasn't
really very clear - this is from "MINI Nitty-Gritty 2002."'

Thanks to Gibson...I believe I understand!

Bill

 

>>'OK, what I read said, "automatic fuel pump shut-off triggered by crash
>>sensor." Also, " Crash sensor that automatically unlocks doors, lowers
>>windows and turns on hazard lights and interior lighting." What I found
>>about the battery disconnecting was related to the "S" only and it says, "in
>>case of a severe accident impact, the Battery Safety Terminal fires a tiny
>>pyrotechnic chargeto break the connection between the batter and started
>>able. This is triggered whenever an airbag deploys. Once the connection is
>>severed, the engine can't be cranked, but seperate wiring is provides power
>>for all operating and safety systems, such as power windows, central locking
>>system and 4-way flashers."

"Fires a tiny pyrotechnic charge". Oh goody, if I crash my MCS, it starts its own firework display.

Is this the Motoring equivalent to shooting off rocket flares when you have an emergency at sea?

I also hope that this pyrotechnic charge isn't located near the gas tank. Wait, I think I just discovered the "big MINI bang theory".

 

>>All,
>>
>>I'm confused about two pieces of information regarding safety. The brochure (miniature book) states that in the event of a crash, the internal lights and flashers are activated. Really cool. Also, in the event of a crash, the battery is automatically disconnected. Huh?!
>>
>>How can both of these features be accurate?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Bill