Newbie question...

I'm unable to get into the set mode for the car's computer... I follow the directions on the "controls" section of the owner's manual and get as far as set/info but when I squeeze the button on the end of the turn signal lever I do not go into set mode. This may be a function of the car that we have (premium package with no mini connect or comfort access etc) but I find it hard to believe that you can't program your Clubman S for things like which doors will open or which sounds/confirmation signals you'll get when you lock the car?? Any help would be greatly appreciated as so far the only thing we've been able to do with our two keys is have each key with distinct Sirius FM channels. On an unrelated note, does anyone have any warning about my habit of putting the car into neutral whenever there's an opportunity to coast for long periods (e.g. going to wear things out more quickly because I obviously go back into Drive at some point)??

thanks.

 

You gas mileage coasting in neutral is actually WORSE than if the engine was braking to decelerate the car.
How so? The mass of the vehicle requires less fuel to keep the engine rotating due to the transmission gearing, versus no-load idle.
Plus, engaging and disengaging the torque converter constantly will increase wear on the clutch pack in the transmission.

- Erik

 

I don't understand but it doesn't matter... I notice when I am am coasting that the transmission shifts down and slows the car for us but we don't travel nearly as far as if I manually go into neutral and let the car roll. I do not want to wear things down (e.g. clutch pack) and have been doing this same practice on other verhicles with automatic transmissions but do not want to continue to do so if it will impact vehicle longevity. Thanks for the insight

 

On your first question are you just pressing the button or holding it until it goes into the new section.

The manual specifically says for some operations "Press and Hold until the display changes". I.E. what this means is to hold the button in until the screen changes don't just press and hold for 5 seconds.

Also make sure you read very carefully as there are some menus that have to be done in very certain ways. I.E. car off, doors closed, fob in slot, etc. if not done exactly with the right parameters you will not be able to change things.

Also of note for you is that there are a lot of things that can be changed in other cars but not in MINI's I.E. the "gong" sound and if the car beeps or not for lock and unlock. The lock/unlock sound requires an OEM alarm for some model years.

SO go back and read and very carefully do as the manual says and you should be fine.

Also i will totally agree with bluefox280 on the wear and tear of the transmission if it is an automatic.

 

Many thanks... I appreciate being able to come on this forum and openly demonstrate my ignorance and have you folks guide me. You are correct, I have sat there and held if for 5 seconds and when nothing happened, I believed I was in error. We have nothing other than premium package and no OEM alarm so I don't know if that precludes us from even programming lights flashing upon unlock/lock or how many times your turn signal flashes when you activate it... the manual does not explicitly state that certain features are inactive if you don't have comfort access* but the use of * all over the manual essentially means that "some users will not have this feature because"...

I don't really need to have a say in what happens when I hit the unlock or lock button on the remote but was jjust tinkering around with the owner's manual and key so thought I'd ask.

Really, really appreciate the correction about coasting around in neutral "just to save gas"... because apparantly I wasn't saving gas and I've been stressing the automatic transmission when I don't want to


thanks.

 

In order to program these items (and others in this area of the computer), the ignition must be on. Insert the key fob and press and release the Start/Stop button with your foot OFF of the brake pedal. The engine will not start, but the ignition will be on, and you will then be able to go into SET mode.