I got my MC used with 29,000 miles on it, and I noticed that a lot of stuff is malfunctioning. Today I tried using my wiper fluid but nothing came out, I didn't know it was low because the light never came on. Also I realized that I have yet seen a light for "Door Ajar", the only way I know is when the cabin light is on. I've had this red airbag light on on the top of my speedo ever since I've had it. I'm asssuming its just an idiot light, I saw some product that checks to see if they're idiot lights or not on minimania, I was thinking of trying that out or just taking it to the dealership. Anyone else have this problem?

 

are controlled by something called the Body Control Module... The Airbag light is not. The airbag light latches, so if it was tripped by someone taking a seat out and turning the car on the only way it can be cleared is with some of the diagnostic tools.

Matt

 

There's a light to tell you washer fluid is low? That's pretty silly.

 

It is on the end of the wand that you pull to activate the washer, at least ours is and it flashes when it is low

 

You're under warranty, so I'd motor to the nearest dealer and have them figure it out.

 

My 02 doesn't have a "door ajar" light. Just boot and bonnet.

MB

 

No it doesnt have a warranty, it had the 4 year 40,000 mile warranty and thats expired, the only thing that grinds my gears is that airbag light, and Professor i love those wheels, where did you pick those up from?

 

If it's not an '05, you don't have a low washer fluid light. You also don't have a 'door ajar' light, but as you have noted, if the dome light is on (or you can see the ground without looking through the window ) your door is ajar.
You're saying the airbag light was on when you bought the car? I'd have the dealer check it.

 

That was the "maintenance" warranty for stuff like oil changes, wiper blades and brakes. These things should be covered under the 50,000 regular warranty that all Minis come with. What year is yours?

Rich

 

What year is this car?

Also - the airbag light you see is a warning light - that should be checked by the dealer - the airbag warranty was extended on most MINIs to 150K miles. I recently got my airbag fault fixed, and the car is over 4 yrs old and almost at 90K miles.

Doesn't hurt to ask...

 

Yeap, 5 years or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Head to toe warranty

 

Well come to my worl ... i have a 02 MCS with 32k miles (pre-owned) and out ofwarranty, with lots of problems; windows, doors, starter, mount strut, rear fluid pump or nozzle?.. etc.
good luck
MaC

 

I've heard that if your out of fluid in your washer and you attempt to use it... The motor freezes. The only way to fix it is to replace the motor. Anyone heard of this?

As for the washer light... that is on the 2005 and above...

 

"nothing really works in my mini"

Wow, I just read this thread thinking that someone actually problems. Sheesh. Go to the dealer and have the airbag light reset (repaired or whatever). Then read your manual!

 

Are we talking about US spec MINIs? I ask because I've seen several incorrect warranty statements.

For the US the warranties are:

Main warranty (bumper to bumper) 4 years or 50,000 miles
maintenance warranty - 3 years or 36,000 miles

also
free roadside assistance for 4 years or 50,000 miles
12 year rust through warranty.


the low washer fluid light made it's debut halfway through the 05 model year.

 

Even if it's out of warranty, the dealership can fix this on the cheap. It sounds like the Body Control Module needs to be tripped (like Doc said).

How long have you had the car, and what year is it?

 

I cannot, in 95 million years, imagine this to be true. I mean... why would the motor freeze if there weren't any fluid? That's like the KitchenAid dying if you forget to fill the bowl with the potatoes you wish to mash

(and, FYI, I've tried to suck out the very last drops from the bowels of my washer fluid resevoir by pulling away at the stalk and absolutely nothing bad has happened.)

 

This COULD happen with prolonged use of the motor with no fluid. Like modern fuel pumps, the washer motor may depend on the fluid for cooling. If you attempt to use it (a lot) without any fluid it could heat up and burn up the windings due to thermal expansion and sieze. But it's not like it would happen on the first pull of the stalk.