Understanding your Mini Cooper’s dashboard symbols keeps you safe and prevents costly damage. Acting quickly on critical alerts preserves vital systems, while informational icons help you use features efficiently.
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Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)
Engine Oil Pressure
Oil pressure is too low or oil overheated. Pull over, switch off, check level, top up if needed, and arrange repair before driving again.
Engine Overheating
Coolant temperature is beyond safe range. Stop, let engine cool, check coolant, and seek service if the light returns.
Brake System Alert
Hydraulic brake fault detected. Park at once and call for professional inspection before further travel.
Brake Fluid Low
Fluid reservoir below minimum. Stop safely, top up correct fluid, and have system checked for leaks.
Airbag Fault
Airbag or pretensioner fault may stop deployment. Restart engine; if light stays on, head to a service center.
Power Steering Fault
Assist lost; steering feels heavy. Stop, restart engine; if lamp remains, drive slowly to a workshop.
Battery Charge Fault
Alternator isn’t charging battery. Turn off non-essential electrics and reach a garage promptly.
Transmission Fault
Gearbox error limits available gears. Pull over, restart; if unchanged, have car towed for diagnosis.
Coolant Level Low
Reservoir below mark. Allow engine to cool, add proper coolant mix, and inspect for leaks.
Seatbelt Reminder
Driver or passenger not buckled. Stop and fasten all belts before moving.
Door Ajar
A door isn’t fully latched. Park, close each door firmly until the light disappears.
Hood Ajar
Bonnet open or not locked. Pull over and secure it properly.
Trunk Ajar
Tailgate not closed. Stop, lower and latch trunk securely.
Brake Pad Wear (Critical)
Pads below safe thickness. Stop soon and replace to maintain braking power.
Steering Lock Warning
Electronic steering lock fault. Avoid switching off engine until inspected.
Yellow/Amber Warning Lights (Action Required Soon)
ABS Fault
Anti-lock function disabled; normal brakes work but wheels can lock. Drive cautiously and schedule repair.
Stability Control Off
Electronic stability inactive. Grip reduced on slippery roads; reactivate or service system.
Traction Control Off
Wheel-spin limiter disabled. Re-enable for better traction, especially in rain or snow.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
One or more tyres under-inflated. Check pressures promptly and inflate to spec.
Check Engine
Engine or emissions issue detected. Performance may drop—scan codes and fix soon.
Diesel Particulate Filter Full
Filter clogged with soot. Drive at steady speed to regenerate or visit service.
Glow Plug Indicator
Diesel pre-heat active. Wait for light to go out before starting.
Service Reminder
Routine maintenance due. Book service to keep warranty and reliability.
Stop/Start Disabled
Auto stop-start paused by system conditions. No action; feature will return automatically.
Transmission Temperature High
Gearbox fluid hot. Reduce speed, stop if needed, and allow cooling.
Adaptive Cruise Fault
Adaptive cruise unavailable. Resume manual control and arrange inspection.
Headlight Range Fault
Automatic leveling failed. Adjust manually and schedule repair.
Lane Departure Assist Off
Lane keeping aid inactive. Steer attentively until system is restored.
Green Indicators (Information Only)
Left Turn Signal
Left indicator flashing to show intended turn.
Right Turn Signal
Right indicator flashing to show intended turn.
High Beam Activated
Main beam on for maximum night visibility.
Headlights On
Low-beam headlights illuminated.
Front Fog Lights On
Front fog lamps active for mist or heavy rain.
Rear Fog Light On
Rear fog lamp lit to alert following drivers in poor visibility.
Daytime Running Lights
DRLs on for enhanced daytime visibility.
Eco Mode Engaged
Engine and transmission set for fuel efficiency; performance reduced.
Auto Start-Stop Active
Engine will shut off at idle to save fuel, restarting as needed.
Passenger Airbag Off
Front passenger airbag deactivated, often for child seat use.
Park Assist Active
Parking sensors monitoring distance to obstacles.
Hill Descent Control Active
System controls speed on steep downhill slopes.
Seat Heater On
Seat warming element engaged; adjust comfort level as desired.
Adaptive Suspension Mode
Chassis set to selected comfort or sport firmness.
When looking at Mini, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Mini Electric, MINI COUNTRYMAN, MINI CLUBMAN, and Mini Hatch. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
