Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the warning lights on your Mini, covering all models including:
- Mini Cooper
- Mini Countryman
- Mini Convertible
- Mini Clubman
So no matter the issue, we’ll be able to help with our guide to Mini Warning Lights, with advice on what’s causing the issues and how to fix them!
Brake System Warning Light
One of the more worrying Mini warning lights, brakes are the most crucial safety feature on all cars, so immediate action is recommended to keep you and your Mini out of trouble.
If the brake light is red and stays on while driving or after you’ve released the handbrake, check that your brake fluid levels are within range.
If the ABS light is on as well, this points towards a serious braking system malfunction and the car needs to be stopped at the side of the road, and needs to be checked by a technician immediately.
Check Engine Warning Light
This light will illuminate at ignition and should turn off shortly thereafter. If the light persists, this indicates that there is an engine issue which should be looked at immediately. If the light is accompanied by a marked change in engine sound, smell or performance, stop the car immediately and seek assistance.
Electronic Power Control Warning Light
EPC is much like the engine management system in other cars, and takes care of ignition, throttle and timing among other things.
The EPC light signifies a fault in this system and can be followed by additional warning lights such as the check engine light.
If the car begins to sound or perform differently or lose power, stop the car immediately and seek assistance.
Steering Warning Light
This light indicates that there has been a fault with the car’s power steering system.
You may feel that the steering immediately becomes unresponsive and heavy, and you should pull over immediately if this is the case.
This would indicate a hydraulic or mechanical issue in the system, and your power steering fluid should be topped up as soon as you are able to. Bear in mind however that this fluid should not be draining so a leak in your power steering system is likely, and should be checked by a professional.
Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light
The Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF removes harmful soot and contaminants from your Mini’s exhaust gases in order to reduce emissions.
The light will illuminate when the DPF becomes blocked or restricted in any way, and should be looked at by a technician immediately, expecially if thick black smoke starts to be produced by your exhaust.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light, colored red, will tell you that the engine is overheating and needs to be stopped immediately.
This is generally caused by coolant levels not being adequate, a leak, or another issue within the engine that needs to be checked immediately.
Pull over, turn off and open the bonnet to let the engine cool while you seek assistance.
Engine Oil Warning Light
Engine oil is a crucial component in the longevity and performance of your engine, and huge damage can be done very quickly if engine oil levels drop too low.
This light will warn you that engine oil pressure has dropped, or the oil temperature has been detected as running too high.
Pull over onto a flat surface and check your oil levels as soon as possible. It is also recommended to check under the car to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates that there has been an issue detected by the tyre pressure monitoring system in your car, generally because one or more of your tyres is either flat or has a puncture.
Pull into a petrol station as soon as possible to check your tyres and pump them up to an appropriate pressure.
Battery System Warning Light
This light indicates that there is an issue in the electrical system in your Mini, and the battery is not being charged. Common issues are alternator faults and normal battery wear.
The car can still be driven but once the battery is fully drained your car will become unusable, so ensure you get the issue checked as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light
The ABS light will occasionally flash while the system is in use, during hard braking when the wheels are attempting to lock-up.
If the light is persistent and no other warning lights are illuminated, the car can still be safely driven, but be sure to leave plenty of space in order to avoid any emergency stops. This usually points toward an ABS sensor issue and should be checked by a technician as soon as possible.
Stability Control Warning Light
This light will flicker while the stability and traction control systems are in use, during adverse weather or particularly slippery conditions, but will remain illuminated if there is an issue in the system during normal driving.
If the light persists, this indicates an issue with the traction control system and should be looked into immediately, although the car can still be driven.
If the light is joined by an ‘OFF’ light, it simply means the system has been disabled.
Mini AdBlue Warning Light
AdBlue is an exhaust fluid that is used to reduce the emissions producted by your car.
If this light appears on your dash in yellow, it means your AdBlue levels are running low and need to be replenished as soon as possible.
If this light appears in red, the car will not restart until your AdBlue levels are replenished.
Automatic Transmission/Gearbox Warning Light
Generally not an issue for Minis but one to keep in mind nonetheless, the powertrain warning light indicates an issue with the transmission system in the car. However, this light is generally only seen in automatic vehicles and indicates an issue with transmission fluid temperature, pressure or levels and should be checked as soon as possible.
Brake Light Bulb Warning Light
This light will appear if your Mini has one or more brake lights that are not working. This can be fixed quickly and cheaply and should be done as soon as possible to avoid any fines.
Brake Pad Wear Warning Light
If this light illuminates and persists, this means your Mini’s brake sensors have detected that your brake pads have worn too thin and need to be replaced. This is a cheap, easy job and can be done at home, or at any garage in a matter of hours.
Diesel Engine Pre-Flow Warning Light
This light will illuminate when you turn your diesel Mini on and should turn off soon after.
If the light persists, it indicates there is an issue in your engine’s ignition system, and the glow plugs may need replacing.
Mini Direct Shift Gearbox Warning Light
This light will illuminate when the Direct Shift Gearbox transmission temperature is too high.
Pull your Mini over as soon as possible and allow the car to cool down fully before continuing. If the issue persists, have the car inspected by an approved technician.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light indicates that there has been a fault in the airbag safety system or the additional safety systems that work alongside the airbags.
This light means that you may not be protected in the event of a crash and the airbags may not deploy, so ensure you get this issue checked by a technician as soon as possible.
With all of the above Mini warning lights, get your car to a specialist as soon as you can to help you determine what’s gone wrong and get it fixed as soon as possible!
Additionally, for extra piece of mind why not invest in a fault code reader for more detailed information about exactly what’s gone wrong with your Mini. We recommend this Fault Code Reader from StreetWize, available on Amazon for only £19.99 with free next-day delivery if you have a Prime Subsciption.