[Flangemonger]

Hi,

I've just purchased a 2002 Cooper. Whenever the ignition is turned to position 2 (whether engine is on or off) the tyre pressure warning light is illuminated- a steady (non-flashing) amber.
The tyre pressures are fine.

I've tried holding the 'reset/calibrate' button underneath the handbrake for over 30 seconds with the ignition key in position 2, but it has no effect. (the owner's handbook says "Press the button long enough for the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster to light up for a few seconds", but my lamp is already lit before I even press the button- it's lit ALL the time! )

The owner's handbook and several of the posts on the website state:
"The indicator lamp also lights up in the event of a system malfunction.
Please contact your MINI center in these cases."
I was wondering if anybody knows that the malfunction actually IS, and how to fix it? I don't fancy getting radished by the local BMW dealer for something as inconsequential as this....

Any suggestions welcome!

[iain cooper]

have you tried the reset with the engine running ?

[Flangemonger]

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

have you tried the reset with the engine running ?

Yessir, I've tried it both ways - with and without engine running. It doesn't make any difference; the light stares back at me, unblinking.

[+++MadMatt+++]

Does the steady light go out after the car is running?

[Flangemonger]

Quote: Originally Posted by +++MadMatt+++ (original)

Does the steady light go out after the car is running?

Sorry, I thought I'd explained it better in the original post. The light is lit and steady amber all the time that the ignition switch is in position 2 , regardless of whether the engine's running or not.

Key out of ignition switch: light is off.
Key in, ignition switch in position 1: light is off.
Key in, ignition switch in position 2, engine not started yet: light is lit and steady amber.
Key in, ignition switch in position 2, engine running: light is lit and steady amber.

[specky001]

HELLO!

My stepmums car did this, mini cooper, malfunction in the abs system it was. the runflat system works alongside the abs system i think, which is why that light is illuminated!

Try giving mini matt a ring, minimatt.co.uk, he might be able to help, if not then looks like it could be a dealer jobby!

hope that helps a bit,

[+++MadMatt+++]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flangemonger (original)

Sorry, I thought I'd explained it better in the original post. The light is lit and steady amber all the time that the ignition switch is in position 2 , regardless of whether the engine's running or not.

Key out of ignition switch: light is off.
Key in, ignition switch in position 1: light is off.
Key in, ignition switch in position 2, engine not started yet: light is lit and steady amber.
Key in, ignition switch in position 2, engine running: light is lit and steady amber.

Ah ok, its just mine came on a while ago when I was driving to the dealership, bit of luck really!

It made an audible sound and was flashing. When I got to the mini dealership , I mentioned it to the lady there, and she turned the key on to ignition switch 2 position I think and held the button by the handbreak for about 15secs, then turned off the ignition, then turned igntion on again and It was gone!

I still have mine come on when Its ignition switch postion 2 before starting engine, but once started Its fine. So I assume all is ok.

Im not sure If this of any help?!

[Flangemonger]

Quote: Originally Posted by +++MadMatt+++ (original)

....she turned the key on to ignition switch 2 position I think and held the button by the handbreak for about 15secs, then turned off the ignition, then turned igntion on again and It was gone!

Thanks for the suggestion, Matt. I gave it a go (turning the ignition off after holding the button for 15 secs, and also turning it off after 15 secs with the button still depressed), but it didn't work I'm afraid. That procedure seems to be aimed at gettng rid of a FLASHING amber rather than a steady one.

If the 'system malfunction' was with the ABS sensors, I'd have expected the ABS warning light to come on too, but it doesn't. It's most mystifying.

[+++MadMatt+++]

Oh, sorry It wasnt of much help. Seems to be something a bit more serious. Have you taken it to the dealership? The one I bought mine from are very helpful with things like that!