A series of coloured lights, your Mini dashboard warning lights will tell you if there is a problem with your car.
These follow a traffic light colour system:
- Red: suggests there is a dangerous or serious problem. When safe to do so, you should pull over and get it checked by a professional mechanic
- Yellow/Orange: the car has an issue that needs to be checked. This isn't as serious as a red light, but you should take extra care and get it checked when you can
- Green/White/Blue: the system is working correctly or is currently in use
Not sure what that yellow flashing symbol on your Mini dashboard means? Read our know how to guide to find out what each warning light means and what you should do if they light up.
Click a Mini warning light to learn more:
Mini brake system warning light
If the Mini brake system warning light remains on after you have fully release the parking brake, or comes on when you’re driving, it could indicate that either the brake fluid level is low or that the automatic braking system has a fault – in which case the ABS warning light will also be illuminated.
Worn or faulty brake pads can also cause the Mini brake warning light to come on, along with hydraulic issues that may be caused by a fluid leak or system fault.
Can I drive with my brake system warning light on my Mini?
You shouldn't drive your Mini if the brake system warning light is on. The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car, so it’s important to act immediately when you see this red warning light.
If the red brake warning light comes on when you’re driving you should pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so. If the warning light comes on when you are at home or your place of work, a RAC Mobile Mechanic will be able to help. Otherwise, you should contact an approved garage.
Don’t risk driving when your brakes aren’t functioning properly: call for recovery.
Mini check engine warning light
The check engine warning light may be accompanied by tell-tale signs that the engine is not working properly, such as a lack of power or stuttering as you press the accelerator. This light could indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor to a much larger mechanical issue.
Can I drive with my check engine light on my Mini?
If the check engine light comes on you should get your car looked at by a mechanic. By continuing to drive you could risk causing further, potentially irreparable damage to your engine.
Use our search tool to find your nearest RAC approved garage.
Mini electronic power control (EPC) warning
EPC is a computerised ignition and engine management system. This warning light usually signifies that there’s something wrong with the throttle system, and is often accompanied by other warning lights such as the check engine light or the stability control warning light.
You’ll probably notice that the engine is not functioning properly, and the car may feel sluggish to drive as the computer may automatically put the car into a ‘safe’ mode.
Can I drive with my EPC light on my Mini?
If the EPC light comes on you should get the vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in a break down or cause further damage, which means the severity of the problem could vary greatly.
Mini steering warning light
Also known as the EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) warning light, this indicates a problem with the power steering. This warning light may be accompanied with stiff steering or a grinding/whining noise when you turn the wheel.
Can I still drive with the power steering warning light on my Mini?
It not advisable to drive a car with the power steering warning light on. If the system fails you may find it difficult to control the car.
Rebooting the electric powered systems may work as a short-term fix. Do this by finding a safe place to stop and try turning the car off and back on again. If the light stays on you should take your car to get checked as soon as possible.
Mini diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light
The DPF warning light will come on if there is a problem the with diesel particulate filter. This device removes harmful soot from the exhaust gases. It could indicate that the filter has become blocked with soot or has become damaged.
Can I still drive with my DPF light on my Mini?
You should not drive your Mini with the DPF light on. In addition to releasing a plume of toxic black smoke every time you press the accelerator, driving with a blocked filter could cause more serious damage to your car. You should go to a garage to get it checked as soon as you can, as DPFs can be expensive to replace.
Learn more about Diesel Particulate Filters and how to maintain them.
Mini coolant warning light
The red coolant warning light will come on when coolant levels are running low and/or the engine is overheating. This could be due to a leak in the system or it could be a sign of a larger problem, like a head gasket failure.
Can I still drive with my coolant light on my Mini?
If the red coolant light is on, you should stop straight away. Driving without enough coolant will result in your Mini's engine overheating, causing irreparable damage.
Stop and wait until the engine has cooled off before checking the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet, topping up as required. Read our guide to checking your engine coolant.
While you’re under the bonnet, check to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you may be fine to continue your journey. If the light comes back on again after topping up you should get it checked out at a garage to fix the underlying problem.
Mini oil warning light
The yellow oil warning light comes on when the oil level is low or the oil pressure has dropped. This Mini warning light will also illuminate if the oil temperature gets too high.
Your Mini must have sufficient oil to lubricate the engine effectively. Failure to do so will lead to serious or even irreparable engine damage.
Can I still drive with my oil light on in my Mini?
You should not drive your Mini with the oil light on. Check the oil level and top up if necessary. If the oil level is fine, then the oil pump may be faulty. In this case call the RAC for recovery, as driving any further could damage the engine.
Get a service or repair at home
RAC Mobile Mechanics can come to you, saving you the hassle of going to a garage.
Mini low tyre pressure light
Many Minis are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems, which will show a warning light if the pressure falls on one or more tyres. This could happen over time or it could be because of a puncture.
Can I still drive with my low tyre pressure light on in my Mini?
Yes, but you should drive with extra care and aim to top up with air at the next opportunity. Low tyre pressure can cause unsafe driving conditions so reduce your speed, and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering manoeuvres.
Most petrol stations and garages will have an air compressor you can use to check your tyre pressure. Top up the air in the tyres according to the vehicle manufacturer specification in your owner's manual.
If you have a puncture, watch our video to learn how to change a tyre in 10 simple steps.
Mini battery charge warning light
The battery charge warning light will come on if a fault or problem has been detected. A faulty alternator, worn out battery, bad electrical connection or damaged cabling can all cause the battery warning light to come on your Mini. Electrical faults or failures are also common causes for battery charge problems.
Can I still drive with my Mini battery warning light on?
Do not drive your Mini with the battery warning light on. Your car may suddenly lose power and cause a break down. A RAC Mobile Mechanic can visit your home or work to carry out a diagnostics check or replace your battery. You can also take your Mini to an approved garage.
You may have to buy a new battery as well, so use our car battery tool to find the right one for your car.
Mini anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light
The ABS warning light will indicate a problem or fault with your Mini's braking system. ABS is an important safety feature that really comes into play when you need to make an abrupt stop, or when driving in difficult driving conditions like ice and flooding.
Can I still drive with my Mini ABS light on?
If the ABS light comes on by itself you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it's safe to continue your journey – but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible. If it comes on with the brake warning light, it could indicate that the brake system is failing and you should stop straight away and call the RAC for recovery.
Don't see the light you need? Check out our manufacturer-specific car warning lights pages:
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Mini ESP/ASR (Electronic Stabilization Program/Anti-Slip Regulation) warning light
This warning light indicates a problem with traction control. If it’s flashing it means the ESP system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. If the light stays on it means the ESP system is deactivated.
Can I still drive with my Mini ABS light on?
Since this system only kicks in when you're losing traction on loose ground or ice, you should be okay to drive with due care if you're on normal road surfaces.
You may have inadvertently turned off the ESP system. To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. If the light remains on after restarting get it checked at a garage as the ESP system is an important safety feature.
Mini AdBlue® no restart warning light
If the Mini Adblue® warning light comes on then you may be low on fluid or there may be a fault with the system. This is a type of diesel exhaust fluid. If this light turns yellow it means the diesel exhaust fluid level is low, which will eventually prevent your engine from starting.
Can I still drive with my Mini AdBlue® light on?
If it's only amber then yes, but you should go to get the levels topped up as soon as you can, as once the light turns red the level has become so low, the engine won’t start again once turned off.
Mini automatic transmission / gearbox warning light
The Mini gearbox warning light may indicate a fault with the transmission – often that the transmission fluid temperature is higher than normal – or it could serve as a reminder that your transmission fluid levels are getting low and need to be topped up.
Can I still drive with my Mini transmission light on?
Continuing to drive could cause more extensive damage and automatic transmissions can be expensive to replace. If you have the skills and confidence, you could check and top up the transmission fluid yourself but it’s wise to get any problems checked by a professional.
Mini brake light bulb warning light
The Mini brake light bulb warning symbol will come on if one or more of your brake lights has failed. You should check your lights when it's safe to do so and identify which bulb(s) need replacing.
Can I still drive with my Mini brake warning light on?
You’ll need to get this replaced as soon as you can, not least because they’re an important safety feature but also because if you continue driving with a brake light out you may get pulled over the police. If this happens they could either give you a verbal warning, a notice to get the light fixed within 14 days, or even a fine and points on your licence.
Read our guide to checking your lights.
Mini brake pad wear warning light
If this light comes it means that a sensor has detected that your brake pads are too thin. This warning light should come on before the brake pads become dangerously thin, so you have time to get them changed.
Can I still drive with my Mini brake pad wear light on?
No, if your brake pads wear out completely it could be extremely dangerous. You should get them replaced as soon as you can - get your motor booked in with your nearest garage.
For more information read our guide to brake pads.
Mini diesel engine pre-flow warning light
This light will normally turn on when your engine is warming up, however if it’s flashing this indicates that it’s not working properly and the glow plugs may need replacing.
Can I still drive with my Mini pre-flow light on?
No, you could damage the engine so get it checked by a professional as soon as possible. A fault with the glow plugs may put the engine into safe mode to prevent any damage to the engine so you may experience a noticeable drop in performance until the problem is fixed.
Mini Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission too hot warning light
The DSG® is an electronically controlled manual gearbox that lets you switch between semi-manual and automatic modes. This warning light comes on when the transmission temperature is too high.
Can I still drive with my Mini DSG® too hot light on?
Stop straight away if you see this light and give the transmission time to cool down. Otherwise you risk doing serious damage to your car. Shut off the engine and wait for at least 10 minutes before trying to restart the car. It’s a good idea to get it tested at a garage if it comes on frequently.
Hopefully you won't be seeing these warning lights anytime soon, but do make sure you have breakdown cover, van breakdown cover or business breakdown cover in case it does happen. Additionally, ensure you are covered if you see warning lights on your trip away with our European Breakdown cover.
Mini dashboard warning lights – FAQs
- How to reset Mini warning lights
A driver will need to turn the ignition key to engage the electronics but not start the engine. You will then press and hold the reset button (the trip odometer button) until you see the menu come up. This should take no longer than 8 seconds.
Once the menu is displayed on the dashboard, hold the reset button again. Turn the electronics off and restart the vehicle.
- What do the warning lights on a Mini Cooper mean? Are they different to other Mini cars?
It is the same set of warning lights for a Mini Cooper, Mini Countryman, Mini Clubman, or Mini Convertible.
- Green: the system is working correctly or is currently in use
- Yellow: something is not working correctly - take extra care and check it out as soon as possible
- Red: there is a serious, and potentially dangerous problem - stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so
- Triangle Mini warning light symbols
If you see a triangle with an exclamation mark, it means you have turned off the ASC - Automatic Stability Control. Switch it back on and see if the light goes away.
It could also signify an issue with your brakes - seek assistance immediately.
- Mini car warning lights - exclamation mark
This car warning light could signify three potential issues.
- Automatic transmission or gearbox warning
- Low tyre pressure
- Serious issue with the braking system
*Full description above
- Mini brake warning light
If this red exclamation point remains on after you fully release the parking brake, or comes on when you’re driving, it could indicate that either the brake fluid level is low or that the Automatic Braking system isn’t working properly – in which case the ABS warning light will also be illuminated.
*Full description above
- Are Mini and BMW warning lights the same?
Although there are some similarities, BMW and Mini dashboard warning lights are exactly the same. However, some EVs and hybrids may have some differences. This may change in the future.
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