For the third time in the last couple of weeks, since it got cool, GBMINI#6’s flat tire warning light is on …
Apparently my right rear tire has a slow leak – each time, it’s down to 20psi or lower, while the other tires are holding pressure at 32+ … so it’s off to MINI Peabody tomorrow to get it sorted.
Meanwhile, it’s infuriating trying to clear the light after putting air back in the tire …
Start engine, press button, drive off – no, that doesn’t work.
Press button while driving – no …
Drive, stop, press button, drive more – no …
Press and hold button, no …
WTF!?
Finally, desparately, consult the owners manual:
“… start the engine but do not start driving [yup, did that] … press the button long enough for the indicator lamp to light up for a few seconds [but it’s on already!] … drive off …”
So, how long is “long enough” when you can’t see the light come on because it’s on already [clever design – not!] … answer, who knows!
With this information, I started the engine and pressed the button for a VERY LONG TIME – maybe 10s – then drove off; and the light turned off after a few seconds! Finally.
UPDATE:
So GBMINI#6 spent a few hours at MINI of Peabody today, and I spent $260 – it was a nail in the tire, as expected:
M&I / GBMINI 
The “inidicator” status has the light flashing. You hold down the button long enough that the light stays on solid.
For me, holding the button for 10-15 seconds (at any time, even after it just came on and I continue driving), and it will usually turn off after a minute or two.
I’ve never seen it flash.
Since it depends on counting individual wheel rotations, it must need a while before it gets what it considers a full measurement. I assume the button press signals your acknowledgement, and if the next full measurement checks out OK, the light gets turned off. A similar amount of time is needed for it to turn on when something is wrong, usually a few minutes into driving after you start.
I’ve not seen that light flash either … you’re not getting mixed up with that modern R56, are you Jason? š
$260 to fit a nail!!!!!
Fix?
Yes, expensive. Run flats aren’t bargains!
I had the same problem last week in my GP. A rather small nail right between the large treads, in a grove. I said, well, these tires are near the end of their operational lifetime anyway, so I went to a local garage and had it plugged. Hard to insert that plug through all the steel, but for $12.74 it was worth it, and holding just fine.
In the spring I’ll probably put on some stickier non-runflat sneakers.
did you have to replace the tire? $260 is one expensive plug/patch.
Yes, a brand new tire. MoP don’t do plugs.