R50/53 2005 Mini Cooper Overheating Issues
#1
2005 Mini Cooper Overheating Issues
This is my last hope. I have an 2005 Cooper that has been to 2 separate garages and no one can seem to figure this out.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
#2
The most common cause of an overheat is a low-coolant issue caused by a leaking thermostat gasket. Sounds like you have addressed this; or have you?
Who replaced the thermostat/ gasket? Are you 100% sure it was done properly? Do not assume that the local repair shop did what you asked them to do. This can lead to a whole lot of grief.
Who replaced the thermostat/ gasket? Are you 100% sure it was done properly? Do not assume that the local repair shop did what you asked them to do. This can lead to a whole lot of grief.
#3
Mine's going in tomorrow to get checked out. I have an '03 and took it in cause she'd heat up when going through a drive through or car wash. I was hoping it was just the thermostat but they're saying one of my belts is fraying and that my pump might be dying. Not looking forward to the bill! I'll letcha know if they solve my problem as soon as I can.
#4
#5
I checked the coolant reservoir with the help of my friends phone instructions, and it looked a little low to me, and when I brought it in the first time the mechanic said the same thing an that he topped it up. I think tomorrow before I go I'll let her idle for a few minutes and see if that has solved the problem. He said that the belt might not be strong enough any more and that the water pump can't circulate the coolant properly. Or something along those lines...
#7
Trending Topics
#8
Would this also explain why my heater only blows hot air while driving and cold air while in neutral?
#10
The most common cause of an overheat is a low-coolant issue caused by a leaking thermostat gasket. Sounds like you have addressed this; or have you?
Who replaced the thermostat/ gasket? Are you 100% sure it was done properly? Do not assume that the local repair shop did what you asked them to do. This can lead to a whole lot of grief.
Who replaced the thermostat/ gasket? Are you 100% sure it was done properly? Do not assume that the local repair shop did what you asked them to do. This can lead to a whole lot of grief.
#11
This is my last hope. I have an 2005 Cooper that has been to 2 separate garages and no one can seem to figure this out.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
Last edited by loulo; 02-16-2011 at 07:38 AM. Reason: radiator hose
#13
Mini thermostat housings are plastic crap that MINI has never updated to a better quality unit despite chronic failures. When they leak, you may not see steam or liquid but the reservoir will drop.
I stopped going to MINI because I like to deal with people who will show me the problem and where it is so I can see and understand it. Someone should be able to show you the residue around the thermostat housing if that is ndeed where the problem is, so you can know what definitely needs replacing.
I stopped going to MINI because I like to deal with people who will show me the problem and where it is so I can see and understand it. Someone should be able to show you the residue around the thermostat housing if that is ndeed where the problem is, so you can know what definitely needs replacing.
#14
#16
#18
I checked the coolant reservoir with the help of my friends phone instructions, and it looked a little low to me, and when I brought it in the first time the mechanic said the same thing an that he topped it up. I think tomorrow before I go I'll let her idle for a few minutes and see if that has solved the problem. He said that the belt might not be strong enough any more and that the water pump can't circulate the coolant properly. Or something along those lines...
#19
I just got it back and he said they couldn't find any leaks but he did replace the serpentine belt because it was fraying. But otherwise, he topped up the coolant all is good. For now at least...
Last edited by Ewie86; 02-16-2011 at 12:35 PM. Reason: poor spelling
#20
#21
The serpentine belt has nothing to do with powering the water pump. The water pump is driven from the back of the supercharger. This is a weak part of the MINI as the seals around these gears can leak and cause the gear lube to drain out and cause the gears to eat themselves up. This causes the water pump to stop working.
#22
Laurie
#23
$500!!!
If you are spending more than $40 for a thermo/gasket, and more than $20 on heater hose and clamps, then you are not utilizing this forum. Not trying to harp, just can't stand seeing people get taken for a ride. I used to be the same way, until I started flying in helicopters in the service, and also working as a mech on them. It was just knowing where the pubs were, where to look in them, and follow the directions. With google today you can look up any how to you want.
#25
This is my last hope. I have an 2005 Cooper that has been to 2 separate garages and no one can seem to figure this out.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
It started with a simple overheat. There was a small gasket leak around the thermostat, and it was replaced. This is where the trouble really began. About 10 miles down the road it began to overheat again. I was not able to safely return to original repair garage and went to a closer one to home.
They flushed the coolant system twice with the claim of an air pocket in the line. One thing that was strange was the coolant would blow out the expansion tank?
Then it was the radiator cap, it was replaced and everything seemed ok. Drove for a couple hours then out of no where my heat was gone again and my temp went up again. This time though, no blow out through expansion and the temp reading in and out the radiator were normal and the cap was warm to touch so sensor was tested and ohm readings said it was faulty.
So the garage has replaced the sensor and test drove again. Seemed fine until he turned on the A/C, then overheat again.
The only thing not replaced so far was the water pump, they claim that the flow is good and that the pump is not suspect.
WTF could be going on. I've spent over 600 now on what seems like a witch hunt at this point.
I would appreciate any and all advice or ideas on what is wrong, the closest mini dealer would cost another 200 in tow charges so i'm trying to eliminate that if at all possible. But at this point it may be my only hope.
Finally all done ran for about a week then here comes again overheating issue this time the reservoir is steaming when the A/C is on, run ok without the A/C, temperature goes up to 230F and the low speed radiator fan not turning, but i hear the power steering fan comes-on, turn the A/C on then fan comes on then stop and never comes on again, im thinking the low speed fan relay or the coolant sensor. I bled the cooling system, ran the heater etc, etc.... hoping to get some directions.
BTW: I don't see any coolant leak, after it cools-off the reservoir (tank) still more than half way!!