Hi, folks,
My '08 Clubman recently showed the "check engine" light. (Not the "stop driving immediately one", but the "get this checked ASAP" one.)
My local mechanic checked it out, and got these codes:
P0977 Shift solenoid B Control Circuit High
4E89 Solenoid Valve S2
He reset the computer to see if it was a one-time glitch, and checked the electrical connections. 3 days later, the "check engine" light has returned. He says, "Can't help you; you better take it to a Mini dealer".
The car seems to be running fine, except for this pesky "check engine" light...
I'm not a big fan of factory dealerships, so I'm looking for some advice from experienced Mini folks:
A) Is my prejudice against factory dealerships unfounded?
B) Does anyone know of someone reliable in the Doylestown or Sellersville area of southeast PA (halfway between Philly and Allentown) who they could recommend? Or of a resource for finding reliable Mini mechanics?
Any other advice regarding this situation is also welcomed!
Thanks in advance for any responses!
Best,
Rolly

 

Helix is in Philly. Great folks, they've worked on both of our MINI's at the dragon. Two thumps up from me.

http://store.helix13.com/

 

if you're going to keep the car get a C110 code scanner...not the best, but only $50.

 

+1 on Helix... headed there next week!

 

Agreed Helix if you are close to PHL, if you are closer to Harrisburg Swedish Motors in Marietta.

Motor on!

 

I have had first hand experience with Swedish motors and can vouch for their
expertise with MINIs, making them somewhat unique in South Central PA.

 

Thanks to all who replied...I've made an appt with Helix (they're closer and easier than Swedish Motors) for Aug 26, their earliest convenience. In the meantime, the "check engine" light seems to arbitrarily come and go for its own mysterious reasons. I'm choosing to ignore it unless there are Further Developments..
Best,
Rolly

 

Hi Rolly! I just had the same 4E89 fault code on my 2009 Cooper. I was wondering how things turned out with your car? Thanks for your help!

 

In my case, it turned out to be a failure of the solenoid board that operates the automatic transmission. I ended up going to a non-factory dealership and they got a rebuilt solenoid board...I think it was about $1300 for the part. A new one was substantially more...mighta been $1800. Unfortunately, I was not happy with how the car shifted after the rebuilt one was installed, and eventually traded the car in on a newer Clubman. Hope this helps.