Hi guys!
I have already received a plethora of valuable info here, so I decided to pique your brains again!

We just had our oil changed on our '02 mini, just over 86k on the clock. After the oil change, the oil lamp is coming on, but only at idle. When we give the engine some revs (even very little) the light goes out. As soon as it's back to idle, back on. I took it back to the garage (Pep Boys did the oil change). They checked for leaks, they checked for levels, they checked for proper oil, and said it was all normal and that they recommend taking it to a Mini garage.

From what I read, it is likely a sensor? I guess I am just slightly (but only slightly) nervous that the car isn't safe to drive. We drove it about 50 miles yesterday and didn't feel any issues, but I honestly don't know what to expect to feel if there are any. Anyway, if this is a sensor issue, seems like a cheap fix, in terms of parts. Maybe it's something I can easily do myself?

Also, is it typical for an oil change on a Mini to run $65? We have a Ford Fiesta and Focus, and that's how much the Ford dealer charges for Oil change and tire rotations (Pep boys does those for free), but that is dealer price... I guess I hadn't shopped around since we are still slightly newer to the area.

 

Bumping this for the night lurkers or the morning crowd.

 

On an 02' it is likely pepboys screwed you...jiffy lube if famous for this too....
The older filter cartridges have a on inner part that fits INSIDE the filter...(not sure WHEN mini changed it).
Many folks simply remove the filter...toss it...and insert a new filter..no center part. Results are like what you got. My car does not/did not come with it....but have seen quite a few threads on folks having issues over the years.....a couple searchs around should get you the pics....
Price is fine...mini requires 100% syenthic oil....so low end shop is $60 or so...higher end $100+.
The oil can be bought for $25 a 5 jug at Walmart...filters ordered online for $6.00....

 

It could also be a lost or broken oil check valve. I went through this in my 2003 r50 (built 11/02).

These cars have some specific needs that we really can't expect the franchises to be aware of.

Here's a thread.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ief-valve.html

Look into the filter and filter cover first. I did and I ended up with a new retrofitted set which didn't fix the problem, but did give me piece of mind.

The whole event cost me about a little over $500 before it was resolved. (You have to buy the whole $300+ housing to get the plastic valve in its center)

The takeaway? I don't have non-Mini specialists do anything to my car. (except tires)

And you should take your oil light seriously. Assume it's telling you the truth until or unless you prove otherwise. And if you have to drive the car, try to keep the revs up to keep the light out. But you want to get this fixed asap.


BTW, I pay an even $100 for an oil change (just oil and oil filter, no air or cabin filters). These cars really should have the proper synthetic oil used. They run a lot smoother with it[ it fits in tight places better at the same viscosity. Even changing my oil every 7k miles (instead of 10k), the per-mile cost of sythetic is actually a bit cheaper than natural oil.

 

Thanks for the input. As far as I know they are putting the proper oil in it (they claim to be); SAE 5W-30 Synthetic. So I guess I am getting a good deal then? Or maybe not if they are busting my car LOL!

I didn't do anything with the oil lamp just yet. I noticed that it is only having this issue when the motor has warmed up (after maybe 5 minutes or so). On a cold start, the lamp doesn't come on.

Also having some issues with my radiator fan staying on even when the car is shut off. It has drained the battery completely twice now. I will make a post about it too. From what I can tell I need to just replace the whole fan as the thermometer is built into it. But, since nothing can be super easy, apparently some 2002 models need two plugs and many of the kits out there only take one. Fun stuff!

You know what they say... More Mini, more problems!

 

I found this http://www.promini.com/technical/cooper_oil_filter.php

Is that center black plastic thing the piece I am looking for? I have never in my life even changed oil in a car, but if it's easy to at least look and see if that piece is there I would go for it.

 

Part number 11427563522 (posting mostly for my future reference) $241.50 (ouch!)

So, if I could get some input on how easy it would be for me to check if this is actually what I need that would be great! I am going to scower online for manuals and preferably a youtube video now.

 

Just adding another link that I found.... I think it does a better job of showing this part.


http://new.minimania.com/article/254...roblem_-_Hints

 

Alright, really don't mean to be spamming this thread (sorry!) So I know what I need to do to check this, but since I have never done an oil change before, can I just remove this cap and check? Or do I need to drain the oil first? I am hoping I don't need to drain the oil as my complex doesn't allow that (technically any car work) but I am hoping I can get away with just unscrewing the filter and having a quick peak inside!

 

Yes, you can pull the oil filter housing off without spilling any oil, and by that I mean there might be a drop or two, but supposedly that is all. Once you undo the canister a little bit you are supposed to wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the engine and then you can finish removing it with little to no spill. I have never done this, I'm just going on what a fellow club member in our local club told me.

You will undoubtedly find your plastic thing missing, but there is also some check valve in there (that's in the part that bolts to the engine) that can be damaged as well by an improper oil change.

Your best bet might be to have it towed to the dealer/MINI specialist. More $$$ but you know it's in good hands. I hope you are not continuing to drive it with the oil light flickering.

Val

 

I thought I would update here to put some closure to the thread.

We finally made it to the mechanic, about an hour away (Greasy's, as recommended by a few people here) and am happy I did. The piece that was missing was the exact piece you guys mentioned. After taxes, it was about $275. Ouch!

Greasy's was awesome and gave me a pretty detailed write up of what was replaced and why. I took this to Pep Boys in Salem, NH and they had no issue paying for the part, which I am ok with.

Greasy's also said we had a slight misfire, so we had them go ahead and do a tuneup. In another thread I mentioned that I had battery issues, so they looked into that as well. Turns out is was a bad power steering pump, which was somehow draining power even when the car was off. Mini (of Peabody) covered that for me.

So all in all I am out $300 for the tuneup, when all is said and done. I thought that was fair, and they really did an awesome job at greasy's explaining to me what was up. Very happy I took the car there and I think I will be going there from here on out, including oil changes.

 

+1
Pete and Thom over at greasys are simply put, the best in the area when it comes to working on MINI'S!!
GLAD you found them!! My car went there for the first time for a pulley years ago...and I go there anytime I do not want to diy something....and they have taught me tons!! Then add to the fact they saved me tons of $$ with good advise....makes it a WIN WIN!!
I always give them my STRONGEST recommendation for mini work!! They know the cars, and know (unlike the dealers) that sometimes you must prioritize repair work based upon $$!!

 

I actually think it was you who recommended them to me first. I will be honest, I thought driving out to Worcester was a bit much, but not any more. So glad I did. These guys are great!