I have a 2005 MINI S that is presenting a mysterious issue. I bought it used a month ago and it immediately started acting up intermittently. The "Service Engine Soon" light comes on (the EML light as well as the tire pressure warning light will also go on sometimes) and the car loses power (will not go faster than 15-20 miles per hour). As soon as I restart the car, it regains full power and it drives fine. The Service Engine light remains on (the other warning lights that may have come on now are gone), but then goes away after 2 more restarts. The MINI then is fine, until it suddenly acts up again. If I were to try and say if there's a pattern to when the car acts up, it seems to involve turning the wheels (either a full or slight turn) and braking.

I took the MINI to an Autozone and they ran codes. One came up: P0652. Doing some research, I found out that this code means:
Sensor Reference Voltage "B" Circuit Low. This error occurs when the sensor reference voltage falls below a minimum threshold. Low: < 4.75V.

I took the MINI to the MINI dealership in Michigan and they ran their own diagnostic. They called me and said that they got the same code reading, and that all the electronic modules checked out okay - so they thought it was a pinched wire between the engine control module (DME) and the DSC module, since they found a low voltage issue. They asked for 2 hours of tech time to search for the bad wire and repair it. I authorized the expense. They then came back to me and said they couldn't find a wiring issue. Now they want to replace the engine control module and the DSC module - even though they're not convinced that this will solve the problem or that there is anything wrong with those modules.

Have any ideas about what the problem may be - or the best course of action to get a proper diagnosis for the problem?

 

Welcome aboard. Sorry it is starting off on the wrong foot.

Since you just bought, sounds like the seller cleared the codes to try and sell it. Where did you buy it? Warranty? IF it was bought at a dealership it should have at least the state level warranty. Take it back and also get your money for the diagnostics refunded.

If not you still should contact the seller and work something out or take him to court when all else fails. Stay on top of this as time is not on your side.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Thanks for the reply Braminator. I bought it in Ohio on 11/28/12. No warranty. We put the car through its paces on a test drive. We then drove back to Michigan (2 1/2 hours). As soon as we got off the highway, the problem began. Car has 68,000 miles.

 

I did a search on implied warranties in Ohio, since that is where you bought it. The state has its own laws and warranties in regards to issues like yours. Contact the Ohio attorney general for more info as you may be covered from what I can read. Check it out as it is worth a shot and you have nothing but time to lose. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Also from what you state the problem is, try changing this part http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...EPM310802.html
as it is cheap and might be the problem. I am sure some other members may come on here and mention the same thing. Do a search on this part and you will get lots of answers and similar problems.

 

Again, thank Braminator for taking the time to research and make recommendations on this issue. Your suggestion of a Speed Sensor part is the best suggestion I've had so far (including the MINI techs at the Michigan delaership) , and I will certainly try it (it makes sense to me, as I think about it now) - even as I continue to inquire with the Ohio dealership and, in necessary, the AG office about my options. Steve

 

NP, keep us posted.

 

I'll chime in with a wild guess based on my own experience with a battery gone bad. Has anyone checked the battery on your car? It could be the original battery on it's last legs not dealing well with the extra power required to drive the electric power steering pump.

Has anyone else experienced such a thing?

 

Johnna - Not sure about the battery being checked. But will have that done, just in case your hunch is true.

 

I to had issues when my battery was dying. I would get codes (weird ones) and clear them only to have them come back. Once I replaced the battery, all my issues including the codes went away (after being cleared of course).

This is in my '03 MCS.

Good luck,
Mike

 

Hey! I have the same problema... Limpmode + DSC, MIL, Motor and tyre low pressure lights. I can see with Torque App it's a P0652 failure... I changed the battery and MAP sensor (front of the motor).


Steve2903 did you solve your Problem? Thanks

 

Test drove a r53 before buying my at Xtreme Nissan in Jackson Michigan....I ran, didn't walk from an offer. It had strut braces and an exhaust system (I think Remus) and it smelt like headers w/out cat. The car was very nice cosmetically/optioned, it had gps/navi and such.

Anyways the same issues happened with that car during my test drive. Hopefully this isn't the same one you got Israelit2.