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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Took mine out of storage today after almost 5 months. Battery was dead as a hammer. Jump started it and drove it around for a while, but it wouldn't build a charge. Ended up at AutoZone for a new battery. That was $189 I wasn't planning to spend today.
The guy behind the counter said "no problem", I'll swap it out for you. Heck, I didn't even realize what a pain it is to change one out. The AZ guy was definitely surprised, and not pleasantly. An hour later it was done. Have to say, the guy had a good attitude about it and said next time he has to do a Mini it'll take a lot less time because he'll know what to expect. I explained that on most of them he won't have to deal with removing and replacing the strut bar.
They were hesitant to even try to swap it out because the parts computer stated that the car was equipped with a smart charger and would have to be reprogrammed after installation af the new battery. I convinced them that at the most it would give me a CEL and I would take care of that if it did. Didn't have to do a thing other than hit the start switch and reset the clock. I'm a happy camper, especially after taking the long way home. Almost forgot how much fun the darn car is. Couple things left to do though. I put new plates on it today, but didn't realize until I was almost home that my state inspection sticker expired in December. Got to make an appointment for that at the same time I get my erl changed. Hopefully Wednesday.
You should absolutely go in with a scan tool and reset the battery/charging system. The charging system does adapt to a dying battery and can overcharge and fry a new battery in fairly short order if the system is not reset. Makes you wonder why it's called "smart" if it can't detect a new battery on its own, doesn't it?
You should absolutely go in with a scan tool and reset the battery/charging system. The charging system does adapt to a dying battery and can overcharge and fry a new battery in fairly short order if the system is not reset. Makes you wonder why it's called "smart" if it can't detect a new battery on its own, doesn't it?
Oh, it is smart enough. Smart enough to make people think that you have to go to the dealer to get this done and they can charge you $300+ to change the battery and $300+ to reset the computer.
BTY - do you know what scan tool will reset that? The only way I knew of to reset this was through the Carle (spelling?) app.
Oh, it is smart enough. Smart enough to make people think that you have to go to the dealer to get this done and they can charge you $300+ to change the battery and $300+ to reset the computer.
BTY - do you know what scan tool will reset that? The only way I knew of to reset this was through the Carle (spelling?) app.
I'm an auto tech by trade, so I have a SnapOn scan tool I use. The shop I work for also has an Autel DS908 that does even more than my older SnapOn one. As for something more basic that can do it, I'm really not sure. I would think you could probably do it with PA Soft or INPA, though.
Yeah, the dealer will get with a lot of things, like keys. We called about getting a new key for my wife's and they want to charge for programming the key to the car on top of the price of the key, what baloney. Fortunately that Autel scan tool I have access to at work can program the key to the car.
I'm an auto tech by trade, so I have a SnapOn scan tool I use. The shop I work for also has an Autel DS908 that does even more than my older SnapOn one. As for something more basic that can do it, I'm really not sure. I would think you could probably do it with PA Soft or INPA, though.
Just bought a Schwaben Scan Tool so I can register the battery. Just in case. Better safe than sorry I reckon.
Installed a JCW front strut tower brace today. Got it used from a local guy on this form for less than half price. Looks good under the hood. No idea if it will do anything.
Tomorrow I'm getting Michelin Sport A/S 3+ installed to replace the almost new Bridgestone run flats. And, the local Mini group are having a wrench day (if weather permits) so I am going to try and install the Powerflex lower engine mount inserts I bought.
Installed a JCW front strut tower brace today. Got it used from a local guy on this form for less than half price. Looks good under the hood. No idea if it will do anything.
Tomorrow I'm getting Michelin Sport A/S 3+ installed to replace the almost new Bridgestone run flats. And, the local Mini group are having a wrench day (if weather permits) so I am going to try and install the Powerflex lower engine mount inserts I bought.
Hopefully, should be a productive weekend.
You’ll like the engine mount. Improves throttle response feel more than any other mod. Very easy install, too.
I got a Bytetronik FA53 tuning package and it came with the Bosch 550s.
The stock injectors were marginal to deliver enough fuel with the 17% pulley, cat back, and CAI. It would stumble at low RPM (2-3000) and throw a CEL at WOT. JCW's 380cc would have probably done the trick without having to scale.them but they are quite expensive in Canada. There are other brands but I went with 550s and the Bytetronik kit because I'm planning on porting, cam, and header in the fall and want to learn a bit about tuning.
I keep telling myself I'm going to hold off until April, then realize it is almost April!!
Although, I will admit to having gone skiing yesterday in VT where they say they have gotten 24” of snow since a week ago last Thursday. Ttook the Wrangler. It is frost heave and pot-hole season there, which, on my last trip there, proved to be more than suspension on the MINI can handle and it has only gotten worse.
