I just got the JCW Tuning Kit installed at my closest MINI dealer. Drove home fine but I stopped and ate and when I got back in, it would not idle at start. It just ran a second and died. I had to give it a little gas to keep it running till I put it in gear.

This morning, started fine but I made several stops and it did the same at each stop. Seems to only do this if you start it back up < 30 minutes after cutting it off. Anyone else experience something like this? I will take it back to the dealer but it will have to wait till next weekend since its 150 miles away.

Kevin

 

WTH?? Really sorry to hear about this happening Kevin and never heard of this happening before. I had zero issues when mine was installed. Please let me know what you find out. Wonder if it could be the high pressure fuel pump..... .

 

It seems like it could be an underlying issue. Please keep us posted on this! I never realized until I came to this site, how many people are a good ride from the dealer. Makes me feel pretty good that it's pretty much up the road for me.

 

I have the JCW stage 1 for about one and a half years and did not have starting problems.

 

Sounds like the high pressure fuel pump is giving out like futuremini stated.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

After my SA called me back Monday, he said it could be the computer and sensors getting callibrated from all the changes and if it was still doing it in a few days to bring it in.

Monday was actually the last day it "died" on me while starting. But once to twice a day it still chokes down to about 200 RPM's and brings itself back a couple of times when starting. Better but still not normal.

Then tonight when I was going out to get a bite to eat, the yellow "Enginge Malfunction" light came on solid and stays on now even when you restart the car.

Going to be calling my SA back first thing in the morning to see if they can get him in!

Its also less then 5 days before I leave for my first Dragon. I really, really, REALLY, don't want this to be something major that I have to miss the Dragon for!

Kevin
Florence, AL

 

Otherwise, How is the NEW TUNE Going? Was it worth the money? Big Improvement? Very curious to hear how it's going for you. Do you have a manual?

 

Only me.....

Me and the MINI headed on our 2 hour journey to the dealership this morning braving downpours and tornadoes. An hour in I get a call from the dealership. A freak hail storm has taken out power to the dealership so no diagnostic equipment is functioning. Estimates that it may be out the rest of the day as bad as things are.

I have to be at work Monday so they are going to look at it first thing Tuesday morning. Getting dangerously close to leaving for the dragon Wednesday if they have to order anything!

I have an auto. I am not a "track guy" or anything (but I would like to try), just somebody who really fell in love with the handling and performance of my MINI. I tend to be over critical of things at first so my first impressions when I left the dealer was WOW this thing is more powerful. I came right out onto the Interstate and punched it while going about 70 already and it was at 110 in no time. Much more power on the top end and in general. I am no expert at such things but it is definitely noticeable. On the way home I felt it may have been a little "too loud" for me on the Interstate at cruising speed and around 3k RPM's in general IF the windows are all up. I saw on the posts about the possible "drone" and many upgraded to the stock JCW muffler to quite it a bit. Windows down, its not bad at all.

After having it a week, I am just now getting used to the way it drives (which is different). I am adjusting to the new shift points, power, and even the steering seems much better. As for the exhaust sound, I am getting used to it now and think I will be fine with it.

 

It was the high pressure fuel pump futuremini and Sketch suspected!!

Said the engine code that had come up recently after it started the idling problem was a warning about the fuel mixture being too rich which lead them to a problem with the pump. Had one in stock luckily so I am good to go to the Dragon tomorrow!!

Also I have had a raddle start underneath the car that has grown increasingly louder since installing the JCW kit and that was just a loose bolt on the exhaust. I kind of expected that one!

Kevin

 

I spoke too soon.

Its not fixed just yet. After chaning the high pressure fuel pump out, on the way to the Dragon every time I stopped somewhere and got back in, it would start and die until I gave it gas for about 10-20 seconds to keep it alive.

Still doing it this week too after I drive it a while and it gets warm. Plus I am noticing another problem that is getting more frequent. If I go to pass someone or even start out fast, it jerks and sounds like its missing for about 3 seconds and then takes off. Doesn't do it every time but happening several times a day. And makes a horrible noise while this is happening. Almost like a metal chain or clanking of some kind if you have the window down you can hear it.

Starting to hate that I ever added the JCW tuning kit to my car. It ran so well and reliable before. I just want it to be that way again now! I'm a little scared to pull out into fast traffic because I am not sure if it is going to go or not.

I'll try to find a day next week I can take off work for the 5 hour round trip to the dealer. Starting to suck. Worst part is you can't make any of this happen on the spot. So I know its got to be hard for them to troubleshoot but I can't keep going back all the time.

Kevin

 

Dang it Kevin! I still wonder if there is not something up with the fuel system. I wonder if the starting problem and missing/clanking are being caused by the same thing somehow. Wonder if the new pump may be acting up..... . Trust me it will all be worth it when they get it fixed for you. Keep us up to date.
One thing which struck me as odd was what that the dealer said, "Said the engine code that had come up recently after it started the idling problem was a warning about the fuel mixture being too rich which lead them to a problem with the pump". Someone correct me if I am wrong here but my past experience with bad pumps is they cause an engine to run LEAN not rich. Other thoughts anyone?

 

Thanks Mike. I think I will be happy with it once its working well. Just a little fustrated since everything seems to keep getting worse you know.

Since you mentioned that, I am no mechanic but it makes sence to me logically that it would not be sending enough fuel. The Service Engine light has not been back on since they changed the pump. I even wondered if the mixture being so rich it tripped the light that it may have fouled up some or all of my spark plugs. Don't know if that could cause any of this, just grasping at straws from my very limited experience in engine repairs. I saw on the JCW installation guide that new plugs "may" be required when installing the tuning kit but to my knowledge, they did not have to change mine.

I wonder if any of this has to do with this being a new dealer (just opened less than a year ago) and they are unexperienced with some of this. There are some older dealers in the region but they are futher away. I also hate to start over again with someone else since they at least know what they have done so far. But if they can't get it fixed, I may have to try someone else.

 

Kev, from what Ive been told, all MINIs run on the rich side. Still sorry to hear U are having so much trouble; from what y've said I think the dealer didnt properly flash upgrade yr ECU for the tune kit, plus the HPFP issue.

But hey once it's all done correctly you will be totally blown away about how that kit converted yr car into a screaming chili red demon! I have one on my 09 auto and it's a freaking hoot; check my gallery, we have twins! Also dont forget to join the Auto Tranny Owners Club in the General MINI Talk forum-- love to have ya! Hang in there man

 

OP has an automatic. FYI MCSa = MCS Automatic

 

K I know it's hard but try to put those feelings aside. I think the fact that you mentioned that a new dealer did the work may be the reason. After all, my dealer (who's a lot more experienced) has only installed tune kits on 2 R56 automatics (me and some other guy) so they're not exactly an every day item, compared to installing tune kits on manual cars. like futuremini said, when all is right, what y're feeling now will fade away quicky.

 

Thanks for the support guys! I have an appointment on Thursday morning for them to check it out. I really hope they find the problem.

Kevin

 

Has anyone considered they may have flashed your ECU with the wrong software?

 

i did actually. I also hear that tune kits dont get VIN-specific CDs for this purpose anymore (like mine), and that the downloads are from a factory server. Good point!

 

The fact that he hasn't had any problems prior to the JCW kit install points to the kit install being the source of the problem. There's not much you can screw up installing a new airbox, exhaust, and boot and grill badges, so the only thing left is the ECU tune.

What frightens me about this is I think I just paid for a kit from the same dealer.

 

Excellent point about the ECU. I forgot that they are not offering the disc like I got when I had mine done. Not sure if that makes any difference but stranger things have happened. If memory serves me the disc only contained a code to unlock the correct program at the dealership.

Keep us updated Kevin!

 

 

I've had similar problem with my MCSa with the tuning kit. I had the kit installed 9 months ago but the problems started within the last few weeks. I don't have it as frequently as you, but it happens. Sometime it stalls on startup, sometime it drops down to 200rpm and pops back up again. I have noticed that it only happens in warm humid, rainy weather. The first time it happened right after I filled up at a new gas station so I assumed it was the gas. I got a CEL and my obd tool said it was mixture too rich at idle and a cylinder 3 and 4 misfire. I cleared the codes and it didn't come back. I kinda wish I didn't clear them so I can take it to mini for warranty work. I'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully it happens again before my warranty is up in 8000 miles.

 

Now I have a black MINI!

Yesterday I went to pass someone who was going 40 in the 45 and although I eventually floored the gas pedal, it creeped ahead of the old lady. (that was a first and not happened again) Then later that night the check engine light came on, so at least the car knows there is something wrong too now!!

Took it to the dealership this morning. After reading the codes and going over my symptoms, they felt it is excessive carbon buildup on the valves and not related to the tuning kit. They brought the BMW dealership service manager over (its across the street, MOB is a stand alone MINI shop) and after going over everything he said it was rare but thought the signs pointed to carbon as well. Then they called the regional MINI-USA service rep and went over my case and the codes and he said the same. So they are going to keep it a few days and I have a loaner. They will have the valves exposed by this afternoon or tomorrow morning and see if there really is carbon buildup on them and give me a call either way to let me know.

I had 3 different people come and ask me what kind of gas I use. I only use 93 octane from reputable places since I have had the car which has been about a year. Someone else had it 2 years before me.



QZ - Hate to hear that. I really am afraid its going to be a can't really find anything deal especially since you can't make any of it happen on queue.

Kevin
Florence, AL

 

I'm glad they gave you a loaner.

I have an appointment to get my Stage 1 installed on Friday of next week.

While I'm sure they'll find some carbon, I just find it extremely co-incidental that all of these problems didn't appear until after you had the Stage 1 kit installed.

 

Dealerships and the bad gas thing again. There has been much talk about this subject. I myself don't buy it.

I think the reason for carbon build up on the intake valves is because of the PCV system and direct fuel injection on the mini's. It pulls vapors straight from the valve cover and into the intake. This oil vapor works it's way to the intake valves where it starts to "coke" and build up. Being a direct injection car, fuel does not help "wash" the intake valves like a carbureted car or a car with a throttle body or port type injection. I was worried about this problem too and now am running a catch can. I know others are using Seafoam as another measure to help clean the carbon build up off of the valves. I have done one treatment so far and plan another this weekend.

Well there is my 2 cents......