I just bought a 2004 MCS with 88k on it. The service engine soon light was on and the guy I bought it from said that is because he upgraded the lights to xenons. He said he had the dealer fix the light but it just kept coming on. Where should I go to get that check, prefer some where free to little cost?

 

Advanced auto parts will read a code for free

 

Alright thanks ill go there tomorrow

 

I went and the diagnostics didn't even turn on so the part guy said it was fine there was nothing wrong with my car. Now I just want to get the light reset, where do I go for that and how much will it cost me?

 

Buy a code reader and reset it yourself. Not to play negative nelly here but i dont buy the sellers story. Upgraded xenons wouldn't trip an engine light...maybe a bulb out light due to the different current draw but not engine. Xenons aren't part of the engine.

If you really want to know what's wrong with he car go to a mini dealer or mini specific independent shop...

Code readers are about $100 at most auto parts stores and can clear codes..but they aren't mini specific...

Sorry .

 

Alright where do I buy one of those? And how much is one of those?

 

Sorry using iPhone app..you can buy them at autozone or pep boys or oreilly but it will only give you a code to google..and they are usually pretty vague. best to have the car checked out. Sometimes it's a simple fix..mostly it's not.

 

Alright thanks

 

Even the basic cheap code reader from harbourfreight will do the job....think they run about $50 depending on the coupons/sales....
And the CHECK ENGINE light has nothing to do with the xenon headlights...sounds like you caught the seller in a lie...
get the code #, and post it here....several places list mini codes, but somebody will look it up...

 

Hey zippy..that's the problem I don't think he caught the seller in a lie..purchase has already occurred..

 

I don't think he lied, but I already went to get the diagnostics done and it came up empty but the lights still on.

 

S.E.S. lights are for sensor related problems, another words, a sensor reads something out of parameter, and turned on to alert you of a reading that should be examined.. They wouldn't randomly come on due to Xenon lights. He himself may have tried to track down what turned on the light to which a code wasn't coming up, just like what happened at Advance Auto Parts. Who knows, he may of done a hack job, or accidently touched two wires, shorting out the assembly, which may be having an affect on a sensors reading.

I kept blowing fuses in my Camaro not long after installing the engine, making the car run rough to the point of almost stalling. The fuse was for the mass air flow sensor. I had a spare sensor sitting around thinking maybe its internally shorting, nope still had the same problems, which it would only blow the fuse if I went in reverse, or a hard take off. I heard of checking out the oxygen sensor at the back of the cat, sure enough, the wiring for the o2 sensor was rubbing up against the driveshaft, causing it to short, and since both the o2 and maf were on the same fuse.....well you understand.

Take it to a MINI dealer so they can look at it, and can simulate conditions to see if that may be what causes the light, or even resets the computer. Theirs a reason why dealership scan tools cost $10,000+ dollars a unit, they were made just for that vehicle.

 

Lol yea that sucks. Soo I should take it to the dealer, what about my family mechanic that my uncle takes his mini to? He is a certified mechanic and works on all German products. Should I just take it to him?

 

If he says he has the proper software to read, and fun MINI programs, give it a shot, but sometimes these German cars like to go back where they came from lol.

 

Lol yeah I can see that

 

How do I get the light reset? Can I do it on my own or do I have to go the dealer?

 

Most scanners will clear the codes. So yes you can do it on your own. You can even get a Scangauge to read and erase codes. Myself and many others use this http://www.scangauge.com/

 

Like everyone has said..you can clear it with any reader that has the feature (the $40 one doesn't do it..so ask before you buy) usually denoted by an eraser.

But if you don't fix the problem it's going to going to come back on. I would think the seller tried..and would have fixed any small issue. If you are willing to just invest $100 ish dollars get one of the scan gauge products..at the very least you get a gauge at the best it's a small user fixable issue.

Do one thing..check your gas cap o ring. In my case this was the issue per my other post.

 

Alright guys I set up an appointment with my mechanic on Wednesday I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Turns out that my scanner port doesn't have power to it so my mechanic had to power by other means. Looks like I'll have to get that fixed. But the problem with my service engine soon light had to do with a software update that should fix it. Going in on Monday wish me luck!

 

Did you figure out what the true issue is yet? Just curious?

 

Yeah I was a computer update that ended to be down but my mechanic said we'd have to reset it one more time by taking the battery cables off and shorting them so there would be no more power in the car.

 

So I have to go in for another hour session with him but at no charge

 

Alright guys my mechanic fixed the problem by clearing the code and then disconnecting the battery for 30 mins. This basically reset the system and allowed the software update to work into the system.

 

Now service the car Insp2. The PO sounds 'unreliable'.......