We have a 2009 Cooper, bought it new and has 160k on it now. About 2 years ago the check gas cap light started coming on. I replaced the cap but light still comes on, we burn only premium fuel. I am working away and she called to tell me the car is running very rough and can't get any rpm's. She sent this video, says it has same light and is running the same way.


Is there anyway to verify a faulty evap system?

I'm guessing its a common problem?

 

Nice, 160k isn't bad at all! That sounds exactly like an intake air leak, mine ran like that when I pulled the dipstick when my MCS was running.

 

That is not a "check gas cap" light. That is the check engine light, more specifically the limp home mode were RPM's are limited on purpose for your engines protection. There will be a trouble code stored in the computer and most of the time an Autozone or Advanced Auto (or any similar auto parts store) can read the code (but not always - some codes can only be read by a MINI/BMW specific reader). The code can then lead you in the direction of what is wrong.

You might not want to drive it so you can buy/borrow a scanner and read it yourself at home. The scanner just plugs into the ODB2 port which is under/near the steering column.

Get the code read, then post here with an update and hopefully someone can help (at least you'll get a bunch of opinions ). Without the code you are just guessing. Systemlord may be right - it could be a air leak in the boost tubes. You also may need a carbon cleaning. Get the code read.

 

It's moisture frozen in the air intake throwing off the throttle body. Mine does that when it sits in the -0 weather. I run it for a while (both at idle and driving) and it goes away. Mini had an updated intake to take of this but mine is out of warranty and I cannot afford to get it at this time. Caution when driving with this, you are in a half power mode and the car will not go faster that 20 mph

 

Yes I realize that, I just added the comment regarding the loose gas cap light figuring something may be going on and over time has led to the trouble we are having now.
It has been very cold here in northern Nova Scotia the past couple of months, a snow storm every week since middle of December. About 3 weeks ago she had gotten the car stuck in a pretty high drift trying to make it home from work in a snow storm. I will get home on Wednesday, I'll check some of these suggestions out. I appreciate all the comments and will keep this thread updated as we work through this issue in hopes it help someone else.

 

Yes, Since its been very cold here in the north there have been many reports of the cold start up issue. MINI does have a cold climate version of the intake and you might not have it. It was to resolve the frozen moisture build up issue near the throttle body/ intake manifold. Which scooter was talking about. Check for ice / moisture near the throttle body which connects to the lower round part of the intake manifold.

Here is some more info.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...different.html

Cold Climate version.




Thanks and hope that helps.

 

Just wondering if our car already has the cold climate intake since this is our 5th winter with the car and this is the first time it started giving us trouble aside from the loose gas cap light coming on and going out. That makes me think trouble with the evap system?

 

You say you have a Cooper , but I did not know if you meant Cooper S: what I am taking about mostly the Cooper S / JCW engines. But can be found on some Cooper engines

Look at the intake manifold and the pics above to compare them. If it has it already then there will be that line that comes off the valve cover on the passenger side rear and makes a quick turn and right into the tube system multiple port intake.




If its the regular one it will not have that but a tube that runs off the same back corner then into the manifold right by the throttle body.



Thanks

 

Thanks, I'll check when I get home on Wednesday. Btw, our car is a Cooper not JCW.

 

Update on our car...I had my wife put the car in the garage and turn the heat up. 3 hours later she went out to start it and the car ran fine. She has been driving it for the past couple of days and it appears to be running fine for now anyway. This has been the first winter the car hasn't been put in our heated garage every night. I'm guessing the throttle body must have been frozen.

 

Yep, Mine did it again the other afternoon. It had been sitting out in the cold at work and all I did was warm it up and it cleared. When I got home the code read throttle body stuck. I reset ecu and all has been good.

 

I decided to take a look at the cam sensors. I took both out, one a fair bit of gunk on it. Cleaned both with sensor cleaner, also did the MAF sensor. Looks like I should change the spark plugs too. What are you fellas using for plugs? NGK's at NAPA are the lowest price, $9 each while Beru plugs were $38 each. Of course have to buy another plug socket, 14mm - 12 point. Just wondering if it's something that also requires cleaning?

Also what is this sensor called?

 

If you have a Cooper ( Non S ) there is a year split in 9/2009 , just watch for that.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2009-Cooper-R56-Base-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N12B16A/Maintenance/Engine/Ignition/




Eccentric Shaft sensor: Reads the cam location via magnetic wheel.

#5 top in the diagram

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11377541677/



Thanks

 

Ok thanks for the response. My wife bought her car in August so build date was June/July approx. She picked it up about a week after it arrived from the UK. So we'll need the up to 09/2009, thanks for clearing that up.

And that Eccentric Shaft sensor, is that a sensor that requires an occasional cleaning as well?

 

4 spark plugs and 2 oil filters $180(parts only) here in Nova Scotia. Time to find an on-line parts supplier. Also picked up an Autel AL439 scan tool from Princess Auto, half price. Plugged it in this morning and as suspected a cam sensor issue, Code P0015 B Camshaft Position Timing Over -Retarded Bank 1.

 

this may be a long shot, but my mini is in the shope now. had to get the clutch replaced and when i went to go take it home it was running rough and had low power. turned out to be a faulty relay in the relay box. Open the fuse box in the engine bay and make sure your fuses are ok too.The faulty relay cause my car to run in limp mode.