Hi there - just curious if the “emissions” warning light can go away on its own, or if I need to take it in right away. Car drives and sounds fine (2017, 25k mi). I’ve been driving it sporadically (not every day, and sometimes very short trips) so I’m wondering if maybe that has something to do with it.

 

It does need to be checked, but first check to make sure the fuel cap is tightly closed. If it still doesn't go off, another area on a car like yours with light mileage is to make sure all the hoses are firmly attached. I had an experience once like yours on a 2nd generation MINI and it was caused by a loose hose. Still, a quick inspection by a mechanic is the best bet.

 

Update

The yellow check engine light went away on it's own a week after I posted the above, so I just chalked it up to a hiccup or something with a sensor.

Well, it came back again, and at the same time my outside temperature reading kept flashing negative forty degrees - hmmmm.....

I contacted my Mini dealer (car is under CPO warranty). We'll see.

 

Forgot to circle back here with the cause of my issue.

It was me.

I put one of those cellphone holders on the back of the speedo, but didn’t snap the wire harness back in tightly. Fortunately I figured it out myself - would have been embarrassing to pay the dealer to tell me. Anyhow, when raising the steering wheel after switching around with my son, I noticed the fuel gage flicker. That’s when I thought - aha - check the wire cluster that attaches to the back of the speedo. Bingo. It fell out on its own as I was removing the speedo. So I made sure it snapped in place this time, and good to go - outside temp correct, no yellow check engine light anymore.

User error.... brutal.

 

Thanks for circling back!