Today was the second time this has happened. I turn over the ignition and the car is idling really rough. RPMs are down around 500-600. The SES, EML, and Traction Control Light are are lit. When I turn off the car and let it sit, the next time I turn it over the engine seems to run fine and the SES light is still on. After a couple more time restarting the engine throughout the day, the SES light finally goes out.

The car has 38,200 miles, it is a 2006 MCSa I just bought 2 1/2 weeks ago. I wonder if maybe it is a spark plug issue. I am going to take it to my mechanic on Monday to have him look at it. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or thoughts. Thanks!

 

It's a good place to start.

1) spark
2) fuel

And the PCV valve and check for vac leak(s) would be on the list too.

 

So I took my car into my mechanic this morning and he pulled the engine codes and the throtle body needs replacing. The fuel system isn't getting the proper voltage to regulate a constant flow of fuel. They have ordered the part and will work on the car tomorrow. $800 to repair. I hope this an isolated incident. I really don't want to spend a lot of money to repair my car all of the time. Especially with only 38,000 miles.

 

i had the same problem while driving on highway this morning, all 3 lights lit up suddenly, very rough idle, like the car is gasping for air. dropped it off at dealer, will advise outcome...very frustrating . car has 75000km on it

 

what were the codes?
a throttle body doesn't cost $800
my guess is your start fueling is off and its a lean misfire

 

dealer found some kind of vacuum leak, no parts replaced, 400$ of labor... ridiculous! no more lights on dash!

now car has bad noise, seems like timing chain tensioner noise, but i replaced it last week...dealer saying i need to change entire oil housing .
500$ for part + labor...i tried telling him it sounds like tensioner again (which is under guarantee since i changed last week) but he says otherwise..need help

 

Oil housing? As in oil pan? If that's the mechanic's answer, what does that have to do with engine noise?

Not to say that's it's not a repeat of the tensioner chain making noise, but is the sound the same? From other posts I've read, the problem might actually be a failing harmonic balancer.

If you want to do your own quick diagnosis, go to Advance or Auto Zone and buy a mechanic's stethoscope. They're fairly inexpensive, and it can help you isolate where the noise is coming from.

 

What were the fault codes, He may not know what he is doing honestly. If the faults are for the throttle/pedal actuator 1 or 2 it may be the harmonic balancer coming apart, have you ever started the car and seen the battery light? I would check it for play I know it sounds crazy that it would throw that fault but I have seen it alot over the years as a MINI technician. Just stick a screwdriver behind the balancer and wiggle it if it has alot of play thats your problem and the noise you are hearing is your balancer digging into your timing case cover.