Hey all,

I just moved to northern Arizona which is about 5000 feet higher in elevation than California. Recently my mini has been having trouble starting when the engine is cold. It chugs its way to about 800 rpm and then struggles and turns off. Trying a second time the car always starts right up without issue. Any ideas what the problem might be? Ive noticed it runs a bit more rich than usual when starting cold.

Nick

 

when was your last tune up? plugs? bad gas? you use premium? ever put injector cleaner in your tank? how old is your battery?

 

I had a similar issue...would start and then die after stumbling a bit. I had read on another highly controversial thread that resetting the ecu can help. I did it and have not seen the problem again...coincidence? Not sure but it's free and very easy...search for resetting the ECU...you could also get the software updated at the dealer.

 

This may sound very odd but mine has been cure. I originally tried keeping the starter on because i though maybe it was just struggling at first. That worked to no avail. I found if I let go of the key the second it got above 400 rpm but while stuttering, it would magically turn on. Makes no sense to me but it works.

 

Astro,

Premium everytime, battery is brand new, as for the others; I've owned the car for about a year and a half (25000 miles since I got it) and the only thing done has been a few oil changes and an engine mount (who wouldve guessed).

 

This is a common problem among first gen minis. Almost all I them do this at some point. What I did was replace my plugs, coil, and wires (because the stock coil went bad) and that also happened to clear up this starting issue. A year a half have pass including a Pennsylvania winter and it starts first turn every time (knock in wood)