I brought my MINI in to the local service dept due to a Service Engine Soon light, which the service manager said over the phone was probably the problem. This was confirmed yesterday when the technicians read the diagnostic code, which they reset. They said they fixed the problem. Great!

Now, about 36 hours later, it's back on, and I'll have to waste a couple more hours at the dealership due to an apparently common problem. If this problem cannot be fixed, I'll wind up ignoring the light, and when a legitimate problem comes up, I may be oblivious to it...all because of a switch on a fuel cap!

Does anyone else have this problem? Anyone tried one of those diagnostic code kits that work on BMWs? I know they allow you to read the code and reset the light.

Other than this little annoyance though, my MINI has performed like a champ, so it's disheartening to have this little peoblem. I only hope a solution can be found.

Jason

 

Jason,
Many of the current fuel systems in cars are pressurized. I had something of a similar experience with our Volvo V70R in that if I did not retighten the gas cap at least, until it clicks, three times the cap would leak enough (pressure) to cause the check engine light to come on. If, in your case, a gasket on the cap may not seated correctly or has a pinhole in it, I would expect that the pressure loss would be detected and the light would come on. In either case it should be easily corrected by the dealer with a new cap and making sure you tighten the cap down sufficiently every time you fill up. Good luck with getting it sorted out. :smile:

Best regards,

Mark

 

Mark:

Thanks for the advice. I will bring that up on my return trip to the dealer. I know I should be a little more concerned, but I just enjoy my MINI too much!

Besides, the worst that can happen is it happens two more times, then by Hawaii law the dealer either has to replace the car or buy it back...a NEW MINI!

Jason

 

Jason,
Any chance I could get you to buy me a MINI of Hawaii plate? I saw the pictures of your car in the gallery and thought that would be very cool to have. Now if I could only find a MINI of Kauai plate :smile:

Mark

 

Mark:

I'll ask the dealer for one when I go in for service next Thursday. I don't think they're for sale though...just a new car placard. It is pretty cool though, isn't it? I have to check into Hawaii state law as to whether or not they require front and rear plates. If not, mine is staying in place!

Jason

 

Also have a 2012 BMW 328i that if you fail to make the cap tight the EML will come on.