I think it may be the forward clutch. It did have a strange smell like hot coolant though the engine was not hot. Any thoughts?

 

My guess would be the stepper motor on the valve body, but without a trouble code, its hard to say for sure. You're basically stuck in low gear ratio, which is why it feels the way it does when you let off the gas. Can't determine whether it's because of a failed component or incorrect adaptations at this point.

 

Thanks. We spoke with the Mini Dealership and we are going to have it towed there next week to see whats up. As always your advice and knowledge is greatly appreciated

 

I know this thread is old, but my mini is doing exactly what you have mentioned. I have tried everything that you have with no luck.. Can you tell me what the problem was with your transmission? It would so much appreciated!!!! I hope that I hear from you this is driving me crazy....

Thank you so much!

 

The code I got when this happened to mine was for a bad stepper motor on the valve body. I never attempted to repair it - instead replaced it with a 6-speed manual for less than than what it would have cost to put a new CVT in.

The dealer will likely just say you need to replace the whole transmission as they don't typically repair the internal components.

This thread has a few places that may repair the internal components of it:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4100575

 

Did you ever get a solution to your CVT issue? I've got a 2004 with the exact issues. I picked it up a month ago and trying to see about getting it running. I had one error in ISTA for the speed sensor and ABS sensor. Replaced the speed sensor and all four ABS sensors. No other issues other than 000051, fault in transmission management.

 

Did you run the adaptations procedure after replacing the speed sensor? If not, give that a try, it might drive normally after running the procedure. Here are few reference links for the adaptations:

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

https://us.autologic.com/news/mini-c...ion-adaptation

Also, that code doesn't seem to be a normal MINI/BMW specific code. (here is a list of all the fault codes for first gens: https://www.minicarparts.net/PDF/MR5...0825-234V1.pdf). You're using ISTA, so I'm not sure why it's not giving you a standard code. Do you also have INPA? If so, try seeing which code that shows.

 

Thank you. With ISTA I get 000721 for the Drive Speed Sensor and 000051 Fault in Transmission Management. The matching code with INPA I get is 1825 for the Drive Speed sensor.

I replaced the sensor, wire harness and new wire from ECM and fuse bus. No new codes :(

I've attempted to run the adaptation and road learning several times (I have another 2004 MINI and have successfully run through the steps on several occasions).

When I am performing the road test/learn, I can't accelerate to 50mph. The car revs to about 3000 rpms and then feels like a shift then down to about 1800 rpms while it slowly climbs to 30mph. (This is our second 1st Gen MINI, purchased for a steal knowing it wouldn't start [ignition switch] and not go past "2nd gear"). No SEL/CEL light on.

Issues in valve body/solenoids ever present problems without code?

 

Interesting, so when you're stuck going 30mph, you're only at about 1800rpms? That is different than the failure I had. I could only go 30mph because I was at the rev limit pushing 6000rpms +. It seems like in your case, based on the code, the car won't shift because it's not getting a good read on the vehicle speed. My theory for now is that it doesn't know how fast the car is traveling and can't set the adaptations because of it, putting you in a limp-home type driving mode.

You've already replaced all the logical sensors it might be, although it's unlikely all four sensors were bad. I'm wondering if it's a fuse or damage to the wiring harness somewhere. Have you checked the fuses for the ABS module? FL6 in the engine bay and F33 in the driver's foot-well. In addition to the ABS harnesses, be sure to check the harness leading to the transmission module (under the steering column). The code doesn't seem to be pointing to the valve body or solenoids.

 

Upon first starting, no speedometer working so swapped rear ABS sensors, began working. Same week picked up 4 new ABS sensors and replaced at each wheel. New 30A fuse at FL6 but didn't check F33 I won't be able to check it out again until next weekend.

I'd love to have high RPMs while chasing 50mph...I'd then know I'm only a coast away from relearn completion!

 

Exactly! Good luck with it - maybe it's just that fuse.