Yup - it happened twice last night. I got to my destination, turned the key off, removed it from the ignition, and the car was still running. The first time it happened, I put the key back in, turned it to the On position and back to Off and the car stopped running as it should have.

When I got home however, I couldn't get the car to stop running no matter what I did. Turned the key on and off a dozen times, nothing would help. I even deliberately stalled it, but all the gauge lights stayed on even with the key out. So I'd start it again, turn the key off and remove it - car keeps running. Is that weird or what?

Finally, one of the times I turned the key to Off it actually shut off. Now I'm scared to start it again.

I called my dealer and he's ordering a new ignition for me.

 

This happened to me years ago with my TR7 convertible, but that was the good old tried and true Lucas system!

 

Your Mini does not want to be parked! It's just begging to be driven!

(and who are you to disobey? )

 

I can't help you at all, but I thought perhaps some comedy might help your situation a bit.

Your story reminds me of the beginning of National Lampoon's VACATION, when Chevy Chase pulls into the driveway in the new "family truckster", and when he gets out (after the airbags go off), the car continues to sputter for the next minute.

"Clark, is the car still running"?

 

That thought actually did occur to me at the time: "this car just doesn't want to stop!"

 

since diesels dont use spark plugs the thinner air keeps the engine running, and some cars have a fuel kill switch to starve the engine and stop it ....

maybe you got a diesel :smile: ?

just kidding ....

 

Have you tried all three keys that came with the car? It may be as simple as something in the chip of the key itself...

 

I don't think it's the chip. Turning the key engages/disengages a physical switch, not an electronic switch. The dealer thinks it's this physical switch in the ignition that's malfunctioning.

 

Yep, it's either the switch or a stuck relay. Dieseling results from a hot spot in the combustion chamber causing the mixture to self-ignite, is virtually unheard of on non-carburetor cars (there is no fuel delivery on a non-carbureted car with the ignition off), and you would not have the gauge lights on.

 

My wife's like that, once you get her talking you cant stop her.

When it all get figured out post what was wrong. I'm curious.

Paul

 

And shame on you Paul, does your wife read your posts on NAM?

 

Regardless of what is wrong,I find it wierd that the immobilizer chip in the key would allow the car to run.That chip needs to be right next to the ignition switch to be able to start the car.Guess it only works when the car is off,and someone tries to start it without a key,as in hot wire it.

 

I would find that strangely comforting.


Having a car that DID actually shut off once the key was removed was, by far, the most difficult thing to get used to when I picked up my MINI. Before that, I could be halfway to my dorm before my Omni ever stopped dieseling...

 

Scooterboy, have you or have you not tried the other two keys?

 

No I have not. Next time I drive it, I will try the other key, but I really don't think it will make any difference.

 

I've been searching high and low for proof that ghosts really do exist. Now I finally have it. Thanks!

 

If you recently reached 50k its probably just the lucas circuit kicking in or low battery voltage ,which can kick the lucas module into full tilt,or, if your lucky,hey you own a Mini, its the ignition switch. Don't be a creep and not tell everyone what fixed it.

 

Perhaps the subject should read: "This mini keeps going and going and going..."

 

Creep?

I'm at 49,400 miles. 600 miles before my warrantee expires. Good thing it happened now and not 2 weeks from now.

I'm still waiting for my dealer to call and tell me my new ignition came in. I wonder if I'll need a new set of keys with the new ignition.

I'll post back here when it's installed and tell you if it solved it. Wouldn't want to be a creep, now would I?

 

Took the car in this morning. They replaced the ignition - didn't solve the problem. They spent the day taking suggestions from MINI headquarters and had to send me off in a rental car so they could keep it until tomorrow. I hope they figure it out.

Another clue: my cruise control stopped working at the same time this problem started. Coincidence? I think not!

I dropped it off with 49,920 miles. This better be the last major malfunction!

BTW, I tried the other key and there was no change.

 

my classic cooper would do that on occation back when she had a half race head and .40 weber carb... used to have to stall it. nothing to do with your prob just found it funny.

 

Just heard from my dealer. The combination of a new ignition and a new DME control module did the trick. The car is shutting off consistently and the cruise control now works. The guys at MINI of Peabody are the best.

Fingers crossed as I drive past 50,000 miles...

 

Glad to hear it seems to be fixed - yayyy!!!! And yes - keep your fingers crossed that nothing major happens after 50K - it can be quite costly as we found out a couple of times....

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven)
05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

Good news Scott ... I noticed Mr Tumnus was still there when I dropped by at lunchtime today.

Verify with Gary but based on Jasons issue with his replaced transmission, the newly fitted parts should have their own warranty over the 50K of the car ...

 

Thanks Donna and Ian!

I can't wait to return this rental Dodge Neon - it's just too much car for me!