R50/53 Things You Didn't Know About Your MINI
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
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From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Your A/C is *always* off while you're starting the car, regardless of what position the climate controls are in. There's a "load-shedding" relay that turns off power-draining accessories (like the A/C compressor) while the engine is cranking over, and then restores power once the engine starts. The idea is to make as much current available to the starter motor as possible.
Which accessories are turned off varies from car to car, but they're typically things like the radio, air-conditioner compressor and fan motor, the radio, and headlamps.
Which accessories are turned off varies from car to car, but they're typically things like the radio, air-conditioner compressor and fan motor, the radio, and headlamps.
I totally agree from my mechanical experience.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
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From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
I have a question. I have a 2006 mcs with 10k miles. Ever since the mini rally at deals gap, I've noticed the car seems a little different. Sometimes when I start the car (and it doesn't matter when the last time it was driven), it will act like it is cold and about to quit running a couple times had to restart because it did stall. Also when I was coming back from a trip (it was driven maybe for 2hours), I pulled off the road and was waiting in traffic and it just shut off in drive. what's up? I had it checked out at the mini dealer and they said the computer showed no defaults. It's automatic and premium gas is always used. Anybody had this problem?
I had this and one of my friends did too. The local dealer says that it needs to be re-programmed. I did a JCW upgrade which includes only the JCW air intake, JCW Fuel Injectors and ECU software upgrade. After this kit was installed, I never had the car to stop while driving/turning or never got that "car cold" feeling when I start it the morning. I think it's something related to the software or the air intake to give the car more power when extra force is applied on the engine when you stop and want to do a full turn or something.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Springdale, AR
I had this and one of my friends did too. The local dealer says that it needs to be re-programmed. I did a JCW upgrade which includes only the JCW air intake, JCW Fuel Injectors and ECU software upgrade. After this kit was installed, I never had the car to stop while driving/turning or never got that "car cold" feeling when I start it the morning. I think it's something related to the software or the air intake to give the car more power when extra force is applied on the engine when you stop and want to do a full turn or something.
Edit: One of those recalls was getting the software upgraded.
Last edited by preludestuntin; Nov 25, 2007 at 12:32 PM.
Coordinator :: Middle Georgia MINIs
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 677
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You don't, the MINI dealer has to do it. They should have asked you when you bought your MINI if you wanted the DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) programmed on or off. If they didn't, you could ask them if they will do it. I bought my MINI at what was then Hank Aaron MINI and I was never asked about it. I only found out the option existed when my wife bought her 2007 MCS Convertible. Hank Aaron MINI wouldn't do unless I paid them $35...I commented to the SA at Global Imports about it and they simply asked me for the key and 10 minutes later I had DRLs...at no cost.
Coordinator :: Middle Georgia MINIs
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 677
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I had this and one of my friends did too. The local dealer says that it needs to be re-programmed. I did a JCW upgrade which includes only the JCW air intake, JCW Fuel Injectors and ECU software upgrade. After this kit was installed, I never had the car to stop while driving/turning or never got that "car cold" feeling when I start it the morning. I think it's something related to the software or the air intake to give the car more power when extra force is applied on the engine when you stop and want to do a full turn or something.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
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From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Candog:
How do I get the unofficial owner manual?
Coordinator :: Middle Georgia MINIs
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 677
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Because OBD II is the world-wide standard (since 1996 I believe), the readers are pretty much universal for the basic codes. you can buy the OBD II readers through Moss Motors, AutoZone, etc. Many manufacturers have their own codes which will require a book specifically for that car (like the Bentley MINI Manual) to know what they are.
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 172
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From: Phoenix, az
That's my kinda girl, and from my experience her theory is sound. I would add this corollary though: Should you actually spot a MINI when motoring in the other car, your spouse (if he/she's like mine) will heave a great big "oh geez" *SIGH when you and your offspring all shout "MINI!" in unison 
.
Tatt
.Tatt
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 172
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From: Phoenix, az
With my washers, i have to have the lights on, then pull the washer stalk towards me and hold it for about 2-4 seconds, that's what triggers the light washers.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
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From: Hot Springs Village, AR
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
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From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Yeah you can, just go to your dealer and ask them to print you "Key Memory Report". It's a one page report that will show you all electrical options that you can customize. I got it for free. Some dealers would charge you 0.5 hours.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 804
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From: Trussville
I noticed this yesterday: as you know, you can switch off the dome light by pressing the button on it. Did you know that when you do that it also affects two other lamps? The pedal light and the boot light work in congruence with the dome light.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
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From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Yeah, I bet all of us know this
