So two days ago, the signal came on that the gas cap wasn't closed properly...2 seconds later, that warning changed to the yellow engine light. I pulled over and did find that the gas cap was loose, so tightened it back...the yellow engine light didn't go away at that point. So I thought the next time when I start the car, I should not see the yellow engine light...

NOPE...next time, which is yesterday, the light still came on while I know the gas cap is close and secured now. My car seems powerful as always, doesn't sound as scary as the way owner's manual describes the outcome of this warning light.

Thoughts? I heard this could be some software update or failed gas pump...

 

Some times the dealership has to reset the check engine light. That happen with me several months ago and the only way it would go off was after they reset it.

 

Thanks. Anybody else?

 

My dealer warned me on delivery about keeping the gas cap tight. If it was loose they would charge to turn the light off. I don't know if the MINI's do the same, but I had a Buick that when the light came on I had to drive a few miles before it went off.
With the MINI I bought a OBD scan tool on E-bay and can now check my own codes and turn off the light for things like a loose gas cap. If you buy a scanner make sure it can read CAN bus.

Auford

 

Some codes take a few driving cycles to clear and turn off the light. I had a VW Passat that took 2-3 days to clear a CEL caused by a loose gas cap.

 

Try disconnecting the battery negative for a few minutes, it should go away then.

 

Thought I'd recommend this for $85 if you have a laptop:

http://www.obdpros.com/product_info.php?products_id=133

I have one that I bought a while back since my truck has an aftermarket supercharger and frequently throws a code for low vacuum (duh). I wanted to be able to make sure that's what it was every time since sometimes it will reset itself in a few miles, sometimes not for days. It also helped me monitor things when I had a leak in the intake tract.

My MCS threw its first code this morning at startup (1200 miles on odo) and the module worked fine for checking and resetting it. The code was for a misfire. No biggie....if it had been something more serious or becomes recurrent I would've taken it in.

There are several free software apps (you'll need one to use it) to use with the tool and you can also monitor real time data. Beats having to stop by an AutoZone or the dealer for minor things and it works with pretty much all vehicles.

FYI, they also have a Bluetooth model that can be used up to 300 feet away but it costs twice as much.

 

I read another thread on this website in the last day or two about the loose gas cap. The person said it took 16 starts (which is also what their dealer told them) to clear the light.

You may want to search for that thread...I think it was under "2nd Generation MINIs", but not the "Coupe Talk (2007+)" thread.

 

Just give it a couple of more on/off cycles to reset if it is that code it will go away. You can also go to your local autozone and they will read it for you for free. May save you a trip to the dealer. Good luck.

 

Well...didn't see your replies until now...anyway, ended up taking it to dealer since I want to make sure it was only the gas cap that caused the engine light...anyway, it was the gas cap. Thanks everyone.

 

Next time you can just go to an Autozone store and they let you use their scanner for free. I got rid of a cell on my VW that way....