One month of ownership and my car is in the shop for the second time. :-(

This time I got a CEL on the way to work. Used the code reader (hoping for something simple like a loose gas cap) and got P012 CAMSHAFT Bank A Over Retard.

At the dealer service department now so we will see what happens.

Seriously missing the typical Japanese reliability of my Miata right now.

 

Back on the road, no charge for service. Techs hooked up computer, and found fault 2D5A- Vanos: Intake Control Fault. Ran full test, and drove vehicle after resetting code, not further issues.

I've been told to "monitor vehicle for CEL" and return as needed.

My confidence is high that I'll be back.

 

Ya, you'll probably be back. Am surprised they didn't replace the VANOS solenoid. The intake solenoid on mine failed, would give me occasional CEL, so I finally had it replaced.

 

I am hoping there are no more problems but I guess I will be prepared.

The advisor did say that if it happens again they will dig deeper. I had no appointment so I am happy that they at least got me in to take a look.

 

We have run into the same issue, and with some cars we are able to clean the VANOS solenoid and reinstall it, but with others we have replaced them.

If this doesn't fix your issue, you may be in for a timing cassette.

Good Luck,
Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

Thanks! Is the solenoid something I can do at home, or is it "major surgery"? I have a pretty fair mechanical knowledge, but my tool-set is limited.

The SA did mention "programming" if it came back on... That seemed odd, but I figured they were the experts.

 

Remove the airbox, as well as the intake pipe to the throttle body (this is a possibility) I've done it with the pipe in place, but access makes every job easier. And the solenoid is right above the tensioner and is held in by one 10mm bolt, give it a strong tug to break the o-ring tension and it'll pop right out.

Programming is slang for milking your wallet.

 

Thank you. Sounds doable, if the light comes on again I'll give it a go.

I'm not under warranty, so any visit to the dealer service department could be costly, although as of yet I'm not out a dime for my visits... I'm lucky!

 

Find a good independent MINI mechanic. There is no reason to pay the ridiculous dealer shop labor charges...

 

Driving to work this morning, and the half-power CEL pops. Use the handy dandy code reader, P0012- Powertrain "A" Camshaft Position- Timing Over-retarded (Bank 1).

Had to take care of some things, and when I got back to the car and fired it up, the CEL was out, and it ran fine. Since I just had the HPFP replaced two weeks ago, I'm light on cash, so I'll drive it until the weekend, and see if I have any other incidents.

I'm sure it is the intake solenoid again, so I'll likely replace it this time. Should I do both intake and exhaust at the same time, or is that a waste of time and money?

 

Check out this thread HERE. Multiple individuals indicate they had to replace the VANOS solenoid. Have it here if needed. My suggestion is if you have determined you need a VANOS solenoid by cleaning or swapping side to side, replace both solenoids. They are fairly inexpensive and you're always better off replacing a degrading part. We go over all of this in our VANOS DIY.

 

Solenoid has been cleaned once, by the dealer, back in February just three weeks after I bought the car. I have the oil changed every 4k to 5k miles by a small private shop that specializes in MINI work. Not sure what brand filter they use, but I'll ask.

I'm going to do the solenoid replacement myself if the light pops again. It went off on its own for now, but I'm sure it will return soon.

 

I've looked over the tutorials, and I can handle the replacement. I see you mention not re-using the fasteners... Do new ones come with the new parts?

 

Correct. Replace the fastener and O-ring every time the sensor is removed from the cylinder head. As the tech article states be sure to lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil to facilitate installation. The new solenoid comes with the o-ring. The 10mm fastener is here (click on more info). #7 below. Let me know if you have any other questions.