My 2005 S won't shut down normally when I turn off the ignition
 

Every so often when I turn the ignition off in my 2005 S auto, it sounds like the engine is still running but at a lower volume. I have to start the car again and turn off the ignition for it to shut down properly. What the heck is going on? It kind of sounds like the fan belt is running but I did not pop the hood to see. I don't drive a lot and the car only has 25k miles on it. It happened again today for the third time. Anybody? Thanks.

Sounds like your car is running a little warm and the auxiliary fan is staying on after you shut the engine off. This is fairly normal when it's warm out, not a cause for concern :thumbsup:.

Come to think of it today when it happened the car had been idling for some time as I was programming my XM satellite radio. When the fan wouldn't shut off, I turned the ignition back on, drove around the block, shut it off and all was well. The weather outside was not warm, around 50 degrees F.

I did read this thread. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n%27t+shut+off

I am not due for service for another 4k miles. If what I am experiencing is normal I will wait till then before I bring the car in and have them give it a look. What do you think? Many thanks.

How s--t! I just checked my coolent reservoir. It is empty! What brand of coolant should I buy?

I'm not sure. I've had my fan run for 10-15 minutes after parking sometimes when it's been driven hard or in traffic or something. It really doesn't take much to heat the engine up. In traffic when it's 50 degrees out in the morning I see 215-225 degree coolant temps. Your fan kicks on and stays on until it's gone down past 205 I think when you shut the car down.

The engine will still continue to heat the coolant after parking, so it's not like once the engine is off you're home free and the temps go down instantly. Sometimes the fan just holds the temperature a few degrees above the shut off point instead of the engine getting even hotter.

MINI Coolant. Anything else will fry your seals on your waterpump.

I believe its about $25 a bottle (Mix 50/50 with distilled water)

I am no where near a Mini dealer tonight let alone one that is opened so I stopped off at WalMart and picked up some pre-mixed 50/50 Prestone "for all cars." I can't drive the car dry. This should hold me until I can get to the dealer right? Having to rely on proprietary Mini fluids is a PITA. I guess I will have to stock up on fluids and keep them in the garage.

It's safer to fill the car with just distilled water than to fill it with some offbrand fluid. Get the MINI Fluid. You'll be sorry when you have to replace the water pump for $800 :sly:.

I appreciate your help. I will call my nearest Mini dealer (Mini of Sterling VA) first thing this morning and see what they want me to do. I only drove around the block after filling the reservoir with Prestone (for all cars) pre-dilluted coolant. If they say it's safe to drive the care in - a 45 minute drive - I will. If they say load it up on a flat bed, I'll do that too. If they tell me to flush the Prestone out, I will (have never done) and refill with distilled water until I can get the car over to them, 'will do that. This is really a pain in the neck. I looked under the car today and saw no evidence of a leak.

there is nothing special about "MINI fluid", it is recommended that if a car comes with Dexcool coolant (typically red) then use that, if its the typical green antifreeze then use that.

Yep!

Check your coolant tank for leaks...I suspect the P.O.S. factory plastic tank is cracked...a common issue...

Okra, it is at the dealer as we speak. All the coolant that I added before I took it over (the tank was bone try) disappearred by the time I got there - a 45 minute drive. So yes to a leak of some kind. And while they were checking it over they detected an oil leak so I am on a roll. I am waiting on a call to see if it's been fixed but I suspect that I am going to have to keep the loaner for one more day.

It's hard not to love the Mini until you have a problem and are reminded that dealerships are few and far between, parts/service are expensive, the local car wash could accidently keep half your car, and worse; what would you do if you were taking a road trip in the middle of nowhere and the only thing the nearest repair shop knew was Ford and Chevy. This is indeed the downside to owning a Mini. The plus is my loaner is a 2007 Dodge Charger and it makes me forget all of the above.

I bet your tstat is leaking...and X3 on the MINI coolant just being a blue Ethelyne Glycol based coolant...any of the green stuff will work. 50-50 mix

Just picked it up. As far as the leaking coolant, they replaced the valve cover gasket. No more leaks. As for the motor, it was leaking hydraulic fluid. They replaced the right motor mount and torx bolt. Car only had 25K on it - a 2005S. All work/parts were covered under warranty.

All common issues.....Had my valve cover gasket replaced at 62000 miles....the motor mount is a common issue on the newer models 04 and up (I think)...Mine is a 2002, I have different mounts...
Keep reading the boards, you will find many quirks in these crazy little cars..

Thanks Okra. 'Will do. And one thing I learned about this forum, is to question and confirm. What coolant to use as one example. :)

I may not be in tune here, but how does a valve cover leak coolant? I thought the valve cover kept the oil in the car or actually just protected the valvetrain from splashing oil all over the engine bay... Where does coolant come into the head where it would leak out or just be consumed in the motor?

:no:
???Where did that 'urban legend' start??
Other than the dye color, any name brand Extended Life antifreeze is identical to Mini's. The European version of it has some additional additives to help combat the high mineral content in the water over there.

Be sure to properly bleed the cooling system whenever the level gets low. On a MCS, there are TWO bleeder screws. Mine is OK, but a good friend of mine had a local shop "power flush" his cooling system and they didn't bleed it. He had a cracked cylinder head before he got his car home. Fortunately, the local shop's insurance covered the repair and he has a properly installed new head.

MINIs are not tolerant of air pockets in the cooling system.

Rawhyde