I did a search but didn't really come up with anything...

Has anyone heard if there is a code reader/reset tool available yet for the MINI. I've got one for my BMW that reads the engine codes and allows me to reset the service interval light and the check engine light. Some also reset the airbag light but unfortunately I don't have that one. I know you can reset the service interval light on the MINI without a special tool but the check engine light can be a real headache.

I've had a running battle with the check engine light in my BMW and that reset tool has saved me a lot of money and trips to the dealer where they charge me $60 (at least) to reset the light and tell me my gas cap is loose, which it's not. I even went so far as to replace the cap.

I would definitely be interesed in that same tool for the MINI once I get mine (fingers crossed it will be soon).

 

excellent question Robyn!
I had a Peake Research tool for my E36, but gave it to the buyer, since it was an OBDI car, and not OBDII like the MINI. I honestly haven't heard a thing about a service interval reset tool or the like for the MINI, and I'm kind of bummed out. I hope someone out there can help!

Ryan

 

>>excellent question Robyn!
>>I had a Peake Research tool for my E36, but gave it to the buyer, since it was an OBDI car, and not OBDII like the MINI. I honestly haven't heard a thing about a service interval reset tool or the like for the MINI, and I'm kind of bummed out. I hope someone out there can help!

My E36 is OBDII (pretty sure at least). How cool would it be if my reset tool would work for the MINI? Alas, I'll stop dreaming now...

 

I know Ross-Tech is working on one along the same lines as their awesome VAG-COM tool for Volkswagen/Audi cars.

See http://www.ross-tech.com

 

>>I know Ross-Tech is working on one along the same lines as their awesome VAG-COM tool for Volkswagen/Audi cars.
>>
>>See http://www.ross-tech.com

I'm familiar with the VAG-COM's for the VW's. I'm hoping for something a bit more like the BMW tool. I can carry it in my glovebox and it doesn't require a laptop to work. Granted, it's not as powerful as the VAG-COM but it's also more affordable.

Affordable is good.

Thanks for the tip though, I'll keep my eye on Ross-Tech.

 

This was posted December of last year, don't know if it works I am miniless until December.

James

here is how to reset the service light:

1) Press and hold the trip button
2) Insert key and turn to position 1
3) Watch for "RESET" to appear
4) Release the button, then press & hold it again
5) Wait for the "RESET" to flash
6) Release the button, and then press & release (once only)
7) Service interval should then be reset to 10,000 miles

 

Thanks. I know there is that method for resetting the service interval light. My concern is also being able to reset the check engine light.

 

Jerseygirl, I'd suggest a search over on MINI2...but I'll be willing to bet that the ultimate answer will be "no." The MINI's DME is pretty much effectively sealed from anyone who doesn't have full access to the full software functionality/interface. This means authorized dealers and a few tuners willing to invest the $. I'm familiar with the reset tools used on previous generation BMWs and other cars, and don't think that such a thing has been developed for the MINI or will be anytime soon. Just my opinion.

 

scantool.net makes the perfect tool for the job at $85.00
ELMscan ISO with free software for Winders. I can supply
Linux binaries if you are interested.


And you can gather data while you are driving.
This is timing advance and MPH vs. time.


_________________

 

I reset my light with my pocketlogger. Why would you want to reset your CEL without knowing what it means?

http://www.pocketlogger.com


--
Cheese

 

>>I reset my light with my pocketlogger. Why would you want to reset your CEL without knowing what it means?

Because it's been my experience with the M3 that the CEL comes on at a whim and when I take it in to have it reset they tell me that I have either:

1. Not secured the gas cap properly (which is possible since I live in NJ and I have to rely on the gas pump jockey to do it right)
2. Filled the gas tank with the engine running, which I never do.

You pay $60 a couple times to have someone tell you that's what's wrong and you'll pretty quickly start looking for something to reset that light as well. Whenever the light comes on (usually shortly after I refill) I get the code reader out, check the code (which is always the same code indicating a leak at the gas cap) and reset the light. The reader has more than paid for itself. :smile:

 

disconnecting the battery and attempting to start the car will clear the light as well.


--
Cheese

 

>>disconnecting the battery and attempting to start the car will clear the light as well.

Huh?

I'm skeptical that this really works. Have you tried it?

 

>>>>disconnecting the battery and attempting to start the car will clear the light as well.
>>
>>Huh?
>>
>>I'm skeptical that this really works. Have you tried it?

Yep.

 

>>>>>>disconnecting the battery and attempting to start the car will clear the light as well.
>>>>
>>>>Huh?
>>>>
>>>>I'm skeptical that this really works. Have you tried it?
>>
>>Yep.

OK, I should have been more clear in my question.

Here goes:

0) You are talking about a MINI right?
1) Was your MIL (check engine) light on after the car was started, and remained on?
2) Which side (or both) of the battery did you disconnect?
3) You then tuened the ignition key with NO power to the car.
4) You then reconencted the battery and the MIL was off, and remained off?

It's mysterious how the car would even know you turned the key without
the battery connected.

It also SEEMS like a bad idea that the MIL goes out if you lose the
battery for a while. That would really make diagnosing problems hard
for the mechanic.

Sorry for the earlier not-quite-clear question.

 

>>>>>>>>disconnecting the battery and attempting to start the car will clear the light as well.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Huh?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I'm skeptical that this really works. Have you tried it?
>>>>
>>>>Yep.
>>
>>OK, I should have been more clear in my question.
>>
>>Here goes:
>>
>>0) You are talking about a MINI right?

YES.

>>1) Was your MIL (check engine) light on after the car was started, and remained on?

YES.

>>2) Which side (or both) of the battery did you disconnect?

NEG.

>>3) You then tuened the ignition key with NO power to the car.

YES.

>>4) You then reconencted the battery and the MIL was off, and remained off?
>>

YES.

>>It's mysterious how the car would even know you turned the key without
>>the battery connected.

Turning the key to on removes whatever juice is left/stored in the system.

>>
>>It also SEEMS like a bad idea that the MIL goes out if you lose the
>>battery for a while. That would really make diagnosing problems hard
>>for the mechanic.
>>

I agree, but apparently this person isnt interested in diagnosing problems, only clearing lights. If there is a problem with your car, the light will come back on after you've stored your readiness code and complete your first driving cycle, as per OBD II law.

>>Sorry for the earlier not-quite-clear question.
>>

I accept your apology.


--
Cheese

 

Trippy - was the data you have shown in the graph actually collected on a MINI using scantool's board?

 

>>Trippy - was the data you have shown in the graph actually collected on a MINI using scantool's board?

Yes it was.

I just plugged it in and it worked with the free software from scantool.net.

BUT!!! That software just displays the sensor values. I had to write new
software to ask for the sensor values, and record them in a file.

And since I don't run Winders if I can help it, it's all Linux software.
You can have it if you want it.