OK, so my CEL has been on for a few days, but as usual, it comes and goes. However, tonight, on the way home from work, I went to pass on the highway and the car had no pick up, like it was stuck in gear. As I'm sure you guys know, the car normally picks up and takes off when you want to go from say 55 to 70. I did eventually get the car up to about 80, but it wasn't going any higher than that.

As for the CEL history, it went on and off last year during the winter months. But the car still ran fine with no other issues. By the time I was able to get out the dealer, it was spring and the light was off and they found no issues and gave me the usual speach about the gas cap. As soon as it got to 32 or lower this year, the light came back on. I assumed it was the same problem as last year when it went out for awhile. But it came back on again last week as has been on for a few days. Maybe the light is on for a different issue this time. Anyway, was just curious if this is what is considered limp mode. When just driving around town, you'd never know there was a problem.

I'm going to schedule an appointment tomorrow morning when I get to work.

07 MCSa late July build.

 

I don't know Minis (yet), but shouldn't you post if you have auto tranny? What's the mileage? Anything done to the car lately? How's the oil level(s)? Like if it's auto tranny - the ATF level? Did you get your code(s) read? Autozone might do that for free. Take it from here, so when you go to the dealer, you are more "educated" and know what to tell them, so they don't BS you.

Thanks

 

Spectral G's post was signed, "MCSa". That indicates an S model with an automatic transmission.

 

It's an automatic, just over 14,000 miles, nothing extra done to the car, fluid levels are good. Now, this morning, car was normal, took it out to the highway and got up to speed with no trouble. The CEL is still on, but no codes or any other warnings. Same with yesterday, no codes. I dunno, suppose I'll monitor it for a few days and then make a call. Dealer is 2+ hours away, so I like to only make that trip when absolutely necessary.

 

When the CEL logo is on hold the stalk button in until the error code appears, it'll be a number.

 

I tried that, it shows the CEL but nothing underneath. Unless there's something I'm not doing properly.

 

OK, so my car is showing the 031 error code. Guess that's the emissions one? Anyway, it's bouncing back from working ok to sometimes not wanting to go into passing gear. I'm definitely calling on Monday for an appointment. Something's frigged up somewhere.

 

Just an update, in case anyone has had some kind of similar issue. Took the car in this morning to Prestige Mini and just got back. The thermostat was stuck open thus causing the CEL and most likely my other issues. They fixed it and updated the computer which took a couple hours. Seemed fine for the two hour ride home and the light stayed off too. Hope that ends the issue but, of course, I'll keep monitoring it.

Man oh man, this weather has been freaking brutal. It's a real test of your Mini's cold weather tolerance.

Just as an FYI, Prestige Mini was hopping. You'd never know there was an economic crisis. In my time there, three or four people bought new cars and there was constant foot traffic all day.