Ive have my 04 MCS for a couple months now and am finally getting around to asking yall a couple questions instead of just reading quietly

First I don't like stealerships and do all my own mechanic'n, but I learn by doing.

I have 3 lights that have been on since I bought the car:I dont know if this stuff needs more of a prep sequence like key in the ignition, patting my head, and rubbing my belly or something .

I appreciate the help guys!

Nick

 

1)Brake pad warning light...if the pads are fine, they just did not replace the sensor when they did the brake job...you have the right idea..just complete the circuit, and the light will go-away.
2)TPS....what year is your car...MOST gen1 MINI's have a system that the computer counts the tire rotations, and then determines if one tire is spinning more per mile...this means the tire is smaller....and is going flat...and set the light. Since you pushed the button in, and drove a bit after re-setting it...it is safe to assume that you have a bad sensor...and the fact you have...
3)DSC light on.....this stability system uses, in part, the same wheel speed sensors as the TPS system.....so one sensor....CAN result in two fault lights...and the failure of two separate systems. DSC is an item you have, like airbags, you never expect to need it...but it just might prevent an accident someday and save your butt...it can be disabled, and that is why there is a switch....folks turn it off for track use.
There is a few threads on your issues...and a DIY to clean/replace the sensors....it is likely just one of the 4 sensors are bad/dirty....but you need some specialized tools to determine which one. I would ask the place you got the car from to fix it....if iy was a private party sale, then a good first step would be to clean and lube them.....it just might do the trick...since you will have to take the tires off and jack the car up anyway to fix the Brake warning sensor.....
Since you are in GA, and Atlanta is close, I'd give WayMotorWorks a call...and go see them....they have lots of great things for MINI's and do great work. They are a great resource to have within an afternoons driving distance....I have dropped in to see them, they are great! http://www.waymotorworks.com/

 

Brakes...you need to visualy make sure there is fluid in the master cylinder. A leak or other serious problem will make it go on too. If things look good and you don't see any leaks, your sensor diagnosis is likely correct.

TPS on the 04 mini uses ABS brake system to detect tire rotation differences and that is how the light knows to light.

DSC also uses ABS to function.

Sounds to me like you need someone to look over the issue and tell you a professional opinion. ABS should be leaving codes in the computer they can pull. One bad ABS sensor may be all your problems and it may be cheaper to have a dealer diagnose it and/or fix it than to blindly chase the issue by being a parts changer.

Don't get me wrong, I hardly ever go to the dealer and only for computer type issues, but if your local brake shop has no experience, no sense giving them a smaller amount of money to learn on your car.

EDIT: the above post is the same advice basically, seek professional help, and pay for their knowledge. You get what you pay for and a good mini shop will have seen this before and probably will fix it cheaper and faster than anyone else.

 

WMW and the Dealer are both a 4hr drive one way, haha. So Ill have to just sit on it for a while I guess. There is a local "import garage" here but he hasn't had any time to take a look at my car all week, I guess busy is a good sign? Im hoping he can give me a hand next week.

THNAKS!

 

You might have better luck with a European repair place, or a BMW specialist.... If the import places deals with mostly Asian makes...they will likely be learning about the MINI while you pay for it.

 

Yeah I think he's mostly European cars. There's lots of BMW's in the parking lot.

Thanks for the tip though.