I was driving home today and my car went into limp mode, now when I turn it on I hear a clicking sound and when I was driving I kept hearing a pop. Can anyone tell me what this light means?


Light1 by Chris Guthrie, on Flickr

I figured it is just a generic check engine light, but why do I not have it on my speedometer?


Light2 by Chris Guthrie, on Flickr

 

It could be simply that it just showed up in the computer but not on the dashboard, and yes, it is a check engine light. It sounds like a misfire or maybe HPFP going bad?

 

Check engine light car needs to go into the shop and have the diagnostic checked to source the root of the problem. Not a good icon to come up I'm afraid. From your speedometer reading unless you have the extended warranty you may be out of pocket on the repair cost. At a minimum you can get the dealer to run the diagnostic for $100.

Good luck - I've also had engine issues with my R56S. Fortunately they have been covered under warranty.

 

Yes, could be HPFP.

 

From Mini website:
4-year/50,000 Mile Limited Warranty
At MINI, our commitment to quality, durability and customer satisfaction is clearly demonstrated by a 4year/50,000 mile MINI New Passenger Car Limited Warranty.

I believe it should be covered by warranty.

 

Thanks guys, that's what I thought. I will call the Mini of Clear Lake tomorrow to get it in, MINI does free towing right? I really don't want to drive it 95 miles to get to the nearest dealership.

 

Yep, they'll tow it for free

 

Here in Canada, MINI only covers us for 3 years (and doesn't included scheduled maintenance). I guess their committment to quality, durability and customer focus is somewhat less North of the 49th

 

Good Point, Rixter
The warranty I quoted was from Mini USA, I didn't realize the Canadian warranty was different.

 

Good luck, I had that symbol come up last week and now I'm waiting for my engine to be replaced. I always thought whichever came first (mileage or years) was the end of the warranty, anyone know if that's how minis warranty works?

 

I think you may have suffered the timing chain failure, you need this to go to the dealer......

 

Check out the other recent threads...."Brachman denied warranty" and the "So my R56 went FUBAR"....if it's the timing chain gear exploding, it's probably the inferior screws holding the gear that's being sawed off.

 

Just an update, I just got off the phone with Mini of Clear Lake and they are going to have to replace my turbo. They said the turbo should be in Monday afternoon so my car should be ready Tuesday or Wednesday. Man I have missed my car, being stuck driving the wife's Chevy Aveo really has sucked. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

That's good news!!

See if you can "visit" the shop before the new turbo goes on, not sure if the valve covers will be off, but if they are, take a small allen wrench that's got a curve on one end and tap the cam gear screws to see if they are loose OR have the mechanic to that testing but see if you can come along. Try to do this before they get a chance to touch the cam gear.

Stranger things have been happening but a turbo going out so early is suspect to me, but then, it was not indicated if you were still able run the engine after hearing the "pop". If the engine did not turn over and you were totally stuck with a dead engine, then the timing chain might have popped (aka broken) and better have them check it out before taking it home

I'm not sure about your dealership, but the BMW dealership where I go to service does not mind at all, despite the insurance regulations posted. Just make it quick.

Good luck!

 

The car was still running, it would start and run, I just didn't want to chance driving it anywhere. I can not make it to the dealership to see them before the new turbo gets put in. That's is one of the downfalls to having an hour and a half drive to the nearest dealership I can never just pop in to check on anything.

 

yes, 4 years or 50K, whichever occurs first.

 

Guthrie,

I'm in exactly the same situation! This happened to me a day and a half ago. I've already had my tensioner and timing chain replaced a month ago! I drove the car home immediately (happened about 10 min into my commute to work--non-highway, thankfully) and borrowed a car for work from a family member. Now I have to wait for our nutty snow/ice storm to stop before I can flatbed the car to the dealer, nearly an hour away. Ugh.

Did your problem ever get resolved, Guthrie? I'd be interested to hear the cause.