It seems that the gremlins are out in full force.

I. WIPERS

I've noticed, over the past several weeks, that it seems like my wipers temporarily stop wiping when I have them set to the lowest (pulse) setting. That is to say that they will pause for an inordinately long time. I assumed I was just weirding out for a second and losing track of time. But then yesterday I noticed that pressing the wand down (in order to get a single swipe) often resulted in 2 swipes. At this point, when I press the wand down I can get anywhere from 1 to 6 swipes---it's a surprise! Additionally, when I have the wipers on the lowest setting, they will occasionally wipe continuously for several passes, then stop---altogether---then go back to pulse and so on. I haven't noticed any other electrical weirdness, so I'm not sure what to think. Suggestions? (No, I don't have rain-sensing wipers)


II. BRAKES

In the past I have very infrequently felt some feedback on the break pedal when I hit a small pothole or roadlump of some sort while breaking. The past two weeks, however, this has been getting more common, and it's to the point now where I can no longer feel any kind of bump in the road that I'd previously thought caused it. As best I can describe it, it feels as though there is a metal arm that extends from the break pedal down to the ground when I break. The pedal kind of jerks a bit, under my foot and it makes a metal-dragging-on-concrete noise. You'd get a pretty good sense of it if you just imagined what it might feel like if cars came to a stop Flinstone-style, using a metal rod which dragged on the ground when you hit the break pedal. But, I must stress, it does not happen ALL the time. It's happened infrequently for almost as long as I've had the car, but nothing has ever been said on any of the numerous visits (including 2 scheduled maintenance services) that I've had to the dealership. I'm confused.

 

Toast, I have no help re. the wiper problem, but I can say that I've experienced something similar with my brakes.

Question...do you know what it feels like when the ABS is activated in your MCS, and is the sound/sensation you're feeling similar to that you feel when the ABS is activated? I've noticed in my car that the ABS is activated sometimes (and only for a brief second) when I go over a pothole/bump when turning. This (for example) happens on one spot every morning in my commute, so I'm pretty familiar with it and know how to make it happen. My interpretation is that the S's suspension is so tight (and the stock runflats so unforgiving) that it's very easy to lose traction in one wheel by actually lifting it momentarily off the ground. Mind you, all of this happens in a fraction of a second...but the ABS is very sensitive and it supposed to be activated by incidents that last tiny fractions of seconds. Anyhow, it's possible that your car's ABS is a bit out of whack and is coming on when it shouldn't. I had a bad ABS sensor in my previous car...and the ABS used to come on at the slightest provocation. You could have something similar going on in your MINI.

 

Actually, Jsun, that's exactly what it feels like--gravelly ABS kicking in. I had ruled this out as a possibility since it was happening when I didn't think ABS was necessary but yes, when it happens while there's snow/ice on the ground and I'm coming down a hill that's what I assume it is.

I had no idea ABS could kick on so easily---thanks for the heads up.

 

OmToast,

I, too, have experienced wiper weirdness. The wipers occasionally start operating when I start the car. Wiper stalk in off position, no rain-sensing wipers, no rain, nothing touching the wiper stalk, no logical reason for the wipers to activate.

More troubling is that my sunroof and both windows have magically opened by themselves in the middle of the night while the car was sitting in the garage. Can't wait til this happens in pouring rain somewhere...

Buggy software, I'm guessing.

 

I'm calling Father Damien....

 

I was going to suggest that a call to an exorcist would be in order once the car started spewing green glop, but then I realized that the coolant problem is when the stuff turns BROWN (and leaks out the tank seam onto your firewall).

But seriously, 911Fan, I don't think that your problem is "buggy software" but actually a bad computer and/or wiring harness (CANBUS) components. Several other owners over the past year or so have also reported mysterious opening windows, sunroof, etc....and I think that the computer was ultimately to blame (assuming you're not standing nearby with the remote key accidentally depressed). The best bet is to keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't happen again...but if it does, it's likely more than the software. Toast, the same may be true of your windshield wipers...AND if this is true (I'm not sure how much of a long shot this is), it could be the root of your ABS problems too. This record-breaking cold, plus a little moisture freezing up inside of things, seems to bedevil the MINI's already fragile computer/electronics.

Good luck!

_________________

Bring Out the Scoops!

 

OmToast,
sorry to hear about your trouble. I suppose you don't have the rain sensing wipers.
A dealer visit seems required here. My guess would be that the wiper stalk needs to be exchanged, but it could be something else too.
Regarding the brakes, definitely have it checked out by a dealer soon.
A guess would be that the ABS is kicking in. This could be for several reasons, such as a faulty wheel sensor, or that something else is wrong with ABS and needs to be recalibrated. Have it taken in asap!
Good luck in sorting that out.
M.