HELP! we just replaced the leaking right motor mount and the ribbed belt everything was all good then we started the engine the SES light is now on and the engine died on the first start but started fine the second time. Any ideas? This is our first DIY on the new MINI. its a 2006 R50 with 70k miles.
Thanks, marilyn

 

My guess is a loose wire. The cam sensor is near the belt, the ground strap is there. Looking up the code would be a big help.

 

thanks, this is our first diy and we don't have the tool to read codes. the ground strap was disconnected when we removed the bracket for the motor mount could that set a fault?

 

If the car was turned to the on postition while it was removed it is possible. There isn't much more in the area that can be bumped, but double check all hoses and connections.

 

thanks, we double checked everything and it looks good so we are now in the market for a peake tool so that we can read the fault codes and get this cleared up any suggestions for places with the best price.

 

I would just disconnect the battery for 5 mins. If the code is important, it will return. If not....

 

With my Nissan I could just drive down to some place like autozone or advanced auto parts and they could pull the codes for me (for free). I haven't tried this on my Mini but I don't see it being much different.

 

ok the ses light went out on monday and came back on wednesday after the engine rpm dropped. we now have a peak tool and the fault code is p0340. which the peak book tells us is a camshaft sensor.

 

That is right next to the motor mount on the pass side, sort of between the mount and engine. Probably a loose wire. It' near the top/center and probably can be banged by a belt going on or coming off.

 

we will check for a loose wire. is there a way to check for sensor failure?

 

You can read the code with an OBD reader. If you go to some auto parts stores like AutoZone, they will read it for free.

However, the most likely problem is a loose wire around the area you worked in.

 

thanks for all your helpful hints, well it seems that in fact the camshaft sensor connection was the cause and after r&i and checking all connections the light has been out. knock on wood.

 

Thanks for the update and glad you solved the problem.

 

How hard was it to change the motor mounts on your own? Mine need to be done.

 

Not too bad. You do need an E12 External Torx socket and long extensions for the bottom bolt. I purchased a External Torx set at Sears. There are various large mount bolts to remove. You will need to support the car on jack stands and use a jack to support the mount. The hardest part was getting all the black goo off. Also, check to make sure black goo did not get all over your serp belt, if so you should replace the belt.
Here is one NAM link:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ount-leak.html

 

This very thing just happened to me. I replaced the mount and 2 days later I received all kinds of faults. Was about to replace the sensor, then it occurred to me that I might have bumped/pulled on the connector when replacing mount. Voila!!!! it was slightly backed off the sensor. Reseated it and it's been running perfect since then. I was told by Waylen at WayMotorWorks that a loose wire or a pinched wire somewhere could be the problem and it will cause all kinds of weird fault codes. Once again he was dead on. Simple fix.