So I was recently in an accident involving three cars, I was rear-ended and pushed into another car. After having my car for 7 weeks, I get it back from the body/mechanic shop with no power steering and stuck in safe mode. They say they fixed everything accident related, but obviously my car was drivable since I was on the road. Before the accident my power steering pump fan was staying on and draining my battery so I would unhook it. They are saying unhooking the battery is what caused all the problems. I had a separate mechanic look at it and he says that there is a communication issue because my transmission computer doesn't show up on his code reader. It is stuck in some kind of limp mode and won't go over about 45 mph at 4k rpms. I'm not too sure what to do, he says to call the insurance company and have an adjustor sent out but I need something a little faster, so can anyone point me in the right direction?
I have a 2005 mini cooper s convertible. Its automatic with about 47,800 miles and no previous issues before the power steering pump.

 

What's safe mode?
Is your car chipped? It sounds like valet mode.
If not, I'd reset the ecu manually.
Hold down the trip button and switch the key to acc, go to #19 and reset.

Or wait for someone with experience to reply here. Or to a BMW certified mechanic.

 

Leaf fan 1988, safe mode is the mode your car drops into when there is a problem to prevent more damage/problem from occurring.

Go to Autozone or a similar parts store they can hook up a code reader to see what codes your car is throwing they can clear the codes for you as well. After the codes are clear restart car and see if same codes are being thrown. Knowing the codes will give you a better idea of what and or where your problem is.

 

well mini isn't too common here so there is literally one shop that can read it. he cleared the codes, but the transmission doesn't show up at all. he said the transmission isn't communicating with the rest of my car and it has to be related to the accident. the dealership is like 2 hours away so I'm hoping I can replace a fuse or some simple fix.

 

You need to know the codes they will be like P023 etc. then you look them up yourself to see what the code is referring to, I trust very few mechanics. I think if your transmission was not communicating that you would not be able to pull car out of driveway much less drive it. I can give you a list of ECU codes for 1st. Gen. Mini's

 

i understand i need the code to know figure out the problem, but i cant get it because his code reader doesn't show that i have a transmission at all.

 

On a mini it is called "limp mode", on a windows pc, it is safe mode....
In limp mode, typically the engine limits rpm's and power...to about 1800 rpm or so....and after a restart, the limp mode typically goes away, till the same fault happens again, a code is set, light lights up...limp mode is triggered......
the mini tranny on the s is an assin unit....same as many Toyota's and audi/vw's....
A transmission issue will not typically set a code, it is mostly engine management and emissions related items....
Call the insurance company
...say the car is STILL NOT FIXED, come get it, i am afraid of damaging it, come get it....it is their $$ to get it someplace to fix it.....if they need to tow it to mini, or an BMW shop, it is their $$$.....they must return the car to preaccident condition. Period.

 

is there anything I can try at home?

 

Other than prayer, sorry, no. The more you try something, the more they may blame it on you.

 

Got a story, and a lesson for everyone.......

On December 1 (Tuesday) I took my '07 into Sears, the DieHard battery was weak now that it's cold, it was 10 days short of the warrantee expiring, $10 for a new one! The mechanic put the tester on it, had the sort of response of "oh, huh". When they found no replacement was in stock, said I would be okay driving home, and coming back. That's when I discovered it wouldn't start. So the mechanic put the charger on it, I did some shopping, came back, tried again, didn't turn over. So he put the jumper cart on it, it turned over, but never caught. So I left my car there.
They got a battery the following Saturday. They called me, asking if I had another key, no I don't, why? It won't start. So I came here to another thread, found out a procedure called registering the battery "might" need to be done. So I called back and told the manager Dawn that, she insisted on trying to use their computer to reset the code. On Monday I called the dealer to ask if Sears will have any luck, was told no. On Wednesday they conceded defeat, and paid for the tow down to MINI North Scottsdale.
The dealer found the CAS module was fried. So, with having to order the computer cache module $568.99, labor of tearing into the dash $663.75, with tax $1,279.97!!!!!
Someone left a print of the email exchange between the manager, and Casey (names redacted to protect the guilty), this thread was used for their research.
Now it appears Sears is ignoring me. They killed my car, I'm not paying $1,280 for a new battery!!!!!

 

Sounds like when they charged it or hooked it up backwards or something it killed the CAS. Most of the time if you recharge it , it will be ok till to certain voltage. Sorry to hear this sounds like a cal to sear corp. is needed.

 

Thanks, I may have to do that. I just sent an email to the Sears managers with times of calls to who, and links to this and another thread.

 

Can't help but just wanted to add that disconnecting the battery on a 2005 (or even 2006) won't cause any problems. The system (according to MINI) will have to "re-learn" your driving style, but that won't cause any problems.

Also, on 2005 and 06 MINIs there is no batter registration.

Good luck.

 

Just wondering, would this be considered good customer service? This is the response from the manager of Sears:

I understand your frustration having to deal with a component failure. Having concern for you, and wanting to help you as a valued member, we provided the towing service for your vehicle as a courtesy to assist you in finding remedy for the vehicle’s issue. As confirmed directly with Mini Service any of the service we provided would not precipitate the issue your vehicle had, and Sears does not bear responsibility for the internal failure of the component involved.
Clearly , as evidenced by the invoice you provided our Manager in Prescott, the vehicle had other electrical issues as well.

We were happy to assist you with getting the vehicle to Mini, and pleased you have found remedy to the issues with your vehicle.

I know any reputable mechanic shop has insurance for this sort of mishap. I forwarded this to MINI North Scottsdale, so will see who knows what customer service means.

 

Lesson = don't bring a Mini to Sears? Btw Sears has one foot and four toes in the graveyard, not sure why anyone goes to them.

Obviously impossible at this point figuring out what happened.

 

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!! Was talking with someone today, he said they lost customer service about 10 years ago.

 

Sears....car repair....nuff said. Anybody remember the SLEW of investigations 20/20 and 60 minutes did...sure kinda old...but once a company or part of one is Rotten to the core....it dies not change without HUGE EFFORT...and effort and sears in the same line...lol...the 25 year old carpets should tell you something... Think everybody working for sears sees it as a dead man walking....and thus nobody cares of they tarnish the name more....gotta make more $$$...load the bill...screw the consumer...
Sorry for the useless add on post, but saying one brought a MINI to sears is like going to jiffy-lube, and having the oil leak out and blowing the motor.... Par for the course.
Good luck...remember, salvage parts can save you some $$....and part once on the car is used anyway....and sometimes factory original parts are better than the replacement parts....
Think you are gonna be stuck $$ to fix this...might get it back later in small claims...but is it worth your time and effort or perhaps it is a lesson learned, and move on...

 

I wouldn't trust them for an oil change, fer sure. I got appliances from Sears, so far so good (knock on wood now). Tires: Discount Tire been good to me.

 

What about a no start after removing the battery, computer and air filter to replace the thermostat? I have just have a click sound no engage. Im charging the battery as we speak in case thats the issue.

 

As much as I hate to suggest it, your answer may be small claims court.

Or find out what it would cost to have a lawyer send them a strongly worded letter if they keep jacking you around.

Good luck, let us know what happens.

Oops, just noticed the age of this thread!

 

did you find the problem?