Hi everyone,

I received a 2006 Mini Cooper Base CVT from a friend, and it had shifting/jerking/response problems with the transmission. It was running fine when I drove it home (50 miles). The first thing I did was a fluid change (EZL 799), and an ECU reset, which caused "EP" to come up on the instrument cluster. When I drained the fluid, a full 4.5 quarts came out (dirty, but didn't see any metal). Midway through the QC performed after a flush (pages 240-5/6 in the Bentley manual), the transmission stopped engaging to the engine. Drive and reverse were useless. I didn't hear anything different, or metal on metal sounds indicating the belt had snapped.

Here's what I tried:
- There have been reports of finicky electronics with weak batteries in the mini - I recharged it and there was no change.
- I pulled a P0705 DTC code and checked the shift board as per numbersix's post (http://goo.gl/x8LSyO). Some contacts were corroded and not bridging, so I did something similar and tested for continuity. Cleared the code, and it didn't come back.
- A few days later I got INPA working on my computer, and proceeded with to do the CVT adaptation, which I should've done after the flush but didn't have INPA at that time. I thought it was related to the clutch not engaging, since I don't hear anything changing after shifting the gear. The weird thing is, after I clear the adaptation, the cluster shows xP (which is expected). Then, I turn on the engine and the cluster goes back to EP (unexpected), so it doesn't let me proceed with the adaptation.

I would like to exhaust all possibilities prior to pulling out the transmission and rebuilding it. Can anyone offer me their wisdom as to what to look for next?

Thanks!

 

I've not ventured into a CVT yet, but I predict it will be on my list of things to do sometime soon.

This sounds to me like an electronics issue as opposed to a mechanical issue. Which I suppose is the cheaper of two evils, since it did work before you fiddled with it. I'm sure it could be re-programmed fairly easily once we get another set of eyes on it.

 

you must use BMW DIS or ISTA software to reset cvt adaptation.

this is my blog. DIY CVT ADAPTATION .

1)I use BMW DIS:
http://dabongmini.blogspot.kr/2012/1...ooper-diy.html





2) I use ISTA: http://dabongmini.blogspot.kr/2016/0...cooper_19.html

 

There is an in depth process to resetting the CVT shift points, it takes a very empty road, and you being precise with your RPM controls.

We have usually fixed the jerky shifts with just a fluid and filter change to the Redline CVT fluid, rarely do we ever reset the CVT adaptations. We had one car that actually got stuck in adaptation stage and wouldn't relearn shift points, replaced everything aside from the actual transmission.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

As for clearing and resetting the adaptations - I can do that with my software. The problem is still that the car doesn't move at all.

Is there a way to tell if the belt is fried without taking apart the transmission?

 

start the car, gear to D, if car doesn't move. then gear to R. if car still doesn't move. you cvt belt is broken.

 

if cvt belt is broken. you can find belt chips in transmission oil pan.