Hi, i have a problem with my 2008 MCS.
It cranks but won't start. Once it started for like 2 minutes with a very little power (i had to keep throttle pedal half way down to keep it running) and it died after about 2 minutes.
Everything started when my wife was driving it around the town. It died on her twice. She was able to start it and come home. Next morning i tried to start it and no luck.
Checked fuel pump fuse and relay. looks good. I can hear fuel pump priming fuel as well. When i connected OBD reader i got P15E8 Pending code. I replaced coolant temp sensor. No luck. New spark plugs, all the air hoses connected, pvc hose looks good. Now i have more codes.
P0687- ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit Hich
P0300- Random Misfire Detected
P1497- Downstream Throttle Air Leak
2F8F- Motor Shutoff Time, Plausibility
2F1A- Coolant Temperature Sensor, Signal
2C9C- Wiring Sysytem Voltage, DME-Main Relay
2B64- Intake Manifold, Leak Air
30B0- Message (Vehicle Modus, 315) Missing

I need your help. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

The problem could be caused by many things. You need three things, minimum, to make the engine run; air, fuel, and an ignition source. When you crank the engine and then remove the spark plug, is the spark plug wet with fuel? If so, the ignition may be a suspect. If the spark plugs do not smell of gasoline, the fuel supply may be the issue. Since it was running and then stopped, is it possible that the timing chain broke, or somehow moved, causing the engine to be incorrectly timed? There are also several sensors that could have failed.

 

Looks like a lot going on.

However, before you go much further check the battery. Also, check the alternator for sufficient power output. A failing alternator will be unable to supply sufficient electrical power to top up/replenish the battery's charge after engine start and to supply the the car's electrical power needs while driving. At some point the battery will take over but it can't do this for long.

With some cars -- Porsche Panamera for instance -- the engine can run a while at idle then the alternator quits working right and in just a few minutes of idling the CEL comes on, other warning lights come on, warning messages appear, then the engine begins to run poorly and shortly dies. The key is switched off and after some time the engine can be restarted only for the behavior to appear again.

I don't know the history of your car, and I'm not familiar with the Mini as I am with some other cars, but with a sudden onset of problems seemingly from unrelated areas there is a concern about water intrusion. Checking for signs of moisture around the car's engine electronics, in the cabin, anywhere is called for.

Last but not least mice can wreck havoc on a car's electrical system. However, symptoms of rodent damage are usually present/obvious from the outset.

 

Hi, thanks for your response.
Spark plugs smells of gasoline when i crank. Timing chain is ok. I took off valve cover and checked it.

 

check the timing and then compression. There also could be a vacuum leak. take a deep breath and go over everything slowly, plugs, hoses, wires, battery...etc. Dont rush it.

where you located?

 

Following, my 12 has been having starting issues. A week ago the fan turned on for no reason when I turned the engine on but did not start. I then started to head off for lunch. 8/10 times I order and pick up so I'm a quick in and out. I returned to my car and the fan was still running. I then pressed start (foot on clutch), and I got sputtering, ticking and failed start. So first I waiting and thought about what I was going to do after all MINI is maybe 5 mins down the road. Next thing I know a yellow check engine light comes on and I'm about to freak out. So I remove my fob search the nets and don't find anything. I hear the fan click off and try again, and it starts.

I have the now thrown code checked and it's the lovely p0168, after a 7 min drive and the fan ignited before the engine ever turned on. Needless to say this weekend I spent adding items to my "tune-up". Now today no code, but same issue when going to get lunch. Also no check engine light but instead got a yellow brake light, abs light and traction off light when driving. Of course pulled over immediately, shut it off and sat for a minute and things turned off.

Really strange.