03 MCS 162k miles . I stopped at a light when AC light started flashing and temp guage went all the way up to red but no cooling fan noise and didn't loose power steering . Pulled over expecting belt to be off or cooling fan issue but no steam or even very much heat . Cooling fan suddenly came on so I started the car and temp was normal ??? So it's obviously not overheating. what could cause this . Any help greatly appreciated

To be clear I'm also having what I believe to be a timing chain tensioner issue and Ive ordered one


https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/358953-valve-train-noise-on-start-up.html#post4612291

 

Maybe an electrical grounding issue causing gauges to malfunction? Check all your main ground terminals. MINIs are also notoriously prone to weird electrical issues if the battery is weak. Might want to check that also, especially now that it's cold.

 

I noticed I was low on coolant , once I refilled it and problem went away . Then today happened again and once again coolant was low . I believe the false overheat was due to no coolant by the temp sensor
Obviously I have a leak somewhere . I'm not burning it and I don't see any leaks so I need to pressure test. Anyone know how to pressure test with an aftermarket metal tank with a screw on cap

 

Found the issue . Apparently the head gasket is allowing coolant into the oil . Nice milkshake on oil cap bottom . I'll post a new thread