To add to the multitude of SES posts ...I have another:
I have an 04 MC with 6000 miles- stock. I took it to the dealership today for a brake fluid flush and a low mileage oil change under warranty.
On the way home (a 2.5 hr drive),AFTER the service, the SES light comes on 15 miles from home (coincidence????).
I refueled 70 miles before the light came on, so I am not sure about the gas cap (would the light not come immediately? anyway I checked when I got home, and it was on properly, clicks and all).
Last year (Nov 2004) the car the voluntary emissions recall performed on it (even tho' I have NEVER had the SES light on before).

It looks like I have to take the MINI back to the dealership. I would guess we are talking O2 sensor from what I read here.
Not 100% sure, but I think I still have v39 software (which came with the car). After the recall work was done I had a prinout made of my car & key memory programming and that list said M39.0. Not sure, but I assumed that meant v39.
My TWO questions are:
Can I drive it 2.5 hrs with the SES light on? Should I? Or do I call Roadside assistance and have them flatbed my MINI?
Also, will Autozone check my code for free?
Thanks for any advice.

 

What MINI do you have - MCS? Do you have mods on it?

There was an SES problem with the auto tranny on the MCSa; latest software has fixed it. Probably not your issue.

There seems to be an increased sensitivity to generate SES faults with newer software - like the tolerances are tighter. Seems newer software is more likely to throw an SES with some aftermarket mods.
If you have aftermarket mods and the dealer updated the software, this may be the issue. If so, probably taking it back to the dealer will be expensive.

Of course it's also possible the dealer messed up something - what work did they do to the car?

Typically if ONLY the SES is lit, and the engine still runs fine, then you should be able to drive back to the dealer - but get the dealer to OK that first then they can't argue with you if something does happen.

 

Stock MINI 2004 CVT (not MCS). Only 'mod' that required programming was rear fogs (last year). As I edited above, I think (not sure) I have v39. I seem to remember my dealer saying that last year.

All dealer did today was oil change and brake fluid.

 

Personally, in that case, I would call the dealer and tell them "you broke my MINI", and flatbed the car back to them - also tell them you expect to be able to pick up a loaner till they figure out what they messed up!

 

my SES light became super sensitive after the emissions recall service which
included v42. car drives fine... my car occasionally has SES on, occasionally
off.

v43 is a known no-fix for this SES light issue. mine throws front 02 sensor
DTC's. still waiting...

 

Tha's likely what I will have to do. I cannot believe it is a coincidence that the SES light comes on hours after the car's in the dealers hands.
Do you think Autozone would be able to read the code so I can see what's the deal before I call the dealer?

 

yes

 

I took the car to Autozone and had the code read:
P0326- according to the Bentley manual this is: "knock sensor 1 circuit range/performance (bank 1 or single sensor).
To recap- It's a 2004 MC stock w/CVT. The oil and brake fluid was changed and I filled it with 91 octane Citgo on the drive back from the dealership. Light came on 70 miles after filling tank, and approx 3 hrs after leaving the dealership.
Is there anything they could have knocked loose (no pun intended) on the sensors with the work they did? Something I could check?
How bad is this knock sensor issue, can I drive it back 2.5 hrs to the dealership, or do I call Roadside assistance?
Since the car is atill under wearranty, I did NOT as Autozone to clear the code. Should I?

 

I'm also looking at the !$@# SES light. Has anyone used that Peake Mini code reader/reset tool? Is it worth the $130?

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you buy gas? Was it a cheaper station? What octane did you buy?

SES light trips 70 miles after a fill\-up, and it's a knock sensor? Sound like you might have gotten some bad gas. Did you notice any power loss, or lack of throttle response?

Probably not a huge deal. I would try to burn through 1/2 tank or better, and then fill-up with some good premium fuel (try to find a Shell or Mobil).

Then wait a few cycles. After you have driven the car 4-6 times (and let it set between drives), it should reset the SES light. If it stays off, no need to worry.

An SES light itself is not a huge concern, unless it stays on, or you notice a lack of power, odd noises etc. If the car goes into limp-home-mode, then you need to call the flatbed. And if you're not sure what "limp-home-mode" is, then you're fine.

My two cents . . . .

NTHUSIAST

 

Well, I was concerned about the gas quality as well, and that may have been a culprit. It was a Citgo in the middle of nowhere (actually along US61 south of Bowling Green, MO). Maybe that's why it was 17 cents cheaper
Anyway, I ran through 3 drive cycles today- cold start to operating temp each time. And after the third, the SES light went out! Hopefully, it will stay out.

I am still going to call the dealer since it's under warranty, so that there are no excuses if something bad happens down the line.

I am also thinking of getting a code reader. Has anyone used the Digimoto CTool OBD II? It's cheaper than the Peake.

 

after a while, you get so lazy that you don't even pull out your reader to erase the code...well, that's me.