Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

I must have caught a MINI virus...

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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 12:00 PM
  #1  
The MINITOR's Avatar
The MINITOR
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From: Austin, TX
I must have caught a MINI virus...

...because MINITOR went from "everything is fine" to having multiple problems in one day. First, the cooling fan wouldnt shut off. When driving to the shop, the CEL comes on. I hoped that it was related, but no, that was because the knock sensor was throwing the P0326 code. They reset the light and I order the fan, and of course the fan starts shutting off as normal as if there were never a problem, and the CEL comes back on immediately.

So I bring the car back in when the fan arrives, but tell them that the problem dissappeared, and of course they call and say that the fan isnt shutting off again. No, I don't really believe them and thought about calling their bluff, but have no way to get down to the shop right now so have no option reall but have them put fan in as it is at the shop and ready.

They tell me that they guess that the aftermarket equipment is causing the knock sensor to be angry, but I suggest that it may be the sensor itself, and am then told that the book suggests 7 hours labor for knock sensor replacement. It just gets worse and worse - cracked upper strut mount too. And time for new brake rotors. And new tires soon.

Its days like this that I consider selling.
 
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #2  
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batgirlwildcat
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From: San Diego, CA
Poor, poor MINITOR. When it rains, it pours.
 
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 05:32 PM
  #3  
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chuckt
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Sorry your Mini's having issues. This heat is really tough on cars but, I'd be suprised if the fan itself is the problem. Is there a relay built into the fan? If not then it ain't the fan. Did you end up going to Terry Seither's?
 
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 07:31 PM
  #4  
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caminifan
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Any thought to getting an extended warranty? Nothing like financial peace of mind....
 
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 08:39 PM
  #5  
The MINITOR's Avatar
The MINITOR
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From: Austin, TX
Yes, I went to Terry's and it was the relay in the fan assembly, which was replaced. I've heard that extended warranties hardly ever pan out, though they do seem like a deal at the time (I've had one before and never had a chance to use it).

Now the mystery is the check engine lightand the P0326 knock censor code. It hasnt come back on yet though, which is good. I have a bad feeling about this one. I also found out that I'm getting alot of wear on the inside of my rear tires and should probably get some adjustable control arms to correct this, as well repalcing the cracked strut mount, getting an alignment, tires and brakes. Hmm...everything seemed fine up in Seattle....
 
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Old Aug 31, 2006 | 08:50 PM
  #6  
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caminifan
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Originally Posted by The MINITOR
Yes, I went to Terry's and it was the relay in the fan assembly, which was replaced. I've heard that extended warranties hardly ever pan out, though they do seem like a deal at the time (I've had one before and never had a chance to use it). [Emphasis added.]
Well, you seem to be making a start toward justifying the cost of an extended warranty. How much for the fan relay? (Parts + labor.) When you find out what is throwing the knock sensor code (how much to R&R the knock sensor?), add that into the calculation. You might be surprised at the result.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2006 | 11:09 PM
  #7  
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Brihyanna
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From: Colorado Springs
My cooling fan got stuck on right before my warranty expired. Glad I got it fixed under warranty. Good luck with the MINITOR! Saw it in MC2, its a sexy beast!
 
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Old Sep 2, 2006 | 12:48 AM
  #8  
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Minirox
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From: Washington State
See what happen when you leave the Northwest. As far as the knock sensor because of were it is located is why 7hrs. it is located under the intake manifold and I mean under the intake manifold. You need to remove the whole top end practacally.
Sorry for the problems but from what I'm told everything is BIG in Texas even your problems. Good Luck
 
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Old Sep 2, 2006 | 01:18 AM
  #9  
The MINITOR's Avatar
The MINITOR
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From: Austin, TX
Well its been a few days now and the CEL hasnt come back on yet so I am pretending it never happened for the time being while I focus on my other problems.

Everything is bigger here. Did you know that instead of or in addition to 2 liter sodas they have 3 liter bottles here? And all of the bugs bite here - the fruit flies and house flies too. And the humming birds don't hum, they buzz like an angry bee. And even the grasshoppers look evil. And the tree beetles are louder than the birds. Strange place Texas, its like a different world.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2006 | 05:14 AM
  #10  
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ricky
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From: North Platte, Nebraska
I wonder if high temperature could have caused the knock code? Now that your cooling systems back up your code left. Somebody?
 
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