Bentley Publishers - Technical Discussions : Engine Trouble ...

Osgood30

Posts: 2
Registered: 08/20/09

Engine Trouble
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 7:10 AM

On my 2003 Mini Cooper S, when I go to start the car up, sometimes it starts fine, and other times it will turn over, then drop to about 500 rpm, and then the car will start to shake. I have tried to give it gas to bring the rpm's up, but it doesn't respond. After turning the car off and trying to start it again, it will repeat the same thing, rpm's drop to around 500 and giving it gas doesn't do anything. The only way I can get it to start and go is to start it and give it gas while slowly letting up on the clutch. This problem is driving me nuts, no codes come up, the most recent was a o2 sensor that I replaced. SOMEONE HELP!

Charlie

Posts: 4,669
Registered: 12/09/03

Re: Engine Trouble
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 8:43 AM

in response to: Osgood30

Reply

Could be a sticky lifter? Has the oil been changed regularly? This is a tough one to pin point.

Osgood30

Posts: 2
Registered: 08/20/09

Re: Engine Trouble
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 4:15 PM

in response to: Charlie

Reply

The oil has been changed when it needs to be changed. This problem only happens once in a while, so sometimes ill start the car and it will start fine, and other times it takes 3-4 tries to get it going. Also while im driving, mostly when im accelerating, the car seems to sputter.

doct

Posts: 3
Registered: 11/03/07

Re: Engine Trouble
Posted: Aug 20, 2009 6:27 PM

in response to: Osgood30

Reply

This might just be a shot in the dark but have you noticed how humid it is when it does not want to start right away or spuder while driving. The reason being that if the integrity of the sealing in the hight voltage section of the ingnition coils is breached (cracked housing) it could show up as what you are describing it and leave no codes. Now I dont know if this car has DIS or distributor system. If it is a distributor system replace the rotor cap and the rotor button. If DIS it could be a little more complecated, get it nice and wet and try to start it or replace the coils. Good luck. make sure you post your finding what ever the problem you find, I`m very interested.