Help with EML Light / Limp Mode

Discussion in 'Mid-Ohio Motoring' started by hughes, Mar 15, 2012.

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  1. hughes

    hughes New Member

    Aug 9, 2010
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    Car will start fine, run for 20 or 30 feet and will hit limp mode heavy and EML light will come on. I suspect that something is majorly wrong as it does not seem very happy when it hits limp mode. To be honest when I felt the exhaust pulese it feels like it is running on (2) cylinders. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a well qualified MINI mechanic.
    I'm pretty handy but I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to fix this one.

    :mad2:
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Can you read the codes?

    I'd lend you my code reader but it's in my glove box which happens to be in Detroit right now.
     
  3. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    Check for boost and or vacuum leak.
     
  4. hughes

    hughes New Member

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    I did some researching and it looks like it might be something to do with the throttle body and / or the connectors. I'm not sure, but I'm hoping I'm not going to be at the dealership at the end of it all.
    I can drive it but it is stuck in limp mode. fml. I'll keep everyone updated.
     
  5. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    Have you cleared the light with a simple scanner and if you have, how long before the light came back on? Did/does the idle go up and down like it was hunting?
     
  6. hughes

    hughes New Member

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    No I don't have a scanner and the cheapest I could find was $220. :(

    Advance Auto wouldn't clear the codes for me, they were pretty unhelpful to say the least.
    It had happened previously from time to time, like a lot of the other posts offered but... usually pulling over and killing the ignition cleared it. I tried resetting the computer via unhooking the battery as well, but it didn't affect the condition of the light. My stability control light is on as well, which is different.

    I'm going out to clean out all the sensors I can find and generally try to overview the engine to ensure nothing fell off or visually failed. The biggest pain is that I can't get over 20 mph, so getting anywhere is a royal PITA. :mad:

    If someone local has a scanner and can clear the codes, I'll throw you lunch and some cash if you want to come down and clear those codes for me to give me a starting place to trouble shoot. Otherwise, I think if this doesn't work I am going to AAA it to a dealership. (Mark has kind of gave me the he-be-je-be's about MAG though.) :wink:

    Either way I'll keep updating in lieu that it may help someone in the future.

    Also, I'm pretty handy under a hood but I was looking for a direct reference to the TPS, but can't seem to find one. Anyone have any docs laying around on that specific sensor?

    Thanks MOM'ers / MA'ers.
     
  7. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    You can pick up one of those inexpensive centic scanners at Harbour Freight. They won't clear hard codes but will turn that light off and give you some generic codes to read.

    Get the car to idle and feel around the intercooler and the rubber boots, for leaks you may just have a torn boot. 2cents ;)
     
  8. hughes

    hughes New Member

    Aug 9, 2010
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    Well I got it to MAG. They checked everything and it ended up being the engine harness.

    Final Bill... $1098.--. :eek6:

    F-M-L. Well, it turns out I have some serious luck with my 02. It's a money pit. :mad:
     
  9. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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  10. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Yikes that had to sting...
     
  11. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Hope it's smooth sailing from now on.....

    So what was wrong with it? A wire wear through or a corroded terminal end?
     
  12. hughes

    hughes New Member

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    I'm not sure they didn't have much to say about it. Although I don't have much power steering fluid now. I'm pretty netural about MAG. They seemed to fix the problem but the cost was outrageous.
    They gave me the old harness I'm going to inspect it and test everything so I can rebuild it and have one on hand if it happens again.
     
  13. hughes

    hughes New Member

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    I think the dealer might have bumped a hose loose fixing the harness.
     
  14. joesee

    joesee New Member

    Nov 9, 2012
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    Hi guys..

    My 05 JCW (or half JCW) has this o2 failure too. I take it in to O'Reilly's and they tell me the code is for the o2 sensors, so I do what any normal person would do and purchase (the Bosch) replacements and I swap them out myself. Code cleared after a day or two but then randomly comes back, now it's on all the time. Went and swapped them again, pulled battery to sit overnight and code still there.

    Now I see that Bosch might be the problem.

    Here's my thing..

    This 05 MCS is only a half JCW. When I went to replace the brakes the first time I ordered the JCW brake kit. Come to find out the brakes were never upgraded and they just had the stock MCS brakes. I'm not entirely sure what all was part of the JCW upgrade in '05 or if the guy that purchased it (only one owner before me) had the option to upgrade brakes but didn't)

    Long story short, now I have the 3 light trifecta (ABS, TPMS, DSC) lights lit (assuming because of a wheel speed sensor) and the SES light because of the aftermarket o2 sensor.

    I'm asking your opinion in what you think I should do. This car has been the biggest money pit I've ever had. I can go purchase a bravarian technic scanner that hopefully lets me clear my own codes for $285, OR I can just swap out both wheel sensors and both o2 sensors for the OEM ones, OR take it in the dealer and get "stung" by MAG in Columbus for these issues.

    I don't know what to do. On top of that it just runs like complete crap lately. Biggest thing I can describe here is when it's idling (usually smooth) I can tap on the gas and before it revs up you hear a HUGE air sucking sound like it's gasping for air and it's a bigtime lag before you get any acceleration to take off. It wasn't like this last year.

    Really could use some wisdom from you guys on what the best thing to do here is!

    MUCH appreciate your time!

    - Joe
     
  15. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    Best Auto Werks can sort you out.
    614 236 5151 speak with John or Anson. In the long run it is cheaper than trowing parts at an unknown problem.

    Good luck, tell John an old fart named Chuck sent you.
     

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