2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Red Temp light intermittent

Do not try to open the tank before it cools down.

 

What year and model MINI do you have?

It is best to put that information in your signature, so you don't have to repeat it with every enquiry.

Dave

 

When the temp light comes on, do not continue to drive, not even for 3 or 4 miles. You can end up damaging your engine. Stop turn the engine off, open the hood & look at the coolant tank. If it is empty wait until the car cools & then add water, don't drive it low on coolant with a warning light on.

Hope the dealer fixes you up. I agree with Nathan they probably did not burp the air out after the repairs.

 

A buddy did that when we were working on a 87 monte carlo, resulting in the creation of the phrase "rusty water steam bath". It is a mistake he only made once lol :biggrin5:

 

The interesting physics involved keeps the coolant from boiling while under pressure.... As soon as he released the radiator cap the pressure was obviously released and at that split second the water attempted a phase change from a liquid to a gas.... Ie: boiling water... This boiling water probably helped knock loose a lot of the rusty buildup inside the walls of the engine and radiator in that instant...

With that said.... Don't release the pressure on a hot cooling system.... Ever.... :frown2:

Do a radiator flush the correct way with chemical cleaners....

 

I was over at Best Motor Werks this morning having Skooby's cholesterol checked. The subject of driving MINI's with temp warning lights came up. Anson the Tech said they have seen quite a few of those. His recommendation is not to drive your MINI when it's hot. The engines don't like it & they die in a most costly way.

 

And hey, if you leave your car under a cover in the garage and never drive it all it will not get dirty and never use any fuel. You wont even ever have to wash it.

 

It's a 2009 Cooper S. I cheated and checked out the Garage.

I'm going to wager that the coolant needs to be bled. Check the level in the overflow too.

 

Don't blame the car because the dealership is less than competent.

And so yeah, once the issues are properly resolved..... you should feel free to drive the car in the Summer heat.