Hi there.

I have a 2005 Mini that was making chirping sounds so the dealership replaced the belt tentioner yesterday. The service light was also on so they installed an oxygen sensor. Well, this morning I took it to Jiffy LUbe to get an oil,filter change and about 1 hour after driving the car, it started to chirp again. Does this have anything to do with the oil change that was done?

I remember that the service guy at the MINI dealership asked me if the noise was worse when I had the air conditioner on.??? Whats that all about? Can the air cond. be the problem? It only has 56,783 miles on it and I'm good at keeping up with the maintenance so any advise will be greatly appreciated. I spent $412.00 yesterday to replace the belt tentioner but it's a good thing that the 02 sensor was covered by warranty or my husband would have been P!!!!! PLease any advice will be appreciated.

 

I understand that you were trying to save money by taking it to Jiffy Lube for the oil change, but you will never be able to hold one service facility accountable if you visit two different places in one day. Good luck.

 

1) Find a car guy husband.

2) Never go to Jiffy Lube. MINI oil changes are few and far between if you go by the book. How often are you having the oil changed?

 

First - NEVER take your MINI to Jiffy Lube! Find a local independent mechanic who works on MINIs or BMWs.

The reason they asked about the AC is that the AC places a greater load on the belt - so if the belt was older, it could cause it to slip, hence the chirp. Without hearing the chirp, it's tough to diagnose. At least you know it's not the tensioner... Did they replace the belt at the same time? Has the belt ever been changed?

 

Bring your husband and come to my house and I will show you how to change your oil yourself. Filter and oil go for about $35-$40, plus you get to get your hands a little dirty, but thats why soap was invented.
I'm probably too far away, but I bet you could find someone closer to help. Good luck.

 

the 'chirping' sound could be a bad ac blower, that's why mini mechanic ask you if the ac was on.