(2012 base Clubman - build date 12/11) I just replaced the original thermostat with the newer version. As expected, the two plugs ( one to the coolant and the other to the fan sensor) on my original wiring harness do not fit their mates on the new housing. And so, I have the recommended wiring adaptor on order. However, here i where I am perplexed and it has to do with how to install the adaptor. The adapter appears to be designed to plug into a single, existing wiring male plug and split into two wires - one for the new thermostat coolant sensor and the other for the new thermostat fan sensor.

Given that I have 2 pre-existing wires/plugs, and only one can plug into the upstream end of the adaptor harness, what happens to the orphaned plug? Knowing Mini, any lead unplugged will lead to bad consequences?

Some help - and perhaps a picture on how this adaptor looks like in an actual installation would help. As i said, I don't have it yet so the answer(I hope) might be simple. Fingers crossed and appreciative of some guidance. - Bondar

 

update: I just went back through my service records and found that the thermostat was replaced under warranty in 2014.

 

Still hoping for some guidance - I have trolled all the posts I can find on the topic and the closest I found to a solution is to take the retainer clips off the existing plugs and that they should fit. Seems a little "Yugo-ish" to me??

 

I would go to the local MINI parts counter and let them pull your car up. There were about 3 revisions to the thermostat, an elbow hose with a sensor in it and then reverted back to T-stat/sensor combo and at lease 2 different adapter harnesses. You can compare the current parts list with their diagrams and your car to get it right