While driving on a dark, snowy backroad last night at something over the posted speed limit, I was forced to brake very hard to avoid hitting a large white tail deer bounding across the road. The slightly modifed brakes system, if not the driver, performed well and a collision was averted. However, the EML light and the Service Engine Soon light came on. Thereafter, the car felt as though it had little power and almost no throttle response. After stopping in town I checked everything under the hood and then restarted the car. The EML light was no longer on and the performance returned. Upon arriving home I perused the Manual and learned that this is supposed to happen when the EML light is on. I assume that the jolt from the braking triggered something in the electronics (the MCS may have been bracing itself for a venison ingestion).

I thought others might find this interesting and I wonder if anyone else has a similar experience and whether triggering the EML in this manner is normal.

 

This is just a total shot in the dark... How much gas did you have in the car? If you had low feul and hit the brakes really hard, the fuel in the tank might have rushed to the other end of the tank away from the fuel pump.. Maybe this could have told the ECU something was wrong and triggered "Limp Home Mode"

 

>>This is just a total shot in the dark... How much gas did you have in the car? If you had low feul and hit the brakes really hard, the fuel in the tank might have rushed to the other end of the tank away from the fuel pump.. Maybe this could have told the ECU something was wrong and triggered "Limp Home Mode"
>>
>>
The fuel tank was almost full, but I did hit the brake harder than ever (even harder than my Italian Job moves in my driveway). I think the ECU went into self-preservation mode to tell me to wake up and slow down, but I'm not sure what sensor triggered it and why.

 

It doesn't sound "normal", but as you explained, the engine
did not experience a "normal" event either.

It was cruising along making power as it normally does, and
KABANG, the load goes away, the fuel sloshes around
maybe you didn't push in the clutch right away, and the
wheels stopped when you hit the brakes real hard.

So, I think it's probably OK for the MIL to light up for a while. :smile:

 

>>It doesn't sound "normal", but as you explained, the engine
>>did not experience a "normal" event either.
>>
>>It was cruising along making power as it normally does, and
>>KABANG, the load goes away, the fuel sloshes around
>>maybe you didn't push in the clutch right away, and the
>>wheels stopped when you hit the brakes real hard.
>>
>>So, I think it's probably OK for the MIL to light up for a while. :smile:

I did hit the brake hard and quick before the clutch pedal was fully engaged.

 

Did you stall the car out by any chance? I know if you really nail the brakes at speed, you could get close to making the engine hiccup if you don't flat out stall. That could have shaking some some things up as well.

 

>>Did you stall the car out by any chance? I know if you really nail the brakes at speed, you could get close to making the engine hiccup if you don't flat out stall. That could have shaking some some things up as well.

I came close to it, but I did not stall the car. The "Safe Mode" that it went into almost felt that way, though.

 

I've heard of a few people hitting large bumps or making sudden stops and have the same result you did. It probably has to do with the car believing something substantial was hit, and going into limp mode. Did your 4-way flashers go on as well?

 

PMC - Makes sense. After all, the new MINI is an honorary member of the "Self Preservation Society."

On a more technical note, I once had the identical symptoms after a carwash when I lifted the bonnet and a few drops of water dripped into the spark plug boots (the leading edge of the bonnet lines up perfectly when open). It resolved on its own once it dried up.

 

The flashers did not go on, at least not on the car; as to those in my head, they were burning.

 

>>PMC - Makes sense. After all, the new MINI is an honorary member of the "Self Preservation Society."
>>

I'm glad someone coaught the reference to the original Italian Job movie.

 

PMC,

What ended up being wrong with your car? My car just had the same thing happen. EML and service engine soon light turned on at the same time. I could barely drive the car. I dropped it off at the dealer, but they have not had a chance to look at it yet.