I live in las vegas and the weather today hit 122F. I drove about an hour out of town and driving I heard a strange whistling sound when I let go of the gas. Didnt think anything of it, but on the way back about 10 miles outside the town I had just left, the car all of a suddent looses throttle response and kinda goes into a neutral state. The service engin turns on the eps and traction control light come on as well. When I pull over the engin is shaking in a really strange way and sounds really bad with a strange smell. I turn of the car and back on. Only when I accelerate past 2700rmp does the car kinda shut down and just start rattling again.this would happen at even lower rpms with ac on . I had to drive back at 45mph w/ no ac. 2006mcs just bought it about 3 months ago. Any ideas?

FIXED!!!!!!!

 

Check the crank pulley for those of us in truly hot areas the stock pulley likes to separate and become two pieces that's why I use a solid pulley. It may or may not be that but internet diagnosing can be difficult.

 

Sounds like a bad knock....or misfire...but you may have blown an intake gasket.....the cause of you wghistle....look around yet under the hood?
You did use premium gas right? (It is required....and severe heat makes it even more important).
Next step...have the engine computer checked for codes...they will generally point you in the right direction....

 

Wow this community is awsome. You guys are quick to answer. Im getting the codes checked out this afternoon. Ill let yall know for anyone else in the future with similar problems.

 

Check your vacuum lines too.

 

Check your fluids too!

 

Hey there, geo_z. Welcome to NAM.

I don't know how to put this in a nice way, so I'll just say it for your benefit and anyone else reading this thread in the future.

Please, when your car does sudden and scary things, don't re-start it and drive it home. If you had a $500 problem when you shut the car off, if you drive it home, it may quickly turn into a $5000 problem.

You wouldn't walk on a broken leg. Don't drive a broken car unless it's an absolute emergency.

MINIs are fun, fast, quick and powerful. What they are not is forgiving. So, get yourself some AAA plus and a cell phone but DON'T DRIVE IT if it starts acting stupid!

 

Hey guys so i got the code and by the looks of it and the forum posts i've read it looks like its the crank pulley. w35773 :-) i know but i was told when i bought the car i had 1 year road side assistance but when i called they didn't have me in the system :(
The code i was given was P1688. Am i right with the pulley?

 

To verify it is a crank pulley....
Physically look at it...under the hood....you can see a bit from the top...
But simplest way is to remove the pax side tire...and pop out the liner...end it will be right in front of you!!
Car repair from 1500 miles away from a text or two from armchair mechanics ain't exactly accurate...but we can usually point you in the right direction....next step is investigate it!!

 

I think Zippy nailed it on the pulley. In the Florida heat mine failed about 2 years ago. Fortunately a very generous member of this forum offered me his spare for $60 delivered. It was like new and works perfect.

The other thought is possibly the SC failing and the car is in limp mode?????

 

Happy happy happy!!!!!! the crank shaft was the problem. Will be posting pics of the damaged pulley soon. Replaced it with an ati pulley. Ordered it Wednesday half an hour befor way's cut of for shipping and got it on friday morning. Psh only a day and a half from Atlanta to las vegas gotta love those guys. Thanks guys your all the best.