I've read a number of issues here about engine stumble immediately after start up. I'm having the same issue with my 2004 MCS. When stumbling, the DSC light at the bottom of the speedo flashes for a few seconds, acceleration is restored and from that point forward the card performs normally (until it sits and starts again, then the same thing happens all over again). I did come across another post that suggested turning off DSC for a solution.

I tried that, and low and behold, the stumble disappeared. My question is, why in the world would the DSC activate and throttle down the Mini when driving 10 mph when first accelerating? DSC is designed to prevent handling issues at the top of the performance curve or during emergency maneuvers, not normal driving. If disabling DSC is what it takes to prevent this from happening again, I'm all for it even though it's a minor PITA to flip the switch every time I start the car (I know - first world problems!).

Does anyone out there have a permanent fix?

 

How many miles on the car? When were the plugs, wires and coil change last? Have you check the hoses around the throttle body and bpv?

 

Just recently bought the car so plugs, wires and coil replacement timing is unknown. However, they don't seem to be the problem when, with DSC off, the car runs fine post-startup. I'm more interested in learning why turning off the DSC cures the problem. It would seem that errant signals are reaching the ECU (via DSC) and affecting multiple systems, i.e., throttle response, braking, etc. Any thoughts?

 

DSC is for Dynamic Stability Control and per the owners manual it controls traction and stability. I normally drive with DSC off. There are a couple times that I have noticed the DSC come on when I've left it on. Right after startup if you blip the gas too much before its warmed up, loss of traction from whatever reason regardless how brief, too much speed going into and coming out of a corner. These are all issues that would affect the vehicle in motion which makes sense why they all trigger the DSC. When the DSC is triggered it will cut power output to compensate for the change. This can happen as inopportune times.

I noticed it the most when taking turns and going over speed bumps. Since I now turn the DSC off as part of my startup proceedure I rarely even worry about it. Its only left active in the rain to prevent me from being overally stupid on slick roads.

 

Yep, DamnCampers, I get all that. Maybe I'm being overly analytical but I just don't understand why DSC would kick in when driving 10mph in a straight line right after startup. Seems to me that would be an errant signal being sent to the ECU that then chokes fuel delivery which would cause the stumble/near stall. I'll definitely take your advice and turn off the DSC each time but the "why" of it is driving me nuts.