1

 

This is a known problem ("the dead spot") as reported by Dr Obnxs (Matt Richter - MC2 magazine's MINI technical guru). It has been documented by a number of folks, yours truly included. Dr O attributes this to a MINI software issue that has not (and probably will not) be corrected now that the new PSA engines are replacing the Tritecs. It does not happen to all MINIs, just some of them.

Some folks have reported that changing to aftermarket ECU A/F maps (MTH, Unichip) have addressed the problem. You can read more in the following thread:

SES light with P0171 code

There is absolutely no way to check the ECU software version on your MINI without hooking it up to the GT1 computer available only at your local MINI Service Department. But, see below abou the "engine version" thing.

Well...yes and no. There was only one version of the (non-JCW) supercharged engine for the MINI Cooper S. The JCW version was a dealer add-on but it *can* work with the standard MCS ECU software (as me how I know...).

But, the Tritec engine comes (came) in a normally aspirated version for the Cooper and a supercharged version for the S. If your ECU (and software) were for a normally aspirated Tritec and you have a supercharged Tritec installed, I don't think you would be able to even start it!

Theo

 

Just wanted to follow-up that the dealer finally did fix this problem. Even though they had told me they had replaced ALL the Oxygen sensors before (several hundred dollars ago), they replaced another one and the problem is gone. It has been a couple of months with no SES light. Everything else about this car has been great - but I don't think I would ever buy another MINI.