A. The best couple on TH-cam B. Always fair and honest(Never bleeds his customers out) C. We would have never figured this out. D. This is why we love the Car Wizards!
I did mechanical work for 35+ years, am now retired, the wizard still teaches me new things with every video. Had me mystified for a bit...... Love the video content, keep up the great work!
We definitely need more mechanics like the Wizard. I‘m from Germany and a very early Car Wizard subscriber and since watching his videos I really can‘t unsee anymore how bad workshops have gotten in the past 10 years or so at least in my area. These people are only interested in ripping the customer off whereas the Wizard is just a honest guy with plenty of knowledge he uses to actually help the customer. I would 100% bring my cars to him for inspection/repairs if I would live in Kansas but as I live in Germany that can‘t really happen. But at least I can enjoy watching his videos. Keep up the good work Wizard!
I learned a phrase years ago "SITAR" symptoms. ideas, test, analyze and repair. I am not a trained mechanic but i know my way around most cars and still learn. it's amazing how many mechanics i have had work on my cars and try to sell me the wrong parts to fit. Eg. a $120 dollar part failed on my land rover, i was quoted $4000 dollars to fix it, that mechanic was told to go away and will never use that national company again even after the phone call from the managing director. i love your honesty Mr. Wizard
Wizard is such a good mechanic for not just throwing parts at cars , or rather a real mechanic, anybody can turn a wrench but not everyone can diagnose.
Diagnosis is the hardest part of mechanical work, it takes time, knowledge and patience. You learn through trying over and over, reading countless other diagnostics of similar issues on the same makes and models, Wizard has learned over years and years of working. That's why he's the best because he is so patient, so knowledgeable, and has invested so much time into his trade. I have a hell of a lot of respect for how much effort he's put into his work, he really is impressive
Wizard's love of the British tradition shines through. Mrs Wizard's connoisseurship of the interior, the warmth of love itself. Best wishes for a beautiful weekend for you both.
R53 Nut here....Good find! The water pump runs off the SC pulley also as its on the backside of the supercharger so you should see more consistent coolant temps too. Also looks like it might need an upper hydraulic engine mount. There should be a sizable gap between the engine bracket and the mount. They commonly leak out the bottom causing the mount to sit low. This can also cause surging.
Even experienced techs can miss this if they have not had experience with the particular car before. You drove it before so you knew what it sounded/felt like before. Every car feels a little different, even if it is the same model.
I would hope an experienced tech would have enough experience to test drive the car and understand what their hearing/feeling. Regardless of previous experience with the car or even it's make or model a supercharger isnt supposed to just come and go during a pull and directed their attention there. Like Car Wizard did which allowed him to find the issue. I highly doubt his previous experience with the car had much at all to do with his method of diagnosis.
In addition to your technical knowledge, the input from Mrs. Wizard brings your videos to a very high level. Keep it up! You are the "Dynamic Duo" of car repair!
You gotta be so lucky owning a car and living close by the Wizard shop. I own a w123 and would have loved sending my car for maintenance at the Wizard’s ! Greetings from Amsterdam ( the Netherlands)
I had a maf sensor out of range code, cleaned it , code came back after week, bought a new one, code came back after a week. Cleaned the throttle body, checked wiring, and made sure air filter and pipe were good code went away. It took time but satisfying in the end. Needed a new maf anyway after 10 years and readings on the sensor voltage were not ideal.
My 2004 Pacifica had code P0708 when I bought it. Got it cheaper because of it. Replaced trans range sensor connector and all wiring back to the PCM, because it looked rough. No change. Tested trans range sensor with DMM - tested intermittent. Replaced the sensor. Still no change. Finally got rid of the code and restored the cruise control by replacing the PCM. Not expensive because I did everything myself, but getting in there to change the range sensor was a fair bit of work.
Wizard: I had a P0340 code on my very low mileage 2006 Mustang GT last year: camshaft position sensor. The car was running relatively well but I noticed the electrical accessories were buggy- lights flickering and dim; windows going up slower, etc. Instead of trusting the local parts counter I tested the voltage at idle, under a slight rev, with the engine off, and after sitting a few minutes later. The alternator was in fact the culprit!
Wizard, left for vacation with my car throwing this exact issue. Diagnosed and tested everything related to this issue. Even replaced the crank pulley (which did look bad). Came back 3 weeks later and took a look at my reduction pulley on the supercharger! It was flopping around on the shaft because the clamp mechanism decided to fail. Ordered the Alta pulley and look forward to getting my Cooper back on the road. Randomly thought of this video when I was flying back home. Thank you!
My car stalling had the mechanics here stumped, after watching a TH-cam vid while stranded on the side of the road, I was able to unplug the Map sensor, btw we drive an 02 LeSabre, I went to pick a part and pulled one off of a similar car for $14, now our car runs perfectly again, no more stalling issues, Love the Vid, Full view, Staysafe Mr & Mrs Wizard
Thanks Wizard for mentioning the Concourse D’elegance. I missed it the last couple years. I met Hoovie and Tavarish a couple years ago there. I can’t wait to meet you and Mrs. Wizard. See you there! Too bad you can’t drive the Lambo again.
Nice Mr and Mrs Wizard, troubleshooting is an art that only can be expressed through experience and diligence. Congratulations on the honour to be involved in an important role at Emilia Island.
Good catch! I had two of these and swapped out SC pulleys on both. The stock pulley was a super tight and took a lot of force to remove with the puller. I'm surprised it could come loose at all.
Anyone who watches your videos already knows what is under the covers behind you, but I didn't expect that it was now yours, good luck with it big fella, the lovely Mrs Wizard will look fantastic driving it, Rj in Oz
I like the way you keep viewers looking forward to upcoming videos. It keeps it very interesting. I’ve been watching your videos since day one and I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.
Totally true. I had a 99 Peugeot 306 Rallye. It was always serviced in house. But one time I got the car back and it just didn't drive right. I took it back to the dealer and they charged me all kinds of money for diagnostics and told me the car was fine. In the end I took it to a small time mechanic that worked on performance cars. He had it for 30 minutes and called me. The dealership had put the wrong sparkplugs in it. He took care of the car from then on.
You're a good person Mr. Wizard. A diamond in the rough as far as local mechanics are concerned. I always do my best to evaluate every car, no matter what the customer has had others do or what they 'think' it is, I truly live by the phrase Keep It Simple Stupid.. has always worked for me. We all make mistakes, but a mistake in diagnosis can get very very expensive.. Keep it up Wizard! Great content!!!
I had a 2012 Mini. It was pecker white with a houndstooth wrap. I loved it till it started burning oil. Bought a La-A-Boy at the furniture store and put it right in the back. I didn't even have to tie it to the roof (Mr. Bean reference) to get it home.
I worked on a car once that has a MAF sensor code and it ended up being a hairline crack in the tube that was between the MAF and the throttle body. It was on the underside where you couldn't see it without removing it and since it wasn't a vacuum leak it made no noise that gave it away. Fortunately the tube had to be removed first in order to remove the MAF and it was discovered then. The customer didn't want a new one and just wrapped the tube in duct tape to seal the crack and we cleared the code for him and I still see him around town driving it today.
I was an appliance tech for 20 plus years. So many parts changers in that field also. I delt with many brands and styles. Really had to fight to slow down diagnos stuff aftrr doing it for so many years.
Thank you for explaining that the CEL and codes aren't a cure all. That's some damn good diagnosis. One thing to remember: that "check engine light" is only for emissions, and nothing more.
I'm glad you like the little R53; I thought it was going to be the bypass valve (the spring inside can get tired, but this was a low mileage car), or a worn auxiliary/serpentine belt - that would have the same surge (until it fails, then ... argh). Anyway It might be time to add a new belt, only $25 or so, and it should really be changed annually. And how I wish we had a Wizard!
I had a similar issue to this on my 06 MCS, it was fine under light throttle, but if the ac was on or the car was accelerating, it would throw a MAF error code and would turn on LIMP mode. Additionally, the battery light would come on. Because of the ac issue, I assumed it was a seized AC compressor and was ready to drop $500 on a new one. After inspecting it for about a day, I found that it was actually just that the harmonic balancer split.
This is similar to the codes I was getting in my 2.5 Jetta that were due to a bad PCV diaphragm... Protip: Google your codes and your make/model. Might be referring to a part/sensor your specific engine doesn't actually have.
This MINI has some really nice optional equipment such as the Chroom Package and the Chrono package. The engine is the upgrade JCW Kit. That kit came as a box including cilinderhead, compressor, sparks and exhaust. That’s a lovely kit to have. They also mounted the accessory strutt brace.
Bmw 525i here. had similar codes on my car. Found my issue at my back cylinder bank: blown head gasket!! so much was spent on a new MAF and coils. Thankfully new spark plugs were already due. they’re great engines, just be on top of your maintenance b
Has to be one of the Wizard's best detective efforts. He relied on data, good old fashioned observation and attention, to work this out. Continued sucess and happiness to all at Omega auto!
I got a customer that came for a similar issue, he got a code for the mass airflow sensor. He changed the mass airflow sensor, put a new EGR valve, a new intercooler, and lots of others items. It turned out to be a defective air filter that was too restrictive.
A friend of mine has one of these, and this car is one of the best handling and engaging cars I have ever seen. Great fun! But, it is expensive to buy, to maintain, and it is somewhat rare.
I got one of these cars for free. Needed a battery, starter, and alternator. Starter took about 7 hours (Mini says pull the exhaust, i pulled the CV instead but needed a torch multiple times), alternator took like 4 hours (pull the entire front clip and radiator, then you need a specific belt tensioner tool or find a TH-cam video on how to loosen it without one). I sold it as soon as possible and it pretty much soured my taste for ever wanting a euro car.
Where i work there is a Mini breakers. They told me most cars they see scrapped due engine or gearbox problems. So plenty of good spares out there, except gearbox/engines!
The original pulley would not have slipped causing damage to the supercharger shaft, probably caused buy aftermarket pulley not being fitted correctly.
These are great little cars and I’ve now bought 5 R50/53s in the past and never had any real issues with any of them.. I’ve still got a little £300 2001 liquid yellow example I bought 3 years ago as a winter hack and it’s best to buy a post July 04 example as most of the teething troubles were sorted out by then. Whatever you do if you want a Bini stay with the Chrysler engined version as the Peugeot engined R56 is complete merde which came out in November 06 and was only brought in as a cost cutting exercise.
I figured it was the crank pulley slipping. I've done a few of those. Sets the same fault/scenario . These don't even have mass air flow meters, it's all calculated.
I want to congratulate you, Mr. Wizard, for your troubleshooting skill! When checking the RH front wheel, you said that everything was ok. I noticed however that the tire had practically no thread. The minimum recommended thread depth by the Automobile Club here is 4 mm. What do you think?
@@sleepyvtek9 that is what is surprising, Ninja showed how terrible those are to work on, with Tyler's Hooptie Cooper. Almost everything is an engine out service(which Ninja can remove in about 3 hrs).
Most shop rely on the parts canon and what the scanner says. You actually diagnose and find out the real problem. It's hard to find a good quality shop that won't charge an arm and a leg to fix it right the first time. It just sucks that I'm living in Michigan or I'd be paying you a visit, LOL!
We had a customer tow in a 2012 Mini Cooper (not an S or JCW) with a VERY loud tap/tick/knock that varied with RPM. The owner was almost in tears, saying they just had it at the dealer who said it needed a new timing chain and components... but that same dealer had just replaced the timing components a few years prior under some kind of extended warranty or TSB or recall or something like that. This time they wanted some stupid amount of money to fix it. We pulled it in and I grabbed my flashlight and stethoscope, and opened the hood. As I was holding the stethoscope to the head, I glanced down and I saw it as it flashed through the beam of my flashlight! The accessory belt had a chunk of ribbed treads missing from it and every time it hit the tensioner it made the noise and the tensioner moved. I replaced the belt for her for just the cost of the belt and now we have a customer for life.
I have an 06 Copper S in British racing green, no stripes or different color roof, solid green. I have never seen another one like it. It also has a mean stance, like the front end was lowered or something. Looks like a pissed off little bulldog haha My father special ordered it in 05 I guess. Took months to get here from over seas.. I have no idea what he asked for, probably every option available. Dude liked optional stuff haha. It hasn't even hit 50k miles yet.
Thanks for the video. I own two R53'S, one with an Alta pulley kit on it already the other bone stock. Didn't know the shafts can wear down on them over time. Guess I'll be upgrading the stock mini soon too 😄
Great whodunit, CW :) And top diagnosis, by sound. I had wondered if the ECM had been mapped correctly, to the supercharger mod. Had no idea about the taper sleeve drive. Auto thought would be key or spline drive? You didn't say how that taper sleeve might've got flogged? When it's on, it's on? That project under wraps looks interesting - Long, aerodynamic, sloping bonnet? Low roof? Rear spoiler? Whatever... Happy Concours :)
Had a similar error on my son-in-law's new model Malibu. In his case, it was the wonderful quick lube shop had left the cover completely lose on the air filter housing so that it was sucking in too much air, bypassing the filter. The computer was confused because I guess it was getting so much air it was messing up the air/fuel ratio.
"What code have you had that pointed to the wrong part?" Just this last week the '08 Prius threw a code for P0A80. Some were showing that this could be an overheated hybrid battery pack from a failed cooling fan. But with the symptoms, it was definitely a bad cell. Battery would go from no charge to fully charged really fast. Pulled out the hybrid battery pack and sure enough, number 24 cell was showing low voltage. So, load tested each cell with a light and measured the voltage for 3 minutes each. All tested at 8.1 to 8.2 volts except the one in question at 8.04. After each load test, they all spec'd out at 7.7 - 7.8. Except the one in question, it dropped to @ 6.5 volts after the load test. So the new cell is on order and then it'll go back together. It's a beater that we picked up for $200, so it's going to be getting a cheap fix. VT247
Could it be the bypass valve on the Supercharger? The spring inside gets old and worn. Tyler Hoovie I believe had an issue with his MC40 at a track day - yo-yo acceleration. I just purchased a Mini Cooper S with 42,000 miles and it was in a front accident - the lower control arm bent as it was designed to do. The part cost me $60 delivered to my house. I have looked at thousands of these Coopers after accidents. They appear to do better than most Hondas and Toyotas as far as keeping the passenger compartment intact and passengers safe - for a small fun to drive little car. I’d buy that Mini. Slicktop, six speed, Chrono Package and super low miles. Hyper Blue... I even like the color.. and the English Leather seats.
great information as usual, but I am always worried when you are checking under carriage. your head may hit or bump several parts and some has sharp edges... be careful..
I'm no mechanic and certainly no car designer but there were a couple of things under the Mini that puzzled me. That little steering fan looks like it will suck up all sorts of debris. On a dusty road, that seems like a bad idea and I think there's at least one other similar fan beside it. The other thing I noticed was how close the exhaust mufflers were to the rear tyres, seems like another sketchy idea. I'm maybe way off with my observations but these don't seem like great designs to me.😁
I had my Mustang run a code for the EGR valve. I remove the EGR and clean it, it was perfect. Same code. It ended up being a bad plug, which ruined a spark plug wire. Plugs and wires, and a coil replaced. I was all good. Never trust JUST the code.
I had a customer with a weird MAF sensor code. It was for a turbo Chevy Cruze. First thing I did was check the air filter, which was not that bad. What was bad was the smell of rotting flesh from the air filter box. A dead rat was clogging the turbo in the intake resonator. That was a fun one.
I had a chevy tahoe that had a issue with the idle. replace the idle air control still had the issue decided o take it to a dealer the dealer said the some thing I already replace then he said well will need to replace more things to eliminate .I said forget it then looked at the butterfly arm on the throttle body and seen that it was bent. Dealer would have replaced everything
As an ex MINI dealership parts guy from Australia, I have quoted and supplied hundreds of MINI collision repairs. Some were big hits, some not so big. A big hit was 6 pages of replacement parts.
Interestingly(?), My Dad just put his car in for a recall, and the main dealer emailed him a Wizard style checkover video of his car ............... The John Cooper Garage is just over a mile from my house, they used to sell Cooper upgrade kits for real Minis - lots went to Japan.
I here they come with a plastic anchor chain that installs under the intake manifold by way of the rear engine mounts and through the oil plug. Yeah BMW.
The Alta pulleys only seem to come as 15% or 17% reduction, so maybe the car had already had a reduced pulley fitted for more performance. Another problem can occur if the aftermarket pulley offset isn't quite correct when fitted so the belt isn't quite straight.
A. The best couple on TH-cam
B. Always fair and honest(Never bleeds his customers out)
C. We would have never figured this out.
D. This is why we love the Car Wizards!
Wish I had a mechanic like the Wizard, I would consider driving from NY to KS if my Dad wasn't so good with cars!
For $125 an hour, I know a lot of honest mechanics. Lol!!
@Mark Dietrich to be fare i charge the same rate as an exterminator
E. Biggest auto shop on TH-cam!
a. goes to eric and mrs O
I did mechanical work for 35+ years, am now retired, the wizard still teaches me new things with every video. Had me mystified for a bit......
Love the video content, keep up the great work!
We definitely need more mechanics like the Wizard. I‘m from Germany and a very early Car Wizard subscriber and since watching his videos I really can‘t unsee anymore how bad workshops have gotten in the past 10 years or so at least in my area. These people are only interested in ripping the customer off whereas the Wizard is just a honest guy with plenty of knowledge he uses to actually help the customer.
I would 100% bring my cars to him for inspection/repairs if I would live in Kansas but as I live in Germany that can‘t really happen.
But at least I can enjoy watching his videos.
Keep up the good work Wizard!
Totally agree with u Patrick! I almost made plans to move to the neighborhood of the Car Wizard! From Holland.....
You could go to frankfurt and meet sreten M539 restorations
I didn't know Mini made a Wizard Edition paint scheme.
Excellent pick up. I like
I learned a phrase years ago "SITAR" symptoms. ideas, test, analyze and repair. I am not a trained mechanic but i know my way around most cars and still learn. it's amazing how many mechanics i have had work on my cars and try to sell me the wrong parts to fit. Eg. a $120 dollar part failed on my land rover, i was quoted $4000 dollars to fix it, that mechanic was told to go away and will never use that national company again even after the phone call from the managing director. i love your honesty Mr. Wizard
Wizard is such a good mechanic for not just throwing parts at cars , or rather a real mechanic, anybody can turn a wrench but not everyone can diagnose.
Diagnosis is the hardest part of mechanical work, it takes time, knowledge and patience. You learn through trying over and over, reading countless other diagnostics of similar issues on the same makes and models, Wizard has learned over years and years of working. That's why he's the best because he is so patient, so knowledgeable, and has invested so much time into his trade. I have a hell of a lot of respect for how much effort he's put into his work, he really is impressive
Things like this separate "parts changers" from real auto mechanics..... Bravo my friend....
A co-worker at a dealership stated there's three levels of who works on a vehicle. You have a technician; parts changer; butcher.
Parts changer here! I save a bunch of money and have a pile of random tools.
@@petermuller161 lol and a brand new car with all the new parts changed.
Wizard's love of the British tradition shines through. Mrs Wizard's connoisseurship of the interior, the warmth of love itself.
Best wishes for a beautiful weekend for you both.
its tuesday
Mrs. Wizard is awesome at teeing up the Wizard with good questions, and also not giggling like a buffoon when he says "clamps down onto the shaft"
She probably clamps her lips down on wizards shaft
R53 Nut here....Good find! The water pump runs off the SC pulley also as its on the backside of the supercharger so you should see more consistent coolant temps too. Also looks like it might need an upper hydraulic engine mount. There should be a sizable gap between the engine bracket and the mount. They commonly leak out the bottom causing the mount to sit low. This can also cause surging.
Even experienced techs can miss this if they have not had experience with the particular car before. You drove it before so you knew what it sounded/felt like before. Every car feels a little different, even if it is the same model.
Agreed. Totally respect David’s abilities but if you drove the car before that’s a huge help
I would hope an experienced tech would have enough experience to test drive the car and understand what their hearing/feeling. Regardless of previous experience with the car or even it's make or model a supercharger isnt supposed to just come and go during a pull and directed their attention there. Like Car Wizard did which allowed him to find the issue. I highly doubt his previous experience with the car had much at all to do with his method of diagnosis.
@@realdealryan This is also probably a known problem as there is an aftermarket solution.
In addition to your technical knowledge, the input from Mrs. Wizard brings your videos to a very high level. Keep it up! You are the "Dynamic Duo" of car repair!
You gotta be so lucky owning a car and living close by the Wizard shop. I own a w123 and would have loved sending my car for maintenance at the Wizard’s ! Greetings from Amsterdam ( the Netherlands)
Oh really I thought it was Amsterdam, Mexico
It's the air flow sensor
I had a maf sensor out of range code, cleaned it , code came back after week, bought a new one, code came back after a week. Cleaned the throttle body, checked wiring, and made sure air filter and pipe were good code went away. It took time but satisfying in the end. Needed a new maf anyway after 10 years and readings on the sensor voltage were not ideal.
My 2004 Pacifica had code P0708 when I bought it. Got it cheaper because of it. Replaced trans range sensor connector and all wiring back to the PCM, because it looked rough. No change. Tested trans range sensor with DMM - tested intermittent. Replaced the sensor. Still no change. Finally got rid of the code and restored the cruise control by replacing the PCM. Not expensive because I did everything myself, but getting in there to change the range sensor was a fair bit of work.
Nice little MINI, chrono package, sidewalk package, auto climate, driving lights, chrome package. jCW intake , strut bar, sweet! Slick top too.
Wizard: I had a P0340 code on my very low mileage 2006 Mustang GT last year: camshaft position sensor. The car was running relatively well but I noticed the electrical accessories were buggy- lights flickering and dim; windows going up slower, etc.
Instead of trusting the local parts counter I tested the voltage at idle, under a slight rev, with the engine off, and after sitting a few minutes later. The alternator was in fact the culprit!
I loved the part where mrs wizzard explains the interior, you both have grown presenter whise since the yacht videos. 👍🏼
12:43 . . . best engine sound interpretation ever !!
I should mp3 that and make it my ringtone !
Wizard, left for vacation with my car throwing this exact issue. Diagnosed and tested everything related to this issue. Even replaced the crank pulley (which did look bad). Came back 3 weeks later and took a look at my reduction pulley on the supercharger! It was flopping around on the shaft because the clamp mechanism decided to fail. Ordered the Alta pulley and look forward to getting my Cooper back on the road. Randomly thought of this video when I was flying back home. Thank you!
Wizard I would say that this is something that would take most car technicians down a rabbit hole. Fully trained mechanics are a rare breed.
I learned a lot from the car wizard, manage to find problems on my Supra thanks to his tips and tricks. Really appreciated.
My car stalling had the mechanics here stumped, after watching a TH-cam vid while stranded on the side of the road, I was able to unplug the Map sensor, btw we drive an 02 LeSabre, I went to pick a part and pulled one off of a similar car for $14, now our car runs perfectly again, no more stalling issues, Love the Vid, Full view, Staysafe Mr & Mrs Wizard
Thanks Wizard for mentioning the Concourse D’elegance. I missed it the last couple years. I met Hoovie and Tavarish a couple years ago there. I can’t wait to meet you and Mrs. Wizard. See you there! Too bad you can’t drive the Lambo again.
Nice Mr and Mrs Wizard, troubleshooting is an art that only can be expressed through experience and diligence. Congratulations on the honour to be involved in an important role at Emilia Island.
Good catch! I had two of these and swapped out SC pulleys on both. The stock pulley was a super tight and took a lot of force to remove with the puller. I'm surprised it could come loose at all.
Anyone who watches your videos already knows what is under the covers behind you, but I didn't expect that it was now yours, good luck with it big fella, the lovely Mrs Wizard will look fantastic driving it, Rj in Oz
I like the way you keep viewers looking forward to upcoming videos. It keeps it very interesting. I’ve been watching your videos since day one and I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.
Totally true. I had a 99 Peugeot 306 Rallye. It was always serviced in house. But one time I got the car back and it just didn't drive right. I took it back to the dealer and they charged me all kinds of money for diagnostics and told me the car was fine. In the end I took it to a small time mechanic that worked on performance cars. He had it for 30 minutes and called me. The dealership had put the wrong sparkplugs in it. He took care of the car from then on.
I remember this car from before. I'm glad I still have stock pulleys! Thanks again...
You're a good person Mr. Wizard. A diamond in the rough as far as local mechanics are concerned. I always do my best to evaluate every car, no matter what the customer has had others do or what they 'think' it is, I truly live by the phrase Keep It Simple Stupid.. has always worked for me. We all make mistakes, but a mistake in diagnosis can get very very expensive.. Keep it up Wizard! Great content!!!
I had a 2012 Mini. It was pecker white with a houndstooth wrap. I loved it till it started burning oil. Bought a La-A-Boy at the furniture store and put it right in the back. I didn't even have to tie it to the roof (Mr. Bean reference) to get it home.
I worked on a car once that has a MAF sensor code and it ended up being a hairline crack in the tube that was between the MAF and the throttle body. It was on the underside where you couldn't see it without removing it and since it wasn't a vacuum leak it made no noise that gave it away. Fortunately the tube had to be removed first in order to remove the MAF and it was discovered then. The customer didn't want a new one and just wrapped the tube in duct tape to seal the crack and we cleared the code for him and I still see him around town driving it today.
Car wizard: "Time to play detective"
Me, who has owned an older Mini for years and have had every problem in the book: "Observe my intellect"
I was an appliance tech for 20 plus years. So many parts changers in that field also. I delt with many brands and styles. Really had to fight to slow down diagnos stuff aftrr doing it for so many years.
Thank you for explaining that the CEL and codes aren't a cure all. That's some damn good diagnosis. One thing to remember: that "check engine light" is only for emissions, and nothing more.
And this is why you are "The Wizard"...Amazing video...I love these analytical "fix it" videos, and you're right...Logic always prevails.
I'm glad you like the little R53; I thought it was going to be the bypass valve (the spring inside can get tired, but this was a low mileage car), or a worn auxiliary/serpentine belt - that would have the same surge (until it fails, then ... argh). Anyway It might be time to add a new belt, only $25 or so, and it should really be changed annually. And how I wish we had a Wizard!
I had a similar issue to this on my 06 MCS, it was fine under light throttle, but if the ac was on or the car was accelerating, it would throw a MAF error code and would turn on LIMP mode. Additionally, the battery light would come on. Because of the ac issue, I assumed it was a seized AC compressor and was ready to drop $500 on a new one. After inspecting it for about a day, I found that it was actually just that the harmonic balancer split.
This is similar to the codes I was getting in my 2.5 Jetta that were due to a bad PCV diaphragm... Protip: Google your codes and your make/model. Might be referring to a part/sensor your specific engine doesn't actually have.
This MINI has some really nice optional equipment such as the Chroom Package and the Chrono package. The engine is the upgrade JCW Kit. That kit came as a box including cilinderhead, compressor, sparks and exhaust. That’s a lovely kit to have. They also mounted the accessory strutt brace.
Bmw 525i here. had similar codes on my car. Found my issue at my back cylinder bank: blown head gasket!! so much was spent on a new MAF and coils. Thankfully new spark plugs were already due. they’re great engines, just be on top of your maintenance b
I love how mrs. wizard is getting more involved with the videos. Wizard, get it in the air!
Mr. Wizard, you are a man with True INTEGRITY. Most mechanics would have hosed the owner for a Grand or more. Thanks!
Has to be one of the Wizard's best detective efforts. He relied on data, good old fashioned observation and attention, to work this out.
Continued sucess and happiness to all at Omega auto!
Dude this is where experience comes in. Awesome!!! Any me mechanic friends in NY? Really need an honest wizard up here
I got a customer that came for a similar issue, he got a code for the mass airflow sensor.
He changed the mass airflow sensor, put a new EGR valve, a new intercooler, and lots of others items.
It turned out to be a defective air filter that was too restrictive.
A friend of mine has one of these, and this car is one of the best handling and engaging cars I have ever seen.
Great fun!
But, it is expensive to buy, to maintain, and it is somewhat rare.
didn't ya just describe a "must" have for the car connoisseur's
@@savannahsmiles1797 absolutely!
Every car enthusiast should have an experience with this car.
Thank Wizard. So far, I haven’t had too much in the way of wrong parts. I like to go with data first too.
Nothing like 1200 dollars of mechanic time to figure out if its the 50 dollar or 240 dollar part.
Love those English panther leather seats! Got the same ones in my r53!!!
I got one of these cars for free. Needed a battery, starter, and alternator. Starter took about 7 hours (Mini says pull the exhaust, i pulled the CV instead but needed a torch multiple times), alternator took like 4 hours (pull the entire front clip and radiator, then you need a specific belt tensioner tool or find a TH-cam video on how to loosen it without one). I sold it as soon as possible and it pretty much soured my taste for ever wanting a euro car.
Interesting! My first thought was that the serpentine belt was slipping. I wasn’t far off of the mark. :)
Yeah, I Love when an engine light comes on for a wheel speed sensor or whatnot.
Where i work there is a Mini breakers. They told me most cars they see scrapped due engine or gearbox problems. So plenty of good spares out there, except gearbox/engines!
The original pulley would not have slipped causing damage to the supercharger shaft, probably caused buy aftermarket pulley not being fitted correctly.
I'd love to have a beer with the Wizards. That's the highest compliment am Australian can give!
These are great little cars and I’ve now bought 5 R50/53s in the past and never had any real issues with any of them.. I’ve still got a little £300 2001 liquid yellow example I bought 3 years ago as a winter hack and it’s best to buy a post July 04 example as most of the teething troubles were sorted out by then.
Whatever you do if you want a Bini stay with the Chrysler engined version as the Peugeot engined R56 is complete merde which came out in November 06 and was only brought in as a cost cutting exercise.
Simply superb... Well diagnosed Wiz... Loved it
Oh I wish I had a Wizard like you in the UK 👍😎
No one told me there was going to be a darn quiz....
🤘🤣🤘
I figured it was the crank pulley slipping. I've done a few of those. Sets the same fault/scenario . These don't even have mass air flow meters, it's all calculated.
I want to congratulate you, Mr. Wizard, for your troubleshooting skill! When checking the RH front wheel, you said that everything was ok. I noticed however that the tire had practically no thread. The minimum recommended thread depth by the Automobile Club here is 4 mm. What do you think?
Wait a minute I’m dreaming CAR WIZARD working on a BMW product *I S T H I S R E A L L I F E R I G H T N O W*
if it was a pain in the ass, he would just hand it over to the ninja
@@sleepyvtek9 that is what is surprising, Ninja showed how terrible those are to work on, with Tyler's Hooptie Cooper. Almost everything is an engine out service(which Ninja can remove in about 3 hrs).
Well it’s basically a Chrysler Neon under the bonnet/hood as it’s a Tritec on the R50/53.
Local customer not hoovie or urination bobs auction finds
Next week it will be another 2 and the week after another 2 and on and on.
Most shop rely on the parts canon and what the scanner says. You actually diagnose and find out the real problem. It's hard to find a good quality shop that won't charge an arm and a leg to fix it right the first time. It just sucks that I'm living in Michigan or I'd be paying you a visit, LOL!
We had a customer tow in a 2012 Mini Cooper (not an S or JCW) with a VERY loud tap/tick/knock that varied with RPM. The owner was almost in tears, saying they just had it at the dealer who said it needed a new timing chain and components... but that same dealer had just replaced the timing components a few years prior under some kind of extended warranty or TSB or recall or something like that. This time they wanted some stupid amount of money to fix it. We pulled it in and I grabbed my flashlight and stethoscope, and opened the hood. As I was holding the stethoscope to the head, I glanced down and I saw it as it flashed through the beam of my flashlight! The accessory belt had a chunk of ribbed treads missing from it and every time it hit the tensioner it made the noise and the tensioner moved. I replaced the belt for her for just the cost of the belt and now we have a customer for life.
I have an 06 Copper S in British racing green, no stripes or different color roof, solid green. I have never seen another one like it. It also has a mean stance, like the front end was lowered or something. Looks like a pissed off little bulldog haha My father special ordered it in 05 I guess. Took months to get here from over seas.. I have no idea what he asked for, probably every option available. Dude liked optional stuff haha. It hasn't even hit 50k miles yet.
Good catch - great example of experience > error codes
Thanks for the video. I own two R53'S, one with an Alta pulley kit on it already the other bone stock. Didn't know the shafts can wear down on them over time. Guess I'll be upgrading the stock mini soon too 😄
Great whodunit, CW :) And top diagnosis, by sound. I had wondered if the ECM had been mapped correctly, to the supercharger mod. Had no idea about the taper sleeve drive. Auto thought would be key or spline drive?
You didn't say how that taper sleeve might've got flogged? When it's on, it's on?
That project under wraps looks interesting - Long, aerodynamic, sloping bonnet? Low roof? Rear spoiler?
Whatever... Happy Concours :)
Saw the title and thought Wizard bought $200 worth of explosives
Learn to spell??
@@mattybowler7966
I spell the name on purpose. Sadly you’re only like the fourth person to notice in the almost two years I’ve had this channel.
Back in the early 90s at dealerships if I put a part on and it didn’t fix the problem I bought the part. Trains you to diagnose first
Had a similar error on my son-in-law's new model Malibu. In his case, it was the wonderful quick lube shop had left the cover completely lose on the air filter housing so that it was sucking in too much air, bypassing the filter. The computer was confused because I guess it was getting so much air it was messing up the air/fuel ratio.
Ha! I was right. I used to have a 2003, loved that car.
Best mechanic ever / I was thinking gas cap seals were bad Jacksonville Florida
"What code have you had that pointed to the wrong part?" Just this last week the '08 Prius threw a code for P0A80. Some were showing that this could be an overheated hybrid battery pack from a failed cooling fan. But with the symptoms, it was definitely a bad cell. Battery would go from no charge to fully charged really fast. Pulled out the hybrid battery pack and sure enough, number 24 cell was showing low voltage. So, load tested each cell with a light and measured the voltage for 3 minutes each. All tested at 8.1 to 8.2 volts except the one in question at 8.04. After each load test, they all spec'd out at 7.7 - 7.8. Except the one in question, it dropped to @ 6.5 volts after the load test. So the new cell is on order and then it'll go back together. It's a beater that we picked up for $200, so it's going to be getting a cheap fix.
VT247
Good diagnosis Wizard. I would never have guessed a slipping pulley!
Could it be the bypass valve on the Supercharger? The spring inside gets old and worn. Tyler Hoovie I believe had an issue with his MC40 at a track day - yo-yo acceleration.
I just purchased a Mini Cooper S with 42,000 miles and it was in a front accident - the lower control arm bent as it was designed to do. The part cost me $60 delivered to my house. I have looked at thousands of these Coopers after accidents. They appear to do better than most Hondas and Toyotas as far as keeping the passenger compartment intact and passengers safe - for a small fun to drive little car.
I’d buy that Mini. Slicktop, six speed, Chrono Package and super low miles. Hyper Blue... I even like the color.. and the English Leather seats.
Interesting dash and gauges. Compared to many Mini Coopers. Would be nice to have such a shop in my little country village or near by.
great information as usual, but I am always worried when you are checking under carriage. your head may hit or bump several parts and some has sharp edges... be careful..
Mine has actually survived two minor fender benders very well which is good as one of the main problems with a mini is people don't see them
I'm no mechanic and certainly no car designer but there were a couple of things under the Mini that puzzled me.
That little steering fan looks like it will suck up all sorts of debris. On a dusty road, that seems like a bad idea and I think there's at least one other similar fan beside it.
The other thing I noticed was how close the exhaust mufflers were to the rear tyres, seems like another sketchy idea.
I'm maybe way off with my observations but these don't seem like great designs to me.😁
I love the Wizard Flex!! See you guys at cars and coffee!!!
Nice job with diagnosing that problem.
Great job Mrs. Wizard!!! 👏👏
I had my Mustang run a code for the EGR valve. I remove the EGR and clean it, it was perfect. Same code.
It ended up being a bad plug, which ruined a spark plug wire. Plugs and wires, and a coil replaced. I was all good.
Never trust JUST the code.
These r the best deals out there for performance and handling, if you do some wrenching yourself....even better
@Vincent James Voice just don't crash and you're set
Your wife is a rockstar wizard you got a good one
Aluminum can sleeve & blue lock tight ~ cheep but legit fix on pulley issue!!!!!!
Mrs. Wizard stole the show today! Great job Mrs. Wizard!!! Fred
Great video Car wizard!
Hello from Croatia :D
I had a customer with a weird MAF sensor code. It was for a turbo Chevy Cruze. First thing I did was check the air filter, which was not that bad. What was bad was the smell of rotting flesh from the air filter box. A dead rat was clogging the turbo in the intake resonator. That was a fun one.
I had a chevy tahoe that had a issue with the idle. replace the idle air control still had the issue decided o take it to a dealer the dealer said the some thing I already replace then he said well will need to replace more things to eliminate .I said forget it then looked at the butterfly arm on the throttle body and seen that it was bent. Dealer would have replaced everything
As an ex MINI dealership parts guy from Australia, I have quoted and supplied hundreds of MINI collision repairs. Some were big hits, some not so big. A big hit was 6 pages of replacement parts.
OK
"Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try," Yoda Car Wizard.
A great team. You found the problem. And a fun video to watch.
Maybe with the savings the owner can get you do diagnose and fix the fluid leak you mentioned.
Interestingly(?), My Dad just put his car in for a recall, and the main dealer emailed him a Wizard style checkover video of his car ...............
The John Cooper Garage is just over a mile from my house, they used to sell Cooper upgrade kits for real Minis - lots went to Japan.
Wizard: "Welcome back to the Wizard's Workshop. Today I wanna show you a BMW boat anchor for my yacht. Sorry, a Mini Cooper..."
Fixed it for just $200! Is this car even worth $200 ?
I here they come with a plastic anchor chain that installs under the intake manifold by way of the rear engine mounts and through the oil plug. Yeah BMW.
The Alta pulleys only seem to come as 15% or 17% reduction, so maybe the car had already had a reduced pulley fitted for more performance. Another problem can occur if the aftermarket pulley offset isn't quite correct when fitted so the belt isn't quite straight.
Thank you Wizard, we all see things from our own periscope, I would have guessed O2 sensor, PCV, or the Mass Airflow Sensor.