Gear problem in my Mini C 2002 Automatic

zudecke

Hi guys,

Came back from a long(ish) drive last night, got home, turned the ignotiion off, then released I had to go to the shops, so switched ignition back on to find that the gear shifting was not clicking into place..

It sort of doesn't click until I get to about 15-20mph.. Then when releasing the accel pedal, it sort of jumps from 2nd to 1st (I'm guessing).

I stopped the car, turned it off and tried again.. same problem..

I have a bad feeling about this one ..

Any ideas?

Regards,

Z

vax2002

zudecke wrote: »

Hi guys,

Came back from a long(ish) drive last night, got home, turned the ignotiion off, then released I had to go to the shops, so switched ignition back on to find that the gear shifting was not clicking into place..

It sort of doesn't click until I get to about 15-20mph.. Then when releasing the accel pedal, it sort of jumps from 2nd to 1st (I'm guessing).

I stopped the car, turned it off and tried again.. same problem..

I have a bad feeling about this one ..

Any ideas?

Regards,

Z

Is this a tiptonic or cvt auto box
Is is showing EP on the dash readout ?

zudecke

I am not sure if it's tiptronic.. Research suggests Mini used CVT transmission gearboxes, but I don't know how I could confirm.

There are no warning lights on my dash - everything else is okay, apart from the other issue with starting first time, which I've been told could possibly be either the solenoid or the battery itself.. Either way, I don't think the 2 are related.

It drives fine when you get it over 20mph... Then, when you slow down, below it, it sort of doesn't click/feel right..

vax2002

A low battery does cause problems on the CVT unit, does the car start up first time or does the engine turn slowly

forgotmyname

Doesnt start 1st time? What happens?

Can you change gear manually? Or is it just Park, Reverse. Drive....

Whats not clicking in? the Actual lever? Could be why its not starting. Needs adjusting.

vax2002

They are some known issues with the wiring loom on the gear selector on the Mini Auto.

zudecke

My non starting problem - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/44601092#Comment_44601092 - basically it either needs 2 turns of the ignition before it starts.. and on 2 occasions I've tried turning on the ignition and it just ticks and requires 2/3 turns before it ignites..

My transmission problem - started yesterday - seems like it won't click into the lower gears and its only above 25mph that it seems to run smoothly.. so when braking.. it just stutters and feels so strange..

Any ideas?

zudecke

Anyone else have any ideas on possible problems so i can get an understanding of all likely causes. Of course ill be taking it into a garage, but want some idea so to not be ripped off completely.

Could it be an electric/solenoid/wiring/battery related issue?

forgotmyname

It could be many issues. If you cant check things yourself you have to hope the garage you
use are reliable and honest.

Could be a simple adjustment of the gearlever or linkages, Solenoid or sensor problem, Wiring or
worse it could be an ECU problem, Even worse a fault inside the gearbox.

zudecke

Thanks forgotmyname.. That's actually a lot more helpful than you might think. This gives me an idea of the possible problems so I'll be aware of any sly tricks .

Also, as a side note, I popped the hood today and noticed that the engine coolant is completely empty!! I'm not sure if this is the cause or result of the gear shifting/electrical fault.. Any ideas on that one?

Thanks again,


Z

forgotmyname

I would be worried where the coolant has gone, I dont think your type of gearbox has an oil cooler.

Normal auto boxes have coolers linked to the radiator to keep the gearbox oil temperature down.

Excess heat from teh engine may be a cause.