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Garage Caused Fault and Won't Own Up

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Hi,

My wife took our Mini to get the clutch (and DMF) replaced last week as the clutch had failed and it wasn't driveable. She used the garage next to where she works as it was easiest thing to do under the circumstances.

Clutch is now fine but she noticed a warning light (picture of a steering wheel with a lock) and ignored it - I have told her the error of her ways! This warning was there as soon as she picked the car up from the garage.

Rang the garage to report the fault and they said to bring it in.

After looking at it they reckon the problem needs a diagnostic test running and they don't have the right equipment, they also reckon it's a coincidence.

The car now won't start at all, after driving OK for about a week. Another garage reckon it's a possible immobiliser fault.

I find this rather suspicious as the engine was removed in order to get the clutch/DMF fitted, waiting for the other garage to give a proper report.

According to the internet it's a well known issue on Mini's apparently, a software reset may fix it, or it could be a new steering column.

Another money pit.

Any helpful comments please? Could it really be "just a coincidence"?
Make £2018 in 2018 Challenge - Total to date £2,108

Comments

  • scaredofdebt
    scaredofdebt Posts: 1,663 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Garage has had a quick look and it's nothing easy to fix, reset hasn't sorted it. They're busy until Weds next week so it isn't going to get seen before then.

    Mechanic says it would be a very big coincidence if the clutch replacement work wasn't the cause of the problem.
    Make £2018 in 2018 Challenge - Total to date £2,108
  • Muscle750
    Muscle750 Posts: 1,075 Forumite
    Steering angle sensor fault I would say without seeing the light however as it doesn't start could be the chip in the key isn't being read by the ecu
  • colino
    colino Posts: 5,059 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Will the car start if you use the key and move the wheel from side to side? MINIs have a whole lot of daft faults, especially with their electronic power steering and while one dealer might want to change the whole steering assembly, one with a better diagnostician might get away with a few checks and a software update.
    Unlikely to be anything involving the clutch change though.
  • minis are famous for problems with power steering faults. have you checked fluids & replaced them in its annual service, doing a clutch should not effect it or its the sensor kicking up a fault.

    with starting problems thats a minefield all by itself.
  • jaymidlands
    jaymidlands Posts: 110 Forumite
    starting problem could be the crank senser if faulty,steering light as mentioned could be anything even down to the battery being disconnected on clutch change...
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