have a hard time starting it after sitting for awhile

Asked by robh1922 Apr 08, 2014 at 08:30 AM about the 2008 MINI Cooper S

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

For the past 4 days in the morning I have to crank it for about 3-4 minutes before it will finally start. Also the fan comes on when the engine isn't even warm. The yellow temp light came on but the coolant level is ok.

14 Answers

1,355

When you start it you could try to pump the peddle a few times to assist the fuel flow, I do that too, Some cars need it. You might need a new fuel filter too or spark plugs or leads if you haven't done them in a while. The temp light going on could just be a faulty censor, If the coolant level looks good and there's no over heating problems then ignore it i say.

7 people found this helpful.
3,175

Mini has a fuel injected engine, I would not suggest pumping the gas pedal at all. If the car starts at all, you may have purchased bad gasoline and while I'm on the subject of gas, are you using premium? I would also suggest that you use a really good fuel system cleaner with Teflon in it. If the gas is bad, you must pump it all out, Do not try to run it dry as that will cause more issues. Good Luck, Rick

13 people found this helpful.
1,355

My car is fuel injected too, And in the coldest weather it likes a few pumps while turning over. No need for it in the warmer weather though. Your car might just like the higher octane fuels i guess. Yeah like what mightymini11 said, Don't try to run the tank dry cause that could burn out the fuel pump as it relies on the fuel to lubricate it.

7 people found this helpful.
3,175

All Mini's run on premium fuel and they really frown on pumping the pedal, all you do at that point is flood the pistons with fuel, not good for them or the engine.

6 people found this helpful.
170

Hi robh1922, I was wondering if you ever solved your hard start and engine fan problem with your mini. I am also having the same problem with my 2009 Mini Clubman just recently and has been worsening this week. Would appreciate knowing how your problem was solved.

17 people found this helpful.
140

Hey! Just wondering if anyone ever found a solution to this problem? I have a 2009 Clubman S and I'm having the same issue...

14 people found this helpful.
70

Pumping the gas pedal only allows more air to the engine. The engine is fuel injected

7 people found this helpful.
50

My will turn over but won't start. I found that I had multi cylinders mis firing what could be the problem

5 people found this helpful.
40

I changed my spark plugs and coils and am still having the same problems. My car sputters in the morning for a few minutes and runs choppy. Am thinking it’s the fuel filter??

4 people found this helpful.
10

Guys mostly likely it’s your high pressure fuel pump. These cars have this issue and BMW has even extended the warranty for 2007 - 2015 I believe. To 10 years or 120,000 miles. I will be taken in mine today to see if they honor the warranty.

1 people found this helpful.
40

My 09 S has same starting issue. I think the HPFP is the only pump drawing fuel as I don't hear any whine, buzz, etc when the ignition is turned on. You should hear a noise coming from the in-tank pump, correct? I'm going to check that pump as its easy to get to and cheaper

4 people found this helpful.
20

2010s , Changed plugs , coils , HPFP, fuel filter . Did a carbon clean through the intake (past the map) . Ran a couple injector cleaners through the tank . And guess what still have the same issue ! Guess the LPFP is next .:-(

2 people found this helpful.

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