[DeniseK]

I am having problems with a hesitation on take off. I apply the gas, let out the clutch and the car sits there as if it's making up its mind what to do, and then, finally, goes foward. This is on a Cooper S, premium fuel, 1300 miles, and yes, I know how to drive a stick.
Anyone else having this problem?

[BruceK]

Yes, there is definitely a "dead zone" you can fall into where nothing seems to happen for a second or two . I've modified my driving style to launch at a little higher than normal revs to prevent getting caught by the hesitation (I don't even have to consciously remember to do it now).

You may also want to read this thread where many people have observed that having the a/c on just makes the hesitation worse (no big surprise there):

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ght=hesitat e

[DeniseK]

Thanks for the info on the thread, Bruce. I'll try turning the AC off to see what happens.
Another matter: Anyone written about the engine racing when you shift from second to third?
Since I don't have a dealer anywhere within a day's drive, am I supposed to be emailing these problems to MINI USA, or just noting them down for myself?
I also have the second gear clunk some people have mentioned.
Otherwise, no complaints...
DeniseK

[minimini36]

I have had my MCS since July 3rd with about 2200 miles. This dead zone occurs when I start off when the car is hot. In the morning it is fine. I live in Phoenix and the temperature has not been below 85 degrees F since I bought the car so I always have the air conditioner on. I think the air conditioning is a problem for 2 reasons. First there is the extra load on the engine and also because the engine compartment is warmer because of the heat given off by the AC condenser next to the radiator. I think the higher temperature is causing the ECU to change how the engine runs. This may be because of the higher air intake temperature. In this case I wonder if the air intercooler is actually warming the air since there is no airflow through the hood scoop. Also if you check out the Eaton supercharge page you will see a description of their system. At low engine speeds where boast is not required there is a boost bypass valve that passes the air from the intercooler output back to the supercharger. This valve is vacuum operated I believe. You can see this on your car to the left of the throttle body. Is this all causing an increase in air temperature and a decrease in performance? Would the addition of a couple of small electric fans in the scoop or on top of the intercooler help? If you looked at the dyno results that were posted on Russ's Page? there was a significant reduction of torque and horsepower unless there was a fan blowing on the intercooler. My service advisor indicated the updated programming for the ECU that is to be available in September at the dealer may also correct this problem. Has anyone who has sent their ECU to NJ for re-programming noticed an improvement?

[MINI Division]

I'm with MINI Division. I've passed this message on to a MINI National Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon, or if you prefer, you can call us at (866) ASK MINI.

[sixfoot6]

Hi there MINI Division.

Posting some input might be helpful? =) Why the hesitation, and is anything being done officially? Any recommended workarounds?

Thanks,
sixfoot6

[macduff]

I guess we are all learning this as we go along.
Pulling away in 1st on my MCS ( especially uphill) can be an excercise in patience unless the revs are up in the 2-2,500 range. It seems that there is now real torque at the bottom of the rev range. Not sure if this is a fault, normal or whatever - anyway, I've learned to adjust.

I'm still getting my 3-4,000 rev hesitation and waiting for the new software to come out to cure it....still waiting, waiting, waiting etc etc

[jwilk]

When I first got the car, when I pulled out of my driveway the rpm's would drop and the car almost stopped. I finally figured out that I was accellerating too hard and the DSC cut in. It still has no low rpm torgue, but I have learned the correct rpm's to start out with.

[berryberry]

I have/had an acceleration lag also. When I first got my Cooper I nearly killed it starting out, especially moving uphill with the AC on. I've always had smaller cars and have always noticed the power lag with AC. I assumed this normal. Is it? I now usually switch the AC off when moving out in 1st.

Another improvement is the way I drive the manual. My other car requires a balance between the clutch and gas in 1st. My Mini doesn't seem to like this. It prefers a faster clutch release, as with the higher gears.

The car has also improved a great deal with time/mileage. Either it's now "broken in" (4300 miles) or I've learned to drive it better.

[Donut]

I just got my MCS fixed for this problem. My dealership took out my ECU, sent it to New Jersey (MINI National?) for a software upgrade, and reinstalled it in my car. It's like a totally different car now--no sluggishness in first gear and no jumpiness in second gear. It does seem like my fuel efficiency has dropped, but I'm can't be sure until I start with a new tank of gas. In any case, I'd recommend getting the software upgrade. It definitely makes the Cooper S more fun to drive.

[Dom mini cooper]

I got the hesistation blues da da da dum
Got the fealing right through my shoes da da da dum
Got in my car da da da dum
Can't get her to move da da da dum


sorry

Dom lee hooker

[btsave]

Hesitation, idle drop out, variable idle at stop and stalling out also occurs with the MINI CVT.

I have had mine into service 6 times, 28 days in total. They are able to resolve it for a few days and then the issue returns.

I have filed under FLorida Lemon Law for arbitration for refund, as well as sent a notification to the National Transportation and Safety Board requesting an investigation and possible recall of the vehicles due to the safety issue involved with lack of acceleration power and potential stall outs on start and in traffic.

It would help their investigation, and potentially avoid accidents, if others file complaints as well:

http://www.ntsb.gov/default.htm

Cheers!

[alexcroft]

You guys sue eachother for anything, i'm sure not being able to drive stick must come under that category...

Alex.

[btsave]

damn brits; arbitration is not suing, like lend-lease was not meant to be a gift. cheers!

[macduff]

Quote:

Originally posted by Donut
I just got my MCS fixed for this problem. My dealership took out my ECU, sent it to New Jersey (MINI National?) for a software upgrade, and reinstalled it in my car. .

Good idea Donut...how long was the Mini of the road for this to be done??

[alexcroft]

What a cool name!!! My dog is called Donut!

Alex

[Dom mini cooper]

Quote:

Originally posted by btsave
Hesitation, idle drop out, variable idle at stop and stalling out also occurs with the MINI CVT.

I have had mine into service 6 times, 28 days in total. They are able to resolve it for a few days and then the issue returns.

I have filed under FLorida Lemon Law for arbitration for refund, as well as sent a notification to the National Transportation and Safety Board requesting an investigation and possible recall of the vehicles due to the safety issue involved with lack of acceleration power and potential stall outs on start and in traffic.

It would help their investigation, and potentially avoid accidents, if others file complaints as well:

http://www.ntsb.gov/default.htm

Cheers!

Not wanting to get into another argument with you...but...

I don't think it sounds like the same problem TBH ... if i'm correct I think you said you had your car stall on the highway ( or whatever you lot call motorways ) ... I don't think it's the same problem in this case. I'd be amazed also if the S did exibit the same problems as your CVT cooper as the gearbox is not only totally different but by a different manufacturer.

Also I think the problem with these S's appears to be an ECU one rather than a gearbox one.

Dom.

[btsave]

Point well taken.