Engine stalling when cold

[davidscott]

Here we go again!!!!!!

Air temp about 2ºC this morning and it stalls straight away.
It had been fine up until now.

I will try the guy in Shoreham this morning and someone else on Pistonheads has recommended an indie in Sittingbourne (Kent) so I will report back later.

Any news on yours Killer Byte?

[MINI-Morgan]

Have you guys been to the dealer and had the throttle body checked?

[davidscott]

Dealer is a complete waste of space - had the car for a week and reckoned they couldn't find anything wrong. Hence trying this ex JC engineer who is now Mini Motorsport near Brighton.

[MINI-Morgan]

Ok hope it goes ok there.......

[minisoopercooper]

Whats the latest Kev?

My car back fired twice the other morning while cold - hopefully she isn't going down as well

[KillerByte]

Quote: Originally Posted by davidscott (original)

Here we go again!!!!!!

Air temp about 2ºC this morning and it stalls straight away.
It had been fine up until now.

I will try the guy in Shoreham this morning and someone else on Pistonheads has recommended an indie in Sittingbourne (Kent) so I will report back later.

Any news on yours Killer Byte?

Sorry to hear this. Mine has been ok recently. Still sometimes substantially drops the revs when initially cold but hasn't stalled for a while.

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI-Morgan (original)

Have you guys been to the dealer and had the throttle body checked?

I've had my throttle body cleaned out, but it didn't stop the issue. It seems to have improved over time since then though.

[davidscott]

Spoke to Tony in Shoreham yesterday and he raised 3 or 4 possible issues but i didn't take enough notes to remember them.

He suggested the 10 full throttle pushes with the ignition on (not with the engine running) then ignition off and try again. I can't remember what it re-sets - I'm getting to old for verbal instructions!! Someone might have suggested this earlier in the topic but I haven't looked yet.

Car stalled this morning, even though the weather was a bit warmer, so we tried it and it seemed to work. Lets see how things are over the next few days.

[KillerByte]

I've read about the pressing the throttle multiple times with the ignition on and not the engine. I'm interested to find out what this does actually achieve though.

[relive]

This thread is probably beyond this now but for anyone elses benefit.....my wifes MC03 had this problem. Generally low revs at idle (always needed plenty of right at slow speeds) and then terrible come last winter with same stalling at the end of the road.

BMW diagnosed as battery dispite me testing it. This was replaced to no effect.

Car was then serviced and full computer reset. Surging issue went and the low revs cold stall issue went.

[MINIMANIAUK]

This is not an easy problem to solve as it could be a few things even a combination of things,but some self help is possible
the battery charge condition - the ecu triggers the injectors to open close ,as they are electrical devices there speed depends on the voltage on them so the ecu adjusts for varying voltage ie battery or alternator voltage ,the flatter the battery the more load on alternator to recharge,the more out put can vary -and alter fuelling -so fully charge the battery
injectors can get clogged with carbon deposits over time , with cold engine and more fuel demand this can cause the stunble-use quality fuel and add once a year injector cleaner to a tankfull
throttle body also gets dirty ,carb cleaner or similar and a clean cloth and give a good clean out
coil connections can corrode-give a good clean
plugs dont last forever -easy job to replace these regularly
likewise air filters
lastly good old fashioned "looking at" connectors especially-coil,leads,throttle,pipes,clips,maybe a spray with contact cleaner
much beyond this and you start to need diagnostic units ,and ecu updates etc and it being a modern world you will have to pay someone to do it .
I suspect a combination of each thing rather than an outright its the ....... type answer

[KillerByte]

Well, my car stalled this evening on the way home.

Had just left work and was driving up a hill towards a set of traffic lights. Put clutch in as I was coming to a stop and the engine dropped to 200-300 rpm and cut out.

I'm going to get my air filter changed and possibly the spark plugs too as I don't think these have been done recently. Do you reckon this could help?

[davidscott]

Mine has survived this morning (about 4º) and if all is well tomorrow as it should be colder, I am wondering if the 10 throttle presses might have worked. I've probably scuppered that one now.

When I did my Lohen Bluefin it came with a K&N filter and Iridium plugs so they are only about 6k old.

One other option that has come to light in the replies is battery condition (but with conflicting effects). My wife only does 5 miles to and from work and has been mostly with lights on for the last few months. as the car is now 5 years old it may be that all these short journeys has taken its toll. (My TVR battery only lasts about 2 or 3 years - but it is a TVR so maybe no surprises).

I have a basic circuit tester - will that tell me about it's condition or do I need something more sophisticated?

[KillerByte]

Just come back from another mechanic. He's almost certain it's one of the sensors on the car, but doesn't have the equipment to diagnose which one.

Might have to go back to the guy who cleaned my throttle body and leave the car with him overnight. He can plug a laptop into the car and take it for a run from stone cold. The only thing I'm hesitant about is his rates. It cost £110 for the diagnosis and throttle body clean which I thought was a bit steep.

To be honest I'm getting fed up of this issue now.

[davidscott]

Saturday morning, -2C, starts OK then... you guessed it - stalls as soon as I try to pull away.

I'm getting as fed up as you Killer Byte and it's not even my car. My wife's the one who has to suffer all this.

[russyellocoops]

Kev,

If you haven't done plugs and filter get them done!

And for £30 and the cost of a socket I'm sure your capable of pulling leads off unscrewing a plug and popping a new one in!

I know mine now feels lots spritelier and getting slightly more MPG! (maybe just calmer driving tho)

But not had a really cold morning to really test it!