Engine misfire/ignition problem?

[baskers]

Hello MINI2ers,

I drive my MINI only at the weekends, and I'm not sure if this may be part of the problem?

When I start the engine the engine starts, however the dials all drop under the minimum level, and then fire up to normal (ie petrol/temp etc)... It almost sounds to me as if it dies for about 0.5 of a second.

I'm not technical so I'm not sure if this is what misfiring is, or if there's actually a problem, or if my MINI needs to be driven more...

My MINI runs out of warranty in April, so I want to make sure if there is a problem I get it fixed before...

Thanks guys!

Jay

[DaFlake]

Misfiring would be one of the plugs not igniting. The car would be running rough.

What is happening to you sounds more like the gauges are calibrating. Have you ever changed the battery? I'm wondering if you have a weak battery and it is causing this to happen.

[baskers]

Hello DaFlake,

I've never changed the battery before - do you suggest that this is done?

When I turn the ignition the car is turning over, feels like it 'gasps' for about half a second, the gauges drop down then it fires into life...

Hmmm

Jay

[DaFlake]

If it is the original, what color is the dot in the window of the battery? This is a non-serviceable battery and when they go bad, weird things start to happen.

[baskers]

Hello DaFlake,

I'll check on Tuesday when I'm back from my trip... If it's non-serviceable, can I easily get it replaced?

Thanks!

Jay

[DaFlake]

Yep, replacement is easy enough. Check Halfords for a replacement.