Engine reboot!

[Cooper Man]

Hi all,

I am hoping that somebody can provide me with some information to this problem...

My 03MCS is overdue for its 70,000 mile service, which is I believe just an oil change - the car is booked to go in on the 1st Feb.
Ever since the countdown has reached -500 miles, the power output from the engine appears to be down - that surge from between 3500/4000 rpm is not there anymore.
Also, this morning on the M25, dropping to 4th and applying full-throttle now results in a nice display of engine and EML lights on the dash, accompanied with NO acceleration what-so-ever in any gear, just a 900 rpm idle speed - limp-home mode I assume.
Anyhow, coasting to the hard-shoulder and then switching-off the engine and then on-again appears to "reboot" the management system, so that I can now actually drive the car and accelerate properly, albeit without the usual surge. This happened twice this morning.

My questions are:

1. Does the management system reduce the power output if the service interval is over-run?
2. Is it normal behaviour for the "limp-home" to kick-in during a "reduced power mode", or is it likely to be a symptom of something more sinister?

Cheers!

PS Its my birthday today!

[Root Ginger]

I've been -1000 before, due to the dealers being too busy to fit me in. It does not affect the car at all. My advise get your car to the dealer for a service and to diagnose the problem ASAP.

[MINI-Morgan]

Get it checked. Just like Root i've run well beyond a service interval and that was the 60,000 inspection 2. Doesnt really matter aslong as you keep the oil level checked.

[fred3]

And next time don't forget to get the regular service done on time. Well someone had to say it. ;-)

[Cooper Man]

Quote: Originally Posted by fred3

And next time don't forget to get the regular service done on time. ;-)

Thanks for the advice fred3
Trouble is, I do 600 miles a week, and the service became due over the Christmas holidays; the dealer I use is close to work; I wasn't at work; but when I eventually got around to booking it in... with courtesy car availability... I was told I had to wait until 1st February

Wow what a list of excuses!