[Jerseymini2014]

I have a 2014 Mini Countryman with 137K miles. I took it to a Mini dealer last July to be serviced for losing oil, which I suspected was from burning it not an actual leak as there were no visible oil leaks. They replaced the valve cover and gasket. Two months later same issue. Mini then wanted to replace timing chain as they said it is a known issue. I asked why they didn’t check it while the valve cover was off if it is a known issue, their response led me to believe that I was going to pay a small fortune for them to keep replacing parts. I took it to another mechanic, he found metal shavings in oil filter. Then found and replaced a broken timing chain tensioner and the metal piece was wedged between timing chain and valve housing, causing the metal shavings. He also replaced timing chain. Since this timing chain replacement I’ve been getting P1338 codes. Took it back to mechanic, he made minor timing adjustment and was still getting this P1338 code, the car goes into limp mode when this code comes in. So far, I’ve replaced the both Cam Position Sensors, both VVT solenoids and spark plugs. Still getting this code.

 

[Jerseymini2014]

Replacing the PCV valve and disconnecting the battery as a means to reset ECU were my next attempts. One other thing I forgot to mention, after I reset the P1338 code with my OBD2 scanner, the car runs great until this code pops back up. Oddly, it takes longer for the code to come back in the morning during colder/damper air conditions then it does when I leave work during warmer/dryer air. I don’t get the code on my 10 mile drive to work, but get it a mile down the road from work. Pull off to side of road to reset it, comes back in minutes.

 

[Jerseymini2014]

Pulling negative cable for an hour doesn’t reset the P1338 code.

 

[Jerseymini2014]

Thank you Mike, great advice! Not only having the right tools, but also the knowledge to effectively use them!

 

[Jerseymini2014]

Thanks for the update kenwrecwulfe and best of luck to you! I took mine back to my mechanic on Friday as well, he concluded it may be the non-OEM replacement Cam Position Sensors I put in from Advanced Auto parts. We are waiting for the OEM sensors from Mini to arrive. I’ll let you know how it works out for me.