Excessive cranking before starting?

Tiny
MYFATHERSSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 MINI ONE
  • 1.5L
  • 3 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 60,000 MILES
Hi,

My daughter's Mini One D had a load of error messages, MAF air flow too high, MAF air flow too low, Air intake leak, and Exhaust below efficiency.

I took the inlet manifold off and it was all gunked up due to the EGR, so I cleaned it up. I also capped the EGR pipe and cleared the codes.

It now cranks half a dozen times before firing. My daughter has driven it and the engine management light came back on.

This time, we had MAF air flow too low and EGR flow error. I took the cap off the EGR pipe, replaced the MAF sensor, and cleared the codes.

It still has excessive cranking, but I don't know if that engine light has come back on as I only did this on Saturday (15th).

When removing and re-installing the inlet manifold, I did have to unplug quite a few sensors so I wonder if it could be one of these that is the issue.

I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Many thanks
Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 AT 4:56 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,397 POSTS
Sure, for heard starting I always begin with servicing the throttle body, this guide will show you how with instructions with the images below for your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Here is a guide for hard starting problems that can shine a light on the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

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Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
MYFATHERSSON
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Hi Ken,

I checked the throttle body, and it seems pretty clean.

I did notice from one of the links that you provided that if she had a Gen2 type throttle that you couldn't even disconnect it with the battery unplugged which I definitely did as I needed to get the wiring out the way.

When I first checked, it had 2 x MAF sensor air flow too low and 2 x MAF below efficiency. I removed these, did the checks and went for a test drive but so far, the codes have not come back but it may take a few days for that to happen.

I tried a relearning process that I found on the internet, but it hasn't made any difference.

Many thanks,

Kevin
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Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,397 POSTS
Yep, the turbo going bad can cause the high and low codes for the MAF. Lets remove the intake or exhaust pipe from it to check the endplay. Does the car have 60k on it? I would check the waste gate plunger as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-turbo-chargers-work

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Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
MYFATHERSSON
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Sorry for the delay in getting back. I haven't had a chance to look at this yet because the car was in for its MOT. Whilst in there, they put their scanner on which must be a bit better than mine as it came up with some extra errors. I thought I would post them in case it helps.

I did try another camshaft sensor after seeing the camshaft error, but it made no difference.

The firs image is before removing codes and the second is the codes that reappeared.

Many thanks.
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Sunday, March 9th, 2025 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 52,397 POSTS
Can I ask if you cleared the codes once the camshaft sensor was replaced, if not this must be done. Also, these codes are still leaning towards a bad turbo. Need need to do an inspection. Can I ask if you replaced the MAF sensor?
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
MYFATHERSSON
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Hi Ken,

I did clear the codes after replacing the sensor. I have also replaced the MAF sensor.

I will check the turbo out as per your instructions above and get back.

Many thanks.
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 1:47 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Sounds good, I think this is where the problem lies.
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 12:38 PM

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