No power at higher RPMs?

Tiny
NICKAJACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 MINI COUNTRYMAN
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
I had a vacuum leak on the valve cover. My long term fuel trims were +28% and would drop to 3% when higher rpms. I fixed the leak and now it's reading -13% at lower rpm and to -2% ish under load. My turbo is spooling and my coolant Temps are fine, but if I'm going up hill I can feel significant power drop off. I had a level 2 tune done after I put in a bigger intercooler and catless downpipe on. When I hit about 3000rpm my car used to really pull and you can feel a big difference in horsepower when the turbo kicks in. I'm getting none of that now. My low end torque is fine, but it's like the turbo, even though spinning, isn't doing anything. I've also noticed that once I get to a certain point on the accelerator it just stops changing anything. I can push the pedal further but my instant gas mileage doesn't change and none of my readings change even if I bounce the pedal in and out. It's like the ECU won't let it do what it's supposed to do. Everything seems to be working, but just not as expected. I have no engine codes whatsoever. I have 2 mid grade OBDII scanners and there are no errors. Could it be the ecu needs reset, or is there some other issue I need to be looking for?
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 AT 10:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,882 POSTS
Even though the turbo is heard it can be still worn out. I would remove the intake or the exhaust side of the turbo housing to check the main shaft end play. If it is excessive the turbo is worn out and needs to be replaced. Does the engine have a catalytic converter on it? If so this may be plugged as well. Please go over this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1RoG3I-Oww

and this video as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNXh1Lphzr4

Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on. Ken

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Thursday, February 5th, 2026 AT 10:00 AM

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