Texas
Does your Mini stall or fail to accelerate as before? Here’s what might be wrong! Your Mini Cooper has been made to provide excellent handling and almost sports car-like power, acceleration, and performance; but what if your Mini suddenly stutters, jerks forward or lags when you step on the gas pedal? These could be indications of a faulty electronic throttle control (ETC) system.
Since the latest models of Mini use an electronic throttle instead of a cable, any problem in this area can cause poor performance and even hazardous road conditions. Here are the common indicators of Mini ETC failure and how to address them before getting stuck with a faulty car.
What Does the Electronic Throttle Control Do?
The electronic throttle control system usually controls the amount of air that gets into the engine depending on the pressures exerted on the accelerator. Instead of using a cable that connects the gas pedal to the throttle as is common in most vehicles, Modern Minis now use sensors and a throttle motor. When you press the gas pedal, there is a sensor that measures your force and sends the information to the car’s computer. The computer then instructs the throttle body to open or close in order to regulate the amount of air supplied to the engine. This makes the fuel efficiency and the performance of the engine better; however, it also implies that if there is a failure with any of the components, your Mini can experience difficulty in running.
Common Signs of Mini ETC Problems
- Fluctuations in speed: If your Mini suddenly accelerates or moves forward with force even when you have not pressed the accelerator pedal harder, it could be due to ETC system failure. This can make driving very unpredictable especially if it happens in traffic or on wet surfaces.
- Loss of Power: Another clear indication of ETC failure is when the car accelerates slower than it used to. If your Mini is lagging to respond when you step on the gas pedal, then the throttle body or the sensors may be problematic. This can make merging into highways or overtaking other vehicles a very challenging and sometimes a dangerous affair.
- Warning light: If you observe the check engine or ETC warning light then it means that the computer in your Mini has noticed something wrong. Although these lights do not always signify a throttle problem, they should not be overlooked.
How Can You Fix Mini ETC Problems
- Look for Warning Signs: When the ETC system of your Mini is not functioning properly, the check engine light or the throttle control warning light is usually displayed. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle to get codes that can point to problems with the throttle body, sensors or wiring.
- Check the Throttle Body: If the throttle body is dirty or stuck, it will restrict the air intake which will result in poor acceleration or stalling of the vehicle. Take off the throttle body and use a throttle body cleaner to clean the carbon on the throttle body. However, if cleaning does not solve the problem, then it is necessary to replace the throttle body.
- Check Accelerator Pedal Sensor: Another cause of throttle malfunction is the accelerator pedal position sensor. If the pedal is unresponsive or has a delay, then the sensor might have to be calibrated or replaced.
- Check all of the Wiring and Connections: Poor connections or wiring that has rusted may interfere with the throttle signal. Ensure all the connections are in good condition and replace any faulty wiring.
- Reset the Throttle System: Once the mechanic has fixed the problem, the ECU needs to be reset by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to delete any error codes and reprogram the throttle.
Let Us Help Fix Your Mini’s Throttle
If your Mini’s electronic throttle control is not functioning correctly, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a mechanic to rectify the problem before it gets worse and affects the car’s performance and safety.
European Service Center is dedicated to Mini cars repair and diagnostics, so your car will be in good hands. We have branches in Georgia and Texas with four branches in Georgia and four in Texas and we offer our services in Atlanta, Duluth, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Cumming, Norcross, Roswell, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Georgia and Houston, Dallas, Texas. Feel free to contact us to make an appointment and bring back the performance of your Mini.