MINI Check Engine Light Is On: Should You Be Concerned?

MINI Cooper Check Engine Lights: Should You Be Concerned?

Your MINI Cooper is a complex, high-performance European vehicle. It requires careful care and regular maintenance to operate safely and properly for as long as possible. At Boyd Motor Werks, we are an independent automotive service center that specializes in MINI Cooper inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts in Portland, OR. Here is a look at what the MINI Cooper check engine light means, why it might be flashing, and what you should do.

What Is the MINI Cooper Check Engine Light Meaning?

You should never ignore or dismiss the check engine light when it is flashing or blinking in your MINI Cooper. The check engine light could indicate a problem as simple as a loose gas cap or as serious as a failing catalytic converter. It’s best to have your MINI Cooper inspected and assessed by a professional auto technician to determine why your check engine light is on. Your vehicle may have a serious problem within its OBD system. If the light is flashing red or yellow, you should bring it into our independent service center for an assessment and diagnostic testing.

Why Is My Check Engine Light on in My MINI Cooper?

A blinking check engine light on your MINI Cooper could indicate a problem with your engine or emissions system. It may flash red, yellow, or orange with the words “CHECK ENGINE” illuminated. The light comes on because your vehicle’s computer system has detected a problem with an engine component. Some of the possible reasons for a blinking check engine light in a MINI Cooper are:

• A loose gas cap
• A dirty fuel injector
• Failing catalytic converter
• Faulty ignition coils
• Bad oxygen sensors
• Bad spark plugs or spark plug wires
• Faulty oxygen sensor
• Broken or loose hoses
• Misfiring spark plugs
• Faulty mass airflow sensor
• Emission control system malfunction

What Problems Can Trigger the Blinking Check Engine Light?

If your check engine light is blinking or flashing, the problem is more serious and requires immediate attention from a certified auto technician. You should not drive your car at all, and you should make an appointment at an independent service center right away. A flashing red or orange check engine light could indicate:

• An Engine Misfire – If your engine is misfiring due to a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector, your check engine light will start blinking or flashing.
• Damage to Your Catalytic Converter – If your catalytic converter is damaged or faulty, your check engine light will start blinking.
• A Faulty Oxygen Sensor – A faulty oxygen sensor means that the oxygen levels in your exhaust are not being properly measured or monitored. This will cause your check engine light to blink or flash.

What Should I Do if My Check Engine Light Is Flashing?

If your check engine light comes on in your MINI Cooper, you should take it to a certified auto technician right away. Even if the problem is minor, it may get more serious, dangerous, and expensive to repair the longer you ignore it. Ignoring the check engine light can put you and your passengers in danger and can threaten the performance, safety, and lifespan of your MINI Cooper. Without an assessment and service, your vehicle may have increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, serious engine problems, or a breakdown, and you may need to pay for emergency vehicle repairs.

• If your check engine light flickers yellow occasionally or comes on intermittently or only in certain conditions, drive your vehicle as little as possible and take it into a service center as soon as you can.
• If the check engine light is constantly on and is red or orange, bring it in for service as soon as possible.
• If the check engine light is flashing and you have a noticeable performance issue, do not drive your vehicle, but have it towed to a service center.
• If the check engine light is blinking constantly while you are driving, there may be a major issue with your vehicle. You should pull over and have your vehicle towed to a service center.
• If your check engine light is green, that is normal and does not indicate a problem with your vehicle. However, you should still schedule routine MINI Cooper maintenance to protect your vehicle.

Why Choose Boyd Motor Werks for MINI Cooper Services

At Boyd Motor Werks, we offer efficient, highly skilled MINI Cooper diagnostic services, maintenance, and repairs. We are a family-owned and operated business with over 40 years of experience working at MINI Coopers. Our skilled and knowledgeable auto technicians use the latest technology and techniques to provide quality, reliable MINI Cooper service and repair. Our MINI Cooper service will ensure you comply with your warranty terms and maintain the safety, performance, value, and lifespan of your vehicle.

Make an Appointment for MINI Cooper Service & Repair

Call us now or contact us online to schedule MINI Cooper service and repair in Portland, OR, or the surrounding areas. We can determine why your MINI Cooper’s check engine light is on through our comprehensive diagnostic testing services, and then provide the necessary maintenance or repairs. We also carry specialty parts and OEM MINI Cooper parts.