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charlottewolf6

Mini Cooper cold start problems

Alright, I'm officially losing it with my 2004 Mini Cooper! It's been a total pain to start when it's cold. Engine runs super rough during the cold start phase, lots of sputtering. I'm suspecting a faulty cold start injector. Anyone else had similar cold start problems? Is my fuel system about to implode?

4 comment(s)

ellakoenig53

Oh man, that sounds frustrating! I had a similar problem with my Mini Cooper. Horrible cold starts, engine misfire like crazy until it warmed up. I'd check your fuel system first. Have you looked at the fuel rail pressure? I remember someone mentioning that as a possible cause. Could also be a vacuum leak somewhere affecting the fuel mixture on startup. Did you happen to run an injector test?

charlottewolf6 (Author)

Fuel rail pressure, huh? I haven't checked that specifically. Where exactly is the fuel rail located on the engine, and is it easy to test the pressure myself, or am I better off getting a professional to do it? Also, what kind of injector test you are referring to? Is it something I can do at home?

ellakoenig53

Yeah, the fuel rail runs along the top of the engine, supplying fuel to the injectors. Honestly, testing the pressure can be a bit tricky without the right tools. Better to get it checked professionally, just in case. As for the injector test, the best way to test the injectors is to remove them and send them to a shop that has a special machine for the job. I didn't have the tools or the skills so I sent it to a shop. The fact that it's only happening on cold starts does point to a faulty injector though. You know what, save yourself the headache and take it to a trusted mechanic. Trust me, it might be worth the cost.

charlottewolf6 (Author)

Huge thanks for the help! Ended up taking it to a workshop. They confirmed it was the cold start injector. Cost me around 515€ to get it sorted, but now it runs like a dream, even on these cold mornings.

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