Mini Cooper starting problem and erratic gearbox

My 2007 Mini Cooper has developed a strange problem. Sometimes it will not start. The check engine light is on, and the automatic gearbox shifts erratically. I pulled the error codes and it points to a likely defective control unit. Could this be related to a neutral position sensor or a more serious transmission failure?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. I had a similar issue with my Mini Cooper. Check engine light, gearbox acting up, and it wouldn't always start. Does it seem like the gear linkage is off? Is your gear shifter loose?

Gear linkage seems fine, and the gear shifter feels normal. Was it definitely the control unit in your case? Did it also throw error codes?

Yes, it was the control unit for me too. Same symptoms. Error codes pointing at the transmission. I would suggest getting it properly diagnosed at a workshop, but it does sound like the control unit.

Thanks for confirming. Took it to a local mechanic. Turns out the control unit was indeed faulty. Transmission repair cost me around 1000€. Now it's shifting smoothly again.

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