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felixberger71

Mini Paceman Hissing and Check Engine Light

Alright, so my 2016 Mini Paceman is throwing a fit! Check engine light is on, and I'm getting a noticeable hissing sound when I accelerate, like a freaking snake is under the hood! Fuel economy has gone down the drain too. I'm thinking it's an air intake issue, maybe a leak somewhere. I gave all the vacuum hoses a once-over, but couldn't find anything obvious. Could it be the intake manifold gasket?

4 comment(s)

lars_koehler16

Sounds like you've got a vacuum leak somewhere in your air intake system. I had a similar issue with my Paceman not too long ago. Check the intake hose between the air filter box and the intake manifold – those are notorious for cracking. Is the hissing sound constant, or only under acceleration?

felixberger71 (Author)

Yeah, I was suspecting the intake hose since the hissing only happens when I step on it. I even gave it a quick look, but didn't spot anything obvious. Where exactly on the hose did yours crack? Was it a big, gaping hole or a hairline crack? I'd rather not start replacing parts willy-nilly, if you know what I mean...

lars_koehler16

Mine was a hairline crack, almost impossible to see unless you really flexed the hose. It was on the underside, near the intake manifold connection. I'd suggest taking it to a shop and having them do a smoke test. They pump smoke into the intake and it'll show you exactly where the leak is. At least you'll know for sure before throwing parts at it. But yeah, sounds VERY similar to what I experienced.

felixberger71 (Author)

Dude, you were spot on! It was indeed the intake hose, had it replaced and the car is purring again. Fuel economy is back to normal, no more hissing, and the check engine light is gone. Cost me around 100€, parts and labor. Thanks a lot for the help!

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