Hard start issue

JIMJWALL

MEMBER
2012 MINI CLUBMAN
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
35,000 MILES

Hello, a few weeks ago my mini became a hard starter. When it starts, it runs perfectly. It will restart immediately after I stop the engine. It will immediately restart up to 2 hours after I shut down the engine. Greater than 2 hours it again becomes a hard starter. Occasionally the engine experiences a misfire. If I shut down the engine and restart it, the misfire ceases. Do you have an insight into what could causing this hard start/misfire condition?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like there is a problem with the fuel pressure dropping off after sitting. Do me a favor. Try this little test to see if it starts normally after sitting.

1) Turn the key to the run position (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 a total of three times.

3) On the 4th time, see if it starts normally.

If it does, then we need to do a little testing to confirm if it is a pressure drop-off or if the fuel pump is getting weak.

Let me know what you find.

Joe