Fixed this '06 Mini Cooper S for just $200! How did the CAR WIZARD do it?

How did the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ fix this 2006 Mini Cooper S for just $200? The P1688 code it presented really made the diagnosis complicated.
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[@Steverz32]

A. The best couple on KZbin B. Always fair and honest(Never bleeds his customers out) C. We would have never figured this out. D. This is why we love the Car Wizards!

[@mikenormandy9250]

Wish I had a mechanic like the Wizard, I would consider driving from NY to KS if my Dad wasn't so good with cars!

[@ImpalaSS08]

For $125 an hour, I know a lot of honest mechanics. Lol!!

[@matthewgreener1180]

@Mark Dietrich to be fare i charge the same rate as an exterminator

[@drags666]

E. Biggest auto shop on KZbin!

[@mcf3778]

a. goes to eric and mrs O

[@Ficon]

I didn't know Mini made a Wizard Edition paint scheme.

[@seanoreilly1832]

Excellent pick up. I like

[@MM_in_Havasu]

I did mechanical work for 35+ years, am now retired, the wizard still teaches me new things with every video. Had me mystified for a bit...... Love the video content, keep up the great work!

[@patrickf.2754]

We definitely need more mechanics like the Wizard. I‘m from Germany and a very early Car Wizard subscriber and since watching his videos I really can‘t unsee anymore how bad workshops have gotten in the past 10 years or so at least in my area. These people are only interested in ripping the customer off whereas the Wizard is just a honest guy with plenty of knowledge he uses to actually help the customer. I would 100% bring my cars to him for inspection/repairs if I would live in Kansas but as I live in Germany that can‘t really happen. But at least I can enjoy watching his videos. Keep up the good work Wizard!

[@DueVolvi]

Totally agree with u Patrick! I almost made plans to move to the neighborhood of the Car Wizard! From Holland.....

[@kleemanjad]

You could go to frankfurt and meet sreten M539 restorations

[@1deadly187]

Things like this separate "parts changers" from real auto mechanics..... Bravo my friend....

[@jamesr2888]

A co-worker at a dealership stated there's three levels of who works on a vehicle. You have a technician; parts changer; butcher.

[@petermuller161]

Parts changer here! I save a bunch of money and have a pile of random tools.

[@jorgemat8080]

@@petermuller161 lol and a brand new car with all the new parts changed.

[@nutmegdonkey]

Wizard is such a good mechanic for not just throwing parts at cars , or rather a real mechanic, anybody can turn a wrench but not everyone can diagnose.

[@umad42]

Diagnosis is the hardest part of mechanical work, it takes time, knowledge and patience. You learn through trying over and over, reading countless other diagnostics of similar issues on the same makes and models, Wizard has learned over years and years of working. That's why he's the best because he is so patient, so knowledgeable, and has invested so much time into his trade. I have a hell of a lot of respect for how much effort he's put into his work, he really is impressive

[@jy5960]

Mrs. Wizard is awesome at teeing up the Wizard with good questions, and also not giggling like a buffoon when he says "clamps down onto the shaft"

[@619guy202]

She probably clamps her lips down on wizards shaft

[@Bigkwanzaavest]

Wizard, left for vacation with my car throwing this exact issue. Diagnosed and tested everything related to this issue. Even replaced the crank pulley (which did look bad). Came back 3 weeks later and took a look at my reduction pulley on the supercharger! It was flopping around on the shaft because the clamp mechanism decided to fail. Ordered the Alta pulley and look forward to getting my Cooper back on the road. Randomly thought of this video when I was flying back home. Thank you!

[@hotpuppy1]

Even experienced techs can miss this if they have not had experience with the particular car before. You drove it before so you knew what it sounded/felt like before. Every car feels a little different, even if it is the same model.

[@realdealryan]

Agreed. Totally respect David’s abilities but if you drove the car before that’s a huge help

[@bjfishing9046]

I would hope an experienced tech would have enough experience to test drive the car and understand what their hearing/feeling. Regardless of previous experience with the car or even it's make or model a supercharger isnt supposed to just come and go during a pull and directed their attention there. Like Car Wizard did which allowed him to find the issue. I highly doubt his previous experience with the car had much at all to do with his method of diagnosis.

[@mattsamelian5057]

@@realdealryan This is also probably a known problem as there is an aftermarket solution.

[@thompsonsteveo2860]

I learned a phrase years ago "SITAR" symptoms. ideas, test, analyze and repair. I am not a trained mechanic but i know my way around most cars and still learn. it's amazing how many mechanics i have had work on my cars and try to sell me the wrong parts to fit. Eg. a $120 dollar part failed on my land rover, i was quoted $4000 dollars to fix it, that mechanic was told to go away and will never use that national company again even after the phone call from the managing director. i love your honesty Mr. Wizard

[@mattbaxter3170]

R53 Nut here....Good find! The water pump runs off the SC pulley also as its on the backside of the supercharger so you should see more consistent coolant temps too. Also looks like it might need an upper hydraulic engine mount. There should be a sizable gap between the engine bracket and the mount. They commonly leak out the bottom causing the mount to sit low. This can also cause surging.

[@davidofford7002]

Wizard's love of the British tradition shines through. Mrs Wizard's connoisseurship of the interior, the warmth of love itself. Best wishes for a beautiful weekend for you both.

[@megamachine7818]

its tuesday

[@Hotlog69]

"intermittently gripping the shaft" -Car Wizard 2021

[@johng.4959]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kiddgretzkiful]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EliHillal]

You gotta be so lucky owning a car and living close by the Wizard shop. I own a w123 and would have loved sending my car for maintenance at the Wizard’s ! Greetings from Amsterdam ( the Netherlands)

[@619guy202]

Oh really I thought it was Amsterdam, Mexico

[@golfielue42]

It's the air flow sensor

[@blueridgerennsport]

We had a customer tow in a 2012 Mini Cooper (not an S or JCW) with a VERY loud tap/tick/knock that varied with RPM. The owner was almost in tears, saying they just had it at the dealer who said it needed a new timing chain and components... but that same dealer had just replaced the timing components a few years prior under some kind of extended warranty or TSB or recall or something like that. This time they wanted some stupid amount of money to fix it. We pulled it in and I grabbed my flashlight and stethoscope, and opened the hood. As I was holding the stethoscope to the head, I glanced down and I saw it as it flashed through the beam of my flashlight! The accessory belt had a chunk of ribbed treads missing from it and every time it hit the tensioner it made the noise and the tensioner moved. I replaced the belt for her for just the cost of the belt and now we have a customer for life.

[@martywambach4072]

In addition to your technical knowledge, the input from Mrs. Wizard brings your videos to a very high level. Keep it up! You are the "Dynamic Duo" of car repair!

[@Rockinrn]

I like the way you keep viewers looking forward to upcoming videos. It keeps it very interesting. I’ve been watching your videos since day one and I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@UOTCbassist]

Car wizard: "Time to play detective" Me, who has owned an older Mini for years and have had every problem in the book: "Observe my intellect"

[@anthonyblacker8471]

You're a good person Mr. Wizard. A diamond in the rough as far as local mechanics are concerned. I always do my best to evaluate every car, no matter what the customer has had others do or what they 'think' it is, I truly live by the phrase Keep It Simple Stupid.. has always worked for me. We all make mistakes, but a mistake in diagnosis can get very very expensive.. Keep it up Wizard! Great content!!!

[@michaelb6729]

12:43 . . . best engine sound interpretation ever !! I should mp3 that and make it my ringtone !

[@rjnation5042]

Anyone who watches your videos already knows what is under the covers behind you, but I didn't expect that it was now yours, good luck with it big fella, the lovely Mrs Wizard will look fantastic driving it, Rj in Oz

[@davidadams007]

Nice Mr and Mrs Wizard, troubleshooting is an art that only can be expressed through experience and diligence. Congratulations on the honour to be involved in an important role at Emilia Island.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Wizard I would say that this is something that would take most car technicians down a rabbit hole. Fully trained mechanics are a rare breed.

[@joelayala9896]

I learned a lot from the car wizard, manage to find problems on my Supra thanks to his tips and tricks. Really appreciated.

[@BriteFrog]

And this is why you are "The Wizard"...Amazing video...I love these analytical "fix it" videos, and you're right...Logic always prevails.

[@egyptology22]

I'd love to have a beer with the Wizards. That's the highest compliment am Australian can give!

[@Tclans]

I loved the part where mrs wizzard explains the interior, you both have grown presenter whise since the yacht videos. 👍🏼

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

My car stalling had the mechanics here stumped, after watching a KZbin vid while stranded on the side of the road, I was able to unplug the Map sensor, btw we drive an 02 LeSabre, I went to pick a part and pulled one off of a similar car for $14, now our car runs perfectly again, no more stalling issues, Love the Vid, Full view, Staysafe Mr & Mrs Wizard

[@silentmajority8518]

Mr. Wizard, you are a man with True INTEGRITY. Most mechanics would have hosed the owner for a Grand or more. Thanks!

[@mrhalfapino]

Thanks Wizard for mentioning the Concourse D’elegance. I missed it the last couple years. I met Hoovie and Tavarish a couple years ago there. I can’t wait to meet you and Mrs. Wizard. See you there! Too bad you can’t drive the Lambo again.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Has to be one of the Wizard's best detective efforts. He relied on data, good old fashioned observation and attention, to work this out. Continued sucess and happiness to all at Omega auto!

[@Bird_Brain_Dave]

I love how mrs. wizard is getting more involved with the videos. Wizard, get it in the air!

[@George0674]

Good catch! I had two of these and swapped out SC pulleys on both. The stock pulley was a super tight and took a lot of force to remove with the puller. I'm surprised it could come loose at all.

[@stephenhenion8304]

I remember this car from before. I'm glad I still have stock pulleys! Thanks again...

[@terencehawkes3933]

Good diagnosis Wizard. I would never have guessed a slipping pulley!

[@Oklawolf]

My 2004 Pacifica had code P0708 when I bought it. Got it cheaper because of it. Replaced trans range sensor connector and all wiring back to the PCM, because it looked rough. No change. Tested trans range sensor with DMM - tested intermittent. Replaced the sensor. Still no change. Finally got rid of the code and restored the cruise control by replacing the PCM. Not expensive because I did everything myself, but getting in there to change the range sensor was a fair bit of work.

[@Rekcuf690]

No one told me there was going to be a darn quiz.... 🤘🤣🤘

[@jefferyepstein9210]

Saw the title and thought Wizard bought $200 worth of explosives

[@mattybowler7966]

Learn to spell??

[@jefferyepstein9210]

@@mattybowler7966 I spell the name on purpose. Sadly you’re only like the fourth person to notice in the almost two years I’ve had this channel.

[@bigmurff6439]

Thanks for the video. I own two R53'S, one with an Alta pulley kit on it already the other bone stock. Didn't know the shafts can wear down on them over time. Guess I'll be upgrading the stock mini soon too 😄

[@Alan-Dawson]

I love older cars, they are more of a challenge to fix, Learned so much from the internet to fix my own over the years, saved a fortune.

[@bruceelliott4822]

Nice little MINI, chrono package, sidewalk package, auto climate, driving lights, chrome package. jCW intake , strut bar, sweet! Slick top too.

[@camaroacrossamerica7266]

I was an appliance tech for 20 plus years. So many parts changers in that field also. I delt with many brands and styles. Really had to fight to slow down diagnos stuff aftrr doing it for so many years.

[@dougcamilo1653]

Dude this is where experience comes in. Awesome!!! Any me mechanic friends in NY? Really need an honest wizard up here

[@jasonmoncusgundinamo1811]

Your wife is a rockstar wizard you got a good one

[@MrTilbin]

Thank you for explaining that the CEL and codes aren't a cure all. That's some damn good diagnosis. One thing to remember: that "check engine light" is only for emissions, and nothing more.

[@CarringtonHollister]

Wait a minute I’m dreaming CAR WIZARD working on a BMW product *I S T H I S R E A L L I F E R I G H T N O W*

[@sleepyvtek9]

if it was a pain in the ass, he would just hand it over to the ninja

[@jordancapps9521]

@@sleepyvtek9 that is what is surprising, Ninja showed how terrible those are to work on, with Tyler's Hooptie Cooper. Almost everything is an engine out service(which Ninja can remove in about 3 hrs).

[@vspencer9764]

Well it’s basically a Chrysler Neon under the bonnet/hood as it’s a Tritec on the R50/53.

[@MP-vd1ck]

Local customer not hoovie or urination bobs auction finds

[@kingcraven8056]

Next week it will be another 2 and the week after another 2 and on and on.

[@twilson1973]

Nice job with diagnosing that problem.

[@jcsuperstars1100]

I figured it was the crank pulley slipping. I've done a few of those. Sets the same fault/scenario . These don't even have mass air flow meters, it's all calculated.

[@JJPMustang]

Wizard: I had a P0340 code on my very low mileage 2006 Mustang GT last year: camshaft position sensor. The car was running relatively well but I noticed the electrical accessories were buggy- lights flickering and dim; windows going up slower, etc. Instead of trusting the local parts counter I tested the voltage at idle, under a slight rev, with the engine off, and after sitting a few minutes later. The alternator was in fact the culprit!

[@Jacob1986]

I had a maf sensor out of range code, cleaned it , code came back after week, bought a new one, code came back after a week. Cleaned the throttle body, checked wiring, and made sure air filter and pipe were good code went away. It took time but satisfying in the end. Needed a new maf anyway after 10 years and readings on the sensor voltage were not ideal.

[@timwilliams2343]

I'm glad you like the little R53; I thought it was going to be the bypass valve (the spring inside can get tired, but this was a low mileage car), or a worn auxiliary/serpentine belt - that would have the same surge (until it fails, then ... argh). Anyway It might be time to add a new belt, only $25 or so, and it should really be changed annually. And how I wish we had a Wizard!

[@ghibli608]

This MINI has some really nice optional equipment such as the Chroom Package and the Chrono package. The engine is the upgrade JCW Kit. That kit came as a box including cilinderhead, compressor, sparks and exhaust. That’s a lovely kit to have. They also mounted the accessory strutt brace.

[@lesliedsouza4077]

Great whodunit, CW :) And top diagnosis, by sound. I had wondered if the ECM had been mapped correctly, to the supercharger mod. Had no idea about the taper sleeve drive. Auto thought would be key or spline drive? You didn't say how that taper sleeve might've got flogged? When it's on, it's on? That project under wraps looks interesting - Long, aerodynamic, sloping bonnet? Low roof? Rear spoiler? Whatever... Happy Concours :)

[@chefjefe68]

Thank Wizard. So far, I haven’t had too much in the way of wrong parts. I like to go with data first too.

[@cayman9873]

Nothing like 1200 dollars of mechanic time to figure out if its the 50 dollar or 240 dollar part.

[@vaibhavprabhu04]

Simply superb... Well diagnosed Wiz... Loved it

[@greathornedowl3644]

Thank you Wizard, we all see things from our own periscope, I would have guessed O2 sensor, PCV, or the Mass Airflow Sensor.

[@hammadrehman4257]

Bmw 525i here. had similar codes on my car. Found my issue at my back cylinder bank: blown head gasket!! so much was spent on a new MAF and coils. Thankfully new spark plugs were already due. they’re great engines, just be on top of your maintenance b

[@tberg323]

Great job Mrs. Wizard!!! 👏👏

[@robertwenzel9936]

Good catch - great example of experience > error codes

[@electronicengineer]

Mrs. Wizard stole the show today! Great job Mrs. Wizard!!! Fred

[@onlyhereonce7290]

A great team. You found the problem. And a fun video to watch.

[@CraigReeve]

Totally true. I had a 99 Peugeot 306 Rallye. It was always serviced in house. But one time I got the car back and it just didn't drive right. I took it back to the dealer and they charged me all kinds of money for diagnostics and told me the car was fine. In the end I took it to a small time mechanic that worked on performance cars. He had it for 30 minutes and called me. The dealership had put the wrong sparkplugs in it. He took care of the car from then on.

[@stewartstarling2309]

I love the Wizard Flex!! See you guys at cars and coffee!!!

[@michelbeauloye4269]

I want to congratulate you, Mr. Wizard, for your troubleshooting skill! When checking the RH front wheel, you said that everything was ok. I noticed however that the tire had practically no thread. The minimum recommended thread depth by the Automobile Club here is 4 mm. What do you think?

[@bmh67wa]

I worked on a car once that has a MAF sensor code and it ended up being a hairline crack in the tube that was between the MAF and the throttle body. It was on the underside where you couldn't see it without removing it and since it wasn't a vacuum leak it made no noise that gave it away. Fortunately the tube had to be removed first in order to remove the MAF and it was discovered then. The customer didn't want a new one and just wrapped the tube in duct tape to seal the crack and we cleared the code for him and I still see him around town driving it today.

[@dkenny8655]

I hope if you ever find your way to the Dallas Ft Worth area, I do hope you will show the good taste to announce your presents. I would love to meet you and Mrs Wizard, and Hoovie if possible. Safe travels wherever your travels take you. God bless you all.

[@shantefrancess5174]

Very nice video as usual you both :) keep it up and YOU WILL GREATLY SUCCEED

[@OverflowOFGames]

I had a similar issue to this on my 06 MCS, it was fine under light throttle, but if the ac was on or the car was accelerating, it would throw a MAF error code and would turn on LIMP mode. Additionally, the battery light would come on. Because of the ac issue, I assumed it was a seized AC compressor and was ready to drop $500 on a new one. After inspecting it for about a day, I found that it was actually just that the harmonic balancer split.

[@ralphgeigner9545]

Interesting dash and gauges. Compared to many Mini Coopers. Would be nice to have such a shop in my little country village or near by.

[@londoncentral]

Oh I wish I had a Wizard like you in the UK 👍😎

[@commander5983]

This is similar to the codes I was getting in my 2.5 Jetta that were due to a bad PCV diaphragm... Protip: Google your codes and your make/model. Might be referring to a part/sensor your specific engine doesn't actually have.

[@armandopatane5343]

Best mechanic ever / I was thinking gas cap seals were bad Jacksonville Florida

[@Duaneoca]

Interesting! My first thought was that the serpentine belt was slipping. I wasn’t far off of the mark. :)

[@vspencer9764]

These are great little cars and I’ve now bought 5 R50/53s in the past and never had any real issues with any of them.. I’ve still got a little £300 2001 liquid yellow example I bought 3 years ago as a winter hack and it’s best to buy a post July 04 example as most of the teething troubles were sorted out by then. Whatever you do if you want a Bini stay with the Chrysler engined version as the Peugeot engined R56 is complete merde which came out in November 06 and was only brought in as a cost cutting exercise.

[@oldskool1979]

We need more car wizards in the industry !

[@sheefa_brains]

Love those English panther leather seats! Got the same ones in my r53!!!

[@nyomannaya6924]

great information as usual, but I am always worried when you are checking under carriage. your head may hit or bump several parts and some has sharp edges... be careful..

[@1AEROSOL.1PUFF]

THANK YOU MRS WIZARD, I HAD JUST ASKED THE SAME QUESTION. 🫖

[@denitipuric1130]

2 minutes in! Fastest I’ve seen your video wizard! I look forward to it every week, you guys are like friends to me, keep up the hard work, thank you.

[@andrewcbartlett]

"Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try," Yoda Car Wizard.

[@brunodesrosiers266]

I love your channel and as a MINI R53 owner I really liked this one. And as a FYI, when you say ‘Concours d’elegance’, you don’t pronounce the ‘s’.

[@Viperman200221]

Most shop rely on the parts canon and what the scanner says. You actually diagnose and find out the real problem. It's hard to find a good quality shop that won't charge an arm and a leg to fix it right the first time. It just sucks that I'm living in Michigan or I'd be paying you a visit, LOL!

[@flybobbie1449]

Where i work there is a Mini breakers. They told me most cars they see scrapped due engine or gearbox problems. So plenty of good spares out there, except gearbox/engines!

[@dhestondh]

This man's knowledge is incredible

[@ChezzOnBass]

Priceless wisdom. Thank you!

[@gregorymahnken9682]

I got one of these cars for free. Needed a battery, starter, and alternator. Starter took about 7 hours (Mini says pull the exhaust, i pulled the CV instead but needed a torch multiple times), alternator took like 4 hours (pull the entire front clip and radiator, then you need a specific belt tensioner tool or find a KZbin video on how to loosen it without one). I sold it as soon as possible and it pretty much soured my taste for ever wanting a euro car.

[@chesleymesher1913]

Great informative video once again.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I actually thought it was going to be Hoovie's.I see his 'Dam' Bentley is ready...again.Yay!

[@jordanrudler2120]

I got a customer that came for a similar issue, he got a code for the mass airflow sensor. He changed the mass airflow sensor, put a new EGR valve, a new intercooler, and lots of others items. It turned out to be a defective air filter that was too restrictive.

[@ellenorbovay5226]

Good catch Wizard!

[@stephenpickard5178]

Another great repair by an honest and very fair mechanic. Dave, you need to clone yourself and send at least two of you to each state of the rest of the union.

[@hitardo]

A friend of mine has one of these, and this car is one of the best handling and engaging cars I have ever seen. Great fun! But, it is expensive to buy, to maintain, and it is somewhat rare.

[@savannahsmiles1797]

didn't ya just describe a "must" have for the car connoisseur's

[@hitardo]

@@savannahsmiles1797 absolutely! Every car enthusiast should have an experience with this car.

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Yeah, I Love when an engine light comes on for a wheel speed sensor or whatnot.

[@drsolar]

Mrs Wizard does a fantastic job of narrating what she sees

[@Smokey_A]

Had a similar error on my son-in-law's new model Malibu. In his case, it was the wonderful quick lube shop had left the cover completely lose on the air filter housing so that it was sucking in too much air, bypassing the filter. The computer was confused because I guess it was getting so much air it was messing up the air/fuel ratio.

[@CastroJordan]

“I wanna see if you guys can figure it out”. You knew that wasn’t going to happen, you just wanted to show off lol. Your customers are lucky to have a true professional not some sleazy hack. Love watching the business grow, Good video.

[@markphillips6154]

Hey great that you’re going to the car show to be a judge. I’m sure you will be a good one

[@ColbstaD]

Ha! I was right. I used to have a 2003, loved that car.

[@matthew3668]

I can show you my 04 Mini Cooper S problem, been changing things left right and centre to fix it without any hope. When cold, it takes 5 secs of cranking, if you turn it off for 2 seconds and back on again it starts instantly. Please like maybe car wizard sees this! Thanks to all wizards here

[@TrekZero]

Try to switch the Ignition two or three times on an off and then check if your mini starts better.

[@matthew3668]

@@TrekZero tried that too, changed fuel filter, fuel pump, recalibrated injectors, camshaft sensor till now

[@gregorymahnken9682]

Try this: when it is cold, cycle the key from off to "run" 3 or 4 times. This will prime the fuel pump. If it starts instantly after trying this, check to see if there is any check valve that is allowing fuel to backflow into the tank when it sits.

[@gregorymahnken9682]

Also check battery voltage when cold, could be a weak battery that isn't holding charge or a power draw that is pulling voltage when sitting. After running the car, the alternator would have recharged the battery so it would have more starting power. Can get it tested for free at your local parts store, too.

[@matthew3668]

@@gregorymahnken9682 my mechanic told me that the fuel pump itself has a checkvalve, meaning it was replaced too. Will check out battery even though i changed it too recently. Maybe not enough cold cranking amps for the starter

[@stephenhayes3765]

Back in the early 90s at dealerships if I put a part on and it didn’t fix the problem I bought the part. Trains you to diagnose first