13 replies to this topic

[VNOMUS]

I have 1996 1.3 SPI-Auto-AC (Japanese spec) that's started making a noise similar to when you first turn the key. However this happens intermittently when it's running and lasts anywhere from 10 seconds to acouple of minutes (very annoying!). It doesn't seem affected by engine or road speed and nothing else seems to be wrong. I did just replace the O2 sensor as well the vaacume line from the fuel trap to the ECU. Anyone ideas on what the beeping is? Thanks in advacne for any help

[Jammy]

Not got much knowledge about the injection minis, but have you had the fault codes read off the ECU?

[VNOMUS]

Thanks for the reply but no, unfortunately compatible scanners are pretty much non-existent in the US. All of the ECUs here were standardized years ago under OBD-I and later OBD-II, neither of which are compatiable with the mini's hardware :'(

Anyone have a late 90's owners manual that might list the warning lights and sounds?

[Dan]

What sort of noise is this?

[VNOMUS]

What sort of noise is this?

The best description I can come up with is that it sounds like the short tone/beep you hear when you first turn the ignition key to the ON position (but of course longer)...

[The Matt]

What sort of noise is this?

The best description I can come up with is that it sounds like the short tone/beep you hear when you first turn the ignition key to the ON position (but of course longer)...

Hmmm, I am unfamiliar with them too, but is it the fuel pump buzzing in the boot when you turn the ignition on??

[Jammy]

What sort of noise is this?

The best description I can come up with is that it sounds like the short tone/beep you hear when you first turn the ignition key to the ON position (but of course longer)...

So its definitely an electronic beep?

[VNOMUS]

What sort of noise is this?

The best description I can come up with is that it sounds like the short tone/beep you hear when you first turn the ignition key to the ON position (but of course longer)...

So its definitely an electronic beep?

Yes, it's definately electronic. I took it out again tonight and it did it a couple of more times and then all was quiet. After replacing the O2 sensor and vac line I also reset the ECU so maybe that has something to do with. Do the ECUs emit any beeps when they're in learning mode?

[topcat]

I had a 95 SPI for a while, never heard any beeps! Can you work out where it is coming from at all? Front, rear, engine bay?

I don't understand what you mean about the short beep when you turn the key either. Do you have the standard immobiliser and alarm?

[VNOMUS]

I had a 95 SPI for a while, never heard any beeps! Can you work out where it is coming from at all? Front, rear, engine bay?

I don't understand what you mean about the short beep when you turn the key either. Do you have the standard immobiliser and alarm?

It's coming from the dash (or rather behind it). It's always sounds a short electronic tone when the ignition key is turned to the on position. I always assumed that all "newer" SPI/MPI minis did that (I also have an 1986 1000 Std w/ Carb setup which doesn't).
I don't think I have the immobilizer and alarm as the car didn't come with a key fob (of course I bought it used). I'll have to see if I can find a post on the location and check. But would the car start without the fob if the immobilizer and alarm is installed?
Maybe it's something specific to the Japanese version? Anyway, I drove it to work this morning, about 35 miles, and no more beeping!. So maybe it's happy again... B) Thanks again for the help!....

[VNOMUS]

!@#$...it's back!!!... after a prolonged period of silience it's back again but this time a bit more consistent. Now every time I turn the key to the on position I get the beep and it just keeps going. However, if I turn it back off and then on again the warning tone seems to shut off as "normal". However, when I drove it the other day it was also turning on/off randomly while cruising. Please help, this is driving me nuts!..... >

[Dan]

The only thing I can think of is that Japanese Minis have a seatbelt and key-in-ignition warning system and the beep could be something to do with that. Maybe the connections to the seat occupancy or seatbelt buckle sensors are damaged, or the key-in-ignition switch in the steering lock could be the problem. It's tricky for any of us to know about this really because most of us are in the UK and these key-in-ignition warnings are pretty much exclusive to American cars, Japan having them as a throwback to occupation. As far as I know all our other members in the US are driving much older cars or Australian spec vehicles that won't include these systems either. Sorry there isn't much more help I personally can give but there may be someone on here with a Japan spec car who can help you.

[Aria Aradhea]

Could it possibly the Cat sensor? My Jap-spec Mini has the red warning light labeled "EXH" to warn about the exhaust gasses running through the cat. It seems likely that in the later jap-spec model, a beep has been added to the warning light...

[VNOMUS]

Could it possibly the Cat sensor? My Jap-spec Mini has the red warning light labeled "EXH" to warn about the exhaust gasses running through the cat. It seems likely that in the later jap-spec model, a beep has been added to the warning light...

Thank You!... Turned out that someone must have replaced the CAT sensor in the past and simply twisted the wires together.(at least I hope it's not done that way at the factory!).....A little solder and heat shrink quieted the beeping. Thank you very much for the help!......