Mini in with the engine light on and poor performance. We found the intake manifold flaps were completely choked with soot. Airflow restored in Newtownabbey.
This Mini came into 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey with the engine warning light on and wasn’t running right. The customer noticed poor acceleration and rough performance.
After a full diagnostic inspection, we found the intake manifold flaps were heavily sooted up. As shown in the pictures, the build-up was thick enough to stop the flaps from moving freely, restricting airflow to the engine and throwing up fault codes.
Intake manifold flaps are designed to:
Control airflow into the engine
Improve performance and fuel economy
Help reduce emissions
But when they become badly carboned, like in this Mini, they jam and cause:
Engine warning lights
Poor acceleration
Reduced airflow
Rough running or misfires
Carbon deposits are caused by:
Short stop/start journeys
EGR valve operation
Low-quality fuel
Lack of cleaning/maintenance
Once it builds up, it restricts airflow and causes the car to run poorly — often triggering the engine management light.
After confirming the fault, we:
Removed the intake manifold
Inspected the flaps (completely jammed with soot)
Cleaned and restored airflow
Reset the fault codes
Ran post-repair diagnostics
The engine light is now off, and the Mini is running properly again.
At 1Stop Motor Shop, we offer:
Engine warning light diagnostics
Carbon cleaning and intake manifold repairs
EGR system checks
Honest advice and fast repairs
If your Mini is running rough, don’t ignore the signs — book a check with us today.
Trusted by drivers across Belfast - how to contact us:
- Call/WhatsApp (phone and text): 07951 728365
- DM our socials (Facebook & Instagram)
- Email: OneStopMotorShop@hotmail.com
- Contact us via our website
