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your vehicle
- Applicable Models
- Jump to Photos
- 47 Comments
Project Time:
EST Project Cost:
Applicable Models:
- R56 MINI Cooper Hatchback (2007-11)
- R56 MINI Cooper S Hatchback (2007-11)
- Project Time: 2 hours
- Tab: $400
- Talent
- Tools: Phillips screwdriver, 6mm Allen, floor jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, safety glasses, torque wrench
- Parts Required: Charcoal canister, DMTL pump
- Performance Gain: Repair evaporator system faults
- Complementary Modification: Replace evaporator hoses
With increased federal emissions standards, MINI has been required to decrease both tailpipe emissions and the evaporative emissions.
Evaporative emissions consist of volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as hydrocarbons from fuel and engine oil. Both of these emissions vaporize and can escape from the vehicle into the atmosphere if not recovered.
The charcoal canister is an emission control device that consists of a sealed plastic canister of activated charcoal with hoses and lines at the side. It's used as a temporary storage device for fuel vapor or HC (hydrocarbon) from the fuel tank. This prevents excess fuel vapors from exiting the fuel tank and entering the atmosphere.
When the engine is off, fuel vapor from the fuel tank passes through a vent line into the canister where it is absorbed by the charcoal. When the engine is running, the fuel vapors are routed to the engine via an electronic solenoid and drawn in by intake manifold vacuum. This process is controlled by the DME using a programmed duty cycle in order to maintain proper fuel mixture.
The charcoal canister and DMTL pump are located on the right side of the fuel tank. The charcoal canister is responsible for storing hydrocarbon vapors from the fuel tank that is eventually sent to the engine via the purge solenoid. The DMTL pump is mounted to the charcoal canister and is used to pressurize the evaporator system to check it for leaks. The DMTL pump can fail electrically. A fault code will be stored and the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) will be illuminated. If you have a fault code for the DMTL pump current high, replace the DMTL pump with a new one.
Remember that your car may have been serviced before and had parts replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches.
Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If you're working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Never work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability.
Our vehicle may vary slightly from yours as models do change and evolve, as they grow older. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.
Jack the rear of your vehicle and support it using jack stands. See out tech article on jacking up your vehicle. Always wear your safety glasses whenever you're working under your car.
Hot tip
Be careful when working with evaporator system, do not damage any hoses or connections
Nick Czerula, DIY Expert
Project Photos
Adam
February 29, 2024
Mini Cooper 2013
Fault code 27b4 - venting valve activation
Changed purge valve for a genuine new 1. No joy. Any ideas? Cheers
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Most times this is a shorted purge solenoid. If that has been replaced, test the wiring and function of the circuit - Nick at Pelican Parts
Adam
February 28, 2024
27b4 vent valve activation code
Tried a brand new genuine tank vent valve, no joy. Next thing to try?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Most times this is a shorted purge solenoid. If that has been replaced, test the wiring and function of the circuit. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Bookerman30
December 13, 2023
We have a 2014 F56 Mini Cooper 1.5 Petrol.
Recently unable to get any fuel in the tank no matter which way up we use the hose. Just replaced the breather valve at the front of the engine but still the same problem. We have NO engine check lights. Can you advise if the charcoal vent filter is accessible from under the car or from within the boot/rear seats?
Appreciate your thoughts.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
The vent hose may be blocked. This is the canister side and possible the DMTL pump. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Steve
November 13, 2023
2007 mini base. fuel purge valve. normally closed, or normally open with valve off the car?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Normally closed. - Nick at Pelican Parts
rsdodo
November 4, 2023
Hi, Im receiving PO442 code on 2012 R56 Base and 've gotten gas smell from outside of trunk after stopping the car. can it be the charcoal canister?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
More likely a vapor line or the sending unit. I would suggest having it smoke tested to find the leak. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Eli
September 22, 2023
I have a 03 mini s with p0455 and p0108. Gas cap light also comes on and I replaced it. The purge valve is fine. I’m not finding bad hoses in the engine bay but I could be missing something. Any help would be appreciated
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Could be a leak at the top of the tank. Very common. - Nick at Pelican Parts
miniJ
August 31, 2023
2010 R56 turbo.. P2096 + P0456..
1. When getting the check engine light and after replacing upstream oxygen sensor.. do I leave light on and drive 50 to 100 miles... Or clear the check engine light with TorquePro and drive 50 to 100 miles and hope light doesn't come back?
2. Is P2096 a hard code meaning a dealership needs to clear or can I use TorquePro? Or can I unplug battery for 15 minutes?
3. P0456 - where is the evap component I need to replace? at the front of car under manifold or under gas tank under right side chassis? Do I replace whole part or just check the wires?
4. Can P2096 be the downstream o2 sensor?
Any help is appreciated.. thank you kindly.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
1. Clear fault codes with your scan tool and complete a drive cycle to confirm the fault is repaired. 2. No, it is a fuel trim code for post-catalyst fuel control. 3. This is for a leak, You'll have to perform a leak test to see which component is leaking. 4. Possibly. However, o2 sensor monitors have to pass in order for the P2096 to set. So it would have to be a bias sensor if faulty.- Nick at Pelican Parts
LovingMini
August 27, 2023
I have a 2005 R50 base model. How do I remove the charcoal canister on it?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
It is removed from below, remove the hoses, unbolt and remove. Should take about 30 minutes. We don't currently have that tech article. If we get a chance to perform the procedure, we will be sure to document it.If you check the forums, someone may have shared photos there of the procedure. https://forums.pelicanparts.com / - Nick at Pelican Parts
terry
June 8, 2023
So I have a code 272a dmtl solenoid. Replaced the dmtl pump, checked for wire harness problems, gas cap appears fine,cleared the code. The codecomes right back. Suggestions? 2007 MCS
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Confirm the wire to the pump can hold current. Activate the pump with your scan tool, does it run? If not, the DME may be faulty. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Dave
May 26, 2023
So I have a code come up P0441.
When the car is running you can barely remove the oil fill cap, it has tremendous vacuum hold the cap down.
2010 non turbo
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
P0441 refers to a problem with the purge part of the evap system,You can measure crankcase vacuum to see if it is too high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AcvKPYFeDI- Nick at Pelican Parts
Dave
May 26, 2023
So I have a code come up P0441.
When the car is running you can barely remove the oil fill cap, it has tremendous vacuum hold the cap down
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
P0441 refers to a problem with the purge part of the evap system,You can measure crankcase vacuum to see if it is too high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AcvKPYFeDI - Nick at Pelican Parts
Scott
May 17, 2023
Where is the vapor cannister purge valve on a 2010 mini cooper s hatchback
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
It is behind the intake manifold. See Fig 19 here: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/MINI_R56/85-FUEL-Turbocharged_Engine_Intake_Manifold_Replacement/85-FUEL-Turbocharged_Engine_Intake_Manifold_Replacement.htm - Nick at Pelican Parts
Scott
May 9, 2023
I have a 2010 Mini cooper S. It has been idling up and down and sluggish at times when you accelerate. Yesterday it stalled at a stop sign and started back up after a few minutes. Check engine was on then went off..Any suggestions
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
I can't offer any helpful insight without knowing what is missing from the system when you are trying to start it. When your engine doesn’t start you’ll want to check the basics. Check spark, fuel injector pulse and fuel pressure, volume, quality and engine compression. Are there any fault codes? Once you figure out what is missing, it will be easier to diagnose. - Nick at Pelican Parts
andyj69
April 17, 2023
Greetings and thanks for all your help! New to Coopers. I got a check engine light today and ran a test. It is coming up as P1449 "diagnostic module tank leak pump too high". Searching the interweb it looks like I am needing to replace the Fuel Vapor Leak Detection Pump. Am I looking at this correctly? Thanks again!
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes, you are on the right track! With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
YParker
March 1, 2023
I'm not sure what the issue is but, on idlecar does jump a bit in up then down in idle the fuel pump unit under the back seat would be sucked in and more so with throttle give however when the fuel cap is take off the suction of the fuel pump unit is relieved And idle is constant and normal. Fuel consumption is quite a bit abnormal. N14 mini cooper s
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Could be an issue with the fuel pump. I would perform a fuel delivery system test. Check fuel pressure, volume and quality.Also check the fuel tank vent to see if it is stuck closed. - Nick at Pelican Parts
BobT
January 27, 2023
Hi, 2010 R56 with N12. Could you tell me where the fuel tank breather valve/Fuel Tank Vent Hose - Mini 13-90-7-624-538 is located? I assume it would be in the back by the charcoal canister. Other vendors say and I quote "This Fuel Tank Breather Valve is located under the intake manifold." Thanks
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Fig 1 shows the location. - Nick at Pelican Parts
V12motorsports
January 10, 2023
I have a 2014 cooper s convertible and it was pulling codes p2418 evap switch valve open and p1447 DMTL pump too high. I replaced the DMTL Pump and p 1447 is inactive, but p2148 is still active. Should I replace the purge valve solenoid on the engine?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
That code (P2418) is for the DMTL solenoid, not the purge. Your wiring might be faulty or the new part. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Bob T
November 2, 2022
Hi 2010 base model, getting code P0456. Replaced the gas cap with a new OEM one and the same code came back after a couple of days. No other codes. Any thoughts what to look for next? Thanks
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Could be a faulty purge solenoid, line/hose or canister. You will want to seal the system and perform a smoke test to locate the leak. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Jeff
November 1, 2022
Thanks a ton for this tutorial and the photos. I was able to get one of the 6mm Allen bolts on the charcoal canister free with ease but the other seized on the square nut PB Blaster notwithstanding and I ended up cutting that mount off. I was not able to fully free the canister off the mounting poles - tight space there - but I had enough room to unscrew the three #2 Phillips mounting screws one the DMTL pump and replace them with a 90 degree ratchet screw driver. The canister felt pretty secure with reattaching just one bolt.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Thanks for sharing your repair process and experience. These types of comments add so much to the Pelican tech community. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Barry W
June 19, 2022
I recently bought gas and it turned out to have quite a bit of water in it 7 gallons of water out of 13 gal fill. I removed both the fuel filter canister and the fuel pump so I could siphon the tank. The car will run fine and suddenly start to miss, go into limp mode and throw a P1434 DMTL code. If I pull over, turn the car off, remove the key, wait 10 seconds and start the car again it runs fine. The issue usually happens when I drive at a constant speed for 3-4 minutes. e.g. highway speeds My question is, would the water have caused the DMTL pump to fail or is it possible the fuel tank loses pressure because I may not have re-installed the fuel filter canister and/or fuel pump seals correctly?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
I would first perform a fuel delivery system test. Check fuel pressure, volume and quality. When the problem is present, check if volume drops. YOu can also confirm the tank is venting properly. Could just be a faulty fuel pump from the water. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Chandana
April 23, 2022
my car mini cooper s 2009 -i have problem when i was scanned -fuel tank ventilation not active , let me know what's the problem ?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Sounds like a faulty purge solenoid. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Eric
December 20, 2021
My cooper 2007 hardtop 91K miles started showing p1434 dmtl malfunction. Would recommend this project as a solution ?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes. Likely a faulty DMTL pump, which is attached to the canister. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Michaelsb
August 20, 2021
What is the part number for the lines from the to tank to the purge valve 08 Mini Cooper s
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Brenlynwin
August 9, 2021
The reason I asked about if I could change the dmtl with it on ramps is because it is much HIGHER on ramps than on a Jack. Is it easier to access with the wheel off?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes, easier with wheel off. You can try on ramps, I haven't done it. Will be tighter workspace. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Brenlynwin
August 2, 2021
Trying to replace the DMTL but not the canister. Do I need to drain the gas out first or just relieve the pressure? Is it possible for me to do this with it on ramps or do I need to jack it & take the tire off?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
You won't have to drain the fuel. I would remove the fuel cap first. yes, raise and support safely, remove the wheel. - Nick at Pelican Parts
TBone
June 13, 2021
Getting 272B DMTL pump motor. Activation and its setting my check engine light on. Got a new fuel cap but code keeps coming back. Not sure where to start on repair.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
This is likely for a faulty DMTL pump. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
David
May 19, 2021
If I replace the DTML pump, should I also go ahead and replace the charcoal canister? Our 2007 Cooper is now 14 years old, with 103,000 miles on it. How long is the charcoal canister rated to last or is it supposed to never go bad?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Lifetime of the part is about 100k miles. I would suggest replacing it if in your budget. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Jim
February 25, 2021
I have a 2007 Mini Cooper S, but it is a convertible. It is an R52, not an R56 as shown here. Will this process and parts work on my car. i know that the Mini convertible 2007 lagged one year with changes to the engine. That means, my car is similar to the 2006 Mini Cooper S.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yours would be the earlier gen. R57 models did not come out until 2009. This procedure is not for your vehicle. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Greg
February 22, 2021
Can the vent solenoid not the DTML pump be replaced independently of the canister ?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
PC
September 14, 2020
I'm getting a p0442 code with an engine light that is bugging my 2012 Mini S. I have replaced the fuel cap and now am digging deeper into the issue. Car runs and drives perfect just have the dumb engine light on. Any ideas as to what to change to get it to stop?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
That is a small leak code. Could be the purge valve, canister, a line or the fuel pump module seal. Best way to proceed is to have the system leak tested. Otherwise you'd be testing by replacing parts. I will note, a lot of times the fault is in the charcoal canister area, but I don't want you to replace it fine the leak was in a hose or line. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Greg
August 23, 2020
My 2007 Mini Cooper S has recently developed a strange problem. After i fill it with fuel to the top it starts and then stalls after running a second or two. It starts again and keeps stalling. It will do this 5 or 10 times. The cure is to put the gas pedal half way down and press start and then it runs with a a lot of sputtering and after 15 seconds or so the whole event is over. I put a new purge vale on it and no change. Any ideas appreciated !
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Check if the vent valve or canister are restricted. - Nick at Pelican Parts
sirmoog
August 7, 2020
I'm getting the fault codes reading P2418 EVAP System Switching Valve Control Circuit/Open, and 272A DMTL diagnosis module tank leakage, magnetic valve, input signal. Bought a new Bosch pump from you, did the replacement, then two odd things: 1 I have an R55 Clubman S, and there were no wires connected to the front of the charcoal box your figure 3; 2 After clearing the codes, they came back. I read about the frayed wires, but looks like my wires are good, someone previously wrapped them and zip tied them off the control arm. Any help appreciated!
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Your model could be different. I don't have wiring to consult to confirm. If the fault code is new, I would assume the wiring is as designed. So address the current code, is the wiring from the canister to the DME ok? Voltage drop test it to confirm. - Nick at Pelican Parts
AJ
July 19, 2020
I have a 2015 MCS F55 that won't fill on the gas tank. Won't take more than 20- 50 cents of fuel at time without kicking the pump off. There are no CELs and it runs and starts fine. Is this a symptom of charcoal canister going bad? I would assume if the vent solenoid was bad I would have a CEL?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
This is usually a plugged vent. You won't always have a CEL. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Danraabe
June 8, 2019
The canister nuts turn but don’t back out. I’ve tried drilling them out with cobalt drill bits and am getting nowhere. I have almost destroyed the mounting bracket. If an when I do get the canister out can the bracket on the tank be replaced. Looks like the original was epoxied to the tank. Also unplugging the hoses I smell gas. No liquid, just the smell. Do I need to replace the canister?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes, at the minimum. I would inspect the surrounding area as well when removed, to see if there is additional damage. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Zach
September 1, 2018
What’s the trick to getting the canister back onto the two plastic rods in figure 9? Thanks!
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Dish soap on the grommets. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Rich D
August 25, 2018
For anyone struggling with step 9, the real secret is WD40. Spray the rubber grommets with wd40 and they come off the rods with much less effort.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Thanks for the follow up. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Rich D
August 25, 2018
Regarding step/figure 9; Nothing I try is detaching the canister from the mounting rods. I am not understanding the mechanics of that mount. What is the proper technique to accomplish this?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Lubricate them with soapy water. - Nick at Pelican Parts
JJ
July 21, 2018
How do I get the two fasteners out that hold the canister, they just turn, but don't back out
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Sounds like the nut and bolt are seized together. You will have to get to the nut side with vise grips to counterhold it while loosening the bolt. Then replace the rusted parts. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Parker
March 9, 2018
Hi Nick, followup on the Purge Solenoid... what part # is this? I'm workin with a 2007 R56 Turbo. THANKS!
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
I personally can't find it, but I am no parts specialist. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Parker
March 6, 2018
Hello, I'm getting P1497 and P2418... seems the Purge Solenoid has failed? Is there a common cause of this and can you confirm the purge solenoid is part of the charcoal canister part? Thanks in advance!
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
The purge solenoid is attached to the engine. If the valve is stuck open it may set a throttle angle error, due to un-expected air flow. - Nick at Pelican Parts
HM
November 1, 2017
Im getting a smell of gas in the cabin every time i start up for about 10 seconds, would this be a full canister causing the problem
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
More likely a leaking evap line. - Nick at Pelican Parts
keawe puhi
October 2, 2017
would a dtml cause low fuel pressure change sending unit for fuel filter car started ran then put into drive car dies when bypassing the hose to vapor canister and starting fluid car runs. I have low fuel pressure any help car is a 06 mini cooper non supercharge
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
No it would not. Likely a faulty fuel pump or voltage supply to pump. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Whitterson
July 25, 2017
Question: My carbon filter was completely full of gas. What would be the likely cause/causes for this to happen?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Overfull tank or stuck purge, sucking raw fuel in. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Bob H
April 18, 2017
I am trying to remove the two 6mm allen screws that hold the charcoal canister. The screws will rotate, with some resistance and then *thump* into position after rotating exactly 90 degrees. It acts like there is a square nylon nut that is rotating along with the screw. I cannot see or feel the nut so I can’t hold it from turning. Has anyone encountered this and know a solution?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
The nut inside the plastic has failed. Your only option is to try to hold them still with visegrips while loosening. If that doesn't work, drill the bolts out and replace the bolts and mounting bracket. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Bob H
April 18, 2017
I’m trying to remove the two 6mm allen screws that hold the charcoal canister. The screws will rotate, with some resistance, and then “thump†into position after rotating exactly 90°. It acts like there is a square nylon nut that is rotating along with the screw. I cannot see or feel the nut so I can’t hold it from turning. Has anyone encountered this and know a solution?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
The nut inside the plastic has failed. Your only option is to try to hold them still with visegrips while loosening. If that doesn't work, drill the bolts out and replace the bolts and mounting bracket. - Nick at Pelican Parts
Mikes Mini Mania
November 12, 2016
Part #: 16-13-7-193-479-M14
Is this the part number for the DMTL in this article ?
For a 2009 R56
Can it be replaced independently of the canister?
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Yes it can. Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts
bubblun
May 14, 2016
Great post - did the DTML pump replacement job on a 2011 Mini Countryman S ALL4 today. There are a few changes - the DMTL pump is held to the canister with three T-20 torx screws instead of Phillips head in your example. There is an access panel that must be removed on the drivers side to see the DMTL pump/charcoal canister. The panel has both 2 10mm metal and 2 10mm plastic threads and 2 8mm metal threads on another piece of shielding that must be removed. The benefit of the new design is that it is possible to remove the DTML pump without removing the charcoal canister assembly from the car. About a 1 hour job on this model.
Followup from the Pelican Staff:
Thanks for the additional info and feedback. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts
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Technical Forum Message Board Reader Questions About this Article
Applicable Models:
- R56 MINI Cooper Hatchback (2007-11)
- R56 MINI Cooper S Hatchback (2007-11)
