Odd electrical problem

Divide Wee · #1 11-21-2009, 08:07 PM

We're talking about a 2005 MINI convertible.

It was running fine until my wife stopped at the grocery store. It would not start when she came out to come home. When we try to start it the gauges and lights flicker rapidly and the starter will not engage at all. Linda said she could hear a clicking coming from the dash when trying to crank it.

I checked the battery voltage and came up with 9 to 10 volts. When the battery cables were disconnected the voltage came back up to 13.9. We finally got it to start by jumping it but the voltage was dropping intermittently from 14 volts to 10.5 and the lights were dimming with the voltage drop.

I cleaned and reinstalled the grounds at the battery and both ends of the cable on the passenger side of the engine. All of the connections appeared to be clean and solid. Is there another ground I can check?

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mike

not-so-rednwhitecooper · #2 11-21-2009, 08:16 PM

Load test the battery?

Divide Wee · #3 11-21-2009, 09:22 PM

A load test is on my list for tomorrow. I'll post the results.

Thanks

Divide Wee · #4 11-22-2009, 06:41 PM

New battery today and away we go. Little Red is on the road again.

Mike