What the heck... MINI won't start.

Brihyanna · #1 07-12-2006, 03:47 PM

I go out to go to work this morning and the MINI won't start.

What the heck?! The accessories are coming on intermittenly (sp?) Some tries the lights all lit up like it does right before it starts, and then when I turn the key, nothing. No trying to turn over, just a click. There was a rapid clicking like noise that seemed to be coming from the fuse box at one point. Should I check all the fuses?

Any ideas appreciated. I'm out of warrantee, so gotta go this one myself, if possible. I'm a bit mechanically inclined, so am hoping not to have to pay someone else to fix it.

Gotta ride the motorcycle..

MattMan · #2 07-12-2006, 03:54 PM

Did you try jumping it? I know that sounds like a dumb question and sometimes way too obvious, but even though lights can be all lit up, sometimes it doesn't have enough juice to turn over. Possible bad altenator is your next thing to check. Just the basics, as I have been driving older cars basically most of my life.

chows4us · #3 07-12-2006, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMan

I have been driving older cars basically most of my life.

Don't you love it now when people refer to a three year old car as OLD????

Old?

Dead battery for sure. I've heard MINI recommends replacing the battery every two years

Brihyanna · #4 07-12-2006, 04:04 PM

I tried jumping it briefly this morning, but was late. How long should I leave it hooked up before I try to crank it?

Thanks for all your quick responses!!

silver_baby · #5 07-12-2006, 04:26 PM

Had a similiar problem. Had my Cabrio sitting out front of work, went to leave and nothing happened. Radio played, lights came on, but no engine. Took it in and had a defective key of all things. Try your spare and see if that one is working.

Brihyanna · #6 07-12-2006, 04:26 PM

Just left it connected to another (running) car for 10-12 minutes. The MINI went click, click, click but that was it. Accessories are running now (not while hooked to another vehicle)
What could cause my battery to drain like that? Lights weren't left on, fan wasn't running after I shut the car off yesterday.

Brihyanna · #7 07-12-2006, 04:32 PM

It's not the key. Neither of the regular keys worked, the valet key didn't and neither did the waterproof key. :(
There is a weird clicking coming from the fuse box when I try to turn it on.

qweewq12 · #8 07-12-2006, 05:24 PM

how bright are the lights, if you turn them on..normal or dim? If bright, might be a dead starter...

welp, i take she is still under warranty? Can call Mini at the roadside assistance number for a free tow into Mini Hawaii... 866-ASK-MINI

not-so-rednwhitecooper · #9 07-12-2006, 09:48 PM

Its the battery, its very dead.

You need AT LEAST 12 volts for it even to turn over the motor.

Throw a charger on it and use the start charge, just leave it on for a few minutes.

Brihyanna · #10 07-12-2006, 10:00 PM

It was.. drumroll plz..

The Battery.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Thought I'd start with easiest solution first and it worked. I'm so excited!

Woot!

qweewq12 · #11 07-13-2006, 01:25 PM

Did you get a replacement from Mini or get an aftermarket one.. just wondering how much the batteries at Mini cost...

chows4us · #12 07-13-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roehrigs01

Did you get a replacement from Mini or get an aftermarket one.. just wondering how much the batteries at Mini cost...

A LOT. Over $150 OEM

Brihyanna · #13 07-13-2006, 03:46 PM

I picked up one at Firestone for way less than that! Perfect fit.

minihune · #14 07-18-2006, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brihyanna

I picked up one at Firestone for way less than that! Perfect fit.

MINI of HI will warranty replace the dead battery if you still have it (as proof).

Right now they are out of stock and have no battery to give you. Keep your receipt from Firestone and report it to the Service Dept. Talk to Mike to get on the list of people that replaced dead 2003 MINI batteries.