Hi everyone,

So I was doing some auxiliary wiring, and noticed a loose grey tube in the battery compartment (Cooper, 2007). Loose things haven't been common on my Mini, so I was hoping someone might be able to help me out and let me know if I've disconnected something.

I've already done a quick search and have come up empty-handed. However, to make things easier, I've taken the time to take three pictures and circle the connections in question.

First Picture: The loose grey tube is circled in yellow.
Second Picture: The firewall grommet and "nipple" that I believe the tube is supposed to be attached to.
Third Picture: Same as second picture... different view, includes grey tube in question.

Anyways, if anyone out there knows:
- What the grey cable is/is for?
- Where it is supposed to be attached...

It would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Patrick

*UPDATE*: After checking in more detail during daylight (it was evening when I noticed the tube), I've discovered the "nipple" on the firewall grommet does not appear to be hollow, but actually solid. Hence, I don't believe the grey tube goes through the grommet, but I could be wrong.

 

Looks like a wiper fluid line possible to the rear wiper.Try aiming it outside and hit your rear wiper washer.

 

The wiper fluid was a good guess (and a good method to check), but came up short. The rear wiper still works and no fluid came out on the tube.

Anyone else out there have any ideas? If anyone opens their battery compartment in the next fews days, could you give it a check so I don't have to pay the dealership to?

Thanks.

 

Looks like it's a water run off/vent tube for the battery.


No. Description Supplement Qty From Up To Part Number Price Notes
01 Battery tray 1 51782752624
02 Hex bolt M8X16-8.8-ZNS3 3 07119902900 $0.30
03 BATTERY HOLD DOWN 1 61212755516
04 Anschlusswinkelstück 2 61211377835 $0.50
05 HOSE RUNNING METER ? 61211377745 $1.67
06 WATER OUTLET VALVE 1 51712757002
06 WATER OUTLET VALVE 1 51712751617
07 Cable holder 1 61136913981 $0.22

 

It's the battery's vent tube. Just to the right of your third photo there is a out of focus hole. Bet it fits there.

 

Thats what it is. It is there to drain off excess battery electrolyte by spillage or expansion, outside of the car to prevent corrosion damage.

 

...and the part number 4, the Anschlusswinkelstück translates to...
Elbow Connector!

 

DONE! Thanks to everyone that contributed.

On both sides of the battery there are two small holes towards the top, I assume overflow holes. One is plugged, but the other one is open and the elbow connector fits nice and snug in there.

I also took the battery out and the tube does appear to run under the battery to the bottom of the engine compartment, and presumable out of the car.

Once again, thanks for the help everyone - probably saved me a 1/2 hour of shop time.

Patrick