I did searches with several combinations of terms and haven't seen exactly this problem, so here goes:

When I go to start my 2003 Mini Cooper S, what usually happens when I put the key in and turn it is the lights come up on the instrument cluster, there's a little hum from somewhere and the engine cranks right up.

Occasionally, the the lights and hum don't happen and if I turn the key it makes the right starting noises but doesn't start.

I've been watching for the lights and if they don't come on right away, I find that if I turn the key to "almost" crank, hold it for a second, turn to off and then try again the lights and hum come back. It starts just fine then.

I need to find where my husband hid our multimeter and will do a preliminary check the battery with and without load, but the ease of crank when the lights are on and lack of any other problems makes me skeptical that it's a battery/alternator issue.


Anyone else had this problem?

PS - I've had my Mini for a grand total of 6 months and am still learning the ins and outs of the kinds of basic maintenance and repair I was accustomed to doing on my old Chevys. So please don't hesitate to state what may seem obvious. Thanks!

 

It looked at first like it might be a relay, but was actually a bad ignition switch! The nice folks at Mini of Austin got it fixed up and back all happy. Yay!

 

great that you found and fixed the issue .
I have helped others with ODD electric issues in the past .
Sometimes windows, locks, lights, AC or radio not working ....
NEVER jump right to start after putting the key in .
Just wait even a second or 2.

Here is why ... the self diagnostic check is done each time the car is started. The computer checks various modules in a random order. The LAST system check is the fuel level !

Here is how you can tell that it is OK to start.
Look at your 8 LED fuel gauge ... the 1st is red when you are on reserve.
It is ALSO red until the system check is done.
Go ahead and try it... and look at it.

Key in and on (1st LED will be red regardless of fuel level) ... wait just a short moment ... when all checks are done it turns to orange.
ALL checks done and now OK to start.

If you get in this habit (I get in turn the key on ... put on my belt ... then start. ) Your system will always have enough time to check itself and all system will be operational.

 

GEN2 fuel gau' has the multi-LED display

GEN1 (he has a 2003) has a needle on a scale display ....

 

actualy the 2003 has the same fuel gauge lights ...at least it does with nav.
AND the sweep gauge still has a low fuel indicator ... works the same
still the hint is the same just take a moment ... between key on and start

 

Thanks for the heads-up about that. The next time I got in my car after reading that, I watched the light change. Very cool to know a bit more about what's going on in there.

 

You just have to make a habit out of it. I usually sit down, turn the ignition to On out my seatbelt on, put on my sunglasses (if necessary), check the fuel light and then start the car