So I have been putting the engine and tranny back in my 03 mini this week end. I dont have the radiator in yet,but wanted to see if it would turn over. Turn the key and nothing.The lights come on and everything else seems to work. Any ideas?

 

I may have figured it out. Since this car hasn't run since 2011 and I have never owned a mini, I read the owners manual and it says for CVT transmissions put your foot on the brake before trying to start it.

 

You'll also have to completely rotate the key all the way back (counter clockwise) to try the starting sequence again (it's a feature that prevents the starter from being activated when the engine is running).

If you're still having issues (I did when I reinstalled my engine) beyond the standard checklist of spark, fuel, start... Mini's are notorious for needing batteries that are 100% (had to replace mine) and check your ground points (there are many including the engine mounts)

Good luck. There's little more frustrating than getting your hopes up then dashed whilst trying to investigate the problem.

 

Well putting your foot on the brake didn't work. Still wont turn over. I have no history on the car. So I'm going to see if I have voltage leaving the ignition switch. The battery is brand new. Everything else seems to work. Lights, windows etc.

 

FWIW, I had fully functioning "Christmas tree" of lights but it still wouldn't turn over.

Either way, go through the standard check list and don't forget about the ground points.

Good luck

 

. Thanks I do have the BMW program to connect a laptop to the car, but I don't know if that would tell me anything about no start.

 

I tested for voltage at the ignition switch with a test light but when I released the key to run. My test light was still lit up. That can't be right.

 

Where is the engine ground wire

 

Figured out the problem. I have no engine grounds. The right and left are gone.

 

And there you go.

That's a good starting point.

But please be aware that in addition to the obvious ground points (the wires connected to the frame) the aluminum engine mounts are also part of the system too. You'll probably want to clean their contact surfaces as well. I had mine powder coated and had to learn the hard way.

It may be worth looking into getting a Bentley Manual to help out as well.

Good luck

 

I need to go to the junk yard for the ground straps and a few other items. Then it should be good to go. I ordered a Bentley from half.com. Unfortunately they sent the wrong one. So I've been using a online manual. That's ok. I'll clean the contact points for sure. Thanks