Allright, so long story short car has been in works for like the past 18 months only coming out of the garage for short test and some sunday rides.

Last week everything was finally I got it out of the garage after like the longest winter and it fired no problem I washed it and tried to move it, no go battery wasn't strong enough.

So I Jumped it and everything was fine I went for a 50km run and brought it back

Next day took it to work and back without any issue. parked for the week end outside and out of nowhere we had a freak storm of over 80mm rain in one night.

Since it won't start.

Everything loads fine humms and buzz and when I turn the key to the starting position Nothing happens, Nothing.

So I came on here and saw that it seemed to happen a lot and that the culprits where numerous to say the least.

I did a bunch of reading but haven gotten to it yet so I'm posting.

I tried to jump the battery first then another battery (trough jump cables) checked the fuses and read somewhere there was a way to check the clutch switch? but can't seem to find it back.

Also the ews seems fines since the car dings when the key is in and I open the door.

Also I can't seem to be able to get the drivers window down but its probably something else.

Any input is welcomed

 

Have your battery tested. I bet it's dying or is already toast. Our cars hate weak batteries. Happened to me a few times. Jumping won't get it started.

 

+1 and also check all your ground wires

 

So the battery has been charging for less than an hour and it's up to 12.70 volts on my multimeter (It was down at 11.34 volts when I removed it, having messed with the car with opened door for the last 2 days)

I removed the battery from the charger and I will check back in a hour or so to see if it keeps its voltage.

Appart from the two obvious motor and trunk grounds, how many are there? I found the fuse relay ground chart on here

http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...th-points.html

Thanks for your inputs guys
Help is always welcomed

 

It's not going to be the Volt retention it will be the load capacity thats left as the battery has deteriated over time. Most auto stores that sell batteries can test the load for you. I believe you will find this will also solve your window issue.

 

Allright, So the battery seems to hold it's charge 12.52 on the poles in the trunk

I tried to get a reading using the positive pole under the hood and a ground cable and all get are fluctuating numbers between 0 an 12 even when changing grounds...

Shouldn't I get a steady read? probably slightly lower but steady? (BTW the contacts where cleaned before hand)

 

Well I do have a load test on my multimeter I dont know if its very accurate doh!

If I put the high beam, radio, hazards and air, the load drops to 11.83 on my mutlimeter with the key on accessories.

Stopping everything bring the reading back to 12.5

Trying to start with accessories turned of makes only slight fluctuation 12.2 12.25 from the 12.5

When trying to start I do wait and still hear all the humms and buzz from the car pre-load.

As for the window I dont believe its the problem since the roof and passenger window work just fine

Battery testing at a shop will have to wait to tomorrow since It is Canada day up here.

 

Cool....give us an update when you get a chance....

 

I was kind'a hoping for the battery but my test where good, the shop test revealed a good and strong battery.

Back to the hunting trail, I'll try to whack the starter later today but I would've like to eliminate the clutch switch before hand.

Anyways does one absolutely have to jack the car to access the starter?