Looking for some subject matter expert see...my 05 6sp MCS won't turn over. I've read through a ton of posts, and am still stumped:

- Fresh battery (2 months old)
- No other issues leading up to my no start issue
- I went to move the car the other day and out of nowhere, it wouldn't start. Lights, chimes, fuel pump all indicate that it's good, but when I turn the key to start, nothing...no slow cranking, no clicking, nothing.
- Tried my other key...nothing.
- I can drift start it with no issue and it stays running, so I'm sure the key is fine.
- I have 12.6v on permanent wire to starter and when the key is turned to start, I get between 11.4 and 11.6v on the braided jumper wire between solenoid and starter motor...so the clutch start and immobilizer seem to be working.

I'm thinking that the main voltage into the starter (12.6v) is dropping to 11.4v when passing through the solenoid...but the solenoid is at least sending the voltage to the starter motor. Not sure if the voltage drop between solenoid and motor is the problem, or if the motor itself is frozen/shot. Seems odd that it happened without warning, but the starting circuit is working.

 

It is totally normal for the battery voltage to sag a couple of volts when starting. Your sag is likely just the power consumed by the solenoid. A frozen starter will cause the voltage to sag much lower, so more likely than not the brushes and/or commutator of the motor is worn and not making adequate contact to pass enough current for the motor to turn over the engine.

The mileage and number of trips of the car should give you pretty good idea the health of the starter.

 

It is probably one of two things, either the ignition switch is getting sticky and old and the metal bands to the starter are corroded and not sending power.
But I almost think its the clutch safety switch mine went bad and didnt relize it until halfter I had the ECU program to bypass the immobalizer but turns out bad switch!

Take a medium size magnet to the switch see if it starts then, this makes it so the car can start without the clutch pushed in, so now I can start it without it until I get a new one.

 

Thanks guys! It was the starter. Replaced it following Mod-Mini's video and it cranked right up. Here's the problem...when I went to pull it down off the ramps, NO POWER STEERING! I just made a new thread since it's now a Power Steering issue...I think...

 

No power steering can be caused by alternator, or you loosen a signal to the PS module. Very likely because you are messing with the harness around that area. Check the two PSP connectors.

 

Update: Apparently when I slid the heat shields back and out of the way to get to the starter, I must have inadvertently pushed the main power cable's anchor out of the little metal tab that keeps it from coming unplugged which then cause the main power plug to come unseated.

As soon as I dropped the fan and looked, I could clearly see the yellow seal on the power plug showing so I knew right away that was the culprit.

Thanks again for the responses!

 

Don't mess with Mini or else it bites back. A bit of love and care goes a long ways.