Facts about my R50
- Purchased about 3 years ago with 95.5K miles
- Currently 99k miles
- Coil pack & spark plugs replaced about 1.5 years ago
- Always driven on premium gas

About a month ago on a Friday I drove it to work which I hardly ever do. I had no problems in the morning but at the end of the day (it rained a lot all day) the car won't start.
I tried to bump start it but that didn't work. I ended up having it towed back home.

At home I took the following steps to try to solve the no start issue:
- replaced the battery (it was due anyway), no start
- replaced the ignition switch, no start
- the fuel tank was not empty but pretty low
- replaced the fuel pump fuse and relay

It started but after one day the same issue came back. I couldn't get it to start.

I then did the following:
- I filled up the fuel tank
- I replaced the fuel filter, no start
- I replaced the fuel pump, no start


Please help. Thanks.

 

Have you tried jump starting it with another car? I would try that first. That will eliminate a bad battery if it still doesn't start. Then, check the fuel pressure (when turning over) using the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. Be sure and use a rag because if it's working it will shoot fuel all over. If no fuel, then your issue is in the fuel delivery system, i.e., pump.

 

when you say "won't start".....do you mean it won't crank over or that it won't fire off?

Each scenario will require different troubleshooting techniques

Bryan

 

Good point. While the battery is new I have tried to start it after each attempt so to rule it out I did recharge it. I checked and it's 12.5 volts.

I then checked the Schrader valve and there is no pressure. I also checked one of the spark plugs and they are completely dry. Shouldn't you see or smell some gas after a starting attempt.

So it must be the fuel pump. When turning the key I do hear a priming sound (I think).

 

It cranks but won't fire. I attached a youtube video where you can hear that it almost starts.

 

check your fuel pressure with a gauge before blindly going in and replacing the pump....just throwing parts at it is not the way to diagnose a problem, plus it gets expensive if it''s not actually the pump....

Bryan

 

Still no luck starting my car.

Could it be the Carquest filter I used? There is absolutely no pressure on the line.

I found this thread but it’s not that easy for me to pick up a genuine mini filter. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-t-start.html

 

When you changed the fuel filter did you ensure that the pump top was fully seated (make sure it clicks in place)? If it's not secure your car will not start. I did the same thing the first time I changed my filter. I thought the top was seated but it was not. When I fixed that problem, the car started right up.

 

I have also heard that the o-ring or seal for the filter gets dislodged easy when putting the filter in.....does the pump run or "whine" when the key is turned on for a few seconds?

Bryan

 

Just a followup: After replacement, my pump was audibly priming but the car would still not start since the pump lid was not fully seated. It took me three tries before it finally sealed. It takes a ton of downward pressure in order to turn it all the way. After that, the car started immediately.

 

Update: I opened it all up again and the large o-ring was snapped in half. The canister cap was not sitting right either. I'll order a genuine MINI filter this time.

 

I received a new genuine filter today.

I noticed that the two large rubber gaskets both say ‘Diesel only’. Should it have included a diesel and a non diesel version or does it not matter?

 

I would like to know also... diesel and gasoline are both petroleum products, the gaskets might not work for gasoline

Bryan

 

Per ECS where I got the filter it makes no difference. So I installed the new filter with new gaskets/rubber rings.

But it STILL doesn’t start. I can hear fuel flowing into the filter when priming which I didn’t before. Still no pressure on the line.

Any suggestions?

 

Do you have fuel pressure after installing the new filter and rings?

sounds like it’s not getting fuel

 

Did you actually take a fuel pressure reading at the schrader valve on the fuel rail?? I can't remember if our cars are a "returnless" system or not.....I would not accept a fuel pressure reading from a scanner

Bryan

 

Here are some videos. I’m sure there are better ones