Subject says all - 2005 MINI Cooper - CVT. I had it parked most of this summer (OK, I'm a bad person), had to charge the battery. Also had to replace the rear tailgate light as the cover popped off while it was just sitting there.

I cannot start the mini in Park - but if I move the shifter to Neutral it happily starts.

Any thoughts? This sounds like an expensive fix, and I'm not sure where to start or if it's a sensor I can replace myself.

 

Also - no codes (except an on again, off again O2 sensor, it was already replaced once under warranty) have been thrown.

 

After more googling I may have answered my own question - might be my "Neutral Safety Switch". Trying to find a guide on how to replace this on my MINI.

 

Sounds right.

the Bentley Manuel might have that...

worth a look. Also if you can find a TIS download that would be the best

 

Of course it started in Park this morning. Maybe the contact was a bit degraded from sitting so long (4 months)? I ordered the Haynes service manual, if that doesn't have it will look into the Bentley.