Hello.

I'm sorry if this topic already has been discussed, I've read over a couple of other topics like this but could not find a right answer.

I recently bought a used 2007 Mini Cooper S Automatic in great condition, about 57k miles, everything seemed fine, it runs smoothly. It was on a long drive last night (40 mins one way and then back) and everything was great. I put premium gas in it last night, full tank.

This morning it is not starting. I put the key in, the radio and everything turns on and when I press the button it goes into the "driving" mode but the engine is not starting and a yellow engine light appears. I tried to put it into gear and give it some gas but nothing happens. I'm at a loss. My husband is in the military and I am all by myself right now and not very familiar with cars. I don't really have any relatives and we just got to our new duty station so not many friends who can tinker with cars either. I'm not sure what to do, I don't know if I should tow it somewhere on base (we are on a super tight budget) or I've read it could be a battery issues as it did take a little bit for it to stop running last night after I turned it off.

I'm sorry for rambling but this is my only means of transportation and I have no clue where to turn. I just need some advice pretty please.

Thank you so much in advance.

 

first off, an automatic car will never start if it's in D. this may seem obvious to all owners, but i can see how it may be overlooked - was your foot depressing the brake pedal when you hit the start button? the car won't start unless the brake pedal is depressed. and when you say it doesn't start, does the starter turn over but the engine won't start? or does the starter not turn over at all?

 

Hi thank you so much for your response.

I was trying to start it on Parked. I was pressing the brake when I was starting it and then I was not touching the brake, either way when I press the start button it it "turns on" meaning the engine light comes on and all the electronic but no noise form the engine and no power... I hope I explained ok.

 

You simply might have put bad gas in your MINI. I read a thread on here a while back and that's what happened to that person.

 

Like jomama I'm curious if you have it all the way into Park. Sometimes as the linkage wears over time it may not get all the way into Park when you move the shifter there. You may want to try jiggling the shifter around some in the Park position then try cranking it again. Good luck.

 

Thank you everyone! It did start after putting it in D and then P again it might not have been all the way in P. Sorry for a silly freak out post, but you know... As much as I hate to admit it women are probably lesser drivers than man are. Thank you again!

 

Men make silly mistakes all the time, we just don't own up to them Glad you got your car running, welcome to the board!

 

So glad things got sorted out. I've posted more than my share of "freak out" posts and have always gotten kind and helpful replies.

 

Just be patient and hang in there. A year from now you'll be giving answers to the rest of us.