We have a 2009 Mini Cooper and woke up today to a new problem. Upon trying to start the car, all dash lights come on and off intermittently and although the car does start, it starts more sluggishly than normal. A red car on a jack is displayed on the display above the steering wheel and all dash lights including gas gauge indicators go off and on, including the radio, navigation display, and indicator lights such as check engine, brake, etc. I'm afraid to drive it off of the driveway, although it does seem to run fairly normally. Any advice is appreciated!!

 

How old is the battery? A marginal battery in these cars cause all kinds of wonky electrical problems in these cars..

 

Thanks for your reply!! The battery has never been replaced. What's the easiest way to test the battery?

 

2009 and it's the original battery? Don't bother getting it tested, replace it. In any case, it's WAY past due and mostly likely your problem..

 

I've read that if I replace the battery that there is a sensor on the battery that communicates with the alternator that must be reset. Does that sound correct, and if so, how is that accomplished?

 

IBS, Intelligent Battery System. It's a module connected to the positive (I think) cable. If you don't have it, nothing to do (not all Mini's have it). If you do, the threads I've read indicate you need to have it reset at a Mini dealer. Lots of thread on this, do a search on either IBS or Intelligent Battery System. Also, lots of threads on replacing the battery..

 

Thank you for your help!! I'll give it a try in the morning.

 

You're welcome. I've been down this road with my wife's 2012 MCS. Weird electrical problems, but Mini started OK. I ended up having the dealer replace the battery and reprogram the IBS. Was about $250 total, solved all my problems. The heat here in Phoenix kills a battery fast. Good luck..

 

The IBS sensor is on the ground cable. You can see it in the following picture from Pelican Parts:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._med/pic07.jpg

If you don't have that thing on the ground cable (the one on the right, with the green arrow pointing to it in the pic) then you can just replace the battery and go.

 

The IBS is on the negative terminal and is pictured as slave has shown. If your MINI does have it and you don't register it the charge program will be incorrect, shortening battery life. As far as registering it, if you have the right equipment you can do it yourself and don't have to go to a dealer/shop. Our DIY can help you with the process.

 

More info here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mpossible.html

 

Can I use a battery charger/maintainer to keep the car's memory settings? Is a charger/maintainer the same thing as a "battery tender?" Thanks.

 

Not quite sure what you're asking for? As far as I know, memory settings (ie radio presets) are stored in your key fob..

 

That's the memory for the presets. Charger/maintainer same as battery tender in most cases.

 

Yes, battery chargers/maintainers are the same as a tender. We have them HERE if needed. They help keep your battery in good condition, especially if the car sits for extended periods of time. They're a good investment so that you don't keep blowing through batteries.