Well, this is a fun one and I hope that someone can help me on this issue - it is baffeling the mini dealership and I am stumped too. Here we go:

1. I have a 2004 cooper S, 30K miles and today, when I attempted to start her up, I turned the key and the rear window wiper turned on, not the car.
2. There is NO engine turn over when I turn the key on to start it. The batter is an optima yellow top and fully charge with strong amps.
3. If I turn the key off, on, off, on, off, on - the car starts on the 4th attempt. NOW, I really have to push hard on the clutch (to engage the safety switch) as well.

I have made NO changes to the vehicle in about 1 year. I did install a customer stereo system last year, but the folks at the dealership ok'd my install and it did not effect anything in the car (it is isolated from the car harness, all new wiring) - the only exception is that I installed a iPAX SWX - however, I am supremely confident I tapped the correct wire in the installed and had the dealship confirm it.

The only thing I can think of is that the clutch saftey switch, which is engaged when the clutch is depressed to start the car, is possibly shorting. But I am clueless - absolutly clueless on what to do - can anyone help?

If you live in the sacramento area and help me solve this problem - I will take you and your significant other out to Mortens Stakehouse .

 

My car has the same problem, and it's in the shop right now and I don't think they know what is wrong. How did you resolve the problem? Please advise. Thanks in advance!

Joe