So I live in northern Minnesota, where it gets pretty cold. So anyway, I got my mini in December 2007, garaged it from then until now. I occasionally visited her all winter. It must have been nearly once a week. I took her for a little drive and what not. For the last month or so, I have't been able to drive her at all since school gets pretty crazy getting closer to finals. I went and tried to start her today and it she didn't. The battery is fine, it turns over with no hassle. Everything appears to be fine, so what do you guys think? The battery light and the service engine soon light is on, but aren't they always on when you are starting minis?

 

"The battery light and the service engine soon light is on, but aren't they always on when you are starting minis?"

Always on when the engine is cranking, and for a few seconds after it starts running.
If it turns over, but won't fire, that's usually spark (coil pack) or fuel (fuel pump).
Pull a plug wire or two and see if you're getting any spark. Pull an injector (careful there! spray in jar or can) to see if you're getting any fuel.
-skip-

 

I just had a very similar issue. Turns out my fuel pump was bad. It would start on certain occasions based on temperature.

 

Thanks, I will try those things.

 

you should hear the fuel pump start to run (humm) when you turn the key on. if not, check fuses.

 

Its only got 25oo K miles on it. I can't imagine it would be the fuel pump. Could it?
Fuses are fine.

 

Does the fuel pump make any kind of noise when you turn the key on BEFORE it is in the start position? I can hear mine with the door open. How long has the car sat around and where is it sitting? A barn or garage may also be a great home for mice. They get into everything.

 

Is there any gas in the car? I know this is a dumb ?? but it is worth asking. If you have fuel then the next step would be spark.

 

I really couldn't tell you if the fuel pump makes a sound because I don't know what it sounds like. there is almost a full take of gas. The car is in a brand new garage with no chance of mice getting in there. The car has been sitting for about a month since I last drove it.
We have had some bizarre weather here in MN. So it think moisture got in somewhere and is preventing it from starting. I am hoping the cure will be a warm day in the sun, or pulling it into a heated garage for a while.

 

If you turn on the ignition (key to the number II position) you should hear a buzzing from the rear of the car for a few seconds. It will then turn off until you actually start the engine.

 

Okay, I guess I do hear it. so.....

 

Well I went and tried starting her again today, nothing. It has to be something to do with the fuel. Its there some kind of automatic fuel shut off switch that flips when you don't want it to or something? I am going to call Motorwerks tomorrow. I hope that it is something simple, otherwise its going to get Motorwerks is going to have to come and get it and haul it down the Twin Cities to have it fixed.

It has spark and everything. Although, when you turn the key, with your ear close the engine, shouldn't you be able to hear the shot of fuel when you turn the key on? Because I don't! So.....I feel horrible.

 

Did you put in any fuel stableizer?Your fuel may be bad.

 

The fuel is only one month old. I talked the Motorwerks Mini, they said to check the fuel pump, and try a different key. God willing, that will work!

 

I have a 2007 Mini and I need to reset the service engine light after changing the oil. Can any one tell me where the battery is. I was told it has to be disconected for a few minutes to clear this message.

 

Ray, start a new thread for any new questions you have. Go to the main forum and click new thread instead of asking a question in a different topic.

While the search function on the forum works great, this is how I found the answer to your question. It is important to use the right key words.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=reset+cooper+oil

First link should do it, no disconnect required.

Have fun with the mini and don't be shy.