I have not driven my 2003 Mini in a few weeks. When I went to start it up yesterday I notice that the backup light was on, like the car was in reverse. It was not in gear. After starting the car, the windows would not work, the headlights flashed when turned on and the blower would alternate between high and low speeds. I shutoff the car, not knowing what was happening and decided to charge the battery. I disconnected the negative terminal (to cut power to the backup light) and charged the battery for 24 hours. The battery now indicates a full charge on a battery tender. The car starts right up, but the backup light will not go off, the windows work, but the blower still alternates speed. I have a feeling that the battery is going or is shot. Any thoughts? I would like to sell the car as I am no longer driving it much, but I would like to take care of this issue first. I believe it is the original battery, but these symptoms are... odd to say the least

 

Take your car or battery to autozone they will test it for free. Or other car parts place. Rule out the easy thing first. If it it's not putting out around 14 volts even if it is fully charged yeah your battery.

 

There is a lake under the carpet. This car must leak like a sieve! I suspect that there are shorts caused by the water. Where are the drains located in this thing?

 

There is tons of water under the carpet. How do you stop the leaks in this stupid car? how do you remove the carpet to dry it out?

 

Does your car have a sunroof? If it does it is probably the drains for the sunroof that are clogged. Do a search in here or in mini2.com for the way to unclog the drains.

As far as removal of the carpeting, and padding, this is also covered either in here or in mini2.com.

 

H2O in the BCU

 

I have a similiar situation with my car. I was in a meeting and came out and the car wouldn't start. Thought it was the battery. (car is a 2005 with original battery.) Anyway, got it jumped and it started, but the car acted like it was possessed. (wipers going by themselves, windows wouldn't go up, lights on all over the place.)

I took it to a local dealership and they quoted me $4,000 in parts due to an electrical problem. I haven't fixed it yet. I love my car and want to keep it, but I can't afford that price.

Have you figured out what is wrong with your car?