I have a 2003 cooper s with 74k and with the sever weather i have gone to start the car and no electric of any kind. no lights etc. I wait awhile till the sun comes out and the electric is full on and starts fine.

I have the original battery , but when the electric comes back on it is full power.
does the car have a fusible link(main fuse) that could be bad , shrinks in the cold and expands to make a contact is the warmer environment?
grounding problem? what should I look for?

I'm bringing the car to the dealer who says, we will put on diagnostic. I doubt a code would show up.

any ideas to a newbie??

bill

 

Wow original battery ! That WAS some battery.

That is most likely the problem. I always have the charging system checked before adding new one, but since this battery is at least 6-7 yrs old, safe bet that is the problem.

Sometimes dash lights will do odd things just when the battery doesnt hold sufficient charge. But looks like in your case, it held out until the last minute.

 

I just got back from the dealeer and 210 dollars later it was an ignition switch. all of the electric is controlled at that point and even the interior light is effected. My 7 year old battery checked out fine, but I replaced it any way and will keep it for a spar battery in my motorcycle side car.

thanks for your help, anyone else have this problem look at the switch.

bill