Pulling into a parking lot here, on campus today and it was like my electrical system just gave out - my power steering was gone, the ABS light came on - but the engine was still running. I was able to keep going and get into a parking spot.

I've had some weird 'electrical' issues in the past
-windows randomly not working
-drivers side lock not working with fob
- and recently just yesterday the overhead clock decided not to display if either the engine or headlights were turned on

Now, when I put the key in the ignition all the dash lights come up and everything *looks* ok....
when the key is turned it sounds like something is trying to turn over, but here the strange part...each time it tries to turn over my drivers side window goes down about an inch.
After the key is let go there are some noises and the center speedometer needle goes crazy and flops around rapidly around 0

I've done a reset of the computer, checked the engine grounds, and checked the battery and contacts for any corrosion.

Help!?

 

It sounds like your battery is on the way out. Apparently when they get weak, the electronics in the car go wonky from what I have read. Is your battery original and what year is your MINI?

 

Yes, this is probably the correct diagnosis. The ECM (electrical control module) will cause crazy things to happen if it does not get enough voltage from the battery. I had the same symptoms you had (window inching down when starting), and it was a bad battery.

 

That's really bizzare, but I'll almost be glad if it's a simple fix like that.
I have a 2004 MCS - the thing is I just replaced the battery last year when I replaced my clutch.

 

Talking about the BATTERY, just how long willl the original unit last ? ? ?

Most batteries will say how many months its rated to last but I can't see any such rating on the Mini Battery.

Also, instead of buying a battery from Mini, what other choices do I have?

Any suggestions ??? I would like to know as mine is now 4 years old.

Thanks, MK

 

I just got off the phone with AutoZone, where I purchased my battery last year. They have a substantial warranty (which I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of) and I believe the battery was priced around $130 with $12 off if you bring them the old battery

 

At Autozone they should be able to hook up a simple diagnostics test and tell you if it is the battery or something else. I am sure they will be anxious to do it since if they can prove your alternator is bad they wont have to warranty the battery. And the best news is that it is typically free for them to check!

 

Have the battery at autozone now for recharging - turns out i bought it at Pep Boys

 

Got the battery back charged and good, tossed everything back together and it started just fine.

Just wish I knew what caused it in the first place.
Thanks everyone.

 

Depending on how much charge the battery lost, you may consider your alternator is not properly recharging it. Keep an eye out for future electrical anomolies.

 

MiniKar:
Impossible to say how long a battery will last as it widely varies and everyone has different daily drives. I would think that someone who drives very short trips daily will experience shorter battery life than someone who has longer drives (battery has longer time to fully recharge).

 

Trip and distance travelled should not make a difference. So long as the alternator is above 2,000 RPM or so, it will immediately start recharging the battery. I've even had cars sit for a month in the winter and still have enough charge to start up.

 

Still running the OEM battery in my 03 Justa, coming up on 7 years, and a little over 107K miles.

Mark