I'm assuming this would be the place to post my question, but if I'm wrong please let me know which part of the forum to go to.

I haven't driven my MINI since Monday (unemployment + gas prices + no where to go = No life and staying home). I went to turn on the car to run an errand and the weirdest thing happened. It would start up (all the lights on the dash would turn on, the radio and clock turned on, etc.), rumbled/vibrated pretty hard, then it would turn off (kinda). What I mean is the engine turned off and it looked like all I did was put the key into the car. I tried to start it again and a it did the same thing a few more times. Yes- I let it sit for a minute between each time. FINALLY I got it to start and stay on. I drove to the food store (about a mile away) and managed to get it to start up on the first try and get home safely. Is it because of the heat? It's somewhere between the 80's and 90's today (I live in southeastern NC). It kind of reminded me of when two of my battery cells died in my '04 Cooper S a few years ago. I hope that isn't the issue because The closest dealership is 2.5 hours from me... It's been one of those days today...

 

So, the engine actually ran for a few seconds when you first tried? I've had the electronics come on and do strange things, but the engine wouldn't start. Problem was battery was low. Charge fixed it.

If it is a heat related issue, what kind of gas are you using? Is it 91 or higher? What is the ethanol content?

It could have something to do with the high-pressure fuel pump problems some people have had. Or it might be related to the vacuum pump. Or it could have something to do with the timing chain tensioner problems (cold start chatter). Or, it may be something else enitrely.

A better forum might be Stock Problems/Issues.

 

Sounds like it could be this.^ Had the same problem with mine, ended up needing a new fuel pump along with several other things. I would take it in, or have it towed in with MINI assist.

 

The engine ran for a few seconds and then stopped. I'm using the highest octane (91) and that is the ONLY thing I've ever used.

I'll get in touch with Flow MINI of Raleigh tomorrow and see what they can do. I hope they have loaner vehicles or something because I don't have another vehicle (the boyfriend is training out of town and I don't have my motorcycle license yet) in case they need to keep it. How frustrating . I swear this car has been more hassle than it is worth compared to my original '04....

Thanks for the advice!

 

Arg. I'm going to write this down so I know what to tell the service adviser to look for. This car has been trouble since the day it arrived! I'm lucky I still have warranty left! I might just cry about this, though =/

Thanks for the help!