Hi All.

I have a 2004 Mini Cooper with a random starting problem.

Sometimes when I turn the ignition on all the light come on like usual but there is no ignition noise or engine cranking noise. So I try again and it fires up without a problem.

This problem doesn't happen every time I start the car. The majority of the time it starts fine. It will even go away for a week or two and then happen again for a few days.

A mechanic told me I had to push harder on the brake, but the 2004 Cooper doesn't require you push the brake when start the car.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any solutions?

Thanks.

 

I've had the same exact problem - no idea what's causing the issue. Mine is a late '05 build (2006 MY) with 62k miles.

 

Sorry to read you have the same problem. Mine will go away for weeks at a time then happen again.

Have you spoke with any mechanics?

They think it might be the ignition switch but can't tell until it happens in front of there eyes. It almost like I have to wait until whatever it is just dies. So Just about everytime I get in the car I'm thinking is this when it's gonna crap out for good?

 

same here - it's really random

Haven't spoken to any mechanics - I already knew they'd say they can't do anything about it until I could replicate it in front of them so I didn't even bother

 

my 2 cents.

based on other cars I have had, and my car having the same problem (2003 mcs)

it's a fuel pump problem. just take you time and turn the ignition on as far as it goes without starting for about 1/2 second to 1 second. ( primes the fuel lines)

it works for me.

 

Thanks sidmind. How long has your coop been doing it? Are you waiting until the pump dies before you get it fixed?

 

no it's just a guess and my shade tree mech. abilities.

^^not an expert, just what I tried and it seemed to work.