Aloha Guys,

Unexpected problem with my '06 Cooper S - 6 speed, 34K on odo: starter turns over but car won't start. MINI was running fine last Sunday (I usually drive it only on weekends).

Battery is strong. 20A fuse for fuel pump lights up my tester on both terminals, so I am fairly certain fuse is o.k. but to be sure, will pull it and replace tomorrow AM. Will also disconnect battery to reset ECU just in case.

I pulled the rear seat and the cover over gas tank. Fuel pump does not whir when ignition key is turned on - not a sound. Couple of thumps with a rubber mallet didn't work either.

I then pulled the connector and w/ignition key in "on" position, did not get anything hot w/my tester. All connections are clean - no corrosion.

Tried the archives but no specifics, so as I try to track down the problem, I have a few questions for you learned experts:

1. I can find the fuel pump relay on wife's '05 just-a-Cooper, but where in heck in the relay on my '06 S located? Is it hidden somewhere else? Would like to see/feel if it clicks when key is turned on.

2. Do I need to crank starter to get voltage to the fuel pump?

3. To test if relay is bad, can I run 12v directly to the pump? If so, which terminal should I connect to?

Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hawaiian Mike

 

most 12v relays are the same....maybe you can swap a known good relay for the fuel pump relay to check it ?

 

Thanks for your reply - I was planning to swap a relay to see if that does the trick.

My problem is that when I opened the fuse panel cover (driver's side kickpanel), I couldn't find the relays. On my wife's '05, the relays are right there.

I found more relays and fuses inside the engine compartment. I gave the DME relay and few taps and now the pump will run. Of all things, I found some ants inside the relay panel - wonder if they are shorting out my contacts? I blew out what I could w/compressed air.

Still no start, even w/a bunch of cranking, but I will keep tinkering.

I have a 1/2 tank of gas, so will try to top off w/a little more this afternoon.

If you think I have missed anything, please give me a holler.

Thanks again,

Mike

 

? What were they after in there ?

Check fuel connector back at the pump if you disconnected it before. Sometimes it seems like it's on but needs little more coaxing to snap all the way on.

Other than that I think you are on the right track so far.

If you don't have it fixed by tonight, may want to put a battery charger on until tomorrow. All the cranking may have worn it down some.

 

Thanks again for the advice - got the MINI running.

I blew out and vacuumed the relay panel - have no idea where the ants came from. Only thing I can think of is that since I drive the car only on weekends, they thought they found a nice haven to hang out in. Hawaii is full of little critters.

After getting the fuel pump to come on, I still couldn't get the motor running. Since I had a 1/2 tank or so of fuel, I decided to top off the tank just to see what would happen. Lo and behold, it started right up! Must have something to do with how the sump picks up fuel - would love some enlightenment on that.

I did recheck the pump connector - thanks for the heads-up!

After a test run, I shut her down. An hour or so later, when I started the car up again, my service engine light came on and stayed on. Car runs fine, so I think the ECU may have noted some voltage fluctuation, thus the service light.

Will buy a new relay tomorrow, then drive the car during the week. Hopefully the service light will shut off after a few start cycles. Otherwise, will try to get the dealer to reprogram. I still have a few months of warranty left, but I just don't want to put up with a song and dance routine.

Thanks again and hope you had a great weekend!

Mike

 

hey mike, im also in this same position. im trying to find out where the relay is in my 05 MCS? any help would be great!
-onemike

 

i found the relay, it seems to work fine. it clicks but the fuel pump still doesnt prime.

 

nevermind, got it workin

 

what was the issue? (for posterity : )