Hi everyone,

I have a little problem. I just got back from a 2.5 week vacation and have just gone to start my Mini..and it's dead. I thought maybe it was a battery issue because it hadn't been started for a while, but the yellow engine light comes on. I have a 2008 Mini Diesel and it's never had any problems until now..

Anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be?

Thanks,
Leighla

 

If it won't turn over=battery. If it will and won't start=high pressure fuel pump. Just my .02

 

More than likely it's the battery. A lot of these modern cars will consume more battery power than you'd expect when sitting with the engine/electrical systems shut off. And it's possible for the battery to have just enough "juice" to supply power to light up the dashboard annuciators, but still be unable to crank the engine. And a diesel engine typically requires more cranking power than a gasoline engine.

Even so, I would expect a good battery and a sound electrical system (no shorts, etc.) to last longer than 2-1/2 weeks...

The first thing to do is see if you can recover the battery. Either put the battery on a charger or jump-start the car. If you elect to do the latter and are successful, take your MINI on a long drive on the highway to ensure the battery gets sufficiently recharged.

It might not hurt to have the electrical system checked; like I said, under ordinary circumstances, the battery should survive longer than 2-1/2 weeks without the vehicle being run. Personally, I have a trickle charger (called the Battery MINDer) that I use on mine when I don't drive it for extended periods.

 

Thanks Timfitz and BigNewt. It was indeed a low battery. I got a jump and all was ok! Thanks also for the tip on recharging the battery through a long drive which worked well.

Cheers
Leighla