Hi, I have an 06 base model. I had to rebuild the starter 2 years ago b/c of a short due to thermostat housing leak. about 6 mos ago the car started to not want to start on the first turn. I have to place the key into position II and I have to wait until all lights and beeps stop before I can turn the key the whole way. Then it starts. If I forget and turn the key all the way right away there is some clicks but no turn. Once in a while it works right away. I also have to completely shut off the keys before trying the second time. Can it be an eletronic problem, a starter problem or a solenoid? Thanks in advance.

 

if you have jumper cables hooked to another car - with a known good battery (even better, running) - does it behave the same?

 

It sort of does sound like a bad battery to me. When first switched on the self checks take too much juice to start it, then once the fuel pump gets pressure and everything goes dormant again, there is just enough juice to turn it over.

 

sorry for the delay in response. Its a 2 year old battery and I think its still good, but ill have it checked.

 

I had my wife turn the key and I had the hood opened. When she turned the key the starter kicked in but nothing happened. Maybe its not engaging the flywheel. I think Im gonna have the starter replaced. By the way I am very limited in mechanics.

 

Have the battery checked out first.....don't waste money on the starter. MINI's are very temperamental cars in regards to their batteries. Best way to check is to hook up some jumper cables and see what happens.

 

Sounds like a dying battery to me. Same issues I had when it started dying out.

 

Sounds like a weak battery to me as well. Get a optima and you won't ever have to worry again.

 

Thanks for all the help!!!! Tested the battery today and it was bad. So here we go to the third battery in less than 5 yrs. $130 for the battery, does that sound right??? Once again, thanks and sorry for the delay!!!!

 

3 batteries in one year? Spend a bit more on a quality battery and you won't have this issue. 160 for a Optima.

 

3rd battery in 5 years, the first one came w/ the car, the second was replaced under warranty! The one I got today was the only one they had at the nearest auto parts.

 

You should not go through batteries that quickly, even if they are low quality. I would guess that there is some problem in your electrical system, perhaps draining the battery even when the car is off.

 

Sorry, I read your post wrong. But even 3 batteries in 5 years is a problem. I'd have a mechanic look into it.

 

Don't forget to have them check your charging system as well. An alternator that is not charging the battery fully will kill a battery also.

 

I would look for a loose battery cable or ground strap somewhere.