This morning I tried to start my 02 Cooper, and it wouldn't start. The car unlocked fine with the keyless entry, I stuck the key in the ignition and turned it. The car got power for maybe 1/2 second (instrument cluster lights went on briefly, and the gas guage started its way up... I've got a full tank and it made it to about 1/4 up) and then everything died.... and the motor never turned over. Now NOTHING electrical on the car works, the keyless entry/lock won't work, the gas guage is still pointing at 1/4 tank (instead of going back to empty like it normally does when the car is off) and the windows don't return up to their height. Basically the battery seems to be dead. The only reason I'm posting this is that I don't see how the hell my battery could be dead.

Do I just have a dead battery or does it sound like a fuse or relay or something blew? I don't see how I could have a dead battery because I'm positive all the lights in the car were off last night when I parked. I haven't tried to jump the car yet as it just happened about 5 minutes ago. Any thoughts?

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Yo

 

Did you check the battery terminals for corrosion? Loose wires? Is it REALLY COLD there??


-V--V-

 

I see you're in Atlanta... Yes it is cold...

Since there's a dealer in ATL, call MINI Roadside Assistance if it still won't start.

-V--V-

 

Call MINI roadside assistance and have then jump start the battery. If the car won't re-start you could be looking at an electrical problem (failed alternator, etc) in which case they will have to tow it back to the dealer.

 

Yeah, it was in the 20s last night... but I bought the car in NJ and it spent all last winter there. The car has always been parked outside and there were quite a few times it was in the single digits when I started the car with no issues so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.

I'll call the MINI assistance. Thanks.

 

I doubt it is because of the cold. It was -10 here last night and mine started up just fine. I would check the terminals. I would guess the battery was just drained down, though. Maybe a short or draw somewhere?

 

sounds like a dead battery, if not, check your
battery terminal. it probably came undone for some reason.

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03MCS IB/Blk: 123, Aerokit, R90 17x7, Anthrasite Int, TK5 16x7, 6CDMP3, etc.

 

Yeah.... battery cable came loose. I was so sure the battery had power I didn't even think to pop the hood and check the cables.

Oh well, thanks a lot.

 

glad we could help. good thing it wasn't anything too serious.