So I have a starting problem. Video shows it all. Happens mostly when the car has sat for a while or its really hot out. The check engine light has been coming off and on as well. Is there anyway to get the LCD on the speedo to display the code its throwing? Or do I have to buy a specific code puller? My buddy has a basic one that works with my GMC.

Any ideas?



Link if the youtube code for the forum isnt working for people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP_0dDjoW_o

 

We are not sure about having the LCD display the code, but we utilized a Peake Research RS/EMX scan tool on our project MINI to pull the fault code(s) it was throwing when the 'Service Engine Soon' light came on: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ault_Codes.htm

A similar tool might work for you as well.

-Jorge

P.S. What video?

 

Not sure why its not showing for you http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=ExAVbLM_cdI

 

The code will be very helpful in pinpointing things. A basic OBDII reader could get the code for you, but then you'll have to do a little searching online to find out what it's referring to. If your friend's reader doesn't work, any auto parts store usually has a reader and can grab the code for you. SES light will need to be on though. I believe only the BMW software can tell you codes that triggered in the past, but are not currently active.

It's a good idea to check the battery and starter too.

I couldn't tell for sure from the video - does it stop cranking on it's own even with the key turned?

 

Yeah, I am holding the key down and you hear it try to crank, then cut out and the speedo starts slamming off the 0 really fast(making a clicking sound from the speedo itself not the engine). Thought it was more audible, but I videod it and ran off to work. I hear it crank for like a sec then cut. So its not like the battery is dead. It does eventually start though. I am going to see if Autozone has a code puller. For some reason the few Advnaced Auto parts do NOT have code pullers yet. And there are 3 with in 5m from my house lol.

 

On a side note, I am also going to double check the clutch switch as well, i hear it likes to move. Not really looking forward to doing an alternator. I replaced the Supercharger/waterpump/idler pully/tensioner pully about 2 months ago and I really dont like this car right now lol.

 

Certainly could be a failing clutch switch - thankfully that's a relatively cheap and easy fix.

I'd be a little surprised if it's the alternator in this case. Do you have a multimeter? If so, check the voltage on the battery before starting. It should be around 13 volts. With the car on, it should be around 14 volts.

 

Also, how old is the battery?

 

Good question lol, I never had it replaced, bought the car in 08. So its either factory or got replaced before I got the car. Ill check it when I get back from work tonight. The battery light is not on right now. I wont rule it out. Dont have a multi meter handy either

 

MINIs are somewhat sensitive to batteries on their way out. Back when I had the CVT automatic transmission in mine, I got an occasional transmission code when the battery was at the end of its life. Went away when I put a new battery in.

All that to say, it very well could just be the battery on it's way out...

The factory battery lasted about 4.5 years in mine. Have a Duralast from Autozone in there now.

 

Just noticed something else. When it sits for a while, All the stats saved like avg MPG and MPH as well as the trip are reset to 0. The CLOCK is fine though.

I am going to double check the contacts on the battery. I did disconnect it when i worked on the supercharger. Still havent had time to get the battery checked.

Also, if you put the key in the ON posision, and let the car go through its crazy clicking ordeal on the speedo, THEN try to start the car, it fires right up.

 

Came down to the battery being bad. Wouldnt hold a full charge. Advanced tested it, it passed the tests, but its full charge was supposed be 660v and it was only holding 470 after driving around for like 30m and it only sitting for maybe 12 hours. I went to start the car after they tested it and it was dead. 150 dollars later the car is fine.

 

I had a suspicion it would end up being the battery - glad your back to normal.