Hello, I was wondering if you guys have any advice on what to check first/how to check. I'm thinking thermostat, possibly waterpump? I have also heard the low fan is known to fail. I don't think it's the waterpump, anything over 25-30mph and the temp almost instantly drops to normal, fluids are good.

 

do you hear an engine cooling fan?!
a BIG issue on pre 2005 MODEL YEAR cars (before a wiring change was done) is the POWER STEERING COOLING FAN is wired so if it blows a fuse, the RADIATOR cooling fan will not run....
meaning the car will overheat when not moving.....
The low speed fan is a different issue....but the high speed should still kick in BEFORE OVERHEAT to prevent an issue.

 

Oh crap, forgot to mention, it's an 05, I do hear the engine fan, but my PS pump failed, and assuming the fan went with it. I have the replacement information from Mini, haven't replaced it yet.

 

If you still hear the engine fan...
Next look at fluid level...often low due to pinhole leaks in the tank along the seam...or a leaking thermostat gasket...both very common.
Also with advanced age, now some rad are cracking where the plastic ends meet the metal core..common issue on ALL modern rads od this typical OEM desgin...but new aftermarket copies are about $100 on places like rock-auto.com
one tip...the wiring change was actually done in january 2005..so abour 5 months of 2005 model years cars don't have the change (like mine) unless the dealer did it after delivery (like mine).
one extra bit of info...
Any odd sounds or changes recently?
Near end-stages of the SC waterpump PTO failure is when the gears are mostly ground down...the car is OK with decent rpms, but car overheats at idle. Tell tale sighn the car has a bit of a sound of clanking chains......

 

Ok, I checked my VIN, and it seems I have early '05 model. Anyway to check the wiring to see if it was changed? I haven't noticed any noise changes from inside the vehicle, but I'll check when I get home. Luckily not my only means of transportation.


FYI for anyone else interested in their Mini's VIN, I used this site, very easy and helpful
http://www.sjbaker.org/telamom/vin.html

 

look on the drivers side door jamb....a production date will be shown.

 

One way to check to see if the wiring is updated is too look at the connectors by the radiator fan....
here is the funny part...
All the NEWER fans (fits 2003+) still have the PS fan connector on it (to maintain BACKWARDS compatibility with non-modified cars), AND the plug for the fan itself...
..you will see an rectangular 2 wire connector with rounded edges....this is like a long cord for the PS fan....when the wiring is changed...this connector is usually cut off or simply left hanging (on the fan side, car side is rerouted)...and the PS fan has its power from a new FUSE.
It might be GOOD news you have an early 2005...
The first few months of production (2005, and a couple years before that) have an extended warranty on the PS pump and fan....check your production date on the door and compare it to the letters around....if the miles are low enough, you get a new pump/fan if it fails!!

 

Checking for power at the fan when hot is a good place to start.

 

Sorry I haven't replied in a bit, after a bit of fooling around, it seems like a leaky thermostat. But now the car won't start, and it's either the starter or the battery, having some great luck here

 

Cars do get old and need a bit of TLC...
Part of the savings of having no crazy new car payment.
Batteries are cheap...just make sure it has the connections for the vent tube...
Check the battery terminals... Should be clean and shinny..not dull gray...battery area should be very dry (water in the battery area can cause issues)....cables tight...including grounds...a few free things to do check...
One thing to remember...
There is also a clutch safety switch...can also fail, and prevent cranking.
Do you hear the starter click or clunk...then have most of the lights in the car dimm a bit?
Good luck...but it is all parts of a puzzle to figure out the causes...

 

I will check the terminals when I get home, it clicks, as long as I hold the key in the start position, it rapidly clicks. None of the lights are dim, but the window drops an inch when I go back to the on position, and has to but put up. It goes up very slowly, which I am hoping is just a sign of the battery needing charged. I tried to jump it this morning, but no go, hoping I was just a putz in too much of a hurry to get to work.

 

Sorry for the double

What I've learned today, if you have a dead battery, never charge it from the terminal under the hood, it's frustrating and useless, use the actual battery. Up and running, now it's just the thermostat issue. Zippy, you've been a great help so far!