OK so this morning when i left for work all was well. I had to stop to get some gas. After filling up as i tried to start my car the starter engaged turned the engine over once then disengaged. I turned the key of then tried again, nothing not even a click i tried it about a dozen more times and finally it started like there was no problem. After getting to work i decided to try again the first time it turned the engine over once then grinded and disengaged so i tried again and nothing not even a click then again then just like that fired right up. Has anyone had this problem and if so what could it be i really hope my starters not going out.

 

First thing...check the battery...
Next...the old hit the starter with a hammer can work to get a start or two...
Did notice moss mini did have some mini OEM pars cheap on sale...
Had gen1 mini branded alternators, list 500+$ for $140....
Think they had a mini brand starter at similar savings.....

 

One thought...
When you put the key in, do you hear a "ding" ?
Wondering if the ews reader is iffy...try a different key?
If it "tries" to turn over and gets stuck...look to the battery, etc...
But if it cranks fast and OK when it does...look at the antitheft system.

 

Thank you for the reply. I tested the battery its all good. The car does ding when i put the key in. Where do i start looking now.

 

The ding is supposed to mean (from what I have been told) the ews is reading the key, allowing it o start.
So that simple item should rule out that issue.
Next, basic trouble shooting... Unless you like getting lucky by throwing parts at it!!
Check the grounding wires IMO, and the battery connections...tight and clean...check in the trunk...there is a box that sits next to the battery...has a disconnect in it that blows if the airbag goes off...disconnects ONE of the TWO + battery cables...one goes to the starter...other is everything else.... The battery area sometimes gets wet...and the connections corrode...
Next look at the starter relay...
Listening to the starter, a pro/car guy might tell you it is weak...from heat/age...the windings can start to fail making it weak, the Bendix can get stuck, etc...
Folks sometimes get the wrong starter at auto-zone/etc...just watch out...the starters are different s and non s, and auto/stick.

 

Its hard to troubleshoot becase now the cars not doing it. Its starting every time like nothing ever hapened. I hate intermittent problems.

 

That would point to the starter in my opinion. I've had the same thing happen before in another car. Worked fine for a few days then died for real. Had to replace the starter.

 

Yea I was kinda thinking that but I just praying its not looks like a lot of work lol.

 

Zippy I cant find anywere about a differant starter for stick and auto can you point me in the right direction. I have a stick. Thanks for all yalls help

 

It might have been only on the non-s....
To be sure look up your car on realoem.com....and you can check part #'s with different trannys to be 100% sure.
Sounds like it only fails to crank when hot...so likely the starter...but still worth checking the cables, grounds, etc...about 5 minutes to look, and if there is an issue, should be easy to spot, even if the car is not currently failing to crank.

 

Well i think i have some better news after further investigation it seems like it the switch on the clutch seems to be the issue i went to start my car earlier and nothing it wouldn't start so while holding the key on i messed with the clutch by moving it in and out and side to side with my foot and it started.

 

Good news then...
Testing that switch can be a pain....if I recall it is a "hall-effect sensor" type switch....not just a simple open/closed connection. If you were are able to get it to duplicate your issue wiggling it, sounds like you might have gotten lucky and found the issue!!!