Here I am again with another problem. Sigh...

Battery was dead, but didn't think much of it. This happened twice before when the radiator fan stayed stuck on. So I jumped it, after which the battery lamp on the dash came on. Stupid me, assumed I needed a new battery. Got one. Still lit.

Having read the manual AFTER the fact, it says it could be the alternator. Woohoo... Seems like the problems keep coming, but they trickle in. I can;t take it to the mech just once with a few issues. I gotta take the dang thing every other month. /rant

Anyway, anything I can do to maybe diagnose the issue at home?

 

You can check the voltage at the battery with a voltmeter. Start the car and touch the voltmeter leads to the battery terminals. It should read 14 - 14.5 volts. Anything lower and it's likely a bad alternator.

 

Simple LCD voltmeters that plug into the cigarette lighter are available at WallyWorld and many auto stores. EZway to keep touch with your battery condition and charging system.

 

While at it, check your harmonic damper. If it's still stock, swap w/ an ATI. That's a sure-fail part.

 

Thanks for the tips folks. I ended up taking the car toa shop that many here have recommended (Greasy's in Worcester). They specialize in mini's there, and we spotted the shop right away seeing five minis in the parking lot!

Turns out it was a bad power steering pump. It was draining power while the car was off. This had happened to me before, but I thought it was the radiator fan... Yeah, I'm a noob.

Anyway, pump was covered by mini, but they did find a slight misfire, which they tuned up, replaced plugs and wires, etc.

Car is good as new. Now I am hoping to return the battery I spent $150 on lol. My fault for just going out and buying something I didn't need...