I got my ac replaced on my 2003 Mini Cooper S last summer as the coil clutch went out. During the winter there would be times that the heater wouldn't work. The electronic display works and shows the temperature and fan display etc. It would come back on if I drove over a bump or tracks or something that would jostle the car. The same goes for the air conditioner and the vent. It will work for some time then it won't come back on until I drive over a large bump. I think there may be a loose wire somewhere that is causing the problem. Does anyone know where the wiring would be? Near the fan or the ac? And where would it be in the engine bay? Thanks a lot in advance.

 

Does air blow out? If not, might be an air vent stuck, possibly a vent actuator?

 

Air will blow out but only after the car hits a large bump.

 

Yep, most likely a vent actuator. Am very familiar with Mustang actuators, is a common problem. Afraid you'll need to do a bit of research on which one for a Mini.

 

I don't think it's the vent because the fan doesn't work (unless the car is jostled)

 

I am wondering if the fan is stuck.....
Do you still get airflow at temp?
For example I can set the heat during the winter.... Then shut the fan off...the display goes dark...but the warm air keeps flowing at highway speed..
Changing a cabin fan is kind of a big job..I have heard so it goes without saying...check the wiring first.

 

The display always works. If it's not working no type of air will come out. Then I can get it to work by hitting a bump. I would check the wiring but I'm not sure where it is.

 

The vents work...fan or no fan if you have a window cracked open....
That is WHY if you leave the heat set to "hi" and then turn the fan off, making the temp selector dark, you will get a bit of warm air coming from the vents you selected before turning the fan off...
Sounds like the fan motor has a dead spot in the windings...and a bump let's it move a tiny bit so it can start to blow....the fan motor is 10+ years old....
You might try reaching up and feeling it...maybe adding a bit of lube, and spinning by hand (car off) to see if it spins freely, or maybe has a sticky spot....
Just remove the cabin air filter...and you can reach up...and I mean WAY up...to your shoulder... And you can feel the fan...it is a "squirrel cage" style fan....a fingerful of lube on the center where the bearings are MIGHT do the trick....

 

Buying a "bently " repair book might make sense if you are trying to diy it...
Has full wiring diagrams....

 

I ended up taking out the cabin air filter and reaching for the fan and spinning it a bit and that did the trick. Thanks to all who posted.