Hi All,

Went to start my mini '04 base (automatic) this morning and it would turn over, but not crank.
My wife drove it earlier without issue. She said it cranked as normal and drove normally.
I have cleaned the air intake, checked the fuses related to fuel and engine and all are okay.
I could smell fuel when I first attempted to crank it.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

Oh, one other thing, not sure if it is normal. When I turn the key the gages all work fine. The fuel gage shows the correct amount of fuel, but when I turn to crank, the needle drops like the car is off. Normal?

 

No cels?

 

battery

 

No CEL, battery is 1 year old without issue. It turns over fine.
I just tried again and noticed the fuel gage will register correct amount of fuel (above 3/4), then as stated before, after I turn to crank the needle drops as if key is turn off, but if I continue to hold to crank it returns to proper level.
Just trying to give as much information as possible to help diagnose.

I'm leaning towards fuel pump and filter replacement. Is there a way to check to see if it is working properly?

Thanks again!

Anyone know if the fuel pressure regulator is part of the fuel pump assembly?

 

Okay, I fixed my '04 mini with a new fuel pump. I followed the instructions here on 'northamericanmotoring' and the 'pelican parts' page. http://tiny.cc/btqxjx.

I tested the pressure in the stator valve near the fuel injectors and it had none, so I figured the pump was not doing it's job. After replacement the car cranked first try.
One bit of advice for those doing this fuel pump replacement, make sure you put plastic or some other form of protection for the car. When you take out the old pump gas WILL spill do to having to manipulate the pump.

Replacement took about 1.40hr and was not difficult. I bought the pump locally for 235.00 and it was a VDO.

 

OK, a little confusion with terminology here which didn't help get this thread off to a very good start. 'Crank' and 'turn over' are considered by most to mean the same thing. So, 'it won't crank', to most means the starter ain't moving the pistons. Instead, try 'it cranks' or 'turns over' but won't fire. That opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Sure glad you got to the root of the problem and are back to motoring.

 

+1
My thoughts exactly when I read it....was going to reply.... But could not think of a nice way to put it!!

 

Well, Zip, I can be nice sometimes. Usually after I've had my Pablum and a nap. A couple weeks ago some guy didn't think so, so I guess things even out....motor on.

 

Ever find the problem?

 

Yup...he did...a few posts up....