(solved->bad starter) My mini wouldn't start today. What do you think?
 

Tried to go out to lunch today, turned the key and the engine didn't crank. Didn't even try. Solenoid did not click. Definitely heard all the other things whirring away - fuel pump going. Pushed the clutch pedal in an out and could hear the relay on the safety circuit opening and closing. Pull the ignition switch and it looked fine. Went home and got my spare key and still nothing.

Battery was happy at 12.6 V (its about a year old). Went through the engine compartment - getting almost the same voltage at the terminals under the hood and the starter.

Put the volt meter on the solenoid connection on the starter. Reads zero with the key in, but not turning it and 11.7 V with the key in and trying to start it. But it is not moving or making any noise.

I think this means the starter has gone to great starter heaven. Any other thoughts?

Hit the starter with something and try again...see what happens.

Just tried - no change. I can't think of any other reason except a bad unit that a starter that has ~12V on the main terminal and gets ~12V on the solenoid wouldn't at least make some noise... should turn!

Did you try jumping the solenoid to confirm that the starter is actually getting power through the solenoid? I'd hit it a few more times haha.

I know you're zeroing in on the starter. But, did you try jumping the battery? Measuring the voltage on it really doesn't give much info on it's actual health. I just replaced my battery yesterday, only because it's almost 5 years old and I didn't want to deal with getting stranded..

That's true. If the battery has a dead cell it could show good voltage but be unable to provide the amps to crank.

When you try to start do all the lights dim?

I did put it on a 10 amp charger. Before or after, the solenoid is not clicking and not moving at all.

While it is in the start position, the voltage dropped from 12.6v to 11.7v measured at the solenoid. That should be enough to crank or at least click the solenoid.

Got out my Noco battery load tester - battery passes a load test.

Bit the bullet last night. Dropped the x-brace, the exhaust manifold and pulled the starter. Tested it on the bench with a fresh battery and jumper cables as power leads. Dead as a doornail... It is good to know...

It was 2-weeks short of being 1-year old. A Bosch starter from Rock Auto. They said they will stand behind it and swap it out under warranty. Yay.

Still aggravating...

Installed the new starter tonight. Started right up. Glad to be back on the road!