R52 suddenly won't start
 

2007 R52 (small engine, no turbo) suddenly it won't start. I just went out an hour ago and now she no go.

Turn key to accessory it's fine, go to crank and lights inside go all wonky, starter does one click then nothing.

Take key out, turn key to accessory and I can bring the top down (plenty of juice) but try to engage key to start and all kinds of weird sh-t.

14.2 volts when it runs (voltmeter installed in car)
12.3 volts when sitting
Turn key to try and start and voltage reading goes all crazy and drops to 7 or 8 volts.

Coil wires checked re-seated
Checked fuse box next to battery and reseated most of the fuses and made sure multiconnector was solid.

What next?

Could this be a bad coil pack?

Seems strange that it was fine for one trip then all of a sudden, nada.
Been reading it could be the key and will try that next but doubt that's it.

If I leave key in the on position for about 15 seconds, the dash lights all look fine... clutch in/go to start and of course nothing.

Arrghhhh.

Any ideas?

Moving you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.

How old is the battery? The first thing I would do is remove the battery, disconnect the negative post first, and then take to an autoparts store to have them load test. 14.2 volts means the alternator can charge a battery, the question is whether you battery is chargeable.

Battery, then check the ignition switch: 61326913965

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...on-switch.html

Battery seems to have solved all the problems. As I've been reading, Mini's do some crazy stuff when the battery is not right. The fact I couldn't jump start it was the weirdest!

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Yes, the clamp has to be tight, a hair off and the cable car arch or have inconsistent voltage.