R53 - Click, but doesn't Crank
#1
R53 - Click, but doesn't Crank
I've got a 04 MCS. Lights look good, I rotate the key from on to start, and the headlights cut off (as expected I believe) and I hear a click (guessing the starter engaging the flywheel), but no sounds of it cranking. I am able to push start it. Battery is only ~2.5y old.
A few days ago, I noticed my engine have problems turning over. It sounded like it was taking several rotations for the engine to catch. Then on my way home from dinner, it just refused to start, but I was able to push-start it.
I had the battery tested, and autozone said it was fine. I put the battery on a charger, and after only an hour or two, it stopped taking a charge. So it matches with what the guy said. The connections inside the battery compartment look clean and good.
So what parts should I question? Anything else I should check before I replace the starter?
Edit: I confirmed it's not the clutch pedal sensor. I tried starting without depressing the clutch, and the headlights didn't dim, no clicking sound. Pressing in the clutch and trying to start and the headlights turn off, and the engine clicks.
A few days ago, I noticed my engine have problems turning over. It sounded like it was taking several rotations for the engine to catch. Then on my way home from dinner, it just refused to start, but I was able to push-start it.
I had the battery tested, and autozone said it was fine. I put the battery on a charger, and after only an hour or two, it stopped taking a charge. So it matches with what the guy said. The connections inside the battery compartment look clean and good.
So what parts should I question? Anything else I should check before I replace the starter?
Edit: I confirmed it's not the clutch pedal sensor. I tried starting without depressing the clutch, and the headlights didn't dim, no clicking sound. Pressing in the clutch and trying to start and the headlights turn off, and the engine clicks.
Last edited by fourpaws; 08-06-2017 at 03:48 PM.
#5
I had the battery tested, and autozone said it was fine. I put the battery on a charger, and after only an hour or two, it stopped taking a charge. So it matches with what the guy said. The connections inside the battery compartment look clean and good.
So what parts should I question? Anything else I should check before I replace the starter?
Get another car and hook up a jumper cable to the Mini and see if you can start it easily. If you can you have a battery and/or charging problem. It is the easiest way to narrow this down.
I am pretty sure 04 Mini ECU turns off the headlight when you are cranking to give more battery energy to the starter.
#6
Battery to ground and engine block to ground both look solid. Cables don't show any sign of deterioration, connectors look good.
Trying to jump it didn't help, just the click. I had someone watch the voltage on my battery when I tried starting it, and it only dropped 0.2 v
I also tried switching my starter and AC relays, & inspecting the fuses that were marked as being involved with the starter under the hood.
Trying to jump it didn't help, just the click. I had someone watch the voltage on my battery when I tried starting it, and it only dropped 0.2 v
I also tried switching my starter and AC relays, & inspecting the fuses that were marked as being involved with the starter under the hood.
#7
Battery to ground and engine block to ground both look solid. Cables don't show any sign of deterioration, connectors look good.
Trying to jump it didn't help, just the click. I had someone watch the voltage on my battery when I tried starting it, and it only dropped 0.2 v
I also tried switching my starter and AC relays, & inspecting the fuses that were marked as being involved with the starter under the hood.
Trying to jump it didn't help, just the click. I had someone watch the voltage on my battery when I tried starting it, and it only dropped 0.2 v
I also tried switching my starter and AC relays, & inspecting the fuses that were marked as being involved with the starter under the hood.
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#8
One other thing you might check first:
On my '02 R53, if my foot slips on/off the clutch in the middle of starting, I have to turn the ignition all the way off in order to try again.
& yes, the ground connections must be clean & bright & tight - they may look OK, but it's easy enough to take them off & sand them.
Mike
On my '02 R53, if my foot slips on/off the clutch in the middle of starting, I have to turn the ignition all the way off in order to try again.
& yes, the ground connections must be clean & bright & tight - they may look OK, but it's easy enough to take them off & sand them.
Mike
#9
+1
There is a spring loaded contact in the solenoid that appears to not be making contact. Shot starter....
#12
#13
For better or for worse, the easiest way to replace the starter (and preserve the knuckles) is to remove the passenger side drive shaft to gain room to work.