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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
Ignition switch with 9 pins Loose cable behind dash. Wire harness with only 8 pin holes
Hello everybody Im new here and of course looking for help before I finally set this car on fire while I’ll watch drinking a good beer.
I got and MCS six months ago not running, from a lady, she just stated that the car was running and then don’t start again and she went for a new car.
It’s a 04 MCS JCW. so I was pin point here and there and I got a bad starter, tested at the auto parts, so I got a new starter, several days later went to the car and installed the new one and NOTHING... not a single noise or click.
Take it off again and went back to the store and tested good, same process again installing it back in the car, I've replaced ground cable in engine compartment, "shows white oxidation", replaced battery ground cable, installed a brand new battery, spark plugs and wires, valve cover gasket due to a small leak, safety switch on clutch pedal.
It looks like there’s no electricity going to the starter motor. I went to the dealer for a new key; programed just in case and still nothing. This is like when you are in deep love and just throw money in good quality things for her but she Just keeps you in the friend zone and nothing else. Not that I had that experience but yes I’m still in love with this little thing.
It's frustrating not able to find out where to start again, The only code that it was shown at the beginning was a knock sensor, I replaced that sensor and now there's no codes on the dash, by the way since I got everything apart I change oil on super charger.
So today I was messing with the ignition switch and I noticed something odd to me at least. I noticed that the ignition wire harness has 8 contacts and the ignition switch has 9 pins so the harness is missing pin #1. I have pictures of what it looks like. Pardon my ignorance but I have two BMW 3 and 5 series I always do my own mechanical needs and I’ve never have to deal with something like that. I also found a loose cable behind the dash that I would like to know if someone knows where it belongs. Black cable in the pictures.
Thanks so much in advance for any help you can bring. Have a great day and “Do Great things today my friends”!
Last edited by Samo; May 2, 2018 at 10:55 AM.
Reason: spaces between paragraphs
Nice photos, and kudos in your willingness to write. I tied to read but my eyes glazed over after a few sentences. Please give the paragraph some breaks.
The loose wire with the metal contact end does look like it belong to the plug and receptacle that you identified with mismatched number of pins. I would look more carefully but in all likelihood that is it. Do note that I can solely rely on the photos and they are far from clear. A tell tale sign is if the length matches the rest.
This partial wiring diagram of the starting circuit might help you. Check the wire colour carefully. The module to the right should be what you referred to as the wire harness for the ignition switch.
Sorry for the delay, I’m working right now, thanks for the diagram I will check this tonight and let you know what’s new. that cabe was hanging right in the middle behind radio, a/c controls and tachometer, I check with my light but can’t see or figure out where belongs,
thanks again and have a good night.
The loose wire looks like the BMW auxiliary input for the radio. Follow the wire to verify it is plugged into the rear of the radio. The metal end should be threaded and allow you to plug in a 1/8" stereo connector for playing music from a phone, iPod, MP3 player, etc. The "Mode" button on your radio will allow you to select "AUX," if the cable is connected to the rear of the radio.
The loose wire looks like the BMW auxiliary input for the radio. Follow the wire to verify it is plugged into the rear of the radio. The metal end should be threaded and allow you to plug in a 1/8" stereo connector for playing music from a phone, iPod, MP3 player, etc. The "Mode" button on your radio will allow you to select "AUX," if the cable is connected to the rear of the radio.
Interesting. The photo of the wire and tip in question is out of focus and poor. The context led me to think it is a contact of the connector. That is the problem with poorly taken photos.
The loose wire looks like the BMW auxiliary input for the radio. Follow the wire to verify it is plugged into the rear of the radio. The metal end should be threaded and allow you to plug in a 1/8" stereo connector for playing music from a phone, iPod, MP3 player, etc. The "Mode" button on your radio will allow you to select "AUX," if the cable is connected to the rear of the radio.
thanks for taking time to help. I will check tomorrow and take better pictures. Thanks again.
