Hey motorers,

R50 Mini Cooper 200,000 miles manual

I saw a fellow motorer some time ago with diagnosis on a P2300 Code. His issue was a bad computer, and I hope mine is not that way. After replacing the timing chain and it’s acompaning components I put everything back together slowly and to torque. When I turned the key a loud CLICK like maybe the starter engaging the flywheel but nothing else. I tried to turn the key a few more times and there wasn’t even a click. No engine light but my OBD reader threw a P2300 (ignition coil a low voltage). Ive been having a small vacuum leak code for over a year now too, but the P2300 is new.

I unplugged the battery disconnected the coil pack and the four cables leading to the spark plugs. The 1 and 3 studs were nasty looking covered in corrosion. I rubbed them with a rag damp with electrical cleaner, plut it all back together and the car started.

i drove it then. I drove it the next morning to work with only some ticking around the 1 cylinder until the car warmed up. Drove it from work to my moms, with the same ticking. The same symptoms as before occurred when I tried to leave my moms at 8pm on a cold night. One loud click and nothing else after. Tried to jump it and nothing.

I already ordered a new coil pack and it came in yesterday, so I installed it, but still nothing. I just paid $150 to tow it to my home. I have a volt reader, a full mechanic manual (that 1000 page book), and an OBD reader, I implore you please help me diagnose.

Either way thank you and drive safe!

 

This ground wire being a little loose threw a P2300 code

 

Do the cheap stuff first!
Check anything you moved while doing the timing chain.
In particular, the ground cable under the right side engine mount, the starter solenoid, alternator & battery connections which must all be clean, bright & tight & of course the state of charge of the battery.
The 'click' you hear is probably just the solenoid - if it tried to engage & turn the engine there would be more of a 'thud' & the lights would all go dim. If you short between the two big terminals on the starter, with a heavy screwdriver, the engine should turn or at least try to.
The coil pack has nothing to do with the ability of the starter to operate; it is well known that the studs & cables are prone to rust or corrosion & need to be sand-papered clean.
I think you should check that all the plugs are secure in case a loose one is causing the 'ticking' - torque is 20 ft-lbs, I believe. Blown out plugs & the associated need for Helicoils etc are not unknown.
Edit - while I was typing, booyah93 posted a photo of the engine ground - start there!

 

Thanks for the update. I was cold and wet and towed it to my home for entirely too much money (oof) but i wasn't thinking calmly or clearly where i was.