I took our 2003 MINI S back to the dealer yesterday because the windshield washer went out, then suddenly started again and I wanted a diagnostic run.

Two weeks ago we were stranded in a parking lot for three hours when the battery suddenly went dead and disabled the entire car -- except that the drivers window lowered 1", by itself, while we were waiting for the tow truck. It cost $160 for AAA to tow it to the dealer in Sterling, VA where they kept it overnight. The said the battery was the problem and replaced it gratis, though our warranty expired 7 months ago.

The car disabled itself once before and two hours later, while waiting on AAA, everything started working fine. The dealer thinks we have been drinking. Has anyone else had ghosts like these?

 

My MINI Started up just fine last week, but went to start it yesterday (08/17/2018) it had power, and almost started, then lost all power, heard clicking noise, got a symbol on the tach dash of the car on a lift in red. I first thought it was my starter, but being I have NO POWER, (key fob won't lock/unlock doors, can't roll the windows down...etc... NOTHING!) I now think it's the battery?! I've had this car 3 to 3.5 years and have never replaced the battery. Have noticed in the time I've had it that my radio display comes and goes however. I noticed today when I looked at my battery in the battery compartment, which has a cover, that there was a clear liquid around the positive terminal. (SEE PHOTO)

 

You should probably dump some baking soda on that liquid in case it is battery acid. Don't let it get on the paint.

Then remove and replace battery.