I got rear ended Friday, but thank goodness the kids crossing a six lane street in morning commute traffic weren't hit!

I stopped in plenty of time, but the Chevy Trailblazer that plowed into me wasn't looking--I watched her coming but couldn't get out of her way because of the kids.

After I got hit, my car was still running; I pulled over to the side of the road. No one is hurt, my car was a CHAMP!
I turned off the car. The hazard lights were blinking--it was automatic, I hadn't turned them on (thanks MINI)

When I tried to restart the car, it won't start! Battery seems strong, but I depress the clutch, car is in neutral, turn the key--nothing.

Any ideas? I like the body shop I'm at alot--I hate my dealer -- their service is poor, and almost always requires a trip back to fix what they screwed up or didn't fix the first time.

If i can't figure out whats going on, car will go to the dealer--YUCK!
Is there some kind of kill switch? (besides the clutch switch?)
any other ideas? Thanks

PS My Quicksilver exhaust needs a new muffler and tip--I can't seem to find a dealer--any help? I emailed the UK contact-- info@quicksilver .com but no response yet...I love my exhaust, and want to replace it with the same...Thanks

 

time and inclination....

minitechinfo.com

$25USD for 24 hours access - run by BMW for Mini Techs - service bulletins, ect... I would download the pdf files for future reference.

There is an inertia switch that triggers things to happen. I don't know specifically what the sequence is that gets the hazards on without blowing the air bags, I think 40 g's is what triggers the air bags, but remember this is in less than a seconds time (maybe 100 to 400 milliseconds - don't quote me!!)

There are about 15 pdf files that talk about the inner workings of the mini cooper.
There are other things including electrical schematic reference 'drawings' ( Not really drawing in my opinion) Make sure you download the adobe vector graphic plugin to view those if you go that route.

I have seen people running across major roads in Sacramento when I have visited there - Glad no one was hurt.

Good Luck,

 

Thanks a lot!

Not time now, but hopefully I can get to this Sunday...car won't be ready to leave the body shop till end of the month, and I'd like to be able to drive it away!

Appreciate the tip...

 

If the air bags went off, the battery safety terminal (BST) most likely went as well. This disconnects the starter and alternator (the unfuseable items) via a charge in the terminal itself. This is only on a MCS with the boot-mounted battery, and takes place inside the black plastic housing on the positive terminal. It is possible to jury-rig a reconnection between the cable and the terminal by removing the plastic housing and jamming the terminal pieces back together. However, since the car was running before you shut it off, it is a simple matter to push-start the car instead. Note that the alternator will not function either, and your battery life may be limited. It's enough to get the car from one place to another in a hurry though.

 

Try starting it in 1st gear with clutch depressed. I have no clue if this will help but it's worth a try

I may be dreaming this but I don't think my Mini will start in neutral w/the clutch in anyway. It will only start in gear. I remember when I 1st got my Mini that freaked me out. I will have to try it when I leave work.

 

also the fuel pump is disconnect and there is a safety switch that will need to be reset before the fuel pump will work as well ... this of course keeps the car from running

 

Huh? Nah ... Always start it in neutral with clutch in. ...

 

Lets see....I weight 200 pounds x 40 g's......No I don't think anyone could survive that g force!!
Actually it is about 5 g's of force to deploy the air bags.
Front bags for front end impact only.
Side bags for the side that gets the impact on a side hit.
There are no bags for rear impacts nor should the others be involved in rear impacts.

The runability problem is well within the abilities of a good quality autobody repair shop. In fact they should be working with the insurance to cover this repair as well.

 

I checked when I left work...I can start in neutral w/clutch in. It's that I can't start in neutral with clutch out. When I 1st got my Mini it died starting out at a redlight . I threw it in neutral & tried frantically to crank it. That's when I learned it won't start w/out the clutch in (which all my other previuos manual cars would do).