Well today my car started to act up on me and I have NO clue what is wrong. Here's the story: I had been driving the car for about 20 minutes, stopped at school for like 30 minutes, and then drove the car another 10 minutes to a friends house. I left the car on and got out for like 3-4 minutes, I get back to the car and go to back out and it seems as if though my car just stalled, but it didn't. All the gauges start going crazy, the needles start shaking, traction control light goes off, radio seems like it loses power then regains it, ac should have been on like half-way but it only worked at a low speed. Needless to say I freak out and turn the car off. Then the car won't turn on. So I have my friend push start it (I know its not ideal but no jumper cables so I had to). I drove the car for about another 30 minutes.

A couple of hours later I start the again and it turns on but with some trouble. I noticed that the DSC light is permanently ON. I pull into my house and notice the ABS light flicker 2-3 times and then stop, then maybe 10-15 seconds later it flickered again.

Right now the car is sitting outside my house with its new tires in the backseats/hatch (my current tires are bald and I hope to put the new ones on tomorrow so I just left them in there). I am afraid to drive the car now without first having someone look at it. My car's warranty just recently expired so I'm taking it to my mechanic first thing tomorrow morning and he will be doing a much needed oil change and I will ask him then what it could be.

So for now, any ideas as to what the hell this could be? Battery maybe?

 

I'm assuming its just a dead battery... Just checked the car right now and it won't turn on... Gonna buy a new battery tomorrow hopefully... If anyone thinks it isn't the battery please post...

 

I'd bet it is your battery, especially if it is the original MINI battery. Some people have actually gotten FREE batteries due to a recall of early model MINI's. You might want to check into that.

Your stock battery has an indicator to show if the battery is good. I know mine is on the way out and I am waiting for it to go . . . .

But before you replace the battery, have it tested.

 

Yes I still have the original MINI battery. Where is the indicator located? Thanks for the heads up!

 

I just special ordered an Interstate battery because the tow guy told me he never sees em dead!

 

It's on the top of the battery, I'm betting you'll probably need to pop up the seat cushion and pull the ring to get the boot open.

 

Most likely the battery, even though the lights shouldn't go all crazy when the car is on if its the battery. If you can, get your charging system checked out. Might be that alternator isn't charging up like its supposed to be.

 

Never posted back... UPDATE, yes it was indeed the battery. And it was replaced with an interstate battery at my mechanics recommendation. Everything is back to normal... Thanks for the replies

 

Interstate batteries absolutely DO die. You'll see some in any pile of old batteries taken in exchange at an auto parts store.

 

All batteries die lol... just a matter of time... I heard Optima batteries are the best though. If I realize my battery is going to die before it actually dies I'll order one of those next time.

 

My original battery died recently and the indicator on the top of the battery said it was Good to Go Green. So, that indicator isn't always truthful. Glad it was just your battery. I was freaking out when my died.