Hi all

This is my first post, and not a very happy one...

Ok then, I got in the MINI 'One 2002' yesturday morning, turned the key and nothing, absolute nothing......

Thinking that this could be the battery, I got myself a Battery for the Mini. Once I got home I fiited the battery, and back on comes the power.

BUT, now my battery light is on!

So I then turn the iginition and start to put the car back into the garage; no power steering! The bloody inside clock is also not on!

So I put the car back into my garage for the night with the intention on taking it to Mini services in the morning. I tried the car agian this morning, and nothing; absolutly dead again 'no electrics and no motor'. So another trip, this time to get a battery charger. Charged the new battery for a few hours and connected back up. Power again, but no power steering, battery lights on, and no interior clock.

I took the car around the block a couple of times to see if the alterator v-pully could be the problem. After about 4 miles the dash went crazy! ABS light on, handbreak light on, fuel light on, and speedo stuck! I put the car back onto my driveway and tried to restart the engine; nothing! and the dash is still going crazy! Just been back out to the cat after a couple of hours and yet again no power on anything.

I have yet agian removed the battery; to charge it over night, and will then try to get to the Mini Dealers in the morning. They are going to charge me $250 to just look at the car!

Whats going on???:impatient

 

Altenator? Messed up wiring, many possibilities.

 

Did you get TLC with that car? Is TLC available on used MINIs sold in the UK? Take it back to the garage and have them run a full diagnostic. Don't fool around electrical problem. Let them deal with it and take it from there...

 

TLC has just run out '2 months ago'. The car was also servied by Mini just 2 months ago.

 

Also, 2002 was not a year known for total MINI reliability. I have read about some horror stories of owners of very early production MINI ONES (2001 and 2002s) sold in Europe. I suggest you get in touch with user ÄPIAL. He is a long time poster over at www.mini2.com and he can tell you all the problems he had to endure with his first 2001 MINI ONE.

 

I forgot to ask, but can you "reject" the car? I don't know how consumer protection laws work with "lemon"cars in the UK.

 

Not sure if you can "reject" a car in the UK.

 

Then you need to find out. You may have well bought a "Lemon". I personally would not touch a car with electrical problems.

I think www.mini2.com will be a more helpful resource as you can get in touch with the network of MINI owners in the UK and the mainland.

 

If had the car for 8 months, and this is the first problem.

When it rains......

 

Are you sure your MINI was not assembled using "LUCAS"electrical parts?

 

sorry, but thats not helping.....:(

 

I'd check for a couple things.

First, test the first battery to see if it is really bad. If not, you may have some type of current drain in the car that ran down that battery as well as the replacement.

Was the new/replacement battery fully charged when you installed it? My experience is that new batteries need to be charged for a while before placing it in the vehicle. If not, you'll be trying to charge it with the alternator at the same time it is trying to provide power to the car.

Any time electronic equipment is not getting adequate voltage, it can do some funny things. That may or may not be the cause of your crazy dashboard.

If the first battery checks bad, then check the second one too. Ensure it is fully charged before checking.

Hope this helps a little and good luck!

 

Hi sorry to hear about ur problem heres my 2 cents I worked for mercedes benz for a few years.European cars are very sensitive to current drains any time u disconnect the battery any numerous problems can crop up.I have seen instances were new batteries are installed and the tech would have to hook up a lap top and check and clear fault codes sometimes even reflash the me module in case of mini{bmw} it is called a dme.It sounds like a alternator issue or voltage regulator have ur local dealership check out the charging system hope this helps.

 

I have now managed to get the Mini down to Mini Services.

Fingers Crossed.......

 

Check the major "ACCESSORY" fuse that is in-line with the charging circuit. If open it iwll not allow the accessories to operate or allow the battery to charge. Your light dance was due to low voltage. The battery is NOT charging and you could have a bad alternator that is actually draining the battery due to fialing diodes inside. Check all physical connections, all ground connections, and the health of the alternator. You can also check the steady state drain on the battery with everythinhg off. It should be less than 250 ma.