North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2007-2013: Why Won't My Car Start?

Find out why your engine is not turning over.

By Ryan Christian - June 29, 2016

This article applies to the MINI Cooper (2007-2013).

When you get in your car in the morning and turn the key you expect one thing: that the engine fires up. When that doesn't happen it can be irritating, and usually launches most people into a frenzied state of allocating funds to accommodate costly repair fees. Fortunately for you, this article is here to help. Your engine may not be completely gone, and the fix may be simple. Using the information found here you'll know what you're looking for, and likely be able to dodge a sky high bill from your local repair shop or dealership.

Mini Cooper 2007-2013: Why Won't My Car Start?

Material Needed

  • Voltmeter (or multimeter set to voltage)

Step 1 – Does your battery need replaced?

The very first thing to check is that your battery is charged and providing voltage to your car. If the battery is dead, you can turn the key as many times as you want, but it will not come on. Set your multimeter to voltage and test the battery terminals; if your car is putting out less than about 12.5 volts, your battery is likely dead and requires replacement.

fuel pump relay starter battery timing chain tensioner mini cooper R56 will not start
Figure 1. Inspect your battery with a voltmeter.

Step 2 – Is your MINI Cooper in need of a tensioner replacement

The timing chain tensioner on the MINI Cooper has been known to go bad and need replacement, and when it goes, it can lead to a whole lot of other problems. If you do have the tensioner rattle (it sounds like it's coming from the top end of the engine), you'll need that repaired pronto. A service bulletin related to this issue has been released and can be found here.

fuel pump relay starter battery timing chain tensioner mini cooper R56 will not start
Figure 2. If your chain tensioner fails, the timing chain will rattle inside the engine.

Step 3 – Is your fuel pump relay functioning normally?

In some instances the fuel pump relay on the MINI Cooper will malfunction and be unable to properly communicate with the fuel pump. In this situation the car will act as though it is trying to start, but simply not be getting enough fuel to do so. Test the battery as well as the fuel pump itself, and if both are functioning properly, you are likely in need of a new fuel pump relay. Replacing the relay is like replacing a glorified fuse, easy and solves the problem.

fuel pump relay starter battery timing chain tensioner mini cooper R56 will not start
Figure 3. Fuel pump relay.

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