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Mini Cooper Wouldn't Start

itsrelfy
itsrelfy
in General Chat

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Hi all

Don't know if anyone could help me she's any light in this.

Went out in my fiancés 2004 mini yesterday to get it cleaned then take it for it's mot. When we got to the car wash ( one of those hand jobbies) we switched off and waited until they had cleaned it and then got back in and it wouldn't start just a clicking noise.

So straight away I thought battery. Anyway the guys there helped me to bump start and it fired straight up.

Drove to it's mot in town and had no more starting issues.

Went to eurocar parts and picked up a new battery then travelled to my folks house 20 mile away. Borrowed my dads multi meter and it showed 12.5v. Went to install the new battery which incidentally didn't fit as it wasn't tall enough so the cables didn't fit on the terminals.

So reinstalled new one and the voltage was still good. Fired it up checked voltage whilst running and it showed 14.5v

So I know it's not a ford but do you think it could be a faulty starter motor or something else?

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Adrian.

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    At first I was thinking, I hope you had a balaclava on until I read the bit about the car wash - ' one of those hand jobbies'. Pmsl, you'll need to tell me where :lol:

    Anyway.. Sounds like it could be a dodgy battery. Testing a static battery with a multimeter isn't proving anything, joining 8x AA batteries will give 12v but it won't start a car..

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    Incorrect information removed,

    Old technique no longer practiced :)

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    Lenny, I would strongly recommend not to do that. You risk spiking the ecu.

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    Lenny, I would strongly recommend not to do that. You risk spiking the ecu.

    Ow rite :lol: how much are they?

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    Well sir, you know BMW own Mini, you better take a seat! :lol:

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    Given that the car had just been washed, I would say the issue was likely to have been a bit too much water spray. Possibly enough to moisten some sensor / battery / starter just enough that it didnt like it. The bump start forced it to life and the heat would have dried it off. If your still running the original battery, and its still working fine, I would put it down to a soggy car.

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    • Like 1

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