7 replies to this topic

[Andrew Terry]

Hello All,

 

In mid December I bought a 1996 Cooper Spi. It's my first mini although I previously owned a TR6, into which of course the kids didn't fit.

When I bought the car and until recently it started first time and everything seemed fine. I had intended to come on here with a few simple questions to help me resolve minor issues!

 

My first minor job was that the battery was not secured in anyway, so I bought the parts and whilst waiting left the battery disconnected. This weekend I have fitted the battery bar but on reconnecting the battery the car won't start.

With the immobiliser off I get:

Fuel pump on

Battery and oil light on dash

All other electrics appear to be working.

 

When I turn it over I just get a continous clicking noise which speeds up if I hold the key.

 

I have checked that battery and I only get 9.5v so it is currently charging. Do you think it's just the battery or could be something else?

 

The battery earth cable to the boot floor looks a little knackered so it'll probably replace this anyway.

 

Any help much appreciated and then I can come back with the simple questions!

 

Andrew
 

Edited by Andrew Terry, 15 January 2017 - 07:43 PM.

[panky]

Sounds like a cell has gone down on the battery

[Andrew Terry]

I just checked and after 6 hours charging it's now about 11.9v.

 

Would a drop in charge on the battery to 9.5v cause this problem?

 

A
 

[panky]

9.5 volts is beyond flat, there's no way an engine would turn over with a battery that low.

[Andrew Terry]

So with the battery charged above 12v it now starts fine (phew!)

 

What I am perplexed about is how the battery discharges itself whilst not connected for two weeks? Unless it was already on the borderline.

 

 

A
 

[fragged8]

cold weather kills batteries, often a tired battery will work ok all summer and as soon as it gets cold in the Autumn/winter it will die. I would replace it.

[Andrew Terry]

So the battery has dropped charge again after about 3-4 weeks. Time for a new one.

 

Can anyone recommend a specific battery ideally with the terminals on the right hand side? Mine are currently on the left which isn't ideal.

 

Thanks

A
 

[minifreek1]

I took mine off my old car which was a Vauxhall Omega V6... doesn't have any problem starting :) and it just fits into the battery box in the Mini....