Troubleshoot Me Please.
Best Answer TristanCam , 30 December 2017 - 06:49 PM
Absolutely correct. Main connector from the starter. I didn’t find the loose, corroded connection because it was hidden under a wrap of electrical tape. I can’t express how happy I am to hear that rarely engine running! Wish I could attach photos, but a genuine thanks for all the help. Go to the full post
#1
Posted 29 December 2017 - 02:54 AM
Lad temporarily in the USA), but am not trained in engines.
#2
Posted 29 December 2017 - 06:17 AM
Sorry to hear of your recent Mini Motoring experience!
I don't think it would be much. Given your description, probably the first place I'd look is at the starter switch in the floor, underneath the car, there should be a thick Brown Wire (although, after all this time, it may look Black) coming off the battery side of that switch and heading up to the engine bay. I'm guessing this may have broken away.
#3
Posted 29 December 2017 - 06:31 AM
Is the battery known to be in good condition and have enough cranking power? It can possibly be charged enough to turn over but not have enough power to start it up.
#4
Posted 29 December 2017 - 08:35 AM
Years ago I had a similar experience to you on my ‘79 Mini 1000. Was just leaving the farm where we lived and the car just went dead without any warning!!!
As you’ve done, we went through the electrical system systematically and could see nothing visibly wrong. We left the ignition switch in the accessory position with the radio on, which acted as an indicator for the presence (or otherwise) of power.
After spending the best part of an hour on it with no luck, I desperately wiggled the main feed off of the inner wing mounted solenoid.....and the damn thing sprung into life!!!!!
The terminal wasn’t loose but corrosion and road grime had built up and caused the problem. With the battery disconnected for safety reasons, I removed all the connectors from the solenoid and cleaned each. This did the trick and away we went with no further problems.
Cheers, Steve.
#5
Posted 29 December 2017 - 11:27 PM
#6
Posted 30 December 2017 - 05:02 PM
When you switch the lights on (sidelights then headlights) do they light up OK?
#7
Posted 30 December 2017 - 06:31 PM
#8
Posted 30 December 2017 - 06:41 PM
It does sound like the feed from the starter switch, or the other end of it is making a poor connection, could be loose or corroded.
You might need to disconnect a few wires to check the condition of these connections. The one at the Starter Switch is particularly prone to problems, like being ripped out or corrosion due to it's location. I'd suggest for safety, disconnecting the battery (the Earth is wisest) before working on this.
It certainly does seem your battery. main connections and earths are OK, given that it turns over so well.
#9
Posted 30 December 2017 - 06:49 PM Best Answer
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