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Mini Won't Start - Ignition Light On


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#1 skuz

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Posted 27 November 2007 - 11:59 PM

I have a 1996 Mini Cooper 1.3i which has been running great up until now. After the recent rain and a bit of a flooded floor, my mini won't start.

If I put the key in the ignition and turn to start the starter motor, it sounds like the starter motor is about to turn over, but then just ticks. The ticking continues even when I turn the key to the ignition on position, but at a softer pace, this stops after a few seconds when I turn the key to the off position.

My thoughts are that it must be electrical as the ignition warning light remains on as soon as the ignition is turned on and when I turn the key to start the started motor, the clock in the dashboard jumps forward by about 5-10min!

Any ideas on where to start looking?

#2 norwegianminiman

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 07:24 AM

there might not be enough current in the battery to turn it over? must say I dont really understand what you mean.

#3 skuz

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 08:37 AM

Pretty sure there is enough current in the battery as lights will go on full strength and something is ticking over, it is just not the starter motor. I can even feel the ticking through the clutch. I call it ticking cause thats what it sounds like, it doesn't have the full volume or force of when the starter motor turns over.

#4 minimadjonesy

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 08:39 AM

sounds like your starter solenoid has gone! either that or not enough juice! try jump starting it and if it does the same then you need a new one!

#5 norwegianminiman

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:37 AM

new what? mini??

#6 skuz

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:53 AM

sounds like your starter solenoid has gone! either that or not enough juice! try jump starting it and if it does the same then you need a new one!



Well just tried to push start it and it worked. The starter motor make about a half turn before the ticking kicks in. The the ticking sounds like it is coming from under the carb.

#7 minimadjonesy

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:55 AM

it'll be your solenoid then! depends on the age of your car as to if it is part of the starter or mounted on the inner wing!

#8 Dan

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 10:57 AM

Your car doesn't (or shouldn't...) have a carb.

*moved to the injection section*

Edited by Dan, 28 November 2007 - 10:58 AM.


#9 minimadjonesy

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 11:08 AM

ok, didn't pick up that it was injection for some reason! believe that the ignition is fired by a relay on the later cars (could be wrong and someone will surely correct me!) These are usually mounted up by the scuttle so it may need replacing!

#10 Bevan

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 03:21 PM

I have the same problem, im 90% sure its the starter motor. Im buying a new one tomorow, gonna cost me £85 but I got a 25% discount to use! I may be able to get my old one fixed as my mums other half said he used to fix starter motors in his lunch break! He cant do it for a few days which is why im buying a new one.

[EDIT] the starter motor is next to the flywheel housing at the bottom left if looking at the engine bay. The solonide is ontop of the starter motor. Have a look at my post later (I just broke down) and I will post up a pic if you cant find it.

Edited by Bevan, 28 November 2007 - 03:23 PM.


#11 duncancallum

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 04:40 PM

sounds like a flat battery

if theres not enough current the motor will attempt to turn which will cause the soliniod to chatter try a jump start or put it on charge

#12 minimadjonesy

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 05:11 PM

sounds like your starter solenoid has gone! either that or not enough juice! try jump starting it and if it does the same then you need a new one!



Well just tried to push start it and it worked. The starter motor make about a half turn before the ticking kicks in. The the ticking sounds like it is coming from under the carb.



Also, "Push starting" (also known as "Bump Starting") and "Jump Starting" are two different things! Jump Start your car using another car and jump leads first to rule out low battery!

Edited by minimadjonesy, 28 November 2007 - 05:11 PM.


#13 Bevan

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Posted 28 November 2007 - 06:02 PM

He said he push started it and it worked, which indicates to me that the battery is ok as im sure if it was flat, it would not start atall.

#14 minimadjonesy

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Posted 29 November 2007 - 08:54 AM

Push starting will allow the car to start even if the battery is pretty flat! Basically you are rolling the car forward on the clutch and when you drop the clutch the road wheels engage and turn the engine over! Then the alternator provides most of the power for running the car!

#15 redhotmini

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Posted 29 November 2007 - 07:18 PM

Push starting will allow the car to start even if the battery is pretty flat! Basically you are rolling the car forward on the clutch and when you drop the clutch the road wheels engage and turn the engine over! Then the alternator provides most of the power for running the car!


exactly!

charge or replace the battery for a new one, if its clicking or turns over once then starts clicking, then there isnt enough power in the battery. change it (its cheaper than a starter motor) or charge it overnight (which is free if you got a battery charger). There well may be enough juice in the battery to power the lights, which compared to the starter motor require very little power.




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