5 replies to this topic

[MiniElliott]

Hi, I have recentlly had the problem of my mini cutting out and losing ALL electical power. I replaced the wing mounted solenoid as this was damaged during an engine change and the problem went away. However soon after the problem started again. This basically consisted of: Not enough power the turn the starter (just getting the 'Click') and complete electrical failure.

The recuring factor was every time it had a problem it had been raining.
I removed the battey Live cable and found a section around 10cm long that had been rubbed flat. There was a very small amount of the copper wire showing and a 4cm stretch covered by very loose insulation.

I have since repaired the damaged section.

So my question is would this most likley be the cause or could I be overlooking another problem.

I believe this is the problem but I need a second opinion as I dont want to be stuck at the lights again without the ability to put my hazzards on, in the rain durring rush hour. Also I dont believe the problem is with the ignition as I couldnt use my Hazzards or Lights that have a constant live feed.

Thanks
Elliott

Edited by MiniElliott, 29 August 2012 - 06:19 PM.

[MiniElliott]

BUMP

[jimnali]

Elliott
It sounds like the cable has been rubbing against the floor or exhaust. This could cause a short circuit and could lead to a fire. You need to get it fixed ASAP.

This could well be the cause of tyour problem - an intermittent short or current leakage will take the current away from other circuits and will drain the battery.

I would also check that the connections on the battery and solenoiod are clean, free of corrosion and firmly attached. Check the engine earth lead too.

[MiniElliott]

Elliott
It sounds like the cable has been rubbing against the floor or exhaust. This could cause a short circuit and could lead to a fire. You need to get it fixed ASAP.

This could well be the cause of tyour problem - an intermittent short or current leakage will take the current away from other circuits and will drain the battery.

I would also check that the connections on the battery and solenoiod are clean, free of corrosion and firmly attached. Check the engine earth lead too.

I have repaired the cable with insulation tape and made sure it was secure. The solenoid is brand new and all connections are good. Also both battery terminals are clean and are secured using the clamp type connections. The earth cable is brand new and has a good conection. To me the exposed wire seems like the most logical explanation however I dont want to be over looking anything since the ca is my daily driver and I carnt afford reliability issues.

Thanks
Elliott

[maccers]

This exact same thing happened to me a while back. For no reason the car would just cut out, and all electrics dead. Turn the key and nothing, not even red ign lamp. Next time it happened the car filled with smoke. Both times I would need to leave the car for maybe 5 mins and magically it started again!

It was not until I had an MOT and the guy failed it due to the battery cable having about a 10 cm section of bare copper exposed, and it was hitting the exhaust and causing the short as described above. Replaced cabled and cured issue, and more importantly, potential fire hazard!!

[tiger99]

This usually happens where the cable runs forward from its channel in the floor to the subframe, and is usually because one or other of its two fixings is missing, allowing it to touch the exhaust. Guess how I know!

One clip is bolted to the bottom flange of the subframe, the other is on a long bolt and white plastic spacer, and attaches to the rear leg of the subframe.