22 replies to this topic

[Sisco]

I was driving today and starter began clicking in the middle of driving, i stopped and the earth strap was smoking.

I then took the key out and it carried on running.. So i stalled it.

Then when i switched the headlights on the engine started up again.

I cut it off and started it with the key again. This time the right indicator was held on and smoke was coming from the left of my brake servo. So I had to disconnect the battery and get recovered.

Where to start! Could it be starter relay or earth strap? Or something else?

I have covered 1000 miles recently with no problems.

Edited by Sisco, 01 February 2013 - 08:52 PM.

[Gulfclubby]

Sounds like the solenoid is shorting, assuming you have the inertia type starter with the external solenoid. It may have corroded over the terminals, been wet or something may be short circuiting it. Disconnect the battery and investigate. There may well be another earth issue too, given all kinds of bits are staying on. That is usually a sign of a bad earth connection elsewhere. As I said, disconnect the battery and check the starter solenoid as well as all the earth straps and connections of the major +V feeds. They might be corroded or dirty at the terminals/connections or broken/burnt.
This is a potential fire hazard, so better keep the battery off until you have found the problem.

[mini mayfair]

would try cleaning all the earths you can see! and electrical gell the joints.stops rusting

[Sisco]

Thanks for the replies. It is a 1990 mini, would it have a solenoid and if so where can i find it?

May trying cleaning up the engine earth strap too. I'm abit puzzled with this one as not sure how the lights would cause the engine to start up.

[garrymacmini]

trace the main batt feed cable from your starter back it will lead you straight to the solenoid, which should be on the o/s wing a squarish:-

[bmcecosse]

Sounds as though some of the wiring has melted together - I fear it may need at least a partial new loom... Have a really good inspect - especially where you saw 'smoke'....

[Sisco]

Thanks I will investigate tomorrow and keep you posted.

I do hate electrical faults!

[Gulfclubby]

The problem with faulty ground connections is that all of a sudden there may be electricity flowing where you wouldn't expect it, like a river flowing upstream. All kinds of crazy things can happen.
Moreover, if you had an electrical fire in the wiring loom of which you may not even be aware of still, the wires could be fused together where they're not supposed to, creating entirely new connections.
Have a good look at all the wiring you can get to under the bonnet, I'm pretty sure you will find the culprit.

[Sisco]

Hmm.. I hope not..

Good point though i will inspect the loom tomorrow as there was a fair amount of smoke coming from the top left of the engine bay. I hope there is not any significant damage.

Been so happy with how the mini has been running recently too

[bmcecosse]

If there was smoke - there has been fire - I would at least pull all the fuses before attempting to connect the battery - but i fear a new loom will be needed.

[Sisco]

Thanks for the advice. I have checked it today and the main loom has melted slightly

I am going to remove the loom tape to see how badly it is damaged as some wires are showing. At a first glance it looks repairable if i replace part of the loom. However, i am a little concerned that if i replace it that it could happen again without knowing the fault.

Any thoughts?

[tiger99]

Tell us the colours of every wire which seems to have melted, and we may be able to pinpoint the problem.

[Sisco]

From looking at the loom the most damage seems to be with brown, white and both green/red wires.

The green and red wire has stripped to the copper. Am i right in thinking these arethe headlights.This wouldprobably explain why the headlights started the car.

I am glad I noticed the smoke early.

Ideally i dont want to replace the whole loom so my thought is buy some correct colour/gauge wiring/ spare loom and replace the damaged wires soldering and heatshrinking the joins. I guess i can run it while the wires are all seperate to check its ok before i tape it all up.

[rally515]

I know what it is ............


























YOUR MINI IS ALIVE !!!

[Sisco]

Not atm he is pretty dead!!