22 replies to this topic

[CCX]

Hi,

 

My MPi will no longer start, and the immobiliser is behaving very strangely which leads me to suspect that this is the problem. 

 

• It was last driven 2 weeks ago, and since then has sat on our drive. 
• When we came to start it a few days ago, by disabling the immobiliser (pressing the plain button) in the normal way before starting the car, there was a brief clicking sound (starter motor?) but the engine failed to start. 
• I have since re charged the battery to check that this was not the problem, and the car will still not start. The battery is only a few months old.
• I immediately thought that the immobiliser must be the problem, so attempted to reset it by following the procedure outlined in the manual.
• However, on resetting the alarm/immobiliser, the light flashes very erratically and intermittently and there are odd noises coming from the dashboard, sort of buzzing noises.
• Eventually, the immobiliser light will return to flashing normally, however the engine will still not start once the plain button on the fob is pressed.

I'm completely stuck as to what the problem might be, and as I'm fairly new to Mini ownership I would really appreciate it if someone could help me out with this. If you need any more info to determine where the problem may be, please ask.

 

Many thanks.

[Ipod]

double check that the batterry terminals are done up tight, as just placed on will affect it.

 

EDIT: aslo check/reset the fuel cuttoff switch, as faffing with the battery can trigger it

Edited by Ipod, 12 July 2013 - 11:39 AM.

[IainStallard]

Try disconnecting the battery for half an hour to let the system discharge, and then reconnect it. Then press the plain button on the key fob 5 times to disable the immobiliser. Might work as after the battery is disconnected, the fob needs resynchronising

[CCX]

@ Ipod Yes I've checked that. They seem to be Ok.

 

@Iain - I disconnected the battery overnight to charge it and then followed the fob reset procedure in the manual to reset it. I'm not sure if the fob will resynchronise properly though, which might be the problem. Sometimes it takes 5 presses, sometimes 7 etc, It's all over the place.

Edited by CCX, 12 July 2013 - 11:43 AM.

[IainStallard]

That's very strange. Does it not allow you to turn it over at all?

[CCX]

No, the starter motor seems to click once but won't turn over.

[IainStallard]

To me that sounds like a flat battery. Have you tried jump starting it?

[Ipod]

check all earths are clean

Check that the terminal on the starter is tight

also check the terminals on the altenator is tight too

 

check the starter relay too

 

As said i recon its the battery (rare but you can buy a duff new one) check the voltage when charged

Edited by Ipod, 12 July 2013 - 11:56 AM.

[CCX]

To me that sounds like a flat battery. Have you tried jump starting it?

 

Yes.

 

check all earths are clean

Check that the terminal on the starter is tight

also check the terminals on the altenator is tight too

 

check the starter relay too

 

As said i recon its the battery (rare but you can buy a duff new one) check the voltage when charged

 

OK thanks, I'll have a look. 

 

Thank you both for your help. 

Edited by CCX, 12 July 2013 - 11:59 AM.

[Ipod]

got it going yet?

 

Let us know how you get on, as information might help others

[CCX]

Sorry no, I haven't had chance yet. It will be a few days before I have time to look at it. Don't worry though, I'll get back to you and let you know how I'm getting on.

 

Thanks again for your help.

[Fossy313]

Check all the fuses in the engine bay as well mate, the clicking is defiantly the starter I reakon which means the car has been immobilised so that can be ruled out.... Defiantly Sounds like a battery, if u can borrow one out another car and hook it up of the leads for and give that a go

[CCX]

Check all the fuses in the engine bay as well mate, the clicking is defiantly the starter I reakon which means the car has been immobilised so that can be ruled out.... Defiantly Sounds like a battery, if u can borrow one out another car and hook it up of the leads for and give that a go

Thanks, I will have a look and report back. May not be for a few days though, other things have to take priority unfortunately. I appreciate your help.

[welshdan]

Had a simular problem. Went down all the usual checks outlined. The immobiliser decided it would no longer work. A replacement immob, ecu and fob from another mpi sorted this...if you have access to another set it would be good to swap them to rule this out. Cheers

[CCX]

Had a simular problem. Went down all the usual checks outlined. The immobiliser decided it would no longer work. A replacement immob, ecu and fob from another mpi sorted this...if you have access to another set it would be good to swap them to rule this out. Cheers

Really? That's not good news, hopefully this is not the case with mine. Fingers crossed...