14 replies to this topic

[jonnyfawr]

Apologies for what is probably a repeat thread....
Having so many problems with starting my '89 mini 998.
Started with the battery not charging, so changed the alternator.
She still started like a dog, turning over really slowly, so checked the starter motor, cleaned it up and refitted it(seemed ok).
At this point the ignition light came on ok, but the starter didn't even try to turn...the ignition relay wasn't clicking, so changed that...now I don't even get the ignition light to come on!! Really fed up!

I've checked the volts at the battery, 12.6
Checked the volts at the starter (live cable), 12.5
Volts at alternator 12.5
Checked the four fuses..ok
Checked the 2 in line fuses..ok

What can I check next?
Appreciate any help

[Tamworthbay]

Moved to technical section for you

[mrbridger]

Have you checked the negative earth battery strap connection?

[jonnyfawr]

Yes, there's continuity from the terminal to the body bolt

[Captain Mainwaring]

There almost certainly would be - now check it under load. Switch the lights on and see what voltage you have at the starter if it's pre-enganged compared to the body itself, then compared to the engine. 

Headlights aren't a huge load but will be enough to start you off looking for high impedance.

Remember on low voltage - just because you see volts with no load, doesn't mean there isn't a very high resistance somewhere - sounds like that here.

[The-Womble]

Are you sure the battery is not just completely flat now?

[jonnyfawr]

At the starter, without ignition ...12.5
With headlights and fan blower...12.0

Cleaned up the earth bolt and now have ignition light, ignition relay is clicking, nothing happening at the starter though.
Should i blow £80 on a new starter?

Edited by jonnyfawr, 14 July 2013 - 12:57 PM.

[The-Womble]

As far as I'm aware, you'll still get ~12v from the battery even if it's pretty much flat; It's the fact that there is not enough current left to crank the engine over.

 

Definately try either charging the battery or jump-starting it off another car. Mine always clicks when the battery is near-enough flat.

[Captain Mainwaring]

At the starter, without ignition ...12.5
With headlights and fan blower...12.0

Cleaned up the earth bolt and now have ignition light, ignition relay is clicking, nothing happening at the starter though.
Should i blow £80 on a new starter?

 

As suggested, jump it and see what happens.

 

The alternator also needs a good earth path to charge.

[jonnyfawr]

fitted new battery earth lead, new starter motor...and nothing, just the relay clicking...what next?

Edited by jonnyfawr, 15 July 2013 - 12:45 PM.

[mrbridger]

I had a 1989 mini with similar symptoms and went through quite a few starter solenoids (small yellow or green relay cubes on the drivers inner wing). They became faulty and just clicked themselves to death! Replacing this should solve your problem.

Edited by mrbridger, 15 July 2013 - 12:19 PM.

[jonnyfawr]

I had a 1989 mini with similar symptoms and went through quite a few starter solenoids (small yellow or green relay cubes on the drivers inner wing). They became faulty and just clicked themselves to death! Replacing this should solve your problem.

thanks but ive fitted a new one (the old one stopped clicking altogether) this clicks like mad, but nothing happening at the starter

Edited by jonnyfawr, 15 July 2013 - 01:32 PM.

[jonnyfawr]

Refitted the old ignition relay (the one i thought was shot)...started first time...happy days
 
on the upside..
1. polished up the horn while i was fitting the new starter motor, so it nice and shiny now.
2. I now know the wiring inside out !!
 
thanks for all the help

Edited by jonnyfawr, 15 July 2013 - 06:57 PM.

[mrbridger]

Hurrah!

[dannyboi88]

I'm having the same trouble with mine atm, just wondering what type of relay I need for the starter. It's an old metal type one, can't make out the amp rating it should be? Only know its a 5 pin type. Sorry to jump on your thread, just thought I'd post as I saw this while browsing.