5 replies to this topic

[dougie.cowie]

Hi,

 

I've got a problem with my 1998 cooper sportspack. Basically, it won't start off the starter motor. Key goes into the ignition, all electrics turn on, but when I turn the key to start the engine, nothing. The only sound is a faint click (I'm assuming this is the starter motor relay?). However, It will bump start and run no bother.

 

The voltmeter in the car reads 12V and the lights and radio work with the engine off so I'm fairly certain its not the battery. The key fob wasn't working previously so I thought it may have been the immobiliser however, this has now been sorted and still no joy. When I lifted the grille off to have a look, all seemed well apart from a group of small wires, connected to a spade connector and encased in a small plastic sleeve/case with 'RC' on it, which looked pretty frayed and worn. My guess is that this is some capacitor although I'm not sure of its importance, whether or not this could be the problem. My only other thought is that its a broken connection somewhere between the ignition and the starter motor or that the starter motor is duff.

 

Having very little knowledge of mini electrics and this being my first mini, thought I'd ask on here for some help.

 

Also if anyone could let me know of a good, mini friendly garage in Aberdeen, would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks, dougie.

 

[cal844]

Remove the starter and get it tested?

Why not join www.scottishmini.net

[Ace Alex]

This sounds like the starter relay pack (black box attached the top of the brake servo). I have previously experienced a similar problem.

 

Try disconnecting the relay pack, and reconnecting it. Then check if the engine starts. I would also check/clean the connections.

 

Give this a shot first and see what happens.

 

Also make sure all the connections to the starter motor are clean too.

[dougie.cowie]

Being a student living away from home, don't have any tools to pull it out and test it myself, hence the need for a garage.

 

 

Tried disconnecting, cleaning the contacts and then reconnecting the relay pack, but still no joy. All that happens is a single click sound from the relay box as I turn the key.

 

Have given the starter motor connectors a quick clean already but will have another look at them.

[cal844]

The relay is shot! Change it, if no joy get the starter tested

[KernowCooper]

Test the small wire going to the very top terminal on the solenoid, if you have 12v there with the key in the start position then it pints towards a solenoid fault, these are replaceable and not a big job