22 replies to this topic

[1984mini25]

Is there any way of testing whether it is the solenoid?

 

 

Yes, with the car out of gear (obviously) short over the two big main terminals on the solenoid (anything metal and insulated at one end like a screwdriver) mounted on the inner wing under the washer bottle (it just lifts out) and at the same time have a helper sat in the car starting it as you would normally.  

 

I also had to do this for about a week years ago, when the solenoid started paying up (ah, I'll be fine) and then died complexly leaving it the only option to start the car to get to and from work (did get some right dirty looks, especially pushing the mini off a petrol station forecourt to then jump start it and drive off) , until I finally managed to blag a free working replacement from down the scrap yard.

Edited by 1984mini25, 08 September 2014 - 10:16 AM.

[exuptoy]

If you have a lamp holder you could connect one end to earth an the other end to the small solenoid switch wire and when you crank it the lamp will light, or use a multimeter if you have one to check for 12 volts when cranking.

[Vicky1000]

older minis with inertia starters have the wing mounted solenoid.
 
does the car have an immobiliser ? the fact that nothing happens when turning the key sounds like its maybe killing the ignition circuit due to an electrical fault.
 
may be a good idea to get a multimeter and check if the solenoid is even getting power and the fuses / relays etc.

Hasn't got immobiliser and checked fuses they are all fine. Going to check solenoid tonight as it happened at 10.30 last night so was too late to check it. But got a new solenoid being delivered to work by this afternoon just in case

[Vicky1000]

So fitted a new solenoid and Cherry came back to life! Looks like she wanted a shiny new part before the MOT

[Bubblebobble]

Naughty mini , glad its fixed .

[exuptoy]

Nice one!

[Vicky1000]

Thanks for the help! It's very much appreciated :)

[OllyGW]

 

Is there any way of testing whether it is the solenoid?

 

 

Yes, with the car out of gear (obviously) short over the two big main terminals on the solenoid (anything metal and insulated at one end like a screwdriver) mounted on the inner wing under the washer bottle (it just lifts out) and at the same time have a helper sat in the car starting it as you would normally.  

 

I also had to do this for about a week years ago, when the solenoid started paying up (ah, I'll be fine) and then died complexly leaving it the only option to start the car to get to and from work (did get some right dirty looks, especially pushing the mini off a petrol station forecourt to then jump start it and drive off) , until I finally managed to blag a free working replacement from down the scrap yard.

 

Got the same problem with my solenoid. Would shorting it over the two main terminals send current to the starter? and if so how do you know if its buggered?