19 replies to this topic

[handrews123]

My car was running well but then would only start after being jump started. I would leave it running for a while to see if the battery just needed some charge but then it won't start again. The battery is only a year old and so is relatively new. All other electric thing in the car works but it just won't start. When I turn the key it turns over but then the lights on the dash fade out. Anyone have any clue as to why it won't start? Could it be the alternator?

Thanks

[gazza82]

Do you use the car regularly or leave it for long periods?

 

Get the multi-meter out and measure the voltage of the battery and when it is running to check the alternator output.

 

Also check the battery terminals are tight, clean and dry and also the earth points.

[dklawson]

As gazza82 said, clean all the connections both at the front of the car and in the boot.  Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery with the engine off, then measure across the battery again with the engine running.  Let us know what you find.

 

Is your red charge warning light working?  The warning lamp must be...

"off" with the key out of the ignition,

"on" with the key in the run position with the engine NOT RUNNING, and

"off" with the engine running. 

 

Let us know if any of those lamp conditions are not happening.

[handrews123]

I don't actually have a multimeter I don't think. All of my lights are as they should be. When I twist it sort of sounds like a machine gun if that means anything. I think it could be some sort of wiring problem?

[TedKarslake]

In my experience, I would say it was the battery which is the problem. If not the battery, check the alternator and belt. I had a problem at the beginning of the year where I bought a brand new faulty alternator and it wouldn't charge the battery - absolute nightmare! I would recommend buying a multimeter, they are so handy for anything to do with wiring on the car

[Ethel]

The battery and earth cables are also potential suspects.

[handrews123]

I think you're right with the battery. I got it jump started and left it running for a while. I had the windscreen wipers going and then the lights and the engine cut out. I'll try giving it a good charge of not it has a 3 year warranty.

Thanks for all the help

[dklawson]

If the charge warning light is working as I described you should borrow a multimeter and make the voltage measurements across the battery with the car at rest and with the engine running.  A healthy, fully charged battery will measure close to 12.5 volts.  When the alternator is working, it should supply slightly higher voltage to the battery to charge it.  Therefore you want to see something between 13.5 and 14.5 volts across the battery with the engine running.  

 

If you don't have that voltage increase, suspect the alternator.  If you do have that voltage increase and the battery looses its charge, have the battery tested.  If the battery tests OK, look for other problems that may be causing the battery to discharge... things like lamps that are not turning off or accessories that may be draining the battery while the car is parked.

[Blatherskite]

I don't actually have a multimeter I don't think. All of my lights are as they should be. When I twist it sort of sounds like a machine gun if that means anything. I think it could be some sort of wiring problem?

Rattling like that - not enough voltage getting to the starter. Battery, charging or poor contacts in the main power cable to the starter, maybe loose or corroded earth. Fault-finding - as described by the others.

[ChopperHarris]

The rattling is the solenoid cutting in and out rapidly due to insufficient power...check as above

[gazza82]

I think you're right with the battery. I got it jump started and left it running for a while. I had the windscreen wipers going and then the lights and the engine cut out. I'll try giving it a good charge of not it has a 3 year warranty.

Thanks for all the help

 

Take it the Mini isn't your daily-ride?

 

If it is, then head for the battery connections and earth cables first.

 

Oh and buy a multi-meter .. everyone needs one!

Edited by gazza82, 23 October 2015 - 03:32 PM.

[classicminifittings]

Hi,
As you see on sll these posts check your battery i suggest charging your battery till full and reconnect. (Careful battery acid leaks)
Also HTC leads check them, Check distributor cap / dizzy cap blow though it but remember which HTC leads you disconnected will make it easier after. Check your air filter and engine breather too which can be located near the wiper motor.
Check earth cable to engine, (disconnect battery 1st)
Check your starter relay and replace with new located at top left
And also your ignition coil replace with new
I had similar problem in the past
Let me know if need help and can take photos if this helps

[dklawson]

The OP is having problems with their battery not being strong enough to turn the engine over. 

 

The ignition components (coil and high-tension leads) and items like the air filter are not contributing to the problem and should not be replaced.  Doing so introduces new variables that will cloud troubleshooting.  Likewise, the OP reported chattering when trying to turn the engine over.  That indicates that the starter motor is getting some power and therefore, the starter relay does not need to be replaced.

[Alpenflitzer]

Here is y systematic trouble check list:

 

 

KEIN START – TROUBLE SHOOTER

FAULT

 CAUSE / CURE

 

Starter will not turn engine (headlights dim)

1. Battery low    1. Charge battery and check charging system.

 

2. Faulty battery      2. Fit new battery.

 

3. Corroded battery cables or loose connections    3. Clean battery connections or replace battery leads. Tighten battery and startermotor connections.

 

4. Starter jammed    4. Free starter.

 

5. Seized engine      5. Remove spark-plugs to confirm.

 

Starter will not turn engine (headlights bright)

1. Faulty starter solenoid    1. Replace solenoid.

 

2. Faulty starter engagement (starter-motor whine)      2. Clean or replace starter bendix.

 

3. Faulty starter       3. Repair or replace starter motor.

 

4. Faulty ignition switch    4. Fit new switch.

 

Engine turns slowly but will not start

1. Battery low     1. Charge battery and check charging system.

 

2. Faulty battery     2. Replace battery.

 

3. Corroded battery leads or loose connections    3. Clean battery connections or -replace battery leads. Tighten connections.

 

4. Faulty starter    4. Repair or replace starter motor.

 

Engine turns but will not fire

1. Ignition fault    Check for spark at plug lead.

 

2. No spark at plug lead    2. Check coil output to confirm high or low-tension fault. If spark from coil, check HT leads, distributor cap and rotor arm, parti-cularly for cracks, tracking or dampness. If no spark from coil, check ignition-coil connections and contact-breaker points for short circuits or disconnection.

 

3. Spark at plug lead        3. Remove air cleaner from carburettor and check choke operation. Loosen petrolpipe union at carburettor. Turn engine by starter for a mechanical pump, or switch on ignition for electric pump. Check if petrol is being delivered.

 

4. Fuel reaching carburettor     4. Look into carburettor mouth. Operate throttle and observe whether damp or dry. If dry, clean jets and needle valve. If damp, remove spark-plugs, dry, clean and check gaps.

 

5. No fuel to carburettor     5. Remove petrol-tank cap and check for fuel.

 

6. Car with electric fuel pump     6. Check pump has a good earth and give pump a sharp tap. If it starts pumping, which will be heard, replace pump. If not fuel lines may be blocked.

 

7. Car with mechanical pump     7. Remove pump-top cover, clean pump filter and make sure the cover, when refitted, is airtight. Check flexible pipe to pump for air leaks.

 

Engine backfires

1. Ignition timing faulty       1. Check and reset ignition timing.

 

2. Damp distributor cap and leads     2. Dry thoroughly and check firing order.

Edited by Alpenflitzer, 23 October 2015 - 09:29 PM.

[classicminifittings]

Its still worth a try though whats the worse could happen parts get replaced everytime!!!!