10 replies to this topic

[MarkC123]

Hi all,

I have recently had a new engine put into my mini about a month ago. Has been driving well, did about 200 miles since - no issues on that front.

Today I started up my mini as per usual and drove for about 5 mins before I took a turn and the car died on me mid drive. I pulled in, tried starting and car and it wouldn’t turn over, didn't hear any whirring like I normally do when turning the key and wouldn't turn over at all but still have my lights etc so I checked the battery - seems good, checked fuel cut off switch, no issue. It was also under a cover so not worried about water in the dizzy.

Trying to diagnose what could cause car to stop mid driving. I’m thinking I’ve either A) blown a fuse so will check relay tomorrow or b) solenoid connection for starter is gone or has come lose?

Any tips on where to begin?

Thanks

Edited by MarkC123, 25 January 2021 - 09:20 PM.

[Steve220]

Do you hear a click from the engine bay/dash area when you try and start it? I.E the starter motor relay firing.

[Tornado99]

Could be a loose connection to ign coil or even engine earth strap. Check all electrical switches to see if anything else is not working. Pull, clean fuses and fuse box connections. When I recently distrubed my fuse box I later had several systems go off line. Full derusting all the connections at the box solved it.
Also, check the HT leads off the distributor cap. One of mine had a poorly crimped metal fitting under the boot such that the inner conductor had pull away.

[Tornado99]

Oh, is this an injected car? If yes, Have you checked the inertial cut off switch in case it triggered going over a bump?

Edited by Tornado99, 25 January 2021 - 09:51 PM.

[sonscar]

Does the motor turn over if you push it in gear?Hopefully not seized.Steve..

[Spider]

It could be a worn ignition switch.

[Dusky]

You’ll solve this with a test light. Find where you have power and where you don’t. If you still have 12v everywhere, get the battery tested.

[MarkC123]

Hi all,

Usually when I go to start the car I’ll turn the key to the final position and I’ll hear an mechanical whirring but I don’t now and when I turn the key I get nothing.

I have checked the inertia cut off switch so it’s not that.

Has to be an electrical connection somewhere.

Thanks

[MarkC123]

So as an update found the issue. The wiring to the starter was in bits so soldered a new connection on and fired up no issue.

Seems like the Wiring is on the same circuit as the fuel pump hence why I didn’t hear any noises when I turned the key.

[Maccmike8]

Result.

[cal844]

That issue would make sense as the loom starts at the starter motor