4 replies to this topic

[Jerry Hattrick]

Hi, I am new here, but have owned minis for many years, I have an issue that is stopping the car from starting, the vehicle is a 1999 Mini Cooper S, I have made sure the car battery is charged, as well as changing all the batteries in the key fobs, the alarm system and other electrics are functioning but the starter motor won't engage and I can't get the vehicle to start, has anyone had similar issues and could this be a fault on the main relay? I had green flag out today, they were no help!

 

Thanks in advance

 

Jerry

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Firstly,   Welcome

 

You say the starter motor won't engage - is the motor spinning or not ?

 

I had a similar experience with our Citroen. The main key would not work / stopped working. I used the second key, which allowed the car to start and drive fine.

 

I now have to use the second key, the main is not allowing the car to start, but the spare is fine. Try your second key, and see if it will work with that.

 

The immobiliser is around the ignition key barrel, and picks up the signal from the key, this is what I was told, but worked for me.

[Jerry Hattrick]

Many thanks for your welcome, and comments.

I have two sets of keys, each with a fob. Both of the fobs switch the alarm system on and of and I can hear a feint click from the relay box and within a second or two a sound that I think is the fuel pump, but not a hint of the starter motor engaging. all dials and dashboard meters and light are functioning. I have tried tapping the starter motor just in case it was jammed.

[Quinlan minor]

If you put it in fourth gear (ignition off) and push the car does the engine turn over?

If you put the headlights on and turn the key to the start position, do the lights stay on?

Does the starter motor get warm when you turn the key to the start position?

Have you tried bump starting it?

 

[Steve220]

Few things to check.

 

1) The engine earth - is it present, is it in good condition

2) Check fuse C8 (10 amp) in the driver's side fuse box

3) Check the larger plug going into the multi relay box. Remove it and see if there is any charring/browning around one of the plug pins.

 

The fact you can hear the fuel pump says to me you're getting power to the relay box.