8 replies to this topic

[MattMINIMayfair]

Hello all,

I am wondering whether I need a new ignition switch.

When I got my Mini the keys were lodged in the barrel. When I managed to get them out they were slightly corroded.

The car has never started with the keys in the ignition. I have replaced the wiring loom and the relays and the car is earthed. It won't start using the key.

When I turn the key it sometimes doesn't turn and when it does the barrel makes a loud clicking sound. It is the barrel making this sound. Do I need a new barrel?

Thanks,

- Matthew

[Ethel]

I don't know anything about the MPI immobiliser, but if I heard a clicking sound, I'd be looking at the relays and/or starter solenoid - that's assuming the battery has enough oomph in it to crank the engine.

[MattMINIMayfair]

Hi Ethel,

 

My Mini isn’t an MPI, it’s an 1989 Mayfair and I have already replaced the starter relay and the solenoid and starter are okay. The battery is brand new.

 

The noise is definitely coming from the barrel, I am wondering if I need a new barrel.

 

Thanks,

 

- Matthew

[84 City E]

Hi Ethel,

 

My Mini isn’t an MPI, it’s an 1989 Mayfair and I have already replaced the starter relay and the solenoid and starter are okay. The battery is brand new.

 

The noise is definitely coming from the barrel, I am wondering if I need a new barrel.

 

Thanks,

 

- Matthew

Is it like a metallic click/thunk kind of noise, is it possibly the steering lock disengaging when you turn the key, if you grip the steering wheel and jiggle it slightly left/right does the noise get quieter?

[MattMINIMayfair]

Thank you for the suggestion 84 City E, it could be the steering lock actually. Should have thought of that. I’ll test it tomorrow because I don’t have access to the car currently. 
 

I’ll be back tomorrow with an update.

 

Thanks,

 

Matthew

[MattMINIMayfair]

 

Hi Ethel,

 

My Mini isn’t an MPI, it’s an 1989 Mayfair and I have already replaced the starter relay and the solenoid and starter are okay. The battery is brand new.

 

The noise is definitely coming from the barrel, I am wondering if I need a new barrel.

 

Thanks,

 

- Matthew

Is it like a metallic click/thunk kind of noise, is it possibly the steering lock disengaging when you turn the key, if you grip the steering wheel and jiggle it slightly left/right does the noise get quieter?

 

 It does sound like a metallic clunk sound.

[MattMINIMayfair]

Hello everyone.

 

All sorted now the engine turns over with the key.

 

Thank you for all the suggestions,

 

- Matthew

[stuart bowes]

glad it got sorted, what was the issue in the end? and how you solved it, it might help others in the future

[mini-mad-mark]

Hi Ethel,

 

My Mini isn’t an MPI, it’s an 1989 Mayfair and I have already replaced the starter relay and the solenoid and starter are okay. The battery is brand new.

 

The noise is definitely coming from the barrel, I am wondering if I need a new barrel.

 

Thanks,

 

- Matthew

FYI - the reason Ethel assumed MPI was because you posted in the injection minis section (for future reference)