28 replies to this topic

[l_bratch]

Hello, this is my first post on this forum. I've read some other threads, and this seems like the place to ask.

I have a Mini Mayfair 1275 from 1996. It's injection, and has an immobiliser.

I've been driving it for a few months now, and this is the first time this problem has happened.

I was driving it yesterday, stopped somewhere, got back in a few minutes later, and it wouldn't start at all.

When you turn the key, there is definately a click somewhere from under the bonnet, so the ignition is apparently at least connected to whatever system it connects to.

I figured out straight away yesterday that it bump starts fine (that's how I got home).

Today I had a friend round trying to help me, and we accidently discovered that if you cross over the bolt in the middle (with a few wires coming off it) of the starter motor, with the spade connector at the edge (with one wire coming off it), you get a lot of sparks, but more importantly the starter motor turns and the car starts easily (assuming ignition is turned).

So I put it to you - what is the problem here?

Please bear in mind that I'm a bit of a dummy when it comes to cars, but I'm trying to learn. So I can try whatever you suggest, but it might need some explaining!

Edited by l_bratch, 27 November 2006 - 10:20 PM.

[minimad998]

to be honest im not quite sure is the mini manual or auto?

[vasi]

I'm sure the solenoid (basically a big relay) is attached to the starter motor on later cars, this may be at fault.

Can anyone else confirm?

[l_bratch]

to be honest im not quite sure is the mini manual or auto?

It's a manual, 4 speed.

Not sure about that vasi - can anyone confirm?

[fikus01]

could be a dodgy relay!! hmm, on a 1996 spi i think its over by the wiper motor, big brown wire, big brown with red tracer, white with red tracer, and maybe a black!! !! check the relay works and check the plug wires havent corroded! seems like the starter works ok!

[l_bratch]

Hi fikus01, how do I check that the relay works?

[fikus01]

turn the key and feel it to see if its clicking!! or listen to see if it clicks!! it mite click over but the terminals mite be corroded!! give it a tap or a wiggle!!

[l_bratch]

I'm not sure if I had the right thing, but each time to key was turned to position 3, a box clicked.

It was a black box, with two bundles of wires coming out of it, one bundle with more than the other - not 3 or 4 wires like you described.

Is this the relay?

Does the fact that it clicks help at all?

[fikus01]

aah forgot the immobiliser block!! err that could be at fault!! is ot on top of the brake servo?

[Maxmini]

When you here the clicking sound that is the solenoid. It could be a dodgy battery but it sounds like the startermotor has pack up check the lead to the starter and to the solenoid. The car should still start with a bump start unless the starter is jammed

[l_bratch]

fikus01:

I'm not sure! So here are some pictures of what clicks:

http://www.tghost.co...mp/dsc00095.jpg

http://www.tghost.co...mp/dsc00096.jpg

Sorry for the awful picture quality - night time on a phone camera.

Also here are the two things I am crossing to make it start (I removed the wire from the spade connector for the picture for clarity):

http://www.tghost.co...mp/dsc00097.jpg


Maxmini:
The motor seems fine, as I can make it start the car fine by crossing the terminals. Also bump starting does indeed work.

Edited by l_bratch, 28 November 2006 - 12:15 AM.

[l_bratch]

*sneaky bump*

(Dropped off the page)

Any more ideas guys?

Might have to take it in to a garage..

Edited by l_bratch, 28 November 2006 - 10:46 PM.

[fikus01]

starter is ok, immobilizer i gues is ok if its all clicking!! over by the wiper motor check the relays!! yellow tops!! get sum1 to hold the ignition on start and wiggle/tap them til it makes a difference!!

[l_bratch]

Great, I'll try this when I get home!

I seem to remember there being 4 of these - would it be worth switching them around to see if maybe one has gone, if wiggling/tapping fails?

[fikus01]

it could be worth a go!! have a look in each plug to make sure none of the contacts have corroded to dust as the often do!! and check the wires in thr bottom of each relay plug!!