Hey Guys,

My 2005 Mini Cooper S (80k Mi). Won't start.


Here's the story. I was going out to buy some lunch down the street at the local market. I noticed when starting the car it sounded like the car having trouble starting as if the battery was drained, it did start and drive fine. So after I'm done with lunch shopping I return to the car and try to turn on the car. NOTHING. Car does not crank at all. There no starting noise or clicking noise. At first I thought it was the battery, but a friend came to help me jump the damn thing and it still did not start. Funny thing is, all accessories have plenty of power. So I had AAA tow it back to my drive way.


I need help. What could it be? Bad starter?

 

That would be my guess too.
Levi

 

I dont know where the starter is on that car but if you can easily access it then you could give it a few medium hits with a hammer and see if that works .

 

If you aren't getting any clicking, I'd go with starter soleniod.
could have burnt up the wire to the starter as well, My ML did that in December.

 

Are the lights dimming when you turn the key? If not, maybe this is a fuse problem? I don't know, do they fuse the starter? Or how about a grounding wire? I've actually had that happen (fell off) on an old Suzuki Sidekick of mine.

 

Well update.

I pulled the battery out and brought it to Autozone, tested at 12v with 99 percent charge. We were able to test the starter and it was fine. We tested the neutral safety switch and the prong plugged into it and it was fine. I've looked at every single fuse in both fuse boxes and they were all fine.

Today we were able to turn the car on by pushing the car and popping the clutch. I left the car on for 20 minutes. Turned it off, did not turn on.

I think it has to be either the ignition switch or my key and immobilizer are no longer working together.

Is there any way to test the ignition switch or the immobilizer/key?

 

does the mini have a smart key?
if your immobilizer didn't work, I doubt you would have spark.

could be just a bad ignition switch.
sounds like you need to learn how to use a multimeter.
it's the only way your going to chase down those electrons.

but here's a stupid question, if it's a mini, why aren't you posting on a mini forum?
they certainly will know the car better than a bunch of honda dudes.

 

I did ask in a mini forum. But I ask here to just to get more oppinions.