Mini ONE - issue starting

[CallorFold]

Girlfriend called this morning and was having trouble starting her Mini ONE (54 plate)

When she first got in the engine wouldn't start and everything in the car had reset - this would suggest a flat battery?

She tried again and revved the car as it tried to start and she was able to get it started - this I would assume means the battery wasn't flat?

Loose connection somewhere maybe? Anything worth checking?

I don't believe it's the first time it's happened and she's also mentioned she's started it before, and it cut out/didn't hold idle revs.

[mnkiboy]

I'd agree with your logic. If it's had enough power to start the car then the battery is fine. Sounds like a dodgy connection, so check the battery first then the earthing points.

[0llie]

Could be coil pack (common first gen problem), although doesn't explain why everything was 'reset'.

[CallorFold]

0llie said:

Could be coil pack (common first gen problem), although doesn't explain why everything was 'reset'.

I think it's probably worth getting the battery checked over.

I'd expect if there was a coil pack issue to see the engine management light on?

[Superhoop]

A guy I work with has been chasing an intermittent non-start issue on his 54 plate Cooper for a while, having replaced the battery and the main relays, the fault still occurred every once in a while

Symptoms were, would crank over, but if he kept turning the ignition on/off it would always eventually start - We stripped the ignition switch, and found a couple of very dirty contacts in the switch which were cleaned up. That was about 8 weeks ago, and he's not had an issue with it again since.

Total cost of repair was £0.

[CallorFold]

Superhoop said:

A guy I work with has been chasing an intermittent non-start issue on his 54 plate Cooper for a while, having replaced the battery and the main relays, the fault still occurred every once in a while

Symptoms were, would crank over, but if he kept turning the ignition on/off it would always eventually start - We stripped the ignition switch, and found a couple of very dirty contacts in the switch which were cleaned up. That was about 8 weeks ago, and he's not had an issue with it again since.

Total cost of repair was £0.

Very helpful thanks! Sounds like an identical issue. This will likely be step 2 after a battery check

[Superhoop]

I think it was pins 5 & 7 we found oxidised - a quick clean up of the contacts with a needle file and all is now ok.

Original fault was lots of clicking of relays, but no cranking.

I've found a picture from the tinterweb of the switch..