20 replies to this topic

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

My car wont start . Not used it since late December due to snow, salt etc.

Fired it up this weekend just gone. It wasn't instant but started fine and ran perfect.

This morning it wouldn't start and sounds like a machine gun noise with the battery and oil lights on.

It's just had a service, oil change and MOT. The mini centre I use said it's either starter motor or a battery issue. I have a volts dial which reads 10v which I think normally reads 11-12 but not sure.

I did have a wiring fault when I first got the car and it caused many flat battery breakdowns but it never sounded like this and was always perfect once recharged. I had a new battery a couple of years ago. If the starter has gone can it still be jump started? I'm a bit stuck on this one. My cars a 2000W MPI sportspack.

Thanks guys and gals

[Pauly]

Needs a new battery .

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

Needs a new battery .

Are batteries guaranteed? It's not lasted long. Why's it making that awful noise when it didn't before with a flat battery? What makes you rule out the starter motor? Thanks for the reply Pauly

[mars red mike]

The machine gun noise is the starter clicking back and forth. This is because there is simply not enough power in the battery to turn the engine over. My advice would be to remove the battery, give it a good charge overnight, refit it tomorrow and try it then. I doubt that it is a problem with the starter motor just a simple cse of a flat battery.

Hope this helps

Mike

[Pauly]

Depends on the type of battery but they are usually garenteed. You could give it a charge and try it then just to be sure but once batterys start going flat in this weather, they tend to lose their kick. Especially where injection minis are concerned due to the alarm (which I think they use quite a bit a juice considering) and extra electronics.

Considering its not been used for a few weeks I would be edging my bets on the battery.

[mike.]

Even if the batterys not old, they can only handle being flattened so many times before they're knackered and won't hold their charge.

Have a look on the label of the battery, warranty details should be on there if it comes with one.

Halfords do free battery tests if you can get the car jump started to get down there.

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

The machine gun noise is the starter clicking back and forth. This is because there is simply not enough power in the battery to turn the engine over. My advice would be to remove the battery, give it a good charge overnight, refit it tomorrow and try it then. I doubt that it is a problem with the starter motor just a simple cse of a flat battery.

Hope this helps

Mike

Thanks Mike, I've not got any charging equipment and I'm a bit lacking on general mechanical know how. I really need to get a charger, any recommendations on what I need to do this job tools etc? How long should a mini be able to be left with no action and still start?

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

Thanks for the other replies guys. I'll have a look on the battery tonight reg. warranty. What are the best quality batteries available?

[Twincam]

Thanks for the other replies guys. I'll have a look on the battery tonight reg. warranty. What are the best quality batteries available?

They're more expensive than normal ones but have a look into Gel ones (www.4leafbatteries.com)

[mars red mike]

This charger dont look bad for the price
http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165629

As for the battery, everyone goes for the one used in the 306 turbo diesel. Fits nice and snug in the Minis battery box and has great power starting in the cold weather.

[Guess-Works.com]

Personally I buy my batteries from Halfords, mainly for two reasons....

One they ARE guaranteed, length of which depends upon the type, and if it goes they replace it like for like no questions...

Secondly, with a halfords trade card they are as cheap as any other motorfactor..

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

Great replies! Any more suggestions greatly appreciated. This forum is a god send

Jake

[mars red mike]

Yeah. Get yourself a pack of these
http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165750

They have kept many of my batteries going through the rough.

[mike.]

If you do need a new battery and go to halfords, the calcium ones are the ones to go for. Usually a tenner more than the standard battery but are more powerful, you get an extra year warranty and they're better for cold starting and stop/start driving.

[Haynes Emmanuelle]

Great thanks!