11 replies to this topic

[handrews123]

When I try to start my mini there's a machine gun type clicking noise from the starter motor but I took out the battery and tried to charge it but the charger is telling me it's already charged. The battery is only a year old so should be healthy? Any help??

[Steve220]

Is your engine earth in good condition? Sounds like there's little voltage to the starter motor. Have you got a multimeter?

[handrews123]

That could well be right. When reattaching the battery I put negative on first and as I try to tighten the positive I got sparks. How do I tell whether or not it is in good condition. I don't have a multimeter but I need to invest in one.

[handrews123]

I've just order a multimeter so should be here tomorrow.

[ClassicBRG]

Try connecting another car with jump leads, in that way you can be sure you have enough power to start the Mini.

When it is still clicking there is a big change the problem will be the starter motor or an earth problem and not the battery.

[cal844]

Starter relay

[David128]

Possibly jammed starter motor might just need a clean

[Spud_133]

I agree with Cal, sounds like a starter relay to me, give it a tap whilst turning the key and see if it kicks in

[greenwheels]

That could well be right. When reattaching the battery I put negative on first

Just a side point: -  I always understood it is best to connect the positive cable first, then if you accidentally touch the body when swinging the spanner no problem, but if you connect the negative first, i.e. the earth cable, and you accidentally touch the body when swinging the spanner connecting the positive cable then you short out the battery.

 

On the original point - are you sure it is not the starter solenoid clicking. This thing http://bullmotifmini...f000010_bmk1728

Edited by greenwheels, 30 January 2016 - 07:37 PM.

[nz_seamless]

Starter motors don't click. Solenoids click. If it sounds like a machine gun then it is getting enough volts to close, but then the battery is dipping down and can't hold it closed.
Your battery sounds like it has a dead cell in it and is not holding charge. Try to start the car using jumper cables from a car that's running. If your mini fires up straight away, it's the battery.

[handrews123]

Charged up the battery and put it back in this morning and it got going okay? The test will be to see if it holds the charge. Fingers crossed. Thanks 

[Brigbeale]

I had this on my son's Racing Green.
Voltages showed 12v+
He took the battery back under warranty and although it showed OK, they replaced it. No change.
Checked the car for a drain on the battery. Nothing of any significance showing.
Hooked a jump lead up to another car. No change.
Went on Internet and found it may be the earth lead (as previously mentioned).
Cleaned earthing point in boot and lead. No change.
Purchased a new braided earth lead and fitted it between the engine and the body using the already present earth near the servo.
Car started first time.
Although the starter relay did pack up shortly afterwards so was replaced as well.
Car has been fine since and starts easily.....