'04 MCS complete electrical failure (and rear hatch problem)

[bdubya]

Went to start my '04 S this afternoon...everything was normal (doors unlocked on command, interior lights came on) until I turned the key, at which point I heard a click or clunk from somewhere behind me and the car went completely dead - no power to lights, doorlocks, nothing. Anybody got any ideas what to check first? I'll be checking the fuses in the morning (not only is it night, it's about 15dF out), but don't know if there's a fuse or combination thereof that could cause this.

To add to the fun, when I went to check the battery, the release cable under the seat produces an appropriate "click" from the hatch lock when tugged, but the hatch won't open (it does sit slightly out from its normal fully closed position, and wiggles a little when tugged, it is still held firmly closed at the latch). I'm hoping this is some sort of cold-weather issue...again, anybody got any ideas? I figure in the morning I'll spend some time blowing warm air up under the gap (such as it is) in the hope that something will come unstuck, but I'm not optimistic.

[My MINI me and me]

Quote: Originally Posted by bdubya (original)

Went to start my '04 S this afternoon...everything was normal (doors unlocked on command, interior lights came on) until I turned the key, at which point I heard a click or clunk from somewhere behind me and the car went completely dead - no power to lights, doorlocks, nothing. Anybody got any ideas what to check first? I'll be checking the fuses in the morning (not only is it night, it's about 15dF out), but don't know if there's a fuse or combination thereof that could cause this.

To add to the fun, when I went to check the battery, the release cable under the seat produces an appropriate "click" from the hatch lock when tugged, but the hatch won't open (it does sit slightly out from its normal fully closed position, and wiggles a little when tugged, it is still held firmly closed at the latch). I'm hoping this is some sort of cold-weather issue...again, anybody got any ideas? I figure in the morning I'll spend some time blowing warm air up under the gap (such as it is) in the hope that something will come unstuck, but I'm not optimistic.

Sounds like your battery is at or near end of life, very low charge (more prevalent in cold weather) will make the electrics behave erratically and will definatley not give enough power to turn it over.if you can get some charge or a temporary replacement this might answer this question. You might be able to bump start if you have a manual and some willing volunteers?

Just read in the Sunday Times today of a woman who suspects leaking exhaust fumes into the cabin of her clubman have been slowly poisoning her during her ownership, this makes some of the MINI issues I have experienced and read about seem small fry

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by My MINI me and me (original)

a woman who suspects leaking exhaust fumes into the cabin of her clubman have been slowly poisoning her during her ownership,

Its one way of reducing complaints I suppose, kill the owners?

[bdubya]

Quote: Originally Posted by My MINI me and me (original)

Sounds like your battery is at or near end of life,

Thanks, but I forgot to mention: I hooked up a fully charged starter battery to the jump points and still got absolutely nothing - no interior or dash lights, no click from the starter, just stone cold dead.

When it failed, interior lights had come on normally, dash lit up as I started to turn the key, but when I hit start it all went completely dark in an instant.

I'm on my second battery at 76k miles, so I would think the battery is nearing the end of its life, but this seems more like a fault to ground or something.

[bdubya]

VICTORY! I was able to open the rear hatch by pushing from the inside while pulling the release cable (apparently it has stretched or slipped enough that it re-grabs the hatch when you release tension on it). Turns out the clowns who worked on the car a couple of weeks back completely failed to re-tighten the negative batter cable clamp. That was an insurance job, so Progressive and I are going to have words on Monday.

One point of confusion - even with the battery effectively disconnected, seems like hooking up a jumper should have produced some sign of power, however faint...am I wrong?