Mini Cooper S won't start, just clicks

[Bossco101]

Hello,

Another newbie with a problem.

Posting on behalf of my father who isn't online but does own the problem Cooper S of the title.

Tuesday it drove fine.
This morning, ( Saturday 21st Jan ), he got in it to start it and it refused to fire. We've tried it quite a few times since, with the same result each time.

Turn the key, the warning lights on the speedo and rev counter go out, and all that can be heard is a clicking noise from somewhere in the engine. I'm assuming this is the starter motor but couldn't say for sure. Also the headlights flash rapidly for a few seconds.

Has anyone else had a similar problem with an 04 Cooper S?

Had the power steering pump replaced last year, so fairly sure its not that.

The wipers work, front side lights light, but not the main headlights on dip or main beam.

Thanks in advance,

Tim

[goonerij]

It sounds like the anti-theft system might have activated. Try locking the car and unlocking it again.

[mab01uk]

Almost certainly the battery has failed......is it the original BMW battery from 2004? Mine did exactly the same last month (2002) Average life of a battery is approx. 7 years

[oldtruckpainter]

Sounds like a weak battery. Try giving it a jump start.

[tnoy66]

As said, it'll need a new battery

[JohnnyC]

I don't even own a Mini.
But on another car I was convinced the clicking was a duff starter motor - turned out it was the battery (I'd have expected the knackered battery to struggle, but just caused the starter to click - odd).
So as others have said, probably the battery

[BRGJCW]

Mine did this and the flat battery was due to the thermo fan staying on to a point where the battery went dead flat. Before you buy a new battery just check that nothing "electrical" has caused it to be drained as in my case.

I had to get a new thermo fan and assembly fitted as the fault couldn't be traced.

[mab01uk]

The 'clicking' of the starter motor is the solonoid moving the starter pinion gear into the flywheel ring-gear but then the battery does not have enough power to turn the starter motor and the engine over.

[mauro feliz]

Hi everyone, I have a clicking sound coming from fuse F1 (Digital Engine Electronics Control Unit) when the key is in position 1. also the ABS pump is making the clicking sound, when I unplug the fuse the sound stops, but the fuse is good. Can you guys help me here!

2004 Mini Cooper S.

[Bossco101]

Thanks Guys!

Have put the battery on charge today, and after about 5 hours it fired up with no problem.

So its definately the battery, which on closer inspection does look like the original. Can't grumble at it going after 8 years, even if my father has only had it for 3.

Thanks again for all your help.

Tim