Alternator died and what is THIS?

[retrospace]

Today out of nowhere my 2003 MINI wouldn't start, it just clicked. Roadside Assistance came out to look at it, and charged the battery, then after the car was turned off, we tried to start it and again it wouldn't start. This time Service Engine light came on, but what was weird was when I was sitting in it, when it was on for a minute, on the speedometer where is says "D" for drive, "P" for park, etc, it said "EP." It was in park of course, but I don't recall seeing "EP" there instead of just "P."
Since I live 3 hours from the nearest MINI (Cincinnati) they hauled him off. I will phone them tomorrow to see what exactly it is, Tow Guy said it sounds like the alternator.
Anyone else see the EP on theirs? Why would it suddenly die like that?
heidi

[ceddyluv82]

Starter sounds jammed. The click means its trying to turn but it cant because something may be lodged in there, or it just got stuck( it happens). Try to get under the car somehow and tapping the starter with a rubber or plastic mallet. That should do the trick.
Nothing sounds wrong with your battery by the way..because if it were dead you wouldnt even get the clicking noise.

[ceddyluv82]

wow I cant read. You dont even have the mini right now.. sorry

[twouptons]

EP is the transmission telling you it has a problem and is in its "limp home" mode. It may or may not have anything to do with the starter problem...

This is when warrantees are nice

-Eric

[retrospace]

Turns out is was the battery after all. I have no clue why it died, I have never left the lights on or anything.
They had to tow it 3 hours to Cincy, the nearest MINI dealership, and they can't get it back to me til Wednesday. If I could get there I could pick it up but I have no one to take me there so I have to hope they get it back to me in one piece. I know they are insured, but I'm scared something will happen and then I'm really in trouble if they get in an accident.
Maybe I worry too much, I am just uncomfortable having someone else drive it for about 150 miles back to me!
heidi

[Al]

Can you tell them you want it sent back on a flatbed truck instead of having them drive it?

They may be planning on doing that anyway.