MINI2 Header Logo

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Welcome to MINI2.
You are currently viewing MINI2 as a guest.
Please register by clicking this link or login:
       
Search forums: Show: Advanced: Forums or Members or Tags
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 12:05 AM   #1
olddad
MINI2 Senior
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Yreka, CA
Local Time: 06:38 PM
Posts: 432
Offline
My MINI zaps me

Every time I get out of the car and touch the door handle to close it (don't want fingerprints) I get a pretty good static shock. Anyone else? Is there a simple cure?

Cooper S Red/White/White, Air, Computer, Cloth, DSC, Cold Weather. August build.
United States Male View olddad's Chili Red & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Sponsors

Sponsored Links


Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts.
Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum
   
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 12:19 AM   #2 (permalink)
Grinder
Addict
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northern VA.
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 1,118
Offline
Send a message via AIM to Grinder
I'm shocked! I guess driving the MINI is just electrifying! (har har. Two bad jokes i know i know)

Seriously though, it's the cloth seats. Something about your moving about in combination with your clothes is causing the static to build up. Try putting those anti-static sheets in the dryer, honestly. Also, if you touch the handle with something metal that you're holding (like a ring), you wont feel the shock even though the static will discharge.

Whatever.
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 12:25 AM   #3 (permalink)
olddad
MINI2 Senior
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Yreka, CA
Local Time: 06:38 PM
Posts: 432
Offline
Thanks for the tip. I'm not nearly well enough organized to use the antistatic strips but will try the antistatic spray on the seats.

Cooper S Red/White/White, Air, Computer, Cloth, DSC, Cold Weather. August build.
United States Male View olddad's Chili Red & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 02:06 AM   #4 (permalink)
Sejanus
MINI2 Global Moderator
 
Sejanus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: West Sacramento
Local Time: 05:38 PM
Posts: 4,380
Offline
I've got cloth seats and I get the static shock experience every once in a while as well.

United States Male View Sejanus's Chili Red & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 03:51 AM   #5 (permalink)
Minty
Man in the know!
 
Minty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Rugby
Local Time: 01:38 AM
Posts: 3,967
Offline
Send a message via MSN to Minty
i only get it in the summer?!? and since i am in the UK...it doesnt affect me for long

MINI-3 @ Cotswold MINI | BMW-four @ Cotswold BMW | E-Mail Me | Minty - Part of the IT Crowd!
United Kingdom Male   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 04:11 AM   #6 (permalink)
KenL
MINI2 Master
 
KenL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Edinburgh
Local Time: 01:38 AM
Posts: 5,102
Offline
Are you aure it's the seats? I had always thought it was caused by the car discharging through you to earth when you get out. The car is wearing big rubber boots remember

I don't think it's a MINI thing as you get this with all cars so please don't put this one in the faults and fixes forum

Perhaps you've got new shoes ?

To prevent this, hold onto some metal part of the door wilst you put your foot on the ground. This keeps you and the car at the same potential.

I'm an electronics engineer so I hope I'm talking sense but feel free to correct me

KenL

Red/Black R56 Cooper Stripes, CHILLI, ASC+T, MINI HiFi, Piano Black Dash, Red Colour Line, Heated Mirrors/Jets, Spare Wheel, Smoker Pack!
Mods - Cooper S pedals, Cheqered interior mirror, chrome side repeaters
Scotland View KenL's Chili Red & Black 2nd Gen MINI Cooper Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:27 AM   #7 (permalink)
Electrc109
DRIVER
 
Electrc109's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ormond by the Sea FL
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 691
Offline
Send a message via AIM to Electrc109
I am always trying to avoid putting figerprints on my MINI too!!
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:36 AM   #8 (permalink)
MiniShuttle
MINI2 Regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Apex, NC, USA
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 196
Offline
When I have this problem, and I have on many cars, I conveniently touch my calf to the running board as I step out of the car. Somehow, getting shocked in the calf is not as bad my figure getting shocked by the door handle.

If I'd only known about the dryer sheets before! My MINI never shocks me. Maybe because I have leatherette. Now that I've said so, I'll probably get a big shock today at lunch.

Indi Blue MCS, Born Sep-13
Sport, Premium, Roof Rack
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:59 AM   #9 (permalink)
gjenkins
MINI2 Regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Local Time: 01:38 AM
Posts: 140
Offline
I have leather ...

and I get shocked as well.
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 11:09 AM   #10 (permalink)
sjbartnik
MINI2 Senior
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 628
Offline
I second KenL's recommendation. If you are touching a metal part of the door as you swing your foot out and contact the ground, you won't get shocked.

If you open the door, get out, and THEN touch something metal on the door, you WILL get shocked.

Sean Bartnik
2003 MINI Cooper S
United States View sjbartnik's Electric Blue & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 01:24 PM   #11 (permalink)
Grinder
Addict
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Northern VA.
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 1,118
Offline
Send a message via AIM to Grinder
Quote:
Originally posted by KenL
Are you aure it's the seats? I had always thought it was caused by the car discharging through you to earth when you get out. The car is wearing big rubber boots remember

To prevent this, hold onto some metal part of the door wilst you put your foot on the ground. This keeps you and the car at the same potential.

KenL

I'm pretty sure it the seats one way or another. Either that or you're wearing a fleece jacket or something similar. The problem is, with the rubbing of the materials you and the material build up a static charge. The first time you touch something metal (like the car) your body will discharge into it, creating the "zap". It doesn't matter that the car isn't grounded, as it is a large metal object that's relatively neutral. It's essentially a large neutral reserve for the extra electrons to flow into.

Example... You run around on a carpeted floor with your socks on, squirm around in a plastic school chair (like we've got in school), or anything simimlar to build up a static charge. When you touch someone, you'll "shock" them a bit (often quite fun to do on purpose). You can still shock them even if they have rubber shoes on and aren't grounded. They're just more neutral than you are, so some of the charge flows into them until an equilibrium is reached...

Whatever.
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 06:38 PM   #12 (permalink)
cosworth
MINI2 Regular
 
cosworth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New Jersey
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 204
Offline
Used to get this all the time with another of my cars that had a velour interior. You could strap yourself with a heavy ground lead to any metal chassis part of the car to constantly drain off the static charge. Of course, if you forget to un-clip when you go to get out, you'll fall on your arse, prompting huge amounts of laughter and ridicule from other people in the parking lot.

2002 MCS, DS/B/BBS, Sport, Prem, Cloth, 17's
1969 Morris Cooper MK2, Tartan Red/Black, 998cc, Twin HS2's
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 08:06 PM   #13 (permalink)
Bilbo Baggins
Has met Quack Quack Jack
MINI2 Master
 
Bilbo Baggins's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Shire, Middle Earth
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 8,852
Offline
Re: My MINI zaps me

Quote:
Originally posted by olddad
Every time I get out of the car and touch the door handle to close it (don't want fingerprints) I get a pretty good static shock. Anyone else? Is there a simple cure?

DITTO !!! Every time. It's annoying 'aint it?

Try holding you key in you hand and touching the door handle with it first. That should relieve the static charge without giving you a jolt. You probably don't even have to actually touch the handle just get close, the spark should jump the gap.

Motor on, Dudes and Dudettes!!!
'06 MCS SB/S R84s(Dunlop 5000, summer), R81s(Nokian Haakapiilatta 2, winter)
'02 MCS DS/W (retired)
United States Male View Bilbo Baggins's Space Blue & Silver 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 08:33 PM   #14 (permalink)
stryder
MINI2 Privilege Member
Sponsor/Moderator/Other
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Cleveland
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 3,267
Offline
Quote:
Originally posted by Grinder

It doesn't matter that the car isn't grounded, as it is a large metal object that's relatively neutral.

Engineering lesson: Your car is grounded. It has a battery, which grounds through the body. Otherwise you're entirely correct. It doesn't happen to me on my seats though, I guess my personality isn't as electric. Also I don't wear fuzzy clothing. Especially as its winter if you wear a wool or fleece jacket and have cloth seats, yowch!

Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
United States View stryder's Hyper Blue & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:11 PM   #15 (permalink)
BigMack
MINI2 Regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Near Daytona Beach, FL
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 277
Offline
Send a message via AIM to BigMack Send a message via Yahoo to BigMack
I get shocked, & I have Leather,,,

I have developed the habit of keeping my hand on the door jam, or on the lower front corner of my tinted window, (Metalized tint film)near the side mirror.

That one spot has finger prints, but I can live with that.

By holding on, while you exit, the static dissipates, and no shocker.
I'm going to try the anti-static sheets, or spray too.

2004 Pepper White Copoper S on order :white:
2002 Pepper White/Black Cooper, 9800 miles :white:
1972 Gunmetal Innocenti Cooper 1300, miles unknown
United States View BigMack's Pepper White & Black 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:22 PM   #16 (permalink)
Electrc109
DRIVER
 
Electrc109's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ormond by the Sea FL
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 691
Offline
Send a message via AIM to Electrc109
Why don't you just close the door with your butt! =)
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:25 PM   #17 (permalink)
Electrc109
DRIVER
 
Electrc109's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ormond by the Sea FL
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 691
Offline
Send a message via AIM to Electrc109
I drove a home built electric car (hence the Electrc name) for years while in high school. When the batteries corroded heavily, the entire body would have about 30-40 volts running through it. Although you could only feel a shock while standing in a puddle of water, and you were looking for the shock (very low amperage-which is what you feel in a shock anyway).
United States   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 20th, 2002, 10:27 PM   #18 (permalink)
BigMack
MINI2 Regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Near Daytona Beach, FL
Local Time: 08:38 PM
Posts: 277
Offline
Send a message via AIM to BigMack Send a message via Yahoo to BigMack
????

But Ima Skeert of gettin' shocked in the Butt too!!

(and afraid I might dent the door with my boney butt)(NOT)

2004 Pepper White Copoper S on order :white:
2002 Pepper White/Black Cooper, 9800 miles :white:
1972 Gunmetal Innocenti Cooper 1300, miles unknown
United States View BigMack's Pepper White & Black 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 21st, 2002, 04:14 AM   #19 (permalink)
KenL
MINI2 Master
 
KenL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Edinburgh
Local Time: 01:38 AM
Posts: 5,102
Offline
Quote:
Originally posted by stryder


Engineering lesson: Your car is grounded. It has a battery, which grounds through the body. Otherwise you're entirely correct. It doesn't happen to me on my seats though, I guess my personality isn't as electric. Also I don't wear fuzzy clothing. Especially as its winter if you wear a wool or fleece jacket and have cloth seats, yowch!

It may be "grounded" to the negative terminal of a battery but that ain't ground (aka earth) unless the tyres are conductive.

Red/Black R56 Cooper Stripes, CHILLI, ASC+T, MINI HiFi, Piano Black Dash, Red Colour Line, Heated Mirrors/Jets, Spare Wheel, Smoker Pack!
Mods - Cooper S pedals, Cheqered interior mirror, chrome side repeaters
Scotland View KenL's Chili Red & Black 2nd Gen MINI Cooper Profile   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 21st, 2002, 10:34 AM   #20 (permalink)
chiph
Spectator
 
chiph's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Raleigh, NC
Local Time: 09:38 PM
Posts: 1,563
Offline
Quote:
Originally posted by KenL

It may be "grounded" to the negative terminal of a battery but that ain't ground (aka earth) unless the tyres are conductive.

The tires should conduct a little bit, because of the carbon black in them. I've heard that this is one of the things that Michelin tests for when they develop a new rubber compound (My parent's neighbor works for Michelin in upstate South Carolina).

Chip H.

ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy
United States View chiph's Electric Blue & White 1st Gen MINI Cooper S Profile   Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Sponsors

Sponsored Links


Registered members do not see Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts.
Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum
   
Reply
More is car insurance


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Static electricity zaps Neeshil Faults & Fixes 9 Sep 19th, 2003 11:25 AM