Recharging battery - help needed.

[feejr]

This is probably a daft question..

I have a 2002 Cooper S that has been stood for 3 weeks while I was away and now wont start. I have a battery recharger that I can leave on it overnight but where do I put the clips? I can find the positive terminal under the bonnet but where's the negative?? Looked in the manual and still can't figure out where it is. Does it have a - sign on it? What am I looking for?

Thanks!

[marque]

hi

on copper s the battery is in the boot under the boot floor
disconnect both terminals when you are charging the battery
if you can open the boot under the rear seats is a pull cord that will open you boot for you
hope this helps

[mab01uk]

If it is the original 2002 BMW branded battery then it has probably reached the end of its life and will need replacement if it does not hold its charge.

[ChrisH1987]

If you want to charge from under the bonnet then you can use the engine mount. There should be an earth strap there already. Just put the negative clip on there (or near there)

[marque]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisH1987 (original)

If you want to charge from under the bonnet then you can use the engine mount. There should be an earth strap there already. Just put the negative clip on there (or near there)

Hi

I would never advice charging it this way the DMC and BCU are very fragile.
if you get a spike in you mains supply or your charger goes cranky you could damage the car may be even cause a fire.
When charging the battery you should disconnect it to protect the car.
Ideally remove it and charge it in a well ventilated erea
I have seen batteries explode and it makes a mess not recomended

[ChrisH1987]

Quote: Originally Posted by marque (original)

Hi

I would never advice charging it this way the DMC and BCU are very fragile.
if you get a spike in you mains supply or your charger goes cranky you could damage the car may be even cause a fire.
When charging the battery you should disconnect it to protect the car.
Ideally remove it and charge it in a well ventilated erea
I have seen batteries explode and it makes a mess not recomended

Im a senior technician for MINI so i know what im doing. Thanks.

[ChrisH1987]

This is the approved charge point (there is a negative symbol imprinted on it)

[marque]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChrisH1987 (original)

Im a senior technician for MINI so i know what im doing. Thanks.

Well as a mini tech you must know about the Health and safety storage desposal and charging of batteries then
Anyway it's a handy tip :-) thanks

[feejr]

Great, I will attempt this tomorrow. Thank you very much for your replies (and pics - very helpful!). It's not the original battery, it was replaced 2009 so hopefully it will be ok..

Many thanks,

Fiona