Mini Electrical/battery issue

[Jojo75]

Hiya, please can you help?! I have a 2002 Mini Cooper. A couple of weeks ago the brake lights came on for no apparent reason whilst the car was parked up. The only way we could get them to go off was to disconnect and reconnect the battery. Since then ALL the electrics keep going and the only way to get them back is to disconnect the negative battery connection and then reconnect it. Everything then appears to be ok and works fine till the next day when all the electrics have gone again and I have to repeat the procedure. I've checked the fuses and they appear to be ok and I think they must be because when it works everything works! Please can you help, I can't afford a hefty garage bill at the moment!

[The Nun]

Duff battery probably, if its over 5 years old it needs renewing most likely as that is the main cause of MINI electrical problems you describe as they are very sensitive to voltage drop.

[Jojo75]

Had a new battery on it about 8 months ago, so I don't think it can be that.

[The Nun]

No water leaks? wet carpets?
There are electrical components under the seats and in the boot that if getting wet can cause problems.
Engine earth strap secure?
Alternator giving full charge?

[bmwr606]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jojo75 (original)

Had a new battery on it about 8 months ago, so I don't think it can be that.

i would have the battery checked

i just replaced a $4000 battery in a customers citation jet 2 months ago and it failed last week!

batteries are mass produced and there will be random early failures

but as other posters have stated, check for water, proper alternator output and good secure wire connections, in particular engine and body grounds

scott

[Restyle]

Hi,

Its very unlikely to be the battery at fault in this instance with it just affecting the rear lights.

There was a problem similar to this I posted about a few years ago which just concerned the rear lights mysteriously coming on.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...hts-stuck.html

It seemed to just affect mostly 2004 & onwards MINI's with one of the causes being a faulty diode located just under the carpet in the BC1 loom.

Hope this helps

[Jojo75]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've checked everything which has been suggested but nothing found. I've booked it into garage tomorrow. :-(

[Jojo75]

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