09 Mini Cooper convertible not starting

[nessiew]

Hello. I'm new to the forum and hoping you can help me.

Yesterday morning I tried to start my wife's car and it wouldn't start. I went through the normal procedure of key fob into the dashboard, clutch down and into neutral, pressed the start button and nothing. I tried this on a few occasions with the same result. Each time there was an yellow/orange exclamation mark in a triangle displayed in the upper display of the rev counter.

Checking the manual for this warning light, the only information given is " The engine will start the next time the start/stop button is touched, possibly without the brake or clutch being depressed " Unfortunately on each occasion it didn't start despite several attempts at pressing the button.

However later in the day when I tried it everything was fine and it has been ok since. I contacted my dealer with the above information, the car was booked in this morning for a diagnostic check. They have told me that this fault light comes on because the clutch pedal is not pressed down or there is a fault with the clutch pedal sensor. I know the clutch was depressed so the only other option, according to their explanation, the the sensor is faulty.

However because no fault codes have been stored they can't change it, which leaves me waiting for it to happen again.

I did search for any similar fault but couldn't find anything. If this has been posted before then please forgive me.

[Angib]

This may be a dumb/insulting question but seems worth asking - are you sure it wasn't the steering wheel lock not being able to release?

If the car is left with the steering pressed up against the steering lock, it can't unlock until the wheel is turned a bit and so the car won't start. However you must have had this happen before if it's an 09 car, and it does have its own warning symbol with a steering wheel as well as the yellow exclamation mark.

But it would fit your description otherwise.

[nessiew]

Quote: Originally Posted by Angib (original)

This may be a dumb/insulting question but seems worth asking - are you sure it wasn't the steering wheel lock not being able to release?

If the car is left with the steering pressed up against the steering lock, it can't unlock until the wheel is turned a bit and so the car won't start. However you must have had this happen before if it's an 09 car, and it does have its own warning symbol with a steering wheel as well as the yellow exclamation mark.

But it would fit your description otherwise.

Thanks for the reply.

I did wonder if it might be something to do with the steering wheel lock and have tried to replicate the fault. However when the steering lock is unable to release, as you mention, the steering wheel symbol is the only fault indicated in the upper display.

Just to clarify, the warning light I got was an exclamation mark within a triangle in the upper display. I don't just mean the small one that appears in the lower display for a variety of other warnings such as fuel, washer bottle low, etc...

[nessiew]

Anyone have any idea at all what fault condition brings on the 'exclamation mark within a triangle' fault light in the upper display of the rev counter?

The manual gives very little information.

[mackrjmmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by nessiew (original)

Hello. I'm new to the forum and hoping you can help me.

Yesterday morning I tried to start my wife's car and it wouldn't start. I went through the normal procedure of key fob into the dashboard, clutch down and into neutral, pressed the start button and nothing. I tried this on a few occasions with the same result. Each time there was an yellow/orange exclamation mark in a triangle displayed in the upper display of the rev counter.

Checking the manual for this warning light, the only information given is " The engine will start the next time the start/stop button is touched, possibly without the brake or clutch being depressed " Unfortunately on each occasion it didn't start despite several attempts at pressing the button.

However later in the day when I tried it everything was fine and it has been ok since. I contacted my dealer with the above information, the car was booked in this morning for a diagnostic check. They have told me that this fault light comes on because the clutch pedal is not pressed down or there is a fault with the clutch pedal sensor. I know the clutch was depressed so the only other option, according to their explanation, the the sensor is faulty.

However because no fault codes have been stored they can't change it, which leaves me waiting for it to happen again.

I did search for any similar fault but couldn't find anything. If this has been posted before then please forgive me.

I am having the same problem with my Mini Cooper D 59reg - They have changed the fuel filter and are stumped to what is wrong with it. It seems to happen with me when it is cold outside and my engine warning light comes on as well as the ! in the triangle.

I've been looking on here and people are putting things down to diesel quality , clutch problems and something to do with the auto stop start. I haven't got a clue what is wrong with mine but I will update if i hear anything. My car is still in the garage.