Hi all,

I have a 2004 Cooper S, purchased in 2006. Not sure if the battery is original, but I've never had it replaced. For the past couple weeks it has been sluggish to turn over. I thought it might be due to the severe cold (sub zero) temps.

It was slow to start this afternoon for a quick trip to the grocery just a couple blocks away. Came out of the store and it was dead. Just got a clicking noise when I tried to start it. Red battery light. I still get some power though, can get radio.....

So I'm guessing it has to be the battery, right? Now my question - is Pep Boys an ok place to have a new battery installed? They offer a cheap tow service to the shop which would be really nice.

I need to get this done tomorrow so don't have tons of time to shop around. Appreciate any and all help!

I had to walk home from the store today.

 

Unless it's absolutely necessary, I'd recommend not towing just for a dead battery. Not worth the risk of damage. In this situation, any Group 47 battery will fit. It just depends on how much time and money you want to spend. A search on this forum will yield many brand recommendations, INTERSTATE, East Penn/DURACELL, etc. Autozone, NAPA, PEP Boys, WALMART/Sam's Club, COSTCO, Autozone, ADVANCE Auto, etc. all carry decent batteries with varying warranties. A 10mm wrench and a Philips head screwdriver is all that's needed to change out a battery. Disconnect NEG first, then POS. Remove hold-down, remove and replace battery, install in reverse order. (Be sure to remove any rings, jewelry, etc. before working around a battery). BTW, since it's dead, it's a moot point as to its age, but if you'll look on the top of one of the posts, the original batteries were stamped with the week and year of production.

 

My battery died last year due to cold temps and age here in Korea. Just go to the local car parts store and look up the proper battery application for a 2004, Here in Korea I got a cold cranking amp Atlas. Just make sure the battery is rated for the MINI. Too easy!!

 

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not comfortable changing out the battery myself. Would rather pay to get it done quicker, and without screwing it up. I'm not completely helpless, have done some easy home repairs, but would never touch the mini.

So what if I have the tow guy try a jump start first? Then I don't have to risk the damage from towing.

 

It is easy to change out. Just is a pain to being careful when removing.. Like the previous poster stated remove the terminals as so. You can't screw it up

If you are afraid of a tow and damages to your MINI get a flatbed and charge it to your insurance. I am sure your insurance allows up to 2 tows under your policy. Better safe then sorry right? Good luck!

 

Thanks Army Dog! Thanks for your service to the US also, not just my mini.

I know I have towing included on my insurance for collision, but not sure about mechanical failure. The battery had some power (radio, engine lights), just not enough to fire the engine, so I'm hopeful a jump start will work.

I know I should have been proactive with this, but am on a tight budget. So, I've been operating under "if it's not broke (yet), don't fix it". At least when it died, I was within walking distance, and it wasn't sub zero conditions.

 

Would certainly try a jump-start so you can get to a new battery. Just make sure the cables go Pos. to pos., then Neg. of good vehicle to neg. ground NOT on your battery but to a good ground on the body. Then start the good vehicle and let it run for a few minutes at higher than idle. Then start your car and carefully disconnect leads in same reverse order.

 

I really appreciate the help! Thanks to Army dog's suggestion, I called my insurance, and am covered for a free jump start or tow on a flatbed truck. Giant sigh of relief.

In the 8 years I've had this car, this is the first time I've had an issue. And the issue was my fault, should have had the battery replaced when the slow start became regular. I know stuff wears out, but just got used to my always dependable mini.