Look through many past forum comments on this issue and my problem still the same.

Long story short. Swap my 180K 04 seized engine with an 06 90K. Once the engine was out I change new clutch/flywheel, starter, alternator, oil cooler, radiator, new fluids, and other small stuffs. All went well for one month.
After a month taught my wife how to drive a manual with it. After two weekends of practice I notice the car started to have problem starting! My guess is that do to my wife's stumbling and engine dies that's when it started. Could of been that something short circuited?

Car would not turn over. All lights and accessories normal operation comes on. Jump started sometime works, wiggled the steering sometime works. What I have changed.

1. NEW ignition switch
2. NEW Alternator
3. NEW battery (measured voltage and it's at 12.5 and 12.8 while engine was running)

Still the same intermitted start up.

My next assumption:
1. clutch safety switch?
2. fuel pump?
3. relays?
4. fuse?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you

 

are you saying the car cranks but does not start? or it does nothing?

 

Should be charging more than 12.8 volts while running 13.8 - 14.4 volts

 

It does nothing. No clicks. Just normal light guages comes on same as you would start the car normally. No CEL.

 

Ok. Car starts up again. Turn on and off 9 times with success, but the 10th time same symptom!

I've tried many methods like...clutch in turn key, turn key and hold and press clutch, turn very quick and shut off and etc.

Finally found a way to start the car when the doesn't start. This I don't get why it works every time. First clutch in, turned the key and hold it forward and slightly turn the steering wheel slowly to the right until the engine turn over. Vroooooom!

So...anyone have any idea why this works? Thank.

 

Sound's like a sensor/switch of some kind...I'd go with the clutch switch..it's located on the clutch master cylinder, under the left side dashboard, ahead of the clutch pedal pushrod. (Bently Manual)...

 

Thank you for the suggestion. I changed the clutch switch and still the same. I can only start the car either jump start or turn the key forward and wait til the power steering kicks in and turn the steering wheel until I hit the sweet spot every time. I think I"m going to take it to the shop for diagnose. See what they come up with. It might be something simple. To diagnose is only a $100.

 

Turn key? Is your car a 1st gen MINI? If so, try the 1st gen forum; you might find a more knowledgeable crowd to help you out.

 

Thanks for pointing that out! It didn't occurred to me I was in 2nd Gen section.

 

What, what!? I was in the 1st Gen section in the first place. How did my post moved to the 2nd Gen? I just saw in the main paged next to my post title "Moved". Did the moderator done something wrong?

 

fixed it for you.

 

Thank you!

 

Wow that sounds frustrating. Interested in the cure when you get it sorted. Keep us in the loop.

 

sounds crazy, but check the ground on the passenger framerail thats connected to the engine mount bracket. sounds like there could be high resistance in that cable, or the bolt and nut on the engine bracket is coming loose. wouldnt be the first time I've seen a car towed to my shop for that style of complaint.

 

The ground is intact. This Friday I will be dropping the car off at Mini specialist shop. Will know by Saturday. The kick is...it starts every time when I turned the steering wheel ( left or right). I've been driving to work with it every day.

Will keep you all posted.

 

You know what...I double check the connector and it did had some play. Tighten up some more and I'm getting 13V! Before it was 11.5V. Turn the engine on and off 30 times and works every time! You are right! I will wait for a couple more days if the symptom persist I will reschedule the diagnose with the shop. Thank you!

 

After 4 motor swaps (i LOVE boost), been there, done that..! glad it helped out.

 

Nice job SRICHS!