Doesn't start....

[Mini1275]

Hi, my mini refuses to start if left for more than 3 days!. It's had a new alternator and the battery has been checked, any suggestions as to why this happens?.
Cheers.

ETA: Also clicks when you try and start it. Starts with a battery charger.

Edited by Mini1275 on Sunday 18th April 14:35

[Cooperman]

It sounds as though you nhave a drain on the battery when it'switched off. What model is it? Later cars with a security system can do this and my Rover 214 rally car does this even with a new battery and a high-output alternator. .

[GingerWizard]

Many moons ago i had a similar problem, it was down to a loose earthing strap.

[Mini1275]

Cooperman said:

It sounds as though you nhave a drain on the battery when it'switched off. What model is it? Later cars with a security system can do this and my Rover 214 rally car does this even with a new battery and a high-output alternator. .

Thankyou guys, it's a 1994 mini Sprite 1275.

[DanGT]

Next time you dont run the car disconect the battery. If it then starts you know its a drain some were. Next with the ignition off check the power draw from the battery (meter set to Amps). If its high then remove fuses untill it drops. This should then give you an idea of what is causing the problem.

[Tangent Police]

I had a similar problem and it was the alternator diodes which were blown. Not sure if it's on a mini, but the charging light will stay on when you turn it off..... it's trying to be a motor.

Pull the alternator plug off as you would with the battery.

[rufusruffcutt]

Dan, you may also have a "dry connection" in the harness somewhere.
If you see any large plastic electrical connector blocks on the wiring harness (usually down the off side wing in the engine bay) pull them apart and check for any corrosion on the connectors. Scrape them clean with a small flat blade screw driver or penknife blade. Then reconnect them and try it.

Hope you find the fault.

[Mini1275]

Thank you guys, i'll check these things.