Blaming the battery sounds a little weak. You 'll need to figure out where the draw is coming from. There is a specific way to measure current draw. This test is covered in our MINI manual or even our latest, the MINI Diagnosis Without Guesswork
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/mini/cooper/MINI-Cooper-Diagnosis-2002-2006.html

Otherwise, a good shop can do it pretty quickly. Could be the Ipod adpater or a stuck relay, or just about anything else. Bottom line is something is drawing too much current when it shouldn't.

Message was edited by: Charlie

Thanks for the response. I have suspected the Ipod adapter since the problems began shortly after the dealer installed it. I've mentioned this fact to them several times but they said that wasn't a problem. I have only had the Ipod connected a few times - just after I had the adapter installed. I have not used this for 8 months or so. I found that if I turned off the radio before shutting off the engine, the problem seemed to go away - so I deduced it was a problem with the radio/ipod. But then last week it started again - after a slight rain. I checked to make sure I had turned off the radio and I did. I do remember though connecting my Iphone to the adapter to see if the radio could play songs from my phone. The phone said the device was not compatible and I dis-connected it. Maybe I've awaken the problem again?? Any suggestions on how to proceed? Should I ask the dealer to remove the ipod adapter? This is extremely frustrating as I have to jump start the car each morning to go to work. I then disconnect the + terminal while at work - reconnect to go home!!

I did order the book on Diagnosis without Guesswork. Maybe it will help me confirm this problem.

Thanks again!

Glen

Message was edited by: GLH35

The TSB reference number is: M65 200 05

Date of Issue: January 14 2005

Subject: "Battery draw since the IPOD is installed"

Vehicles affected: with option 650 (ALPINE CD53 radio)

My opinion, since the dealer installed it, ask them about the TSB mentioned above and for advise going forward.

Let us know how you make out and good luck!

Well - just an update. I went to the dealer and showed him the information re: the TSB. He tried to look it up and said that all Mini TSB's have only 6 digits - the one mentioned in the post above is: M65 200 05. So, he tried to look it up under various combinations and could not find the TSB. He searched for "battery" and I suggested he search for "Ipod". Nothing on either. So, they are saying that this TSB doesn't exist. They will charge me "around" $150.00 to remove the Ipod adapter. Seems like a rip-off when I've already paid around $400.00 for the adapter and to have them install it. Maybe I'll see if I can dis-connect it myself. All in all a bad experience with a poorly tested product. I think the dealer should have informed me when I inquired about the Ipod adapter that it had these potential problems. Not only did I spend for the adapter - but also for a new battery (thinking the original one was shot), took it in to them twice and paid to have them tell me it was the after-market batter (had to rent a car to use while they had it in the shop), but still had to jump the car dozens of times to use it!! I'm still never sure if it's going to start in the morning when I try it.

Anyway - thanks for your help and for letting me rank a bit!

Glen

Try this procedure.

Ipod Interface Installation 2002-2006 MINI Cooper https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/x/AgC7AQ

it should get you to where you need to be.

They are not admitting to anything! See attached, a print screen of the TSB. This time I would ask to speak with a manager since e the incompetent ......

I can't see the attachment. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

Glen

Thanks for the link. I'll let you know what I find out about this.

Glen