1st Gen R50 Cooper Gas Cap Solenoid...

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by SNEEEZY - Erika, Oct 8, 2011.

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  1. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Trying to figure out where this is located.

    I've been able to narrow it down to the driver-side tail-light cubby area. LOL

    Tried searching on realoem.com and looking in the Bentley, but I'm stumped!
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Never heard of that, but our modern overly computer controlled fun buggies are full of such odd sensors. :crazy: Why do you seek the gas cap overlord?
     
  3. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    I'm going to attach a piezzo buzzer so that I have a louder notification to remind me that I did, indeed, lock the doors when walking away from Schultze.

    The piezzo buzzer that I bought is loud (of course!) and will be heard when locking/unlocking the doors, since the gas cap automatically locks/unlocks in unison with the doors.

    Guess I have another opportunity to use my brand new multimeter while locking/unlocking the doors! :D
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I'm guessing you have the factory alarm. I'd like that on my MINI, but don't feel I need the alarm. Alarms cost to much donut money. :donut1:
     
  5. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    This is a video I found from someone else who has done this same project:

    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IgjD1zUTBQ]MINI lock sound-2 - YouTube[/ame]
     
  6. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Nope, no alarm...but the dumb-ass sexist neighbors DON'T know that...plus, more & more often I find myself walking BACK to Schultze to lock/unlock the doors since I can remember if I did (or not) and I can't remember if I heard the "clunk" or not.

    I'm pretty sure I'd remember hearing the piezzo sound, though! :Thumbsup:
     
  7. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    MINI-hijack of my own thread:

    If one were to be in the area of a scheduled Ohio donut-meet, where would said meet take place?
     
  8. Crashton

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  9. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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  10. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Ok...back to topic...

    Will the multimeter work through the wire's insulation?
     
  11. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #11 Metalman, Oct 8, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2011
    Nope....


    Errrr, I meant as it applies to the one you bought....

    Some others have an "Amp" attachment that goes around the wire and detects the magnetic field from a powered wire.
     
  12. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    It depends on what type of instrument you are using. Some Fluke instrument testing devises will but most others will not.
    You need a insulation resistance tester for that.

    Here is a parts illustration that may be of help.
    Access for the part is through the rear driver's side panel. Careful not to pull the cable it is easily dislodged and harder to reconnect. Hope you have small hands.


    [​IMG]
     
  13. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Thanks for the pic!

    Yes, I have small hands and I'm GLAD that I won't have to remove the tail-lights...those were NOT fun when I ditched the OEMs in favor of the clear LEDS from Mossmini.com
     
  14. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Ok...I found it on realoem.com after going to "Bodywork>>Rear Body"...thanks!

    Which one is the solenoid?
     
  15. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    #07 FILLER FLAP ACTUATOR

    I have the clear lens as well. :Thumbsup:
     
  16. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    So, I just got back from buying & installing the new Interstate battery, so I removed the easy-access panel cover on the driver side of the boot.

    The only wiring I can see is a hub of ground wires, a "rope" of a gazillion wires loosely wrapped with fabric tape and the two wires for the boot's auxiliary 12v power socket.

    Am I accessing the area via the correct panel?

    I'm afraid that the wiring I need is in the space between the exterior metal and the interior metal that is covered by the textured body covering.
     
  17. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    Forgot to mention that I did start to remove the textured interior body covering and then remembered I would also need to remove the back seats, which I'm really not in the mood to do with my back as twitchy as it is right now.

    However...I did notice that there is some wiring that connects to the boot latch.

    The boot latch automatically locks when the doors are locked...so...I wonder if it'd be possible to simply tap into one of those wires instead?

    Same principle, just different source.

    Thoughts?
     
  18. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    just use wire taps and put it on a relay.
     
  19. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Erika, between the new horns and the piezzo buzzer, you may qualify for the M/A award for having the most, non power producing, noise makers on a MINI. :lol:

    Jim
     
  20. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    With trial & error, I ended up finding the wiring for the gas cap solenoid.

    I ran a longer ground wire from the piezzo alarm via posi-lock and attached it to the "ground wire hub" near the canister for the roof airbags.

    Ran a longer hot wire from the piezzo alarm via posi-lock and spliced into the yellow/brown solenoid wire.

    Buttoned it all up and although I can hear it, I want it to be louder, so I'm headed to Radio Shack to see if they have any higher db piezzo alarms in stock.

    Right now it is in the cubby space nearest the driver rear tail light...

    Will post pics & sound bite later tonight or first thing tomorrow...my tummy is YELLING LOUDLY at me right now. :donut1:
     

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