This has happened to me twice within the last week or so. I get inside the car (2006 Mini Cooper Convertible, 5 speed manual) and the electrical systems are totally dead, no courtesy lights...nothing. As soon as I pull the handle to open the hood, everything comes back to life and I can start and drive the car just fine. What could possibly explain the connection between pulling on the handle to open the hood and power being restored to the electrical system?? Thanks.

 

Metal bar was loose on battery post and hood must have been pushing on it. Fixed!