So, I keep reading that everyone has this "led" on their 12v socket, and they caue it to tap for power for gauges when you use your headlights.

So why does MY car seemingly NOT have this magic 3rd wire!?

I've torn the thing apart, and I'd swear it's just not there... If its hiding, please let me know where!!!

Thanks!

 

What year is your MINI? The 12V ring light is also missing (along with the wiring) in my 2006 cabrio. When I was digging around back then (posts are somewhere on this forum), it seems that MINI removed it around mid to late 2005, and then put it back again in late 2006. BTW, it doesn't use an LED, it's just a small standard bulb.

The same lighting wire is used for the entire center console stack, so you should be able to find it in back of one of the components. Also for the seat heater buttons, if you have that. I believe the wire to look for is gray with red stripe.

 

I didn't have this on mine either. Mine is a late Oct. '06 build which is right at the end of production.

That being said I didn't know it was taken away, and I saw one that the ring did light up, so I complained to the dealer and they fitted the wiring. They stated the MINIUSA agreed to do it as some cars didn't have the harness installed like they were supposed to. I didn't argue.

Now my ring doesn't light up again so the bulb is probably burned out. Can someone tell me how I can replace it? Does the plug pull up or do I have to take part of the console out in that area?

 

I have an 06 JCW. Prolly fell right into the spot where they stopped putting in the tiny bulb. (I'm still Amazed car makers still use bulbs at all).

Anyway, hunter, if yours is out, yes you will have to rip up that center piece, otherwise you'll break the orange thing (me). It's "fairly" easy, just undo the screw holding in the coin tray deal, and twist it up out of the way. Then gently lift up on the stick shift ring, evenly, it will pop off. Then look inside towards the rear view mirror adjuster. Take a flat head, and push Down on the 2 metal tabs. They come right off. Next lift the button mechanism out. Under it is 2 screws. Oh, theres also 2 screws under the cup holders.

You can now finally lift the whole thing up just enough to get in there.

What you do from there, I dunno, bc I don't have that bulb! Lol. I'd replace it with an led myself. Just jump it to ground there at the socket. (don't forget a resistor if it's not a 12v led).

 

Thanks for that. That's what I thought I would have to do. I've had the piece up several times before but never payed attention to the bulb. I may have just knocked it loose. I was trying to avoid doing it due to having the lower console gauges there and they are a pain in the neck to mess with. Oh well, I see a little project coming up.

 

My '04 MCS doesn't have the luminous ring, but our '05 MC Cabrio does. I always assumed it was part of the 2005 facelift, along with all the other little orange LEDs scattered throughout the cabin.