At title really...

The digital readout on my R53 MCS (2002) clocks have never worked in my ownership (about 18 months), nor has the reverse light. Decided to finally change the reverse bulb ( ) and for the first time in my ownership the LED Matrix lit up in all its glory and for the first time ever I have seen the mileage! ha

Anyway, I continued and also replaced front bulbs ( ) . To my disappointment the LED Matrix was back to 'normal' (for me) and didnt work, however, strangely I noticed that on some occasions shifting into reverse would make the LED Matrix light up for a very short period (0.5 sec?).

I tried putting old bulbs back and a multitude of different configurations but now all I get is what is shown in the video...

I managed to grab a little video before it completely stopped again

Now it is completely off again, doesnt show anything or even flicker like in the video.

Im a little confused by this... I originally thought the clocks where faulty, but now having seen it lit up (and stay lit up for over 2+ minutes) it makes me think it is NOT the clocks and an electrical issue of sorts?

Can anybody make any sense of this and any potential troubleshooting to identify the cause of this issue?
Thanks.

 

X15 connector

 

Care to expand on that description? I have no idea what you're referring to.

Thanks.

 

The X15 is a 42 pin connector is in the footwell below the fuse block. Notorious on Minis to corrode, especially with sunroof models, when the drain tubes disconnect or become clogged.